The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-12
Government s Final Cotton Estimate

Governments s Final Cotton Estimate
 A CCORDING to the governments A final cotton crop estimate, the total number of bales is little less than II 1,O00,000; to be more definite, 10, ,949, ,0OO. Estimates made two months ago indicated crop of H. 800, ,000, but the early frosts destroyed the odds and ends of picking, which the cotton grower usually counted on for Christmas money.
 Of this years production, Alabama is credited with only 5O5,000 bales. In September experienced crop observ- CTS figured on a 700,0O0-bale yield, but as the season advanced, unofficial estimates gradually came down.
 Before the boil weevil arrived in Alabama this state was looked to for a crop far above the million mark. The highest record was 16,000,000 in 1912, of which Alabama produced about one-tenth, and that proportion had been the 10-year average.
 Alabama took Mississippi's place as third in the list of cotton states, but it has dropped now to eighth place. Georgia, which had long come next to Texas, still retains that position. South Carolina has increased its pro- duction and now ranks third. Missis- sippi and Arkansas tie for fourth place.
 Alabama will probably raise more cotton in 1918 than it did this year, and Georgia less than this year. But since the value of crop diversification has been demonstrated Alabama will keep it's cotton acreage down and in- crease in grain, peanuts, velvet beans and live stock.
 The explosion at Halifax was pro- nounced an accident. However, you will notice that German suspects are being rounded up and some of them may be able to explain when an accident is not an accident.
 While the Bolsheviki prate about peace, the crafty Germans are transferring huge bodies of troops to the western battle front They've taken the measure of the Bolshesiki with Teuton accuracy.
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 There are quite number of chorus girls in New York who do not own limou- sines. Some of them are the stout. grand opera choruses.
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 A Chicago plumber has returned from abroad with fl wounds and diamond studded star, as proof that he not only carried his tools with him, but used them.
 The latest picture of the German Grown Prince to reach America shows him in specting troops. That is about the only military duty the Crown Prince performs. . Editor Taft and Editor Roosevelt are making their newspaper articles short Colonel Watterson> continues to be the champion long distance editorial writer Maybe Citizen Romanoff is merely try ing to make his way to England, where he is reported to have $35, o,ooo deposited in the Bank of England.
 If the Austrians insist that they love the Germans like brothers, Uncle Sam will make no distinction between them.
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 The rapidity with which the Bolsheyiki are issuing proclamations leads one to suspect that they fear the worst.
 E H 4
 In these days and times the Pullman porter leads much easier life than the President of railroad.
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 Where President Wilson differs from the average pacifist most is in being will ing to fight for peace.
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 Winter seems determined to show the sunny south that he, too, can be guilty of "frightfulness."
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 One way to strengthen a college facul- ty nowadays is to bounce disioyal pro- fcssors.
 LUKE MI.UKE SAYS