The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1921-03-30
News From Columbia


appeal to the farmers of South Caro-
ollna TO plant less cotton and more
foOdstuffs is made by former Govern
or Richard /. Manning in a state
ment issued yesterday. He declares
that to plant another normal crop Of
cotton means hard times for every
farmer and every business interest in
the South. He urges that the banks
lead the South to prosperity in the
present crisis by insisting upon a rad
ical reduction in cotton acreage.
: The statement issued by Ar. Man
ming follows:
The cotton South faces a crisis. She
is impoVerished by the wealth in quan
tlty OF her chief staple, cotton.
Let US know the truth and face the
facts.
The government estimates cotson
carryover on July 81, 1927, at $780,
2OS bales. The Memphis committee es-
Inmates that if the cotton crop of 1921
shall be the same as the crop of
1920, we will have a carryover on July
81, 1922 of 16,517,9O9 bales: enough
cotton TO last nearly two years.
Get it out Of your head that any,
'''-'o ''N N''N supply anu w vi III dUil-
ity TO buy. fixes the price of cotton"
says DR.. Bradford Knapp.
In 1920 South Carolina in1norted
in corn $l5,000.00O hay $4,000, 900
oats 100000, meat $4,000. 900
Hour S2O,OOO,00O, eggs $4,000, 900
and so on, and other foodstuffs, all
of which we can raise cheaper than we
can buy them with the money from
cotton.
The cotton crop of 1920 was the
most expensive crop ever raised. We
made more than we could harvest.
and have more low grade cotton than
ever before. The price has fallen from
over 40 cents to 10 cents basis mid
ding. But, the cotton on hand will
not average middling and the average
price is much below 10 cents. Is there
any business sense in raising any
more low grade cotton? Cotton is be-
low pre-war prices. Fertilizers, lab
or, hardware, foodstuffs, and every
thing that is needed in making a crop
are far above the prewar prices.
Therefore, there is not a gamblers
chance for profit in raising a normal
crop this Year. 1t is certain, unescap-
able loss. Land owners, share-crop-
pers and tenant farmers will all be
subject to loss, as well as every other
business interest in the South. The
South should and must continue to
raise cotton, but it can not do so un-
less it returns living wage and
fair profit TO the producer.
The remedy is self-evident.
The MpmnhiS nlap nrouiSac tlo+
two-thirds of the cultivated area
should be in food and feed crops and
one-third of the area in cotton. This
plan will increase food production
and decrease production of cotton.
when manufacturers find that
there is over-production they curta.l
production. There is an excess sup-
ply of cotton, more than the world
can buy 1t is, therefore, good busi-
ness Tor us to reduce cotton produc-
ton by reducing cotton acreage. Every
agency that will convince the cotton
producer of the necessity of reduction
should be actively engaged.
Our banks must be looked to as
leaders in this proposition. To them
farmers turn for advice. for help and
Tor credit. The banks have saved the
South from bankruptcy by holding
cotton from market in which there
is little demand. In this acute crisis
they can lead the South to prosperi-
ty by insisting on a radical reduc-
ton in cotton acreage.
To plant another normal crop
means hard times for every farmer
and every business i'm the South. To
plant less cotton. means better grade
of cotton and more money. The pro-
ducer will then be independent and
the South will come into it's own and
enjoy the fruit OF it's labor. Have we
the courage and business sense to face