The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-12
FARME ERS GOING IN STRONG THIS YEAR F0R KING COTTON
High Prices Will Mean Big Crop PIanted-Higher Raw Cotton and Fabrics
 Predicted

IL IS apparent that farmers all over the southeast are going tG devote all the acreage possible to the cultiva- ton of cotton this year in the belief that the prices the coming fall will be about equal to those now prevail ing for the staple, according to re- liable reports. Thirty cents means a profit under almost any conditions, and if the boil weevil can be beaten without too much cost, it means a good profit, even though the cost of fertilizer is advancing. For this sea son of the year a good deal of cotton is coming on the market since the price went to 30 cents and the farm CTS bringing in their cotton, and others also, are making inquiries or the fertilizer and other merchants about fertilizer and farm supplies preparatory to planting all the acreage possible In many of the 2 their resources and ordering fertili- gers direct, or ordering the insre- dients and mixing for themselves. Many of them, perhaps 75 per cent, are able to pay cash for their Ter tilizer and other supplies, and the big farmers are able to finance their tenants without calling on the supply merchant for credit.
 Fertilizer cash prices for the southeastern states, announced early in the year, have been wlthdrawn and new price lists issued, according to repre- resentatives of the leading manufacturers. The increases range from S1 to $2 ton over the January prices. and from s2.65 to $3.65 over the prices prevailing in the fall. No time price lists have been issued and it is expected that from 65 to 75 per cent of the probable heavy sales of fertilizer this spring will be for cash.
 The southeastern textile mills are all working to the limit and some Of them are feverishly replenishing their stock of cotton. One mill in North Carolina bought over 1000 bales in the open market week ago, paving for it more than S165,OO0.
 Higher raw cotton is the general prediction of the various market letters. Apparently, the So-cent mar ket which was crossed recently has { not had q retarding influence on trading. Cotton factors are encour- aged by the continued big consump- ton, as well as the reports of good business in cotton materials. Last week, several tf the largest users Of print cloths bought in large volume, paying top prices for delivery through May, and some into June.
 UnIlnlSneQ print SiOlh u aNihS Ai,S been heavy, involving operations for April -May-June by several of the largest buyers in the country. The market advanced following this ac- tiyity, Thus far this week, trading has been rather limited in view or the higher market. There seems to be no doubt in the minds of the i'm portant factors that prices are to 20 still higher, although it is feared the country now is reaching stage where resistance to advances VIII become more pronounced. Thus Tar business has been good and there has been little difficulty in putting prices up whenever cotton has showed more strength.
 There has been good activity In narrow print cloths, which are or dinarily used for print for export These prices are little higher now Trading in sheetings has been spotty. Business has been in only tew numbers On the other hand, prices throughout the list have strength ened and in d few instances are higher There has been some inter- est in pajama checks and all or the 72xsOs. which were available at l2 cents. have been cleaned up. This construction had been tagging for some time and the price was regarded as low, relatively.
 Sateens have been selling weA' going to the dress trade for printing as well as the lining trade. Sateen prices are very firm and few or the popular constructions are one quarter of cent higher. There mas been a steady call for striped sateens for lingerie cloths. This fad gives b. omise of long life.
 Striped venetians have also peeh bought for printing. Where has been considerable interest in voiles. These prices are firm. Pongees are In pet ter call. Silk and cottons are Ilrmer with few prices up. All or tnese cloths, which are wanted Tor print ing in the different patterns, nave been in fair demand.
 A good business in ginghams mas been reported during the past week by the various eastern mills Wnlch have just made prices on these gooos. Tn 4 few instances, as known, sew
 Hubbard Bros. & Go.
 Members New York Stock Exchange. New Orleans Cotton Exchange, New York Pro- duce Exchange, Associated Members S;..-,,oI Cation Association. Orders so-