The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1921-03-09
COTTON AND THE ACREAGE


Committee of Memphis, Tenn, con-
tanning statement of the situation
so far as the world supply of cotton
is concerned. The figures have al
ready been printed, but we believe
that it is profitable just now that
these figures be again presented to
the. people who read this paper.
The fiscal cotton year ends July
31st. The ten year average amount
of American Cotton on hands unspun
at the beginning of each fiscal year
prior to the war, was about 100000
bales. On August 1st, 1920 the be-
, ginning of the present fiscal year, ac-
d., cording to Hester, the amount of Am
erican Cotton on hands unspun was
100000 bales in round numbers.
1t is estimated that the. amount of
American Cotton on hands unspun
July 31st of the present year will be
around 100000 Of bales.
The greatest consumption of all
kinds of cotton, in all countries, ever
known in Single year, was less than
100000 bales. The greatest con-
sumption of American Cotton in any
one year ever known was less than
100000. The ten year average
consumption of American cotton
prior to the war was 100000 bales,
while the ten year average consump-
ton of cotton from all cotton grow
ing countries, prior to the war,
was 100000 bales.
= 1t is estimated that the world sup
ply of cotton the present year will
run up to 29,0O0,OOO of bales. 1t is
not believed that more than 15,000,-
600 bales o cotton of this years
crop 1--WE mean the fiscal year ending
July 31st) will be consumed. So that
there will be a carry over on July
31st of more than 100000 bales
of cotton.
The leaflet does not say so, but to
this we should add that practically
every cotton manufacturing plant in
the United States at the present time
has on hands large amounts of cotton,
which has been spun and made into
cloth, but which has not been market
ed. This supply of cloth now on
hands, for which there is at present
no demand, can but subtract from the
demand for cotton for the next fiscal
year.
It is apparent, therefore, that a
farmer who produces nothing the
present year except cotton is headed
for bankruptcy.
The Press and Banner has not join
ed ih the movement to advise all far
mers to reduce their acreage fifty per
cent. There are some farmers who
should reduce their acreage more
than, fifty per cent. There are some
tenant farmers who cannot reduce
their acreage fifty per cent. and pay
the debts which they will be compeil-
ed to make the present year in order
that they may live. But there must be
a reduction in cotton acreage and in
cotton production If there is not, the
hard times through which we are now
passing will seem like good times as
compared with the cond;tio in
which people will find themselves a
year hence.
We do not think the condition of
the farmers is hopeless nor do we
think it is entirely discouraging. But
lLt' plSSSHI CVHuiI OilS uellldlIu SOiue
judgment and ;forethought on the
part of those who. till the soil. The
next crop of cotton should not be
r. ire than 100000 bales.
A smaller crop may be made and
still the people need not suffer. Every
farmer should plant at least enough
corn the present year to supply the
needs of the farm upon which he
works. Every farmer should plant a
garden, should plant potatoes and
other food crops. He should raise
at least two hogs, which may be done
at little expense. He should then
plant as much less cotton as it is pos
sible for him to plant and meet the
n,ooreor1, ohl;ootionc of 1ivinp Mo-