The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1920-01-10
SHOULD PRODUCE
MORE TOBACCO

Columbia s. c.. Jan. 3 B. IiG,TiS,
in his annual report to the general
assembly. calls attention to the great
increase Of tobacco production in
South Carolina last year and the de-
creased returns from the crop. Al
though the State produced in excess
Of S0.oo0.000 pounds, which was 90
100000 pounds more than the crop Of
1918, the returns to the growers were
reduced by $500. 900. The loss was
in the very low price paid for the
cheaper grades of tobacco. Mr.. Har-
ris suggests to the legislature that
growers might be stimulated to pro-
duce better grade of tobacco. if
suitable prizes were offered. Farm
ers Must depend TO large extent on
tobacco as a substitute for cotton,
particularly in the Pee Dee, and the
commissioner of agriculture reminds
that such procedure would be both
timely and appropriate. His Sug-
gestion follows:
lis it a coincidence. is it the per-
versity of fate. or is it the result OF a
well worked out plan that South Car
olina in 1915 produced 20,0OO,O00
pounds more of tobacco than she pro-
duced in 1919 and yet received there
for SS00.o0O. less? Just at this time
when it is SO necessary to have con-
vincing facts and experiences with
which to appeal to our farmers in or
der to get them TO avoid boil wecVIl
disasters l find that one of the sub
stitute crops from which We have
right TO expect money was IN meas
urc u disappointment in 1919.
The average price paid for tobac-
co last year in South Carolina mar
kets was but 20.10 cents per pound,
while for the year preceding-sit was
31.06.' The average for ten years was
1918 cents. and the price during that
time had gone as low as 7.2S, S.52 and
$50 1 submit that the. farmers OF
South Carolina did not get enough for
their tobacco last year, and that they
must take steps to protect themselves
this ycar-for they must plant tobac-
CO.. There is more reason for it than
ever, the world is calling for tobacco.
and the South must not be Satlsf1ed
with good price but must have
fair value.
The 1917 crop brought an average
OF 2409 cents. which WAS in excess
of the 1919 crop The unconvinclng
plea Of the tobacco buyers was that
there was no demand this year for the
cheaper grades. and that this is where
the loss was felt heard of some
tobacco selling for as high us 80 cents
and some other as high rs 80 in guam
tity. but it WAS the cheapcer grades
that caught the descending prices.
II appears to be in common sense
that there should be q demand for
the cheaper grades. Since the Euro
pean embargo has been lifted the
cheaper grades. it would appear.
should have q greater demand than
they did the year before. | am will
ing To admit that the sand lu9S and
other cheap grades brought an unuS
ually good price in 1918, but that is
no reason why we should be salts
lied with the prices of 1919. ] am
bringing this matter 10 the attention
of the general assembly With the hope
that some methods can be taken To
encourage. farmers to mako better to-
bacco and greater Yields some syS
tony o! prices that will encourage |
them.
Dublin. Jan. 7.-Sinn Fein head
uqarterS today We're raided by the I0
lice and soldiers.