The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1921-08-10
Commissioner Harris
on Cotton

to be standing on the threshold OF
better times, as virtually all tnat
could happen to q market has al
ready happened to the cotton pro-
ducers. Their market has been de-
flated and re-deflated more than a
great many Of the products which
enter into the production of a cot
ton crop. The cotton producers have
borne the brunt of the tight credit
situation as much as any other
single industry. Their market has
been broken from 1915 for July.
1920 to 1920 cents for July 1891.
and the market at present seems TO
to be as low as even the more dis
NAL Of the bears believe necessary
to discount fully the most fanciful
economic disaster.
With the acreage and fertilizer
reduction this year and damage
from boil weevil and weather con-
ditions it is generally considered
since the Government condition re-
port that the cottop crop this year
is going to be the shortest one that
we have had for IS years. Although
the farmers were asked to cut acre.
age fifty per cent they cut:it twen-
ty-eight and the Lord came in. took
a hand and cut, the number OF
bales to about fifty per cent Of q
normal crop. II these eight mil
lion bales~are properly marketed.
they will bring as much money as
thirteen and half million bales did
in 1921. If this crop-Ss thrown on
|sthe; market as fast at is is gather
ed it will be impossible for cotton to
advance much. The spectators
will try to force this cotton on the
market and will have no trouble
getting money to buy it as they call
this orderly marketing.
Now, I want to appeal to our
banks and financiers Of the South
to put forth every effort to keep
this cotton off the market until it
reaches a price above cost Of pro-
duction to give the farmer a prof
it. We all know that cotton Is the
South's great money crop and the
South must protect it for no one
else will do 80. With the thorough
cooperation Of our bankers. farm
ers and business men we can do 1t.
If we let this cotton go out Of the
hands of the producers for less
than twenty cents, we are "broke"..
By next June look for cotton to
sell for very much higher figures.
Why do I say this? In the first
place we are going to see a heavy
deterioration in the crop. By Aug
ust 25 the next Government report
viii lbe sixty per cent Or lower, for
cotton is in no condition now to
stand any adverse weather which
we are bound to have during this
month. In the boil weevil sections
the weevils will get all shapes that
are put on the stalks.
I see great many daily reports
from different states and in every
one the boil weevil Is reported as
doing more damage than it has
ever been known to do. want to
urge every farmer who can ar
range to do so. to hold his cotton.
The world is in need Of cotton goods
and there Is bound to be a demand
soon for cotton. The cotton carried
over this year and the present
growing crop is no more than will
be consumed within, the next twelve
months and at the end Of the next
year we will have no surplus. It is
a settled fact that we cannot make
a big crop in 1922. If there ever
was time to sit steady in the boat
it is at this time. Don't get scar
ed about the price of cotton for
you are going to see much higher
prices.
Remember that this Is the month
to SOW oats in your cotton. II sown
this month and next you may rest
assured that you will make a good
crop.
HARRIS