Evening star., 1925-05-23
BIG CUT IN COTTON
OUTPUT IS URGED
Northern Men Claim South Is
Running Trade by Too
Much Speed.
BY j. c. ROYIE.

Special Dispatch to the Star.
NEW YORK, May 23.-The cotton
textile interests of New England have
been signaling violently to the
southern manufacturers to put the
brakes on mill production in the last
fortnight. But their appeals have
fallen on deaf ears.
The northern mill men endeavored
to show the southern producers
gathered here for the Southern Ex-
position that 1t would aid both sec
tions if mill schedules were cut down.
In most instances they were told
plainly that so long as the southern
mills could maintain top speed they
would let the northerners worry about
the curtailment program proposed by
the National Council of American
Cotton Manufacturers.
See Too Great Activity.
The New Englanders assert that
there are 100000 spindles in the
North and 100000 in the South.
This number, they say, Is sufficient to
supply normal needs. But with the
southern mills working two shifts. as
some are doing, the southern spindlage
Is increased to "a 200, 900, which is too
much when northern spindles are
added.
Consumers are buying on a hand
to-mouth basis. With the railroad
situation in fine shape they are con-
fident that they can secure what
goods they want on short notice. The
manufacturers therefore are having
to carry some goods, involving the
tving up of considerable capital and
without the advantage of forward
business to bank on. The northern
manufacturers say this situation is
keeping prices down. They want both
sections to curtall.
Fall River mills and some In other
textile centers are doing SO. A num-
her of southern mills with northern
Affiliations are following suit, but the
majority of southern mills are letting
their competitors do both the worry
ing and curtailing.
Cotton Experts Alarmed.
John S. Lawrence Of Boston, an ex-
pert on New England cotton mill con.
ditions, says at least Is per cent OF
the New England cotton mills must be
abandoned or seek a new outlet for
their goods. His idea is supported by
the fact that some 80 Of the largest
mill companies in New England have
passed their dividends In the last cou-
nle of wears. Other experts differ as
TO the causes for the existing sltua-
ton. Some blame styles. They shuo-
der In horror over reports from Paris
that skirts are to be still further short
ened, reaching barely to the knee.
This is not because they are REFORM
ers, but because they see opportu-
mites to sell fewer goods.
Feminine taste for a year has been
away from cotton and toward SILK ano
rayon fabrics. Some New England
mills have adapted themselves to this
trend of style. Others doubt whether
the swing to silk Is permanent. For
a time textile manufacturers asserted
that ALL would be well when the coun-
try was prosperous. Now many OF
them are blaming the prosperity OF
the country for their troubles. declar-
ing the vogue for silk Is manifesto
ton of super-prosperity, which must
fade before they can profit fully.
Prices Vary Greatly.
AIong with the cry for southern cur.
tailment comes the urge for additional
tariff protection: Mr.. lawrence. now.
ever. suggests that the difficulties can
and should be overcome by intensive,
high-pressure salesmanShip directed at
American consumers.
The mills are endeavoring to make
the best of things by accepting any
kind of an order presented. The days
of the million piece order have passed.
and makers are taking oroers ior
900 and 10000 pieces or any small
amount that will serve to keep the
machinery busy. Prices are mace 10
suit the buyer in most cases ana vary
sharply as between Individual GUS
toners.
Copyright. 192bo