The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1918-02-15
ADVISES GROWERS TO HOLD
AND REDRY TOBACCO CROP
HEAD OF WAREHOUSE COM.
PANY EXPECTS HIGHER
PRICES IN SUMMER.

ITO the Editor of The Courier-Journal.)
The range of prices of leaf tobacco at
the December opening of the various
markets throughout the State and the
mysterious and sudden slump in these
prices just before Christmas leads me to
ask space in the COurier-Journal in which
to submit to the tobacco farmers OF Ken
lucky a few suggestions concerning the
present situation.
The last Government report showed
stocks in the hands of all holders approx
mating an eight months supply under
prevailing conditions, and there can be
no question Of the correctness of these
figures.
Ever since the outbreak of the Euro,
pean war there as been steadily grow
ing increase in the demand for and man
ufacture of cigarettes and smoking to-
into the conflict this increase has cOntln-
ued until it promises to absorb the sup
ply of leaf faster than it can be pro-
Formerly there always existed a con-
siderable gap between the supply and de-
Nmand which enabled the manufacturer to
comfortably supply his wants in almost
short, by purchasing from the numerous
stocks held by dealers in various mar
ketS Such a condition is, however,
thing of the past, and today manufac-
turer caught short of leaf is certainly
cup against It,"
Old tobacco has completely disappeared
from dealers stocks and no one can show
taken up as the season progresses.
At this writing it looks as If the grow.
ers of tobacco in Kentucky are about to
repeat the mistake which they have for
rushing of the crop to market In winter
in order to be offered for hurried sale
while at its worst, to patronage of wise
buyers, sure of bargain prices. 1t Is
notorious fact that for some curious rea-
son thus far, the big Four" manufacture.
ing concerns which formerly composed
rt1 N@I~a TO-. ,Ixy
nominally in the market, which is evil
denced by the small percentage of the
offerings that is being taken by their
buyers.
They advance>as their reason that the
tobacco recently offered is not in mer-
charitable condition, and If this is true,
doesn't 1T clinch the argument that the
farmer must be materially benefited by
holding and redrying his crop?
Is not this the very reason why every
farmer in Kentucky, without exception.
it. and after it is thoroughly cured and is
at its best, market it when it is likely to
bring its intrinsic value?
How much tobacco is to be grown in
Kentucky in 1918 after the transfer to
the American army of all eligible farmer
boys? Surely not the 400, 000,0 900 pounds
now. estimated as the necessary annual
Consider this. Marketed at prevailing
prices, the 1917 crop of Kentucky tobacco
will yield to the farmers of the State APP
bacco thoroughly cured and offered at its
best should Undoubtedly bring $25, 000, 900
more money. Why not, therefore, keep
this great sum at home, when it requires
airy self denial on the part of the farmer
to do this?
1t has recently been reported to me by
reabie e. audhority that prominent hs EN-
organizations OF the country has stated
that with his knowledge Of existing con-
ditions, he would not hesitate if he could
secure the money. to buy the entire Bur-
ley crop Of 1917. at an everage OF 80 cents
To prove that such was no idle state.
Courier Journal daily market report and
note how many hogsheads are sold daily
on the Louisville market at an average
and no BY Ssste
1t will truly be q great day for the
Kentucky farmer, when some argument
can be found and used which will open
America is depended upon to supply
practically all of the leaf tobacco re-
quired by the countries now at war.
ing, and there Is certainly at hand an OPP
portunity for the tobacco raiser to get for
his product returns in proportion to those
prevailing in other farm products
eminent has recently classified tobacco
as food, and advocates that it be abun-
dainty supplied to the soldiery OF the AL
lies. Kentucky produces about one ninth
of the worlds supply of tobacco and
therefore the suggestion of this English
man is significant to the farmers Of this
Commonwealth.
In conclusion I beg leave to emphasize
my suggestion that every farmer in Ken
lucky now holding tobacco keep the same
In his barn and redry it, with every pros
pect of receiving much higher prices for
same when offered for sale In summer
order. Yours very truly,
.. A. KELLER, President
Louisville Tobacco Wise. Co, Inc.