The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-04-20

this disaster The proof Of this is plainly
and easily demonstrated. for even now.
with crop Of about twelve million bales.
all public and private warehouses are
congested with cotton waiting for demand.
This undesirable situation will surely be-
come more acute IL large crop is grown
during 1919. which would Inevitably result
in extremely low prices. and further
addition to the large prospective surplus.
Remember again, Mr.. Farmer, that all
commodities used the farm including
farming implements and live stock, are
just as expensive as last year when thu
cost of producing cotton was estimated by,
the most conservative statisticians at not
less than IS cents per pound. Under such
economic conditions ii would not be nee
essary to have an expert mathematician
to indicate the frightful loss confronting
the south il a large crop is grown. and
cotton is forced on the market at IL
cents per pound or less. This very i'm
portant phase of the situation SHOULD have
your most deliberate consideration.
You must also remember, MIR. Farmer.
that advance. in the cotton market
generally occurs around the planting sea-
son, and this spring may not be an ex-
ception to the rule. Therefore. you are
earnestly advised not to be deluded by an
advance in prices that may occur in the
next thirty days, for the price at this
season of the year is no indica ton that
cotton viii sell for in the fall; but YOU
should only consider at this time the
disastrous consequences which would
follow in the event a full acreage of cot
ton Is planted and a short supply of food
stuffs is grown.
The attention Of every farmer. merchant
and banker is respectfully called to the
propaganda that is now being freely cir
culated by the National Association of
Cotton Manufacturers and others who, as
usual, have their own selfish interests
~ and -1O
vising the planting Of a large crop of cot
ton, suggesting that q large supply win
be needed and all the surplus will be
consumed in the next two or three years.
You are not now concerned with the con-
sumptive requirements two or three years
hence, but what is of paramount import
ance to you is an active market for the
surplus which is now on hand and the
securing of remunerative prices for the
coming crop. This result can only be at
tanned by Safe and Sane Farming to-
gether with a 33 1-3 per cent decrease in
the acreage to be planted in cotton during
1919.
1t is very important for all farmers 70
bear in mind that by the use of safe
and Sane Farming" methods they will
nave the means In their hands to have
comfortable homes, substantial churches,
up-to-date schools. excellent public high
ways and all the conveniences and neces-
happiness complete. Why. then speculate
and take chances of creating a condition
OF stagnation. depression. misery and H.
nanclal servftude. which would surely re-
suit II the old singlec rop plan is adhered
to, and which has been more or less nre
valent since the civil war
The doctrine Of "Safe and Sane Farm
ing does not teach the elimination OF
| cotton as crop. but it does most serious.
iy advocate the following system:
Eervy farmer should plant at least 60
per cent OF his titled land in cotton and
the other 40 per cent In all kinds of
foodstuffs, as well as the raising of noul-
try, hogs. cattle. sheep. etc."
SAFE and Sane Farming should be-
come an obsession OF every southern
farmer; II should also become a rlrma-
nent institution, and when this ideal con-
dition obtains throughout the south, II
Win result In an era Of prosperity and H.
nancfal independence with a foundation
as fundamentally solid Of the Rock OF
Gibraltar"