UC-NRLF 035 b3T mm ^^ \C,y2. DZPT. OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE Second International COTTON CONGRESS HELD June 5th to gth, 1905 MANCHESTER and LIVERPOOL [Issued under the Direction of the International Committee appointed by the congress.] MANCHESTER : Printed by Thiel & Tangye. 106, Princess Street OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE Proceedings of THE SECOND International Congress OF Delf.gated Representatives of Master Cotton Spinners' AND MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATIONS HELD IN THE TOWN HALL, MANCHESTER, ON JUNE 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th, 1905, (By invitation of The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Manchester and the Corporation of The City of Manchester). AND IN THI>, TOWN HALL, LIVERPbOL, ON JUNE 8th, {By invitation of The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Liverpool and The Corporation of the City of Liverpool). [Issued under the DirI'Xtion' of the International Committee appointed i'.y the Congress.] INDEX. Preface International Committee List of Representatives Opening Meeting President's Address ... Committee's Report Constitution and Rules Second Day's Proceedings ... Organisation Work The Handling of Cotton The Levy... The Purchase of Cotton Third Day's Proceedings Damp in Cotton... Fourth Day's Proceedings ... The Metric System of Weights and Measures Fifth Day's Proceedings Cotton -Growing The Next Congress Resolutions ... Vote of Thanks Programme Reception Committee ... Social Committee Appendix : The Metric System. (Paper by Mr. S. S. Dale Statutes PAGE 4 5 6 9 10 17 19 23 25 30 33 35 43 43 59 60 89 89 115 116 117 119 121 122 125 135 272172 In presenting the Report of the Second International Congress of delegated representatives of Master Cotton Spinners' and Manu- facturers' Associations, which was held in Manchester and Liverpool from June 5th to 9th, the International Committee has much pleasure in stating that the Organisation has now been placed on a sound and satisfactory basis. Regulations and Bye-laws providing for the efficient working of the International Federation were unanimously adopted at the Congress, and a Secretary, with a thorough knowledge of the three ofificial languages, and who will devote the whole of his time to the work of the International Federation, was appointed. Steps are being taken to complete the affiliation with the Inter- national Federation, of the Associations in all Cotton Spinning and Manufacturing countries, and it is hoped that the few now un- connected with it will speedily declare their adhesion, the interests of Cotton Spinners and Manufacturers, in all countries, with regard to the supply of the raw material and in connection with many other matters being identical. The International Committee will spare no efforts in their endeavour to safeguard the interests of the Cotton Industry of the world. INTERNATIONAL COIVIIVIITTEE. X905-6. C. W. MACARA (England), Chairman. JOHN SYZ (Switzerland), Vice-Chairman. CASIMIR BERGER (France) | - Hon. Treasurers. FERD. GROSS (Germany) J A. KUFFLER (Austria). JEAN DE HEMPTINNE (Belgium). HENRY HIGSON (England). Baron COSTANZO CAN TON I (Italy). H. P. TAVEIRA (Portugal). E. CALVET (Spain). Hon. Secretary: JOHN SMETHURST, Manchester. Secretary : ARNO SCHMIDT. Private Secretary to the Chairman: CHAS. DAVIDSON. Auditors : DAVID SMITH, GARNETT & CO., Chartered Accountants, 22, Booth Street, Manchester. Bankers : THE LANCASHIRE & YORKSHIRE BANK LTD., Manchester. Offices : 22, St. Mary's Gate, Manchester. Telegraphic Address: "Invite," Manchester. Nat. Telephone: 4247. List of Delegated H^P^^^sentatiVes. Association Cotonni^re de Belgique. Charles de Hemptinne Omer Vanham Jean de Hemptinne, President Maurice de Smet de Noeyer Jean Voortman Association Beige de Tissage. Ferdinand de Smet de Noeyer Associa^ao Industrial Portugueza. H. P. Taveira, President Associa9ao Industrial Portuense. Luiz F. d'Oliveira Honore Vavasseur Associazione tra gli Industriali Cotonieri e Borsa Cotoni. Baron Costanzo Cantoni, President Bolton Master Cotton Spinners' Association. John Charnock A. E. Rahr. A. Hill, Secretary James Thorp Robert Lord Wm. Wallwork British Cotton Growing Association. J. C. Atkins, Secretary J. A. Hutton, Vice-Chairman J. E. Newton, Chairman Association Cotonni&re Coloniale, Paris. Casimir Berger Chorley Master Cotton Spinners' Association. Ald. James Lawrence. Samuel Widdows. Kolonial-Wirtschaftliches Komitee (Berlin). KOMMERZIENRAT FeRD. GrOSS Elsassisches Industrielles Syndicat. Rene Kullmann Arnold Seyrig LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES. 7 The Federation of Master Cotton Spinners' Associations. J. R. Byrom C. W. Macara, President |. T. Dawson S. Newton A. Dearnaley J. Smethurst, Secretary J. Derbyshire E. Stansfield F. Hardern J. B. Tattkrsall, Vice-President T. Henthorn J. M. Thomas H. \V. Macalister E. Travis Fomento del Trabajo Nacional (Barcelona). Joaquin Aquilera Eduardo Calvet EusEBio Bertrand Jose Espona RoMULO Bosch y Alsina Juan Ribas Nederlandsche Cotton = Growing Association. R. A. DE Monchy, Jr., Secretary. North and North East Lancashire Cotton Spinners' and Manufacturers' Association. A. BiRTwisTLE T. Roberts F. A. Hargreaves, Secretary J. R. Smith H. HiGSON, President J. Taylor, Secretary Schweizerischer 5pinner=, Zwirner= und Weber=Verein. Caspar Jenny Ernst Lang John Syz, President Syndicat Frangais de la Filature de Coton et du Tissage de Coton. Syndicat Normand de la Filature de Coton : C. Berger Eug. Lavoisier Alex. Mabire Syndicat Normand du Tissage de Coton : Ferd. Roy — Gailliard Syndicat Cotonnter de BoIbec-^Lillebonne: G. Lemaitre M. Lemaitre Comite Fran^ais de la Filature de Coton (Qroupe du Nord) : Julien le Blan G. Duvilliers Alb. Motte Ferd. Motte Syndicat des Filateurs et Retordeurs de Coton de Lille: Albert Dklesalle Georges Crepy 8 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS. Union de Tlndustrie Cotonniere de Roanne, Thizy et la region: S. Faisant Victor Dechelette Justin Veillas Verband Rheinisch-Westphalischer Baumwollspinner. M. Brugei.mann C. O. Langex, President Georg Schwartz. Verein der Baumwoll=5pinner Oesterreichs. Charles Beckmann Arthur Kuffler, President Eduard Borckenstein Isidore Mautker NORBERT HaMMERLE HuGO MoLLER RoDOLPHE Heinzen Hermann VON Seutter Verein der Baumwoll- Weber Oesterreichs. Andre Gassner Dr. P/vul Hellmann Kommerzialrat Ludwig Stross Vereinigung Sachsischer 5pinnereibesitzer. Geh. Kommerzienrat Vogel Verein Siiddeutscher BaumwolUlndustrieller. A. Arnold Karl Holzhey Oscar von Bippen Carl Jordan Albert ten Brink Rich. Kraner Harry Duewell C. Kopp August Frommel Otto Tessmann Kommerzienrat Ferd, Gross, President Adolf Waibel New England Cotton Manufacturers' Association (America). Represented by Samuel S. Dale Interpreter : F. Prellrerg Chief Official Reporter: W. A, Balmforth French Reporter: C. E. Roche German Reporter: Frank Wagner OFFICIAL REPORT Of the Proceedings of the Second International Congress OF delegated Representatives of Master Cotton Spinners" AND Manufacturers' Associations held in Manchester, on June 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th, and in Liverpool on June 8th, 1905. The proceedings began in the Lord Mayor's Parlour, Manchester Town Hall, on Monday, June 5th. The Lord Mayor of Manchester (The Right Honourable T. Thornhill Shann) accorded to the Delegates a very hearty welcome to the City of Manchester, and expressed the hope that the deliberations of the Congress would be highly beneficial to the cotton industry ; and in view of the prominence of that industry in the world's commercial relations, would also help materially in promoting peace and goodwill amongst the people of all nations. Mr. A. H. Dixon, acting for Mr. E. Tootal Broadhurst, Chairman of the Reception Committee, who was unable to be present owing to illness, introduced the President, Mr. C. W. Macara, to the Lord Mayor, and in doing so expressed, on behalf of that Committee, the great pleasure they all felt in bidding a cordial welcome to the Dele- gates, especially to those who had come from the Continent. Mr. C. W. Macara then presented the members of the Inter- national Committee to the Lord Mayor. On taking his seat as President of the Congress, Mr. Macara said he was sure everyone present felt deeply grateful to the Chief Magis- trate of that great municipality for the cordial welcome extended to the Delegates assembled to take part in the Second International Congress. He then referred to the negotiations which led to the acceptance by the International Committee of the Lord Mayor's offer to arrange for the Congress in Manchester ; and proceeded : Before we begin the work of the Congress I must refer to the great loss sustained by the International Federation in the death of M. Georges Motte, President of the French Cotton Spinners' Federation. M. Motte took B 10 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS a leading part in the first Congress in Zurich, and made a lasting im- pression upon all those with whom he then came in contact. I have also to refer to the death of Mr. Samuel Smethurst, who was also present at our first Congress. Mr. Smethurst was most highly esteemed by employers and operatives in the cotton trade of Lancashire, and we shall miss him very keenly at this Congress. The International movement has grown since we last met, and Spain is now added to the number of countries originally represented. I shall ask Senor Calvet, the Spanish representative, to address you shortly. We have also present a gentleman from the Netherlands, and we shall have a representative from America. The visit of these two gentlemen will, I hope, result in the two great Federations in the United States of America and the Associations in the Netherlands becoming affiliated to the International Cotton Federation. With your permission I will now read the address which, as President, I have prepared for this opening meeting : — The recent crisis in the cotton industry brought about by the shortage of raw material and the consequent excessive speculation, has been productive of results which probably will have a most important bearing upon the future of the industry as a whole. Much information regarding this great industry has been widely disseminated, but notwithstanding this there is still a certain amount of misapprehension with regard to the ever-changing conditions under which it is carried on. Those who have followed closely the working of the industry as a whole are more and more convinced that while individual employers may continue, as in the past, to regulate the details in connection with the management of their own businesses, there are now forces at work which have to be reckoned with, and which can only be dealt with successfully by associations of employers. These forces have, during recent years, gradually become more powerful, and it is therefore necessary to have federations of associations in various cotton-using countries, and recent events have proved that International Federation has become a necessity if the interests of the industry as a whole are to be adequately safeguarded. The annual average price of the cotton crop of the world has varied during the past ten years from under 4d. to as high as 7d. per lb., but taking an average of 5d. per lb., and estimating the annual crop of the world at 16,000,000 bales of 500 lbs. each, the value of the raw material would amount to £160,000,000. In England, where the cotton industry is more highly specialised than elsewhere, the cost of PRESIDENTS ADDRESS 11 converting the raw material, when at an average of 5d. per lb., into finished fabrics is over one-and-a-half times the original cost, so that although less may be spent by other countries in manipulating the raw material, the annual value of the fabrics produced from cotton must be about £850,000,000. Such figures prove what an enormous factor the cotton industry is in clothing the inhabitants of the world. How many people are employed in the cultivation of the raw material, and in the numerous processes through which it passes before it is converted into clothing, it is impossible even approximately to estimate. In addition, there is the influence an industry of such dimensions exercises, not only upon all other industries and on the value of property generally, but also the employment it gives to the mercantile and banking interests, and to carriers of all kinds both by land and sea. Although international federation of the associations of master cotton spinners had been repeatedly discussed at meetings of the general committee of the English Master Cotton Spinners' Federation, during the severe crisis through which the industry has passed recently, it was not until the 16th December, 1903, that definite action was taken to bring it about. It was felt by those who had undertaken the organi- sation of the English cotton spinning industry, that the difficulties encountered had been so great that, until all the English organisations of master cotton spinners were united in one federation, it would be unwise to embark on an enterprise of such gigantic proportions as international federation. In this connection, it is pleasing to be able to state that, since the Zurich International Congress was held, the Bolton Master Cotton Spinners' Association, which embraces the Fine Cotton Spinners' and Doublers' Association, has decided to become affiliated, on July 1st, with the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners' Associations, which will then embrace nearly one-third of the cotton spindles of the world. The only associations of cotton spinners in England still outside the Federation are those connected with the north and north-east Lancashire and Chorley cotton spinners' and manu- facturers' associations. These associations are largely composed of manufacturers, and the spindles affiliated with them represent about one-tenth of the spindles in England. It is hoped that ere long they, and the few spinning concerns in each of the districts of the Federation area, who, for reasons of their own, have held aloof from the Master Cotton Spinners' Federation, will see that it is to their advantage, as well as to that of the trade generally, to join their local associations and be included in the Federation. 12 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS It must be recognised that the spinning section of the cotton industry, being the first process and the one which employs the largest amount of capital, controls the industry to a much greater extent than the manufacturing section. But the ideal position is that there should be two federations in each country, one embracing the spinning section and the other the manufacturing, each conducting the ordinary routine separately, but consulting in emergencies, and acting together whenever it is to their mutual interests to do so. It was only after many years of patient and determined work, amid much discouragement, that the English Federation of Master Cotton Spinners' Associations attained the position it now occupies ; a position which enabled it during the recent crisis to play such an important part in averting a disaster to a great industry, a disaster that might have assumed national dimensions. It is impossible to emphasise too strongly the importance of com- plete organisation. In order to be an effective executive force, it is necessary in the first place to be prepared to make certain sacrifices. A large yearly income and an accumulated reserve fund is an absolute necessity, but as this is spread over a wide area the individual em- ployer's contribution is small for the benefits received. There must, further, be complete confidence in the men appointed on the executive committee, and when a line of action has been carefully considered and decided upon by this body, it must be loyally adhered to, otherwise federation becomes a name only and not a power. This will explain the hesitation of the General Committee of the English Master Cotton Spinners' Federation with regard to international federation, but the stress of circumstances at the end of 1903 led to the initiation of a movement which resulted in the holding of the first International Congress twelve months ago. As a result of this first Congress, it is confidently expected that an international federation will be formed, which may ultimately become a great factor in the regulation of the cotton industry of the world. In weighing up the difficulties of carrying out successfully the new departure taken in December, 1903, it was resolved that everything possible should be done to make the movement a success. With this end in view, it was decided to seek the assistance of the British Govern- ment in summoning the Congress ; consequently, a deputation waited upon Mr. A. J. Balfour, the Prime Minister, who, after giving the matter careful consideration, and, doubtless, with good reasons, declined the request. So acute was the crisis in the industry, however, that this disappointment was not allowed to discourage those who had the matter PRESIDENTS ADDRESS 13 in hand, and although the time left for issuing the invitation to an inter- national congress was very short, only some three weeks, it was decided to carry out the project. The first International Cotton Congress, held in the beautiful city of Zurich, twelve months ago, is now a matter of history, and is generally admitted to have been an unqualified success. This Congress was attended by sixty-five delegates, representing the principal associations of cotton employers from nine European countries. The delegates consisted of men, who, at considerable personal sacrifice, had taken a leading part in the organisation of the industry in their respec- tive countries — men who recognised their responsibilities in a wider sense than the mere management of their own businesses, and who also realised that the welfare of the individual is inseparably bound up with the welfare of the industry as a whole. It is unnecessary to enter into the details of the proceedings at Zurich, as official reports have been widely distributed to the users of cotton throughout the world. The International Committee gratefully acknowledge their indebtedness to the Marquis of Lansdowne, Foreign Secretary, and to the Rt. Hon. Alfred Lyttleton, Colonial Secretary, for their assistance in the distribution of these reports to the heads of governments throughout the world and the British colonies, most of whom have officially acknowledged these reports ; and special com- munications which have been received indicate appreciation on the part of the recipients. The International Committee also were encouraged by the interest evinced by Monsieur Doumergue, ex-Colonial Minister of France, who received the Committee in Paris during their sittings there in September last. They also appreciated the attention they received from Monsieur Droogmanns, Secretary of the Congo Free State, who showed a like interest by receiving the Committee at the sittings at Brussels, in April last. The International Committee have further gratefully to acknowledge the cordial welcome and encourage- ment given by Mr. A. Bonar Law, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, who, in the unavoidable absence through illness of the Marquis of Salisbury, President of the Board of Trade, received the Committee in London, on June 3rd. In addition to this there is full appreciation of the services ren- dered by the Rt. Hon. Alfred Lyttleton, the Duke of Marlborough, and the Rt. Hon. St. John Brodrick for their valuable co-operation in pro- moting the cultivation of cotton in the British Empire, which it is felt is not only for the welfare of the British cotton industry, but for the welfare of the cotton industry of the world. It is satisfactory that this broad view obtains among those who are promoting the growth of cotton in the colonies of other European countries. 14 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS. When it is remembered that the American cotton crop thirty years ago only averaged about 4,000,000 bales, and that this season's crop may reach 13,000,000 bales, the whole of which will be required to relieve the tension caused by the shortage during the previous years, it shows how urgent is the necessity for opening up new sources of supply. There is every indication that the development of this world- wide industry will be even greater in the future than it has been in the past. It is satisfactory in the circumstances, that statesmen are assisting public-spirited men in furthering the extension of the growth of cotton. The success which so far has attended the movement for dealing with the cotton industry internationally must not be allowed to mini- mise the difficulties of working such a great organisation. Experience has proved that slow development is more conducive to ultimate success than either attempting, or even expecting, too great results in a short time. It cannot be too forcibly impressed upon the delegates attending this Congress, that, when they return to their respective associations, their first work must be to perfect the organisation of the associations and federations of associations in the affiliated countries, and that this must be done before an international federation can eff"ectively deal with the various problems of the future. It is impos- sible to say what might not be accomplished by well -organised inter- national federation in watching over and protecting the common interests of the industry, and in taking action in any common danger. Among some of the advantages would be the disseminating of reliable information regarding the supply of the raw material, and the securing of a much greater control of it, an adequate supply at a reasonable price being so essential to the successful carrying on of the industry. It is not to the advantage of the users of cotton that the growers of their raw material should not get adequate remuneration, and the fluctuations of price brought about by a large or small yield is legi- timate enough. It is these violent fluctuations brought about largely by the manipulation of operators which affect more or less all growths of cotton, and are so detrimental to the welfare of the industry. The possibilities of a combination of users being sufficiently powerful to checkmate speculative operations are very great, and when it is remembered that every halfpenny per pound that is added to the average price of the cotton crop of the world in a single season means £16,000,000, and that it has been raised as much as 2d. or 8d. per lb. during the recent crisis, anything that would prevent such undue enhancement would be of inestimable benefit. A large proportion of PRESIDENTS ADDRESS 15 such advances certainly does not find its way into the hands of the planters or the legitimate middlemen, but into those of the operators. It must also be borne in mind that any serious rise in the price of raw cotton undoubtedly reduces the demand for the manufactured products, and, consequently, the employment for the spindles and looms, the largest consumers of cotton goods being the poorest people in the world. Then, again, violent fluctuations in the price of the raw material interfere most seriously with the smooth working of the industry, and heavy losses are frequently incurred by those who have their capital invested in it. The cotton industry has been subject in the past to dislocation by war, pestilence, and famine, and to undue extension of production during periods of prosperity. Experience in dealing with the recent crisis has conclusively demonstrated that the only effective method of meeting trade con- ditions that lead to temporary overproduction is by organised effort to regulate the supply to the demand, and that such a line of action is the best in the interests of both the employers and operatives. Could it but be fully realised how a great industry may be rendered unprofitable by producing even only a little in excess of requirements, and how small is the sacrifice necessary to regulate the balance of supply and demand if all unite, there would be no hesitation in adopting such a policy, that is, either to restrict production, or, if special circumstances prevent this in some cases, to pay a levy to the feder- ation funds which would be an honourable equivalent to stoppage. No doubt some may consider such proposals are unworkable, but w^hat has been done so recently by a quarter of the spindles of the world can be done by the whole, efficient organisation being all that is necessary, either in dealing with the cotton industry in individual countries, or in dealing with conditions which affect the cotton in- dustry of the world. The friendly intercourse that took place among the representatives of the nine nationalities, which constituted the first International Congress, showed how diversified are the conditions under which the cotton industry is carried on, and that each country takes its own part. At the same time, all were convinced that there is much in common, and that international federation is becoming a necessity of the times. Such a federation of those engaged in this world-wide industry must also act as a powerful factor in promoting peace and goodwill among the nations. 16 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS I now call upon Senor Calvet, the President of the Spanish Cotton Spinners' Association, to say a few words. Senor Calvet (speaking in English) said : I rise to discharge a duty no less honourable and agreeable than it is difficult. Honourable and agreeable to greet you in the name of my companions here present, and in that of the Spanish Cotton Industry represented by them ; and difficult because, unfortunately, I am at a loss to express my senti- ments at this moment. This is the first Cotton Congress at which a Spanish delega- tion assists officially, and until recently our Association had not joined the International Cotton Federation. Yet do not believe that this implies any lack of desire on our part to co-operate in this work so far as it may be in our power, or that we are not aware of its impor- tance and utility. Thanks to the kindness of Mr. Taveira, the repre- sentative of Portugal, and to the reports of the Congress at Zurich, which were published by our trade journals, we are perfectly acquain- ted with all the importance of the work you have carried out, and the necessity of an international understanding to defend the great interests of the cotton industry. The constitution of the International Association is approved by the local committees which we have rapidly organised in order to enable us to join you and co-operate in your task, modestly but with great enthusiasm, and also, if you wish, with a view to self-interest, and so as to avail ourselves of the salutary lessons that can be learned from a mutual knowledge of men and trades. You can count upon the cotton industry of our country, of about three million spindles and sixty thousand looms, — no mean figures if you bear in mind the population and the limited demands of the Spanish market, and that this industry is established almost exclusively in Catalonia. Owing to the peculiar circumstances our country has passed through during the last few years, there has been some delay in the progressive development of the cotton industry and the association movement so indispensable nowadays. This is why we have not yet embraced in our local association all the factors I mentioned before, but I am convinced that ere long we shall obtain the adhesion of the great majority. I do not want to abuse the kind attention you have given me. You know our intentions. We come here willing to work, so far as it be possible, to assist and strengthen the International Federation of Cotton COMMITTEE'S REPORT 17 Spinners and Manufacturers, and to cement our mutual understanding, so as to defend our common interests. Before entering on the study of the problems which constitute the object of the Congress, permit me in the name of the Spanish cotton industry which I have mentioned, to offer my most hearty greeting to the Delegates of the nations who constitute the International Com- mittee, greeting which I would offer more especially to the President, Mr. Macara, and to the English Associations for the courteous and kind hospitality with which we have been received, and for which we find no words to express our gratitude. Yet there remains to us the hope that one day we may enjoy the honour of receiving you and re- turning your great kindness, if not in the measure of your merits, at least with the frank, loyal, and sincere hospitality which we now most heartily offer. Pray receive the sincere adhesion and cordial salutations of the Spanish cotton industry. The Secretary, Mr. John Smethurst, read the report of the International Committee, which was as follows :— In presenting its first Annual Report, your Committee desires to place on record its intense satisfaction that the First International Congress of Representatives of Master Cotton Spinners' and Manu- facturers' Associations, held at Zurich last year, proved to be such an unqualified success. The goodwill and mutual forbearance displayed at that gathering were a happy augury for the success of the Inter- national Federation, which it is believed is destined to play an im- portant part in the carrying on of one of the world's greatest industries. Following close on the Zurich Congress, your Committee had to regret the loss, through death, of a trusted and valued colleague, Monsieur Georges Motte, the President of the French Federation of Master Cotton Spinners and Manufacturers. A suitable letter of con- dolence was forwarded by the Committee to Madame Motte, and Monsieur Berger was appointed to take his place on the Committee. The preparation of a report of the proceedings of the First Congress was a work requiring the greatest care and attention. The Report, translated into the three official languages, was widely cir- culated, and has no doubt been read with considerable interest. Copies were supplied to the heads of Governments, and the Rulers of all European nations. In accordance with the instructions received at Zurich, your Com- mittee has devoted a considerable amount of time and thought to the preparation of a Constitution and Code of Rules, for the efficient and business-like working of the proposed International Federation, Your Committee's recommendations have been submitted to all the Asso- ciations represented at Zurich. Various amendments and additions have been suggested, and the amended Constitution and Rules will be placed before this Congress for adoption or otherwise. 18 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS Your Committee is of opinion that the Constitution, as now sub- mitted, is worthy of acceptance, and it is hoped that one result of the Second International Congress will be the successful launching of a Federation, which, in the near future, will prove of the greatest benefit to Cotton Spinners and Manufacturers of all nations. One of the most important subjects dealt with at Zurich, was the question of increasing the sources of cotton supply. Your Committee desires to gratefully acknowledge the courtesy of Monsieur Doumergue, ex-Colonial Minister of France, and Monsieur Droogmanns, Secretary of the Congo Free State, who received the Committee in Paris and Brussels, and who spoke of the profound interest they and their Governments took in all measures having for their object the increasing of the supply of cotton. Monsieur Casimir Berger, who was deputed by your Committee to collect information on this subject, will present a Report to the Congress, and his Report will be supplemented by one to be read by Senhor Taveira. The question as to the universal adoption of the Metric System of Weights and Measures has received attention, and Herr Ferd. Gross has prepared an exhaustive Report, which will be presented on Thurs- day next, when papers will also be read by Messrs. J. R. Byrom and T. Roberts, who will deal with the subject from the English Spinners' and Manufacturers' standpoint. Herr Kuffler, at the request of your Committee, has studied the question of " The Regulation of the Purchase of Cotton," and will submit his views to the Congress to-morrow. For the efficient and useful working of an International Federation the question of Organisation is all-important. Your Committee, after having carefully gone into the question in all its bearings, is of opinion that the time is opportune for the appointment of a Continental Secretary. Preliminary steps have been taken by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee with a view to obtaining the services of a suitable man, who should combine, wdth some technical knowledge, a thorough acquaintance with the English, French and German languages. Several applicants for the position have been interviewed, and at a later stage of the proceedings of this Congress, your Committee will submit a recommendation for the appointment of a Continental Secretary, to act along with Mr. Smethurst. In this connection your Committee desires to testify its high ap- preciation of the services of Mr. John Smethurst, who was appointed Secretary at the Zurich Congress, and the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted by your Committee at Brussels, will, it is confidently believed, be heartily endorsed by this Congress : — " The International Committee desires to place on record its high appreciation of the very efficient and valuable work of Mr. John Smethurst in connection with the International Federation, and unanimously recommends that as Honorary Secretary to the Committee he be paid an honorarium of one hundred pounds per annum, commencing from the Manchester Con- gress." CONSTITUTION AND RULES 19 Much valuable information on the question of Organisation has been collected by Monsieur Jean de Hemptinne, which will be of great assistance to your Committee when it comes to deal with the efficient organising of the various Associations comprising the Inter- national Federation. Communications have been opened up with Associations not represented at Zurich, with a view to their becoming affiliated. It is pleasing to report that as a result of these endeavours the spinners of Spain have decided to become members, and Seiior Eduardo Calvet has been designated as their representative on the Committee. It is hoped that before very long the Federation will include in its mem- bership the Cotton Spinning and Manufacturing Associations of all countries. That this should become an accomplished fact is of the greatest importance, as only by united action can many of the difficul- ties of the industry be successfully combated. Your Committee cannot close its report without expressing its deep sense of gratitude at the evidences it has received, from many quarters, of the keen desire to Avelcome to England the delegated representatives of the cotton spinning and manufacturing industries of various nationalities. Your Committee accepts those evidences of kindness and goodwill in the spirit in which they are tendered. It expresses the firm conviction that differences of language and custom need be no barrier to deep and sincere friendship. Though formed for the purpose of safeguarding the mutual interests of its members, the fervent wish is expressed that the International Federation may be one of the most powerful instruments in bringing the nations more closely together, and do something in the realisation of the ideal so feelingly expressed at the first Congress : — "The Parliament of man, the Federation of the world." This report was adopted on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Herr Kuffler. Mr. Smethurst presented the financial statement. In moving its adoption, the President said: I should like to explain that the various associations connected with this organisation pay the expenses of their delegates, so that these expenses are not included in this statement. Herr Syz seconded the motion, which was agreed to. CONSTITUTION AND RULES. The President : The framing of the Constitution and Rules has taken a large portion of the time and attention of the International Committee at their meetings in Paris and Brussels. These regulations were submitted, after the Paris meeting, to all Associations interested. Some amendments were proposed by different Associations, and these were considered at the Brussels meeting in April last. Perhaps the most important amendment is that which 20 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS provides for a deputy member of Committee who, if his country desires it, may attend all meetings of Committee ; but he does so without voting power. The Rules are in your hands, and I hope you have had opportunity for their careful perusal. In order to put this matter in due form before the Congress, I have now much pleasure in moving the adoption of these Statutes. Herr Syz seconded the motion. Herr A. Kuffler : The Chairman has proposed the adoption of the Statutes which have been compiled by the International Committee. To draw up these Statutes was the first work of that Committee. One of the most important questions was, how this Committee should represent the different countries and how they could be best represented. It is, of course, only possible to work effectively with a small Committee. The smaller the Committee, the better the work and the more can be accomplished. Although the first Committee fully recognised the enormous difference in the importance of the industries in the various countries, the Committee has thought it advisable to propose to you that only one member ought to be nominated for each country, without regard to the importance of the industry in such country. In all the great industrial countries organisation is so far advanced that it is likely that only such men will be nominated for the Committee as can best express the wishes of their respective countries. The other con- ditions contained in the Statutes are only of a formal character. They contain nothing which would compel any of the represented Asso- ciations to accept and submit to a resolution adopted by the In- ternational Federation. The sole purpose is to make proposals and to take steps to work for the common interest. The only obli- gation is to pay the Levy, This Levy has been fixed. It amounts to yi^ of a penny per spindle, and |-d. per loom. In the first year the double amount has to be paid which includes the Entrance Fee. This is the only binding obligation. All other resolutions and obligations can be considered independently by each Association, and in each case they can decide whether they submit to them or not. The Committee has thought it advisable to draw as many delegates as possible to the Congress. The Congress in Zurich proved that it is most desirable to bring as many people as possible together, to make them acquainted with each other, and give them an opportunity to discuss their mutual affairs. Of course, the number of votes must be restricted. They have been fixed at one vote for each million spindles, or one vote for 40,000 looms, but no country can have more than twenty CONSTITUTION AND RULES 21 votes. I think I have given you in these few words the gist of the Statutes. Mr. J, R. Byrom suggested that two representatives from England should have seats on the Committee. Mr. S. Newton seconded this amendment. Mr. J. M. Thomas desired it to be made clear that the one repre- sentative should be a spinner and the other a manufacturer. Herr A. Kuffler: Would you allow me to remind you that the subject of this amendment was before the Congress at Zurich, and that we had a long discussion upon it ? We can understand that it would be good to have more delegates on this Committee, and that the interests of the spinners and manufacturers are not always the same, and one man cannot very well always represent both interests. But, we must understand that in every country where there is a cotton industry there is spinning and manufacturing. I don't know of any country where there is only spinning or only manufacturing. If you want to have the thing on a fair basis you must allow one delegate for the manufacturers of every nationality represented here if you allow a representative for the English manufacturers, for the same differences of opinion will exist between the German spinner and the German manufacturer, and the French spinner and the French manufacturer. If you think the manufacturing interest should be represented on this Committee you must give representation to the manufacturing interest of all the countries. That would make the committee of 12 into a committee of 24, and as you will have deputies, a committee of 24 will make a committee of 48. We will very soon get to the whole of the Congress. If you think we should have more meetings a year, you can call together two Con- gresses, or three Congresses, but it could hardly be called a committee meeting if you have to call together 48 gentlemen from all parts of the world, and I think this practical view of the thing would make it very dif- ficult to have more members on this Committee. But there is still another argument ; we don't intend, at least I understand this international or- ganisation does not intend to work on any question where the interests are divided. I think there are so many points where there is a common interest for all nationalities, and for all users of cotton, whether they use the thread or the raw material, that for many years we shall have plenty of work to do. If we can organise ourselves to work these mat- ters of common interest, I think we could leave out every controversial point between the spinner and the manufacturer from the beginning. I think such questions as the extension of planting of cotton and similar ones are exactly of the same interest to the spinner as to the 22 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS manufacturer, and I think we might be able to avoid all those difficul- ties if we left it as it is now in the Statutes. I wish to deal with one other point. Of course, if the spinners alone are represented, it may be that for some large manufacturing association it may not seem fair to pay the same levies as the spinners. I think in discussing that, either to-day or to-morrow, under the head of organisation, we should find some way to deal with it, and to make perhaps a kind of associate membership for all organisations other than spinners, who want to join the Congress, but still not become full members. I think these difficulties could be avoided. And then, as a last point, as we have a deputy member for every nationality, the local committee or the local organisation could always arrange to have a spinner as member and a manufacturer as deputy, and as Mr. Macara has pointed out, the deputy will have power to attend the meetings of the Committee and they will always have the means to object at once if any motion is brought forward that they consider undesirable. If you consider all these points together I think you might just as well leave it as it is and try to get over these difficulties by appointing a manufacturer as deputy, and making alterations in the rule as to associated membership to allow manufacturers to fall in without becoming full members. Mr. H. HiGSON considered that, as the matters of Organisation and the Levy were down for discussion on the following day, it would be wise to postpone further reference to this subject till then. Mr. E. Stansfield supported this view. After some remarks by Mr. J. L. Tattersall and Mr. J. T. Dawson, the Congress unanimously approved of the adjournment of the discussion. 28 SECOND DAY'S PROCEEDINGS. TUESDAY, JUNE 6th. Chairman: Herr ARTHUR KUFFLER. The Chairman, thanking the Congress for the honour bestowed upon him by his appointment to the chair, said he took it as a kind of international courtesy that this honour should be conferred on the representatives of the smaller industrial countries after those of such countries as England, Germany and France had held the seat. The IMinutes of the business of the previous day were read and adopted. CONSTITUTION AND RULES. The Chairman said the first business was the reconsideration of the Rules. There were two motions to bring before the Congress in regard to representation on the Committee ; one, the unanimous recommendation of the executive committee, and the other by Herr Langen. The proposed amendments were to clause 11. Herr Langen proposed that it should read : — " The Committee shall consist of one Delegate from each country affiliated to the International Federation, Countries having more than twenty million spindles, or the proportionate number of looms, shall be entitled to two Delegates." The Committee's view was that the Chairman, who presided over the permanent work of the Committee and of the office in Manchester, should not be looked upon as an ordinary delegate, but should be con- sidered as representing the whole of the countries affiliated, and that the country to which he belonged should be entitled to another dele- gate. If the Congress adopted the recommendation of the Committee, the clause would read : — "The Committee of Management shall consist of one Delegate from each country affiliated to the International Federation, and the Committee, from its own members, shall appoint the Chairman, Vice-chairman, and two honorary Treasurers of the Federation. Each country shall appoint its own Delegate. The country which the Chairman of the Committee of Management represents shall be entitled to another represen- tative on the Committee." This would make it necessary to alter clause 32, which reads : — ** A Delegate of the country in which Congress assembles shall usually preside over the opening meeting of Congress and 24 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS welcome the Delegates, The President of the International Federation will then take the chair, the names of the Dele- gates shall be called over, and the President's address be given. After which shall follow the reading of a Report of the proceedings of the Committee of Management, and the presentation of the Financial Statement." The Committee thought that it would be better if the delegate or member of committee representing the country in which the Congress was held, should be the President of such Congress. They had Herr Syz, President of the Swiss Association, presiding over the Congress at Zurich last year. This year it was the turn of Mr. Macara to preside at the Congress in England. If the Congress were held in France, M. Berger would preside, and if in Germany, the chairman would be Herr Gross. Therefore, clause 32 should read : — " The member of the Committee of Management representing the country in which the Congress assembles shall preside over such Congress. The names of the Delegates shall be called over, after which the Chairman of the Committee of Manage- ment shall present the Report, to be followed by the reading of the Financial Statement." Herr C. O. Langen : I should like to support this motion. I think this is a compromise which is entirely fair and just, and which does not alter the present Statutes very materially. I think the solution of this question a very good one, and I should like to urge the acceptance of the alteration. The Chairman then moved the amendments to Rules 11 and 32, as proposed by the Committee, and expressed the opinion that by their adoption many difficulties would be overcome. Mr. S. Newton seconded the motion. Mr. J. B. Tattersall explained that the Rules were not like the laws of the Medes and Persians — they were not unalterable. It must be by experience that they would discover the best methods of per- forming the work that lay before them. As they appreciated and understood each other more in the years to come, they would more nearly approach the organisation which they thought just and equal to all. The amended Rules, as suggested by the Committee, were unani- mously adopted, and the Chairman observed : I think you have done very good work. It is the best thing that could have been done, for we have now overcome all difficulties. The American Delegate. At this stage Mr. S. S. Dale, the American Delegate, arrived, and was heartily welcomed. ORGANISATION WORK. 25 Acknowledging his reception, Mr. Dale said : Our cotton asso- ciations are in thorough sympathy with the general principle of inter- national organisation, but they have not yet reached the point where they are prepared to organise for the restriction of the consumption of American cotton. You will appreciate that in our country we have peculiar conditions. We have not yet, perhaps, got out of the pro- vincial idea. But our ideas are broadening slowly, and as our export trade increases, and our interests outside our own tarifl walls enlarge, we will doubtless be more ready to join in the international organisa- tion which you have so auspiciously inaugurated. ORGANISATION WORK. Appointment of a Permanent Secretary. The Congress next turned its attention to organisation work, the importance of which was emphasised by the Chairman. M. Jean de Hemptinne (Belgium): The question of the organi- sation of the International Federation is of the highest importance, and deserves the fullest attention of the Congress, Next to that of the increase and the development of the cultivation of cotton, it is pre- eminently the one which should give the most practical results. It is plain that in order to establish an enduring and earnest International Federation it should be based on well-organised associations in all countries. It becomes imperative that at any given moment the Federation should be able to find in them a point of support enabling it to take measures of a general and common interest. Should we, unfortunately, once more find ourselves face to face with the difficulties which brought about our strenuous endeavour towards the under- standing which we inaugurated last year, at the Congress held in Zurich, the intervention of the International Federation will certainly become necessary, and it could only intervene efficaciously if it had in each country a seriously constituted association. There are other circumstances which might lead the Federation to take measures of general interest for the cotton industry, e.g., the questions of transport, packing, conditions of sale, humidity, waste, arbitration, and so forth. Here, again, it could not intervene, were it not to have the earnest support of its component associations. This question is, assuredly, a most vital one, and should be deeply gone into. It would, it appears, be most difficult, nay, even impossible, to adopt a uniform type of organisation for all countries. The totally different conditions of their commerce and industry place each one of them in a separate situation. A measure productive of excellent results in one country might bring about the most disastrous c 26 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS consequences in another. Each country should consider the statutes and regulations suitable to it. Information courteously supplied to me by members of the International Committee has convinced me that in several countries the associations are far from having attained a satis- factory degree of organisation. It is fair to say that several associations are of recent creation, and have not yet had time to perfect themselves. The powerful Master Spinners' Federation in England had to labour for over fifteen years to obtain the degree of perfection which we so admire, and I hope I may be permitted to render homage to the President and to the General Committee, who, by virtue of their energy and their increasing and persistent labours, have brought this Federa- tion to so high a degree of perfection. But, if on the one hand the question of organisation is of the most delicate, none the less is it unavoidable. It forces itself upon us. The countries which do not enter resolutely upon the road of organisation will become the victims of their negligence and lack of foresight. This necessity has its source in the modern organisations of trade and industry. The conditions under which the cotton industry is compelled to work and develop itself have undergone a complete transformation in the last twenty-five years. We no longer live in the times where in- dustrial interests were confined to the few. The creation of limited companies has completely transformed this state of things. Formerly, a more favourable topographical situation, unusual skill, or a manu- facturing secret sedulously concealed from competitors, more perfect machinery, allowed an intelligent and enterprising spinner to fight his neighbours to his own advantage. The means of transport, and the facilities for communication, have also disturbed our ancient habits. Competition has been fiercer, and has spread throughout the whole world. A new condition of affairs calls forth fresh needs. We must organise, under penalty of seeing our profits daily become less and less without benefit to anybody. How is such a state of organisation to be reached ? In my opinion, the Committee should resolutely take the task in hand, and should begin by drawing up an exact report on the state of affairs in the several countries. It might entrust the report to the Secretary of the Committee, who should go into each country and study its existing organisation. He should meet the committees and study with them the statutes and regulations most readily to be applied to use. It would be necessary to point out in each country to hesitating spinners the considerable advantages of, first, a local understanding, secondly, a general one. They must be educated up to it. It is not the work of a day, but by dint of intelligence and patient work we shall attain results which will in a few years surprise us. ORGANISATION WORK 27 The Chairman agreed that it was necessary a Permanent Sec- retary should- be appointed. In the various countries affiliated to the International Federation the organisations were different. Indeed, they could not e.xpect all to be organised alike. But if they desired to come to an international understanding, they must point out to their friends what were their mutual points of interest. They must help to build up their organisations in a way which would fall in with the international movement. It was of importance that they should have a Permanent Secretary, particularly for the continental work. The cotton trade in England was so well organised that he did not think those connected with it required much assistance in the matter, but it was not so in regard to the Continent. The Congress required a Permanent Secretary, particularly to study the organisations on the Continent and assist in building up, not a uniform organisation, which could not be done, but an organisation that was best adapted for the various countries. If they knew what the different organisations were like, they would be able to judge as to what common steps they could take. For instance, last year the English Federation called upon the continental and American organisations to fall in with a proposal to reduce the working hours and so reduce the output, but they did not know that those organisations had never studied this question. It would be the work of a Permanent Secretary to inform the organisations in the different countries what could be done, and to report to the International Federa- tion. In this way they would be able to bring all organisations to a state of perfection for dealing with those questions which were of common interest. Herr Syz said all the secretarial work in connection with the first and second Congresses had been carried out by two gentlemen who only held honorary positions in connection with the International Federation, Mr. J. Smethurst, Secretary of the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners' Associations, and Mr. C. Davidson, Private Secretary to the President. These gentlemen had rendered valuable services to the International Federation, and these services were all the more highly valued because they had been rendered at considerable sacrifice- It was right that the work of these two gentlemen should be recognised when the Congress was dealing with the question of appointing a Permanent Secretary. Since the meeting in Paris, last October, the Committee had been looking round for a suitable gentleman for the position, and they found the task more difficult than they had expected. They required a man who could not only speali English, French and 28 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS German, but who understood those languages thoroughly and was able to write them, so that the Federation could dispense with trans- lations by outsiders not conversant with the trade, and have translations which brought out the happiest expressions. A great many candidates had presented themselves for the position, and the Committee had found in Manchester a gentleman who, they believed, was the right man. He was Mr. Arno Schmidt, a German who had become a naturalised Englishman. The members of the Committee saw him at Brussels, and they were of opinion that in Mr. Schmidt they had a gentleman who would work hard and do his best for the Federation. Herr Syz concluded by moving the appointment of Mr. Schmidt. Mr. E.Travis (England) agreed with the Chairman that the question of organisation was the most important that could be brought before the Congress. They could not be successful in any question they took up, whether it were damp in cotton, the metric system, or cotton corners, unless they acted as one man. He spoke with some experience of organisation, and he thought they would have to begin with the unit — the individual firm. The various associations in a country would have to be federated as they were in England, and they would have to do the work with the assistance of the Permanent Secretary. In Oldham this was almost a personal work. Members of the Committee approached people they were anxious should join their association, and they would not cease exercising their persuasive powers until their efforts succeeded or they found that success was impossible. Only lately a million spindles were added to the Oldham Association, and 500,000 more would be added shortly. Still, though the organisation of the English cotton trade had reached a high standard, there were still twenty per cent, of spindles not yet in line. Their ideal should be to get every firm in the trade into their Associations. Mr. J. B. Tattersall (England) said so far as England was concerned they had given all particulars as to members, spindleage and looms, and he had been given to understand that information as regards the Continent was being prepared for this Congress. The Chairman said steps had been taken to prepare certain in- formation which the Committee thought was necessary, but they could not obtain all the particulars they required, and had been unable to submit a full statement. One of the reasons which induced them to ask for the appointment of a Permanent Secretary was that they did not think this great work could be done by voluntary effort alone. It was no small task to acquire information as to the various organi- sations that were in existence. They had at that Congress delegates ORGANISATION WORK 29 from 25 diflferent organisations on the Continent, and the rules of those organisations would have to be studied before the information of which Mr. Tattersall spoke could be obtained. Though all those present were willing to do work for the International Federation, they could not devote the time that was necessary, and he thought Mr. Tattersall would vote for the appointment of a gentleman to do this work for them. There was an organisation in nearly every country, but these organisations varied. In some cases they were formed to deal with labour questions, and were not confined to spinners, but embraced the whole trade. In Switzerland, Herr Syz was the President of an organisation which covered the whole trade, but in some countries spinners had formed local asso- ciations. In Germany, there were six employers' organisations, which were not much in touch with one another, while in France there were three different organisations of spinners, and two for manufacturers. In Austria, which was a much smaller country as regards the cotton industry, there were two organisations, one of them covering nearly all the spinning trade. In protected countries home competition would always bring prices down, and in those countries it was necessary, if it was wished to enjoy the protection of the tariffs, to have some arrange- ment amongst spinners about prices. Such an arrangement as that would not do for an exporting country, where spinners could not make arrangements amongst themselves about prices. There were other arrangements, the one which covered insurance for example. England had had difficulties about fire insurance, and had overcome them, but these difficulties had not yet been overcome on the Continent, and there were special continental organisations to deal with this question. It would be the duty of a Permanent Secretary to study all these associa- tions, to try to show how they could be brought in closer touch with each other. If they were to have united international action, they would then have to deal with eight or ten representative organisations, instead of with twenty or thirty which did not cover the whole trade. Mr. E. Stansfield (England) remarked that the appointment of a Secretary, who would be very largely employed in moulding and shaping the 25 different organisations on the Continent — the English organ- isation being so complete that it would need practically little assistance from such an official — was clearly for the benefit of the Continent. But it was necessary for the success of the international movement that they should assist the smaller organisations on the Continent to come into line ; to get into that condition which would enable the work to proceed more smoothly. M. Berger seconded the resolution, which was unanimously adopted. 80 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS THE HANDLING OF COTTON. The Chairman introduced the question of the handling of cotton and, referring to bagging, said on the Continent it was doing spinners actual harm, as it was not only responsible for a great deal of waste but it led to a large quantity of cotton being spoilt. Means must be adopted for getting rid of these grievances, but he was quite sure that whatever alterations took place would not come from the American cotton sellers. The spinner should be the man to say " I don't want this kind of bag- ging any more." The question of " no-mark " bales also caused a great deal of annoyance. It often happened that you could not read the mark, and it struck him as being strange that this usually happened with the worst cotton. Mr. H. W. Macalister (England), in explaining the cause of "no- mark" bales, said in a year like the present, when there was so much cotton in America, a large proportion of the crop was stored practically uncovered in the streets, the side walks, and the fields. He had recently had reason to look into the rules of some of the Exchanges in America, and had found what precautions were taken to protect the buyer against the cotton being damaged in transit. In the process of transit cotton came by railway, and a large proportion also came by steamer down the Mis- sissippi. When cotton arrived, as it had been doing this year, in such large quantities that the storage was not sufficient for it, some of it had to be put on walks. Although the rules provided that the cotton should be shedded, and underneath it a piece of wood placed to protect it from absorbing moisture in the event of rain, a large proportion was damaged by lying in water or being rained upon. The consequence was that the bagging became rotten and the marks disappeared. That was how they came to get " no-mark " bales. Mr. E. Stansfield said there was room for great improvement both as regards the bagging and marking of bales. Probably there was no commodity in the world which was so badly treated as cotton. He had felt for some time that America ought to do what was done in Egypt. There was no better bale in the world than the Egyptian. It was stated that if American cotton was baled in the same way as Egyptian, the fibre would be damaged, but he had never known Egyptian cotton to be damaged by pressure, and he had used large quantities of it. Neither had he heard of East Indian cotton being damaged from such a cause. He could not see why the Americans could not alter their methods. If they did it would settle ninety per cent, of the complaints with regard to damage through bad baling. If Egyptian or East Indian bales were left in the open very little damage THE HANDLING OF COTTON 31 resulted, because it was impossible for water to get inside. As to the markings there had been a little improvement, some of the merchants, or factors, or dealers having adopted a metal label. Baron Canton i said he would like to know what steps they could take to enforce their views on this subject. Up to the present they had not found a way of getting on even terms with the people who had the cotton, and dealt with it just as they pleased. He did not think that the Americans would be greatly impressed with an expression of their views in regard to these grievances. The users of cotton must adopt something more effective than that ; they must either be willing to pay more for bales that were packed properly, or refuse those that were not packed properly. Mr. Macalister pointed out that America was a very large country, and that the bagging system there was not organised in the way it was in Egj'pt. It was only fair to state that in Egypt there was only a comparatively small area in which cotton was ginned. There were certain merchants there who had large ginneries dotted over the country, and all the cotton came to them. That was a perfect system. Further than that, they had in Egypt what they had not in America — all the most perfect appliances for bagging. The presses in America were what people in England would consider crude, and they were mostly made of wood. The Chairman, in reviewing the discussion, said they were agreed upon the desirableness of an improvement in the bagging and marking of American cotton. Did not they think the Congress could take some practical action in the matter ? Could they not approach the Cotton Exchanges in Liverpool and Bremen, and ask them to make a rule that cotton was only tenderable when the bales bore under the bands metal labels on which were the marks. If that were done they would do away with the no-mark bales. This question was ripe for action, but he did not know whether the same could be said in regard to bagging. The further consideration of the question was postponed. THE POSITION OF THE NETHERLANDS. M. R. A. DE MoNCHY, Jr. (Netherlands), expressed his regret that the cotton growers of the Dutch Colonies were not present at the Zurich Congress. All the resolutions adopted on that occasion had their full sympathy. Since coming to Manchester, he had been much impressed by the importance of the work of the Congress, and on his return he should urge his fellow employers in Holland to throw them- selves much more heartily into the work of international organisation. The sitting was then adjourned until the afternoon. 32 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS The Congress reassembled in the afternoon, Herr Kuffler again presiding. The Chairman : Your Committee met after this morning's sitting and considered the question of the Levy. I am glad to say that they unanimously decided that the Levy shall be reduced by one-half in comparison to the clauses 6 and 7. The Entrance Fee, including the first year's Levy, will be y^^ of a penny per spindle instead of Y§Tjd., and a farthing instead of a halfpenny per loom. Next year it will be -j^d. per spindle instead of x^o^., and one-eighth of a penny instead of a farthing per loom. One more important alteration, to paragraph 23, has been unanimously accepted by the Committee. I have the honour to move the adoption of these altera- tions in the name of the Committee. Mr. H. HiGSON : I have great pleasure in seconding the resolution that has been submitted by the Chairman. I think the Committee have done an extremely wise thing in reducing this Levy by one-half. Officials in connection with large associations, such as we have in Lancashire, have found a very serious difficulty in suggesting that a levy of the amount of that originally fixed should be paid for member- ship of the International Federation. They recognise that sufficient money is in hand, and is likely to remain in hand, to defray all the legitimate expenses in connection with this organisation, and the holding of this Congress from time to time ; at the same time, they are prepared to hold themselves in readiness to contribute a larger sum when the Association goes further into its work, and further expenditure is needed to bring about the remedy of the evils attending the cotton trade that are admitted to exist. I am sure we shall induce other associations to join us in time. We can recommend this levy to the Association I represent with the assurance that it will be accepted. One point more, I should like it to be understood that we are not committed to a further levy of one-eighth of a penny unless the funds of the Inter- national Federation necessitate it. We have a strong feeling that unless a special need arises for an unusual expenditure there is no useful purpose served by the creation of a large reserve. We shall ourselves be in readiness to contribute to the necessities of the organi- sation when the demand is made. I am sure we are acting wisely in adopting this resolution to-day. Herr C. O. Langen (Germany) : I should like to support this motion. I think this is a compromise which is entirely fair and just, and which does not alter the present Statutes very materially. I think the solution of this question a very good one, and I should like to urge the acceptance of the alteration. THE LEVY 83 Clauses 6, 7 and 28, as amended, were then carried. The Chairman : Now that we have succeeded in getting over these difficulties, I think it is the proper time to move the adoption of the Statutes as a whole. They have been before you and amended, and I now ask you to agree to their acceptance, and thus put the coping stone to the organisation begun in Zurich last year. Mr. J. Derbyshire seconded the resolution, which was carried amid cheering. After some remarks by Herr Langen with reference to the Entrance Fee and Levy already paid by Associations affiliated to the International Federation, the Chairman congratulated the Congress upon the firm establishment of their international organisation, and then moved the following resolution : — " That all Associations which have paid an Entrance Fee on the basis of Y^od. per spindle and a halfpenny per loom shall not be required to pay a Levy for 1905." Herr Syz seconded the resolution, which was carried. The Chairman mentioned that since morning the Committee had drafted the following resolution : — "That this, the Second International Congress of Representatives of Master Cotton Spinners' Associations, is of opinion that the baling and marking of American cotton is at present performed in an unsatisfactory manner, involving a serious loss in cotton ; it therefore urges the Committee to take the question into consideration with a view to some action being taken to remedy the grievance complained of." Mr. T. Henthorn : Would you like this meeting to express its opinion and take a vote in a formal way, or ought we to think over the matter and prepare ourselves for another meeting ? Personally, I want to support the resolution to my utmost. I think the Committee have done wisely to bring up such a resolution. Of course, others of a stronger character, if you like, can follow. The Chairman : I think the matter can be discussed to-day, but it can only be voted upon to-morrow. The Chairman went on to say that they had discussed that morning the different regulations for the handling of cotton, and considered the grievances that were felt in this respect by the cotton spinners and the users of yam. There were many other grievances, and if they went on discussing this subject they would have many more points to decide upon. He hoped they would have ample time to go on with the subject. 84 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS Continuing, the Chairman said : I see in the programme that the whole of to-morrow morning will be devoted to discussing damp in cotton, and I think any other grievance about the delivery of raw cotton may be discussed. If you will allow me, I should like to speak a few words about the regulations of the purchase of cotton. When I was preparing for this meeting I thought it would not be necessary to speak much about speculation in futures, because we have had suitable prices from the beginning of the year up to now, and I think we should devote all our time to the other part of the regu- lations I was speaking of. Last year, when cotton had reached an extremely high price, everyone was bound to find means to get a better supply of cotton and to get the price down. This year the matter has been somewhat otherwise. There is enough cotton, and not much difficulty in buying it. Every grievance connected with the handling of cotton should receive full consideration now, and we should try to get all those altera- tions in the handling of the raw material which we could not get when cotton was scarce. But speculators, both in America and in Egypt, show that they can make disturbances whether the crop is small or large, and therefore 1 shall recall to your minds the remarks I made last year. You will, I trust, excuse me if I repeat myself. Such a matter cannot be dealt with in one year, or even m two years. When talking of cotton, one is nearly always compelled to talk on this matter, and the oftener we talk about it the clearer our views will get. The greatest difficulty is not the price itself, but the great differences in price that do not naturally follow the laws of supply and demand, but are governed by the uncon- trollable action of individuals, and I think if we are going to do anything to guarantee satisfactory business we must start from this point. It must be admitted that one or two men can, and do, disturb the whole business, but why can they do it ? They cannot do it in any other commodity. And yet, we who know our trade, who understand cotton, who invest money in our industry, must abide by such unfair dealings. We must go back to the origin of the " future " business. The difficulty does not lie in the selling of the cotton for future delivery. Cotton must be sold for future delivery, the same as any other com- modity. It is in the paper contracts where the whole difficulty arises. We must acknowledge that the business of futures is necessary for the market at present. It became necessary because the American crop grew larger every year and men cannot handle large crops with- out getting some cover for them. It would be all right if such cover was found amongst the trade itself : the future market was really THE PURCHASE OF COTTON 35 intended for that. But the trade did not always furnish sufficient oppor- tunity for the cover desired and therefore the outside speculator was drawn into the market. This constitutes an element that does not act according to the rules of supply and demand but according to sentiment, and is led by any man who is bold enough to assume the leadership. These leaders, who have usually very little money of their own to lose, create the disturbance in prices, and will go on creating them, so long as they are allowed. They only live by disturbing the market. They must see whether there was any possibility of coping with such a diffi- culty. Last year he said that the only real way of fighting gambling in cotton — he did not mean legitimate business — was to have a large stock of cotton in hand, but he was told it was not possible in practice, as the risk was too great. He still held, however, that if every mill connected with the International Federation would guarantee to take over fifty or a hundred bales of cotton for every 10,000 spindles at an average price they would not have to hoard up futures as a cover. As long as they dealt with futures they could not do away with gambling. He did not think they even wanted control of a million or half a million bales of cotton to safeguard themselves. He thought it would be enough if they secured 200,000 bales. He could not see any way of effectually dealing with gambling unless they had a certain amount of cotton in hand to tender. As long as the speculator took the risk of paper con- tracts he was the master of the market. No single sane person would have dealt with 250,000 actual bales, but speculators in America did not think much of 250,000 paper contracts, and as long as they held these paper contracts they ruled the market. Whom would they trust to do business for them ? Would it be a big gamble in the name of all the spinners ? He did not think so. He understood that the organisation was not so complete now as to have one man or body of men who could be trusted by the world. But the organisation would grow, and surely it would be possible to find honest men w^ho could be trusted with such a responsibility. These were matters for future consideration. What he submitted was that if they wanted to do away with gambling they must hold a certain amount of cotton themselves. He had another suggestion to make to them. There was one thing which he thought could be done at once. A great help in fighting the gambling of speculators was a good knowledge of the conditions of the market. One of the best things the syndicate he had spoken of could do would be to send out literature, and give information for the benefit of the spinner about the state of the crop, the size of the crop, and the market. There were plenty of people who had no other source of information than the American 86 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS information. They believed Sully, and they played his game for him. Since the reports of the American bureau had become more trustworthy, the operations of the speculators had been more difficult. They had derived their information from officials of the bureau, and he thought no better information could be obtained. The American statistics had improved year by year. Five or ten years ago no one believed the bureau reports. No one wondered w^hen the estimate of the American bureau was two or three million bales out. In the last few years these estimates proved nearest to ultimate results. Could they not on this side follow the excellent example in making statistics on consump- tion, or would they continue to rely on the estimates of the speculators ? The work he suggested could be done by the International Federa- tion. They could issue question forms to every member of the Federation and ask him how much cotton he had in stock, how much cotton he had to receive on contracts, and how much he wanted for the next six months. The inquiries and replies could be strictly private. He could sympathise with the view that they would not like others to know how much cotton any individual spinner had in hand. The inquiries could be conducted privately however, and only a summary published. They had had such an arrangement in his country for twelve years now, and it worked very well. The forms were num- bered ; no names transpired. They must not give the totals of each separate country, but the summary of all countries in the Federation, and then they could say with a certain degree of correctness how much cotton was in stock on any given date in Europe. This, in connection with the American statistics, Avould give them a perfectly clear view of the market, and he did not think that the American cotton gamblers would be able to play tricks on them if they had this knowledge. He did not think the returns could harm anyone. The publication of the American statistics did not do the trade any harm. The more correct the statistics, the more they would help the trade, and the better equipped they would be to deal with the cotton gambling curse. They could then leave the "future" market altogether to the speculators. He did not see why his trade should be disturbed because another man wanted to gamble, and therefore he thought it high time to take action in some such direction as he had indicated. He did not want to move the adoption of any resolution, he only intended to give his idea on the matter, but he hoped, as they were in the heart of the cotton industry of Europe and of the world, where many trade difficulties had been overcome, that there would be found a way of meeting their present difficulties. They also looked to British pluck and energy, that over- THE PURCHASE OF COTTON 87 came difficulties which arose against the industry in former years, to fight against the present evils that disturbed their trade and did harm to the industry they had built up. The cotton industry was now spread over the whole world, and was not, as in former years, merely a Lancashire interest ; but he felt sure if Lancashire would only take the lead, the rest will follow. It was only necessary to make these matters clear, and everyone connected with the trade would co-operate in taking such steps as were necessary to do away with this outside gambling, and with every difficulty that arose from any illegitimate source whatever. Mr. A. H. Dixon said he was afraid it was not possible for all the Chairman had advocated to be attained, but he thought it was in the power of that International Committee to do some real good for the industry. The question of " futures " was one that had two sides — one side the gambling side, and the other the side that was necessary, not only to the cotton spinner, but to the people in Alexandria and New York. Speaking only of Alexandria, because that was the market of which he had the most experience, he would say that the regula- tions in that market were the most to blame for the disasters that had happened in past years. If they would allow him he would explain what he believed to be the great difficulties, and afterwards what he believed to be the right way of dealing with them. To begin with, the tendering was much too high and too restricted. Moreover, they absolutely refused to accept pressed bales. When he was in Egypt a year ago he asked the reason, and was told that the market would not accept pressed bales because they were afraid of bale packing. They said that they had to deal with certain people in Alexandria who might not have the same high sense of honour as the merchant had, and owing to bale packing they could not accept these bales. The tenders were simply a premium to the gambler, and they were a menace and hindrance to the legitimate trader. He was aware that at this moment in Alexandria this question was very much in evidence. The remedy lay with the Alexandria Produce Association, and his suggestion was that the Inter- national Committee should draw up a special recommendation to the Alexandria Produce Association asking them as far as possible to alter their regulations so as to be of assistance to the trader who wished to cover his stock or buy futures, and put a stop to the operations of the gambler. Monte Carlo was the proper place for the gambler. He thought the discussion in so representative a Congress would result in much good being accomplished. 88 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS M. le Blanc (Comite fran^ais de la filature de Coton, Groupe du Nord), read the following paper : — The market of Alexandria has now for several years been attracting the attention of the cotton world by the violent fluctuations which take place in it, and which render transactions very difficult in the nature of regular trade in that place, outside those induced by a speculative spirit. At all times, shipping merchants or spinners, who are desirous of laying in a supply of good cotton, have been obliged to make their purchases during the arrivals of the first crop, in October, November and December. But to do that one is obliged to buy without taking into account the rates which are ruling, without concerning oneself whether they are in relation or not to those of the manufactured products, without troubling oneself whether they are likely to rise or fall in the future. One must, therefore, think of guarding against a future drop, against an absence of demand on the part of spinners, if the question be of a merchant, against underselling of yarn, when a spinner is con- cerned; for it is impossible, both for the one and the other, to run the risk, sometimes formidable, of a drop in prices; and to attain this end, there is an operation which is quite rational and which has been now for many years in practice for American cotton, it is by a term-bargain or dealing in "futures." This is an operation which can easily be done in the Alexandrian market, in which there exists what is called a contract-market. The spinner is thus able to secure his supply, and to guarantee himself against a possible drop in selling in the market of Alexandria the counterpart of his purchases of raw cotton which are not sold in yarn, and, on doing this, he leaves in store at Alexandria the cotton which is delivered to him in steam-pressed bales to wait until the day when he Vv'ill redeem his contracts and get his cotton sent to him. All would go well if the consumption took place according to the forecast at the beginning of the year, but for one cause or another, fire, breakdown, stoppage through accident, through strike or short time, transformation of the demand through its turning in the direction of other kinds of goods, this supply becomes useless and an attempt must be made to realise it. Let him deliver his cotton to feed his sale, you will tell me; indeed, this is very easy to say, and, if we were at New York, at Liverpool or at Havre, it would be almost as easy to do. But such is not the case at Alexandria, where cotton can only be delivered against the sale of contracts if this cotton has not been steam-pressed, and if it remains within the too narrow limits of the qualities admitted in deliveries of contracts. Here, then, we have our spinner, a seller of contracts and a holder of a like quantity of goods, unable to make use of these goods to feed or meet his sales, and obliged to seek a buyer for his actual cotton and to re-buy himself his contracts, thus passing under the Caudine Forks of the speculators. The latter, indeed, are not without knowledge of the composition of the crop, they know that in a crop of G,000,000 cantars, like that of 1904-1905, the following estimate can be made: — THE PURCHASE OF COTTON yO The production of Upper-Egypt 1,000,000 crs. That of Joannovich and Abbassi 800,000 crs. And that of Metafifi 4,200,000 crs. They know that of the 4,200,000 crs. Metafifi there are about 1,200,000 crs. of quahties below Good Fair, and that of the 8,000,000 crs. which remain, it is necessary to take into account everything which is sold in the spinning trade and forwarded in the first months of the year, and cottons superior to Good to Fine which are only delivered in exceptional cases against contracts. They have taken into account the quantities pressed by steam which figure in the stock, and the proportion of cotton not deliverable, such as inferior cottons. Upper- Egypt or other kinds, and they have for a long time occupied themselves with the purchases, knowing per- fectly well that their buyers of that time would be compelled to become their purchasers of to-day and that they could strangle them at their ease. \\'hat has happened in May is a new proof. Of a stock of about 1,400,000 crs. at Alexandria, 200,000 to 250,000 only could be delivered to meet contracts; now this quantity should represent almost the total of the Metafifi cottons in hydraulic bales, of deliverable classifications. The speculators who are at present holders of these cottons are, therefore, until the next crop, absolute masters of the market, and it does not appear doubtful that they will lose the power, which the defec- tive conditions of the Alexandrian market have allowed them, in order to secure themselves, without troubling themselves about the conside- rable damage they will cause cotton spinners in Egypt. That is a situation that should be put an end to in the interest of regular business, and it is with this aim that we put on record the following suggestion : — The delivery of steam-pressed bales shall at least be authorised under the same heading as cotton in bags. That the standard of cotton to be delivered against sales of contracts should be extended. That under the category of deliverable cottons, those of the cottons of Upper Egypt shall be brought, which can be assimilated to the cottons of the Delta, otherwise a penalty proportional to the difference in quality shall be stipulated. M. JuLiEN le Blanc added : We would urge the English Delegates to appeal to their Government to take steps to put an end to a specula- tion which is productive of a deplorable condition of affairs to the entire Egyptian branch of the cotton industry. Mr. E. Stansfield said that for Alexandria speculators to exclude pressed bales that could not be tendered against contracts was ridiculous. With regard to gambling, he thought outsiders should have nothing to do with the cotton trade except indirectly. Then there would be less gambling in cotton. Another point was, at present, if a person did not complete his sale of cotton on the stipulated date, a penalty of a halfpenny per pound was put on. That was unjust, and 40 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS should be abolished in the futures market. The real remedy, he thought, was to increase the area of production. When cotton was grown universally, such supplies would be available that no one could run up cotton from fivepence to ninepence. He hoped the British Cotton Growing Association would continue to advance, because its progress would be to the advantage of the whole world. Mr. J. R. Byrom (England) said he thought a great deal of in- equality would be done away with if the area from which their arbi- trators were drawn was increased. He did not believe they would ever get what they wanted in the case of arbitrations so long as in Liverpool no one was allowed to arbitrate unless he was a member of the Cotton Association. Why should not a spinner be called in to arbitrate between a merchant and a spinner ? To make the arbitrations fair was an important matter, and might be added to the suggestions they had had that afternoon. M. Ernst Lang (Switzerland) : I am informed by the firm of Mohr & Fenderl that, beginning with next season, Upper Egypt cotton will be ready for delivery on contracts for Egyptian cotton. This decision of the Alexandria Committee was taken on the initiative of M. Fenderl. Mr. Samuel S. Dale (United States) continued the discussion, and then read the following paper : — The cotton industry includes every operation from planting the seed to making the garment. All branches are bound together, and while one may for a time prosper at the expense of the other, in the long run all stand or fall together. It may be that our nearness to the cotton fields has made us realise a little more clearly the community of interest between planter and manufacturer, but the spinners of all countries have grown to look upon the cargoes of cotton that come to their mills as upon the rain that falls from the heavens. It is, however, the finished product of the planter, as yarn is that of the spinner ; cloth, that of the weaver. It is customary to ascribe the scarcity of cotton last year to a short supply, but the fact is, it was due rather to an excessive consumption by the mills. The spinners in all countries had gone on, year after year, building cotton mills without a thought of how they were to be supplied with cotton. A demand in excess of the supply sent cotton to 15 cents a pound, and prices as high or even higher will again result under like conditions. The remedy is, to use less or produce more. To use less means to stop civilisation. The only reasonable remedy is to produce more. How is this to be done ? Nothing is easier than to predict the limit of the American cotton crop, unless it is in being wrong in such predictions. A year ago it was predicted that America had reached her limit of production, but the Southern planter took off his coat, rolled up his sleeves and gave the THE PURCHASE OF COTTON 41 world more cotton last season than was grown in the whole world seven years ago. Instead of prophesying I want to call your attention to some facts. The cotton belt of the South has an area of 650,000 square miles, almost as large as France, Germany, and Austria- Hungary combined, and yet the area under cultivation is but one-third the size of Prussia. So far as is known, nature has created no better conditions for raising cotton than in the Southern States. There are vast tracts of rich land, the required amount of rainfall to water the ground, the proper amount of moisture in the air, and sunshine to give the light and heat required in the growing season. There may be a limit to the cotton raising possibilities of the South, but it is not yet in sight. All that is necessary is strong arms and willing hands to plant the seed and gather the crop. To the spinners of Europe it makes no diflference where their cotton is grown, so long as they get enough of it. As well in Texas as in Togo ; in Mississippi as in Madagascar ; in Louisiana as in Lagos. This thought of danger in a cotton supply from America, simply be- cause it is from America, is an economic fallacy. It may surprise you to know that Lancashire is nearer to Texas than is Massachusetts. Just before I left Boston the freight on cotton from Texas ports to Manchester Avas 95 cents per hundred, and to New England $1.00 to to $1.10 per hundred. Any material change in these conditions is made practically impossible by the greatest free trade document in existence, the Constitution of the United States, which forbids duties on exports. Labour is scarce in the South, but plentiful in Europe. The population of the entire cotton belt is but 15,000,000 less than that of Switzerland, Holland and Belgium. The great need of the South is more people. A million emigrants a year are leaving Europe for the United States, and yet not five thousand of them reach the South where labour is needed to supply Europe with cotton. They crowd into the already overcrowded cities of the North, when they might become prosperous and independent planters in the South. The bare statement of this condition points to the solution of the cotton problem. When the cotton spindles do not supply the looms you build more spinning mills. When the cotton fields do not supply the spindles the remedy lies in sending your surplus labour into the fields to raise cotton. It is the duty of cotton spinners to convert cotton into yam along the line of least resistance. You do this when you build a mill in the most favourable location, equip it with the most improved labour-saving machinery and processes, and run it at the highest efficiency. You buy in the cheapest market and sell in the dearest. When all that has been done you have discharged your responsibility to your stockholders, to society and to yourself. The same policy must be followed in the production of cotton, and the cotton producing capacity of the South is so far from exhaustion that efforts to promote cotton raising in other countries under unfavour- able conditions must be classed as experiments for the benefit of some remote posterity using cotton at thirty cents a pound. The cotton supply may be classed with the coal and iron supply as involving problems of direct concern to the consumer of the distant future. The burden of their investigation and solution should be borne by the State, not by the cotton trade of to-day. 42 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS The spinners of America have as much interest as those of Europe in promoting cotton cultivation in Africa, and in both cases the interest is too remote to be classed as practical. It may be worth while to experiment with the growing of cotton in unfavourable climates ; to introduce artificial irrigation ; to build rail- roads into the interior of Africa ; to distribute free seed and farming tools to the natives ; to hire experts to teach them how to till the soil ; to guarantee them a minimum price for their cotton ; to instal ginneries and presses ; to secure reduced freight rates from the steamship com- panies ; to spin the product separately into yarn and weave it into cloth to determine its commercial value, but let all these things be done as scientific experiments and the expense be borne by the State in behalf of a remote posterity, while the spinners supply their mills from the South where cotton is grown at the lowest cost. The fear sometimes expressed that the United States will use the entire American crop is wholly imaginary. With free trade in cotton, the world's cotton crop belongs to those who will pay the highest price. An increase of the supply benefits alike the spinners of Old England and New England, whether it comes from Carolina or anywhere else. Increasing the labour supply of the South will not only give the manufacturers plenty of good cotton, but it will also reduce the evils of speculation. The American spinner has the same interest as the European manufacturer in preventing violent and artificial fluctuations and the cornering of the supply. To eliminate speculation entirely is impossible. We are all speculators, and the cotton crop offers unex- celled opportunities for the exercise of the gambling instinct, which is part of human nature. The cotton crop is worth untold millions and the possibilities of gain from successful speculation are unlimited. The size of this crop is dependent upon a combination of many circumstances that vary from day to day, even from hour to hour. It depends on the approach of spring time, on the sunshine and the rainfall, on the ravages of insects and frosts in the fall, on the labour supply, the demand for goods, wars and rumours of wars, and until human nature is changed the cotton speculator will be with us. The evils of speculation can be prac- ticaly eliminated, however, by increasing the supply of cotton from the South, and Europeans have that remedy in their own hands. The warehousing of cotton has been proposed as a means of equalising the supply and the price of cotton. This plan has recently been worked out in detail by Mr. D. A. Tompkins, of Charlotte, S.C., a copy of whose circular on the subject I have here. The success of of such a plan depends upon the co-operation of the spinners, in gaining their confidence in the reliability of the certificate that may represent the quantity and quality of cotton at some distant point, and it is for this reason that your careful consideration of the plan is desirable. A plan to improve the methods of marketing cotton would naturally include the improvement in packing it for market, and here again the interests of European and American spinners are alike. The Chairman then moved the adjournment of the sitting, which was at once agreed to. 43 THIRD DAY'S PROCEEDINGS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7th. Chairman: Baron COSTANZO CANTONI. The Congress resumed its sittings on Wednesday morning, June 7th, Baron Costanzo Canton i (Italy) presiding. The Chairman, after thanking the Congress for the honour paid to him by his selection to preside that day, said he wished to take that opportunity of saying that during the whole time, about three years, the English spinners and manufacturers and the English operatives had been suffering from the necessity of short time, he had felt the utmost sympathy with them. He congratulated the English spinners of American cotton on the improved conditions of business, and expressed the hope that the Egyptian section of the trade would soon be equally favoured. The Secretary (Mr. John Smethurst) read the Minutes of Tuesday's proceedings. The Minutes were adopted as read, on the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. J. Derbyshire (England). DAMP IN COTTON. Mr. H. W. Macalister read a paper on " Damp in Cotton," prepared by the Cotton Committee of the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners' Associations, as follows : — During comparatively recent years the minds of cotton spinners have been considerably exercised by the question of Damp in Cotton, but as long ago as January, 1889, we find that the United Cotton Spinners of that date passed the following resolution : — " That in conformity with the recommendation of the Damp in Cotton Committee, a levy be made upon the trade at the rate of sixpence per 1,000 spindles, for the purpose of carrying into a Court of Law some suitable case of excessive damp, and testing as to the right of Cotton Spinners to recover damages in such case." At the commencement of the current cotton season, so many serious complaints were brought before the Council of the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners' Associations, that a Cotton Committee was appointed to enquire into the subject, with a view to devising means to put a stop to this very serious evil. The following is a list of some of the more serious cases of excess moisture which have been examined and reported upon by the Man- chester Chamber of Commerce Testing House : — 44 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS Damp in Cotton. 1 2 8 Total moisture 13-25% 15-40% 11-43% Absolutely dry weight 86-75% 84-60% 88-57% Regain at 8^% 7-37% 7-19% 7-53% Correct invoice weight ... 94-12% 91-79% 96-10% Excess moisture ... 5-88% 8-21% 3-90^^ Total moisture 4 14-71% 5 15-00% 6 12-28% Absolutely dry weight 85-29% 85-00% 87-72% Regain at 8^% 7-25% 7-22% 7-45% Correct invoice weight ... 92-54% 92-22% 95-17% Excess moisture ... 7-46% 7-78% 4-83% 7 8 9 Total moisture 13-33% 10-60% 15-50% Absolutely dry weight 86-67% 89-40% 84-50% Regain at 8^% 7-36% 7-60% 7-18% Correct invoice weight ... 94-03% 97-00% 91-68% Excess moisture ... 5-97% 3-00% 8-32% A communication has also been received from a firm in Italy, through the Secretary of the Manchester Cotton Association, stating that a lot of 100 bales of American cotton imported via Genoa, which the seller's agent examined at the factory, contained over 12^% of moisture, some of the bales being found on opening to contain 50 lbs. and 60 lbs. of unmerchantable cotton. The following instance is one in which special care was taken to have an exhaustive examination and test made wholly under the care of the Manchester Testing House Officials. Their report is as follows : — Royal Exchange, Manchester, October, 1904. " In accordance with your instructions we visited your mill on the 19th inst., and weighed and sampled 42 bales of cotton. The samples were taken from the top, intermediate and middle parts of the bales, and were conveyed here in air-tight tins. Lot 1. Lot 2. Lot 3. 13 bales 14 bales 15 bales cwt. qr. lb. cwt. qr. lb. cwt. qr. lb. 54. 2. 20. 63. 3. 24. 69. 1. 26. Total moisture 13-30^o 12-50% 13-90% Absolutely dry weight... 86-70% 87-50% 87*00% Regain at 8^% 7-37% 7-43% 7.89% Correct invoice weight... 94-07% 94-93% 94-39% Excess moisture 5-93% 5-07% 5-61% Equal to a loss per bale in ex-\ ctss of a normal moisture L^„ «^ ,, ^. „„ ,. ^„ ^ .. of 8i% over absolute dry- 26-60 lbs. 24-69 lbs. 26-90 lbs- ness respectively of ...) an average of 26-07 lbs. per bale upon the net weight of the bales. DAMP IN COTTON 46 In addition to the above loss shown by the Testing House report it is only right to add that the loss in weight which took place in the gross weight of the cotton, viz. : — between the weight of the bales as weighed in Liverpool and the subsequent re-weight of the same bales by the Testing House Official (after making due allowance for bands removed, and samples taken out by the sellers when investigating the complaint) was 189 lbs. or 3-31 lbs. per bale." The allowance awarded by the arbitrators on this lot of cotton was 10 lbs. per bale, whereas the average loss to the spinner was as shown above, 26'07 lbs. per bale, according to the Testing House report, plus the loss in weight between the first and second weighings. Assuming the weight of a bale of American cotton to be 500 lbs. net, an excess of 5% moisture adds to the cost of the cotton to the spinner on 6d. per lb. ... -SlSd. per lb. 5d. „ ... •263d. „ 4d. „ ... •210d. „ At to-day's price, say, 4-50d.,an excess of 4%adds -ISTd. to the cost. 4-50d. „ 3% ,, •139d. „ 4-50d. „ 2% „ -Oeid. With the view of obtaining the assistance and co-operation of the Liverpool Cotton Association, the Federation Cotton Committee, on the 17th Nov. last, wailed upon the Directors of the Liverpool Cotton Association and laid before them for their consideration the serious loss which the trade was suffering by reason of excessive moisture, and also the fact that there was no method in use of scientifically assessing the amount of excessive moisture in cotton, and, further, that when cotton was found to be more than usually damp, the allowances made by arbitrators were in many cases totally inadequate to cover the actual loss. The Cotton Committee suggested that endeavours should be made to establish a scientific method of ascertaining the amount of excess over normal moisture, but the Directors of the Liverpool Cotton Association, in their reply, stated that their "Appeal Committee on Damp," after careful consideration, " are strongly confirmed in the opinion .... that the adoption of a scientific test for the adjustment of claims for damp was commercially impracticable ; . . . . that damp in cotton, excessive or otherwise, was caused by the weather, and that no human effort could control it." " They were also of opinion that no seller of cotton, in America or anywhere else, would submit to sell subject to a basis of claim which arbitrarily fixed the amount of moisture in cotton of various growths and crops." The Federation Cotton Committee, in their reply to the Liverpool Cotton Association, wrote that they could not seriously accept the conclusions placed before them, and stated that the object of the Federation Committee was not to obtain any arbitrary fixture of rules which might be unfair to sellers, but, on the contrary, to induce the Directors of the Liverpool Association to adopt regulations under which differences between sellers and buyers might be equitably adjusted, as the Committee was of opinion that sellers in America or elsewhere could not in fairness refuse to agree to rules which were equitable. They further contended that the present Liverpool Association Bye- Laws were not framed to deal equitably with the 46 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS question of internal moisture in bales of cotton; for instance, the Liverpool Cotton Association Bye-Law 25, Section 6, Sub-section F, reads as follows: — "If in the opinion of two qualified persons cotton turns out at time of delivery to be damp or wet, and if such arbitrators consider an allowance of at least 10 lbs. per bale of 480 lbs. average weight if American cotton to be due thereon (and this shall be the ratio in casesof damp occurring in growths other than American), the buyer shall have the option of closing the contract at the market price of the day, subject to the right of appeal by the seller." This forms the basis under which arbitrations for damp are con- ducted, and the Liverpool Appeal Committee have admitted that there have been cases of arbitration under this rule in which about 10 lbs. per bale should have been allowed, in which the allowances had not been sufficient, and the instance which we have above given (the Testing House report on 42 bales) is a case in point which confirms that conclusion. Bye-Law 25, Section 1, Sub-section 1 (a), reads: — "All cotton shall be warranted as represented," and we can hardly suppose that any seller whose cotton was ex- cessively damp in the bales would contend that the sample upon which he offered the cotton for sale could possibly represent excess moisture in the bale. In earlier years American cotton was fre- quently weighted, sometimes excessively, with sand, but this being a very apparent adulteration, which was usually represented in the selling sample, the buyer of spot cotton was able to protect himself and this method of adulteration has practically ceased. The rules of many of the American Cotton Exchanges deal spe- cifically with this malpractice, and their enforcement has no doubt contributed to this beneficial result. Excess moisture in cotton is only another means of adulteration — much more difficult to detect and to deal with — which equitable rules would eradicate. The Federation Cotton Committee suggested a further conference with the Liverpool Cotton Association, to discuss the question and the existing rules dealing with the subject of damp in cotton, to which they received a reply : — That "as the Directors of the Liverpool Cotton Association are absolutely convinced that the dampness in question is the result of atmospheric causes, which are beyond control, such fundamental divergence of opinion renders all discussions at present useless." We trust that the Liverpool Cotton Association, notwithstanding the strong opinion which its Directors have expressed as to the cause of excessive moisture, will take measures to institute enquiries on the subject, for the benefit of the section of the trade which it claims to represent. We have examined copies of the Rules of a number of American Cotton Exchanges, viz.: — those of Galveston, New Orleans, Memphis, Savannah, and it is most remarkable that, with the exception of the last-named, none of them appear to mention cotton "ginned while damp." DAMP IN COTTON 47 GALVESTON. Which under Rule 4, Allowances and Rejections, Section 1 reads : — " Seedy or fraudulently packed cotton shall be rejected." Defines mix-packed cotton, but makes no mention of cotton damp-packed or water-packed. Under Rule 10, Supervision and Inspection, Section 9 provides : — " That the Chief Supervisor and Inspector and his assistants shall keep a record of the weather ; also of the condition in which cotton is delivered to the various vessels. They shall also keep a record of the condition in which cotton is taken on board, in a wet or dry condition; and, if wet, they shall specify whether the same was received wet or became wet by being exposed to rain upon the levee or being rolled through the mud. They shall make daily reports embodying all particulars, which reports shall be kept on file, and shall be entered up in a book to be kept by the Chief Supervisor and Inspector." This only appears to refer to external damp, country damage. NEW ORLEANS. Spot Cotton, Weighing a7id Re -Weighing. Causes fov rejection. Rule 4 :— " The buyer shall have the right to reject all seedy or falsely packed or mixed-packed or re-baled cotton, unless it has been sold as such . . . . " Rule 16. Allowance fov wet or damp cotton : — " In all cases where wet or damp cotton is tendered for delivery and the weigher and re-weigher cannot agree as to the proper allowance to be made for the same, the buyer's re- weigher shall have the right to demand that such cotton shall not be weighed until it becomes dry." Spot Cotton. Rule 18 — Reclamations i Dealing with falsely P.O. B., Rule O, Sect. 2:— ) packed cotton. Reads — "Falsely or fraudulently packed cotton shall be defined as follows : — Such bales as may contain any foreign substance, water-packed bales, or bales containing damaged cotton in the interior, without any indication of such damage upon the exterior of the bale ; also such bales as are plated, t.f*, composed of good cotton upon the exterior and decidedly inferior cotton in the interior of the bales, in such manner as not to be detected without opening the same." Free on Board Rules. Rule N., Section 2 : — " The f.o.b. seller shall guarantee the gross landing weight to be within one per cent, of the gross invoice weight . . ." Levee (Quay) Inspection Rules. Daily Reports. Rule 4: — " The Chief Supervisor and Assistant Levee Inspectors shall keep a record of the weather, also of the condition in which cotton is delivered to the various vessels; they shall also 48 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS keep a record of the condition in which cotton is taken on board, specifying whether the same was taken on board in a wet or in a dry condition, and, if wet, they shall specify whether the same was received wet or became so by being exposed to rain upon the levee, or by being rolled through the mud . . . . " Skidding Receipts by Steamboats. Rule 6 : — "Steamers landing cotton (i.e. from interior points of shipment) on the levee beyond the wooden wharves shall be required to place the same upon skids, so as to prevent its coming in contact with mud or water, and it shall be the duty of the Chief Supervisor and of his Assistants to report all violations of this rule." Certificate of Cotton unfit for Shipment. Rule 11. " In any case where cotton has been taken on board of a vessel in condition unfit for shipment, any shipper by said vessel shall receive, if he so requires, a special certificate from the Exchange, setting forth the facts of the case; said certifi- cate to be verified by oath or affirmation of the Inspector in charge of said vessel. Shippers requiring special certifi- cates shall pay all expenses incurred under this rule." MEMPHIS COTTON EXCHANGE. Official Rules and Regulations governing the Sale and Transfer of Cotton in the Memphis Market, November 22nd, 1901. Rule 6 :— " All seedy, mixed, fraudulently packed and damaged cotton may be rejected. . . . " Rule 17 :— " All cotton that is stored by the factor on the streets, or not under roof cover, shall be required to be thoroughly pro- tected by tarpaulins and by the use of skids sufficiently large to protect the cotton from mud and water, and to allow of the passage of air underneath." SAVANNAH. General Rules. Rule 8 : — (a) : " In cotton tendered for delivery, buyers shall be entitled to reject, at their option, any bale which is light weight, gin cut, seedy, cock-spurry, mixed-packed, damp-packed, water-packed, damaged, or which contains any foreign substance, or is covered with bagging which could injure the cotton, or which is in unmerchantable order." (e): " Any bale containing cotton ginned ivhile damp, . . . . shall be deemed damp-packed." F.o.b. Rules. Rule 105 (a) :— " Cotton sold f.o.b. shall be sold cither or. class and ivcight guaranteed at port of discharge. . . ." COTTON BALE PRESS Steam Packer is shewn in dotted lines. I; r ;! i' '' I : "till :l ' DAMP IN COTTON 49 F.o.b. Rules. Rule 107 :— " When cotton is sold f.o.b. under terms of Rule 105 (a), it shall be considered as subject to arbitration in Liverpool or Bremen." F.o.b. Rules. Rule 113:— " In case of transactions under terms of Rule 105, paragraph A, . . . . the buyer is at liberty to ship the cotton .... to .... a European port, for weight settlement there .... if shipped to a port, then weights shall hold out within one (1) per cent, gross landing weight, against gross invoice weight, and in case the loss in weight on any lot exceeds two (2) per cent., as compared with invoice weight, the buyer shall be entitled to claim from the seller the loss in ocean freight, which the loss in weight in excess on one (1) per cent, may involve. Speaking generally, therefore, it will be seen that the buyer of cotton in the cities named, under the rules of the above Cotton Ex- changes, appears to be protected in the matter of external damp, country damage, etc. Only one, however, of these Exchanges specifi- cally refers in its rules to cotton ginned while damp, viz.. Savannah. Evidence has, however, lately come before us that this question of excessive moisture in cotton is beginning to impress itself upon the minds of business men in the cotton-producing States, for the following circular has been issued by the Little Rock (Arkansas) Board of Trade, on the subject : — COPY.] LITTLE ROCK BOARD OF TRADE. Important Notice. Little Rock, Ark., October 10th, 1904. To the Cotton Growers, Ginners and Shippers. " Though it is yet early in the season, the cotton buyers of Little Rock, and those in Little Rock Territory, are confronted by conditions that require proper, prompt and energetic action. In the face of an excessively dry September, there are numer- ous complaints as to the dampness of cotton and the heavy loss in weight. Many bales have been received here by buyers that were water-packed or steam-packed. In one instance an entire carload has been rejected for this cause, and the cotton is in an un- merchantable condition. One expert ginner, who is using steam press and steam tramper, explains that by slight carelessness the steam might escape, and thus dampen the cotton in the box. Whether this be so, or whether water or steam is allowed to enter into the bale intentionally or unintentionally, the fact remains that such cotton is improperly baled and liable to damage, and even when not damaged will shrink in weight. The innocent purchaser is paying for water and should be protected. The cotton, upon arrival in Little Rock, is weighed and inspected by expert and trustworthy weighers, and the Little Rock buyers make claim for loss in weight a^d irregularities on the parties they buy from. 50 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS In placing these facts before you, we desire to ask your co- operation in assisting us to remedy this evil. To the credit of our State, there has been a gradual diminution in the matter of false packing of cotton and other irregularities. Arkansas cotton enjoys a higli reputation in the markets of the world, and we ask every one interested in the cotton trade, from the grower to the exporter, to exert his influence in furnishing straight packages and proper weights to the spinners, thereby building up not only the cotton- growing industries of the State, but protecting its good name. We desire to call your attention to Rules 6, 13, 14 and 15, of the Little Rock Board of Trade, governing the sale and transfer of cotton, which are as follows : — Rule 6. — All seedy, mixed, fraudulently packed and damaged cotton may be rejected, and cotton sold by samples must be delivered accordingly, unless rejected for causes above stated. Rule 13. — All f.o.b. cotton for shipment to Little Rock is to be weighed as soon as practicable after its arrival, and in case of any discrepancies between invoice weight and re- weights, the shipper is to be furnished promptly with statements of any such discrepancies, for which he is liable. However, the seller has the right to have the cotton weighed at his own expense within forty-eight hours from the time claim is made. Rule 14. — Country damaged cotton, i.e., cotton damaged by water, mud, or any way unmerchantable or in bad con- dition, will be put in order at the expense of the shipper. Rule 15. — Where transactions in round lots are made, without reference to samples, the buyer has the right to reject all fraudulently packed cotton, in the same manner as des- cribed in Rule 6. These rules are practically the same as are in vogue in all the larger cotton markets of the world, and will be strictly adhered to by the members of the Little Rock Board of Trade." As further evidence of damp-packing, we find, curiously enough, that the manufacturers of the Thomas Gin Compress, of Little Rock, Arkansas, publish certain testimonials relating to their machinery, from which we give the following extracts : — Onoway Scott, Merchant and Planter. Scott, Ark., December 13th, 1904. Thomas Compress Co., Little Rock, Ark. Gentlemen, We have ginned 800 bales of cotton and pressed it with your Folder, and find a great improvement in it over the old steam packer, which let more or less water leak into the bales, and in your Folder this trouble is entirely done away zvitJi, and it also folds the cotton very nicely and saves labour and power Yours truly, W. E. Chapel, Manager. DAMP IN COTTON 51 H. McMuRRAY & Co., Cotton Buyers. Little Rock, Ark., December 14th, 1904. Dr. A. D. Thomas, Little Rock, Ark. Dear Sir, After seeing your Folder in operation, it gives me great pleasure to state that I consider it the best device on the market for putting cotton into the press box. From a cotton buyer's standpoint, I especiaHy recommend the use of your Folder, from the fact that it does away with all possibility of water-packed cotton, which is frequently the case where the cotton is put into the box by a steam tramper Wishing you the greatest success, I am. Yours very truly, W. H. McMuRRAY. Little Rock Board of Trade. Little Rock, Ark., December 14th, 1904. To whom it may concern. I have made a personal inspection of the Thomas Cotton Press Folder while in operation, and cheerfully recommend its use as a labour-saving machine, as well as for its many other advantages in the making of a better commercial bale, avoiding moisture and steam tn the baling. Respectfully, Ad. Hamburg, Chairman of the Board of Trade Cotton Committee. T. H. Hutchinson, Cotton. Little Rock, Ark., December 14th, 1904. Dr. A. D. Thomas, Little Rock, Ark. Dear Sir, I have been watching the development of your Folder for putting cotton in the press box from the time you commenced on your first machine. . . . Being in the cotton business myself, I can see a great saving of money and annoyance to all cotton buyers, from the fact that there is no danger of water-packed cotton where your machine is used, tvhich is frequently the case where steam cylinders are used for putting the cotton into the press box Yours very truly, T. H. Hutchinson. Cotton can only be passed through the gin when in a compara- tively dry condition, as if too damp the fibres collect upon the saws, and frequent fires then occur from friction. A correspondent writes us as follows : — " Referring to the circular issued by the Little Rock Board of Trade. l\Iy personal observation confirmed the need of such a 52 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS circular, as the steam tramper, as used in gin houses, is un- doubtedly a constant source of added moisture before the bale is pressed, depending, of course, upon the good or bad condition of the stuffing box." Mr. Christopher P. Brookes, of New Bedford, Mass., in a paper read before the New England Manufacturers' Association, last Septem- ber, quotes the result of some tests for moisture in cotton made by Mr. Rowland some years ago, which is given below: — North American, Percentage of Moisture, Variety of Cotton. Maximum. Minimum. Average. Texas 14-8 6-9 9-2 Orleans 9-9 7-8 9-7 Memphis 9-8 71 9-4 Sea Island 9-9 7-4 9-6 Savannah 16-2 10-7 18-8 Norfolk 10-3 8-4 9-4 Florida 8-9 South American. 7-2 8-7 Maceio 8-1 8-1 Paraiba 8-3 8-3 Brazil 11-8 7-3 9-5 Peru 9-8 Egyptian. 7-5 91 Ashmouni 9-5 6-8 8-4 Gallini 10-8 7-1 9-3 Brown 8-7 Indian. 7-8 8-3 Surat 7-7 6-2 7-5 Dhollerah 8-1 6-4 70 Bengal 8-2 8-2 Tinnivelly 7-9 7-9 We think these figures will probably fairly represent the ex- perience of consumers of cotton at the present time. Many spinners here have no doubt found by experience that the cotton which loses most weight comes from the Eastern Cotton States. We think that no stronger evidence could be produced for the necessity, on the part of all Cotton Exchanges, to establish rules which will act as a deterrent to the damp-packing of cotton. In other trades, notably in those of wool, silk and wood pulp, it has become an established custom to buy and sell those commodities upon an agreed-upon standard of moisture, and we see no insuperable difficulty to the establishment of a similar method of adjusting disputes in cases of excessive moisture in raw cotton. In our opinion, however, the simplest plan in the first place is to root out the evil at its source, which appears from the above evidence to arise at the ginning presses, and this duty primarily falls upon the shoulders of local Exchanges throughout the cotton-producing States. We trust that the International Committee will exercise its powerful influence with the respective National Local Associations and Cotton DAMP IN COTTON 53 Exchanges which its members represent, to organise a code of Rules and Regulations which shall be equitable as between sellers and buyers, dealing specifically with the assessment of claims for excessive moisture in cotton, with the object of establishing their universal adoption. In order to assist in the accomplishment of this very desirable end, we think that the opinion of this Congress, strongly expressed, would carry very great influence with the authorities of the commercial centres referred to. Mr. Macalister proceeded: — As further evidence of what I have just read, I would like to read one or two extracts from a report given by a gentleman whose business it is to travel in America to sell machinery amongst ginners, and this is first hand. He is a gentleman who has nothing to do with spinning or buying or selling cotton, so that his report is practically unbiassed in every respect. " Farmers' carts are built to contain as nearly as may be sufficient seed cotton to make a bale of 500 lbs. of lint. . . . The farmer sees his seed cotton ginned, and the bale pressed and weighed, and after paying for the ginning, etc., takes his bale of cotton and his seed away with him. . . . Whatever weight the cart contains goes into one bale, consequently the bales of lint vary from 440 to 550 lbs., or thereabouts." I should here explain that the bales as made at the country ginneries are very lightly pressed. " The rule in the States is to press the bale at the gin house and bind it with cloth and hoops. The farmer takes the bale away in this half-pressed form, and when it suits him to dispose of the cotton he sells it to the dealer in town The dealer takes the half -pressed bale to the compress house, where it is compressed and stored until it is shipped to a port. These compresses are very powerful and turn out two bales a minute." Describing the usual method of packing cotton in the gin house he says : — " The cotton as it leaves the condenser is usually put into a box and rammed by the steam packer, a kind of steam hammer or ram, which squeezes the cotton from time to time, as it is dropped in from the condenser. (This steam packer, by the way, usually leaks at the stuffing box, and is a frequent cause of the complaints of wet cotton.) When the load of cotton which forms the bale is ginned and has come through the condenser into the packing box, the box with its load of cotton is turned round on the table (see diagram of packing press, p. 48), and comes under the steam or other press ; but, as stated above, these bales are only half pressed On seeing this steam packer I could understand 54 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS the complaints re damp packing, as the board below the ram was packed with wet matted cotton saturated with water (condensed steam) which had dropped from the steam packer above. . . . I drew their attention to this leakage, and they said it was very liable in all steam packers." Speaking of saw gins, he writes : — "If cotton (in the seed) is damp or wet, the production is unreliable, as the cotton, sticking between the saws and the ribs, heats and fires if not cleared every few minutes. When cotton (in the seed) is very damp, the saws are lubricated with petroleum to help to clear the brushes." I don't think you can have anything clearer than that to show how damp gets into cotton either intentionally or unintentionally. In regard to the question of arbitration, Mr. Macalister went on to explain that on the Appeal Committee of the Liverpool Cotton Associa- tion the spinner was practically unrepresented, and so from the spinner's point of view they felt that they were not fairly represented in Liver- pool. Although a spinner was entitled to become a member of the Liverpool Cotton Exchange, he was only entitled on condition that he was not blackballed, and, unfortunately, he was often blackballed. Spinners knew from their own experience at the mills, where they had seen many thousands of bales opened, that there was added water in every bale. The Chairman said they were greatly indebted to Mr. Macalister for the information he had given them. The subject was one of the greatest importance to spinners, and formed one of the many grievances with which they had to contend in providing their mills with cotton. It was worthy of much consideration, and gentlemen present ought to express their views upon it, and see what could be done to remedy the present state of things. He proceeded to give instances of the trouble experienced by spinners in Italy from this cause, and of the unsatisfactory results which followed from having to send samples of damp cotton to Liverpool for arbitration. He suggested that the question was one which ought to be dealt with by the International Committee, and asked for expressions of opinion from other continental members. Herr Ferd. Gross : As long as we are contented with the argument that no human endeavour can control the damp in cotton we cannot make any progress whatever. We are very much indebted for the valuable material which Mr. Macalister has collected. Is it not possible to have the other matter which Mr. Macalister has got together, DAMP IN COTTON 55 and which is not included in his paper as we have it, also published? We ought to get as much evidence together as possible to solve this question, and to request the Cotton Exchanges to abolish this abso- lutely justifiable grievance. We always get the answer from the Committees of the Cotton Exchanges that it is not possible to reduce this damp in cotton. If we have at our disposal the material and the arguments which Mr, Macalister has to-day furnished, I think we shall induce the Cotton Exchanges to rectify this grievance. Herr Kuffler (Austria) said they had had difficulties in the matter in his country. He explained the system adopted on the Bremen Cotton Exchange for dealing with the matter. Spinners were repre- sented on that Exchange, and they had gone into the question of humidity in cotton very thoroughly, and had held long discussions upon it with cotton merchants. He pointed out that seven spinners were Directors of the Bremen Cotton Exchange, whereas there were none on the Liverpool Exchange. Often enough, when the spinning members of the Bremen Exchange suggested something for the benefit of spinners, they were met with the objection that it could not be granted as Liverpool would not grant it, and therefore Bremen could not. Liverpool Avas a handicap to them. Mr. J. R. Byrom (England) said that the whole question of damp in cotton should be gone into and decided very carefully upon a scientific basis. M. C. Berger (France) spoke of the position of affairs in France with regard to the subject at issue. Mr. J. T. Dawson (England), as a bleacher and dyer, as well as being engaged in the cotton trade, gave it as his experience which went back forty years, that there was no excessive damp in cotton except where sufficient time between the picking of the cotton and its being ginned and baled had not been allowed to elapse for the natural evaporation in the cotton to have taken place. He had no doubt that many of the complaints of damp this season arose from the fact that a few people were anxious to get the new crop in September. In consequence there had not been time for the natural evaporation of the moisture to take place previous to its being ginned and baled. The fact that there had been few complaints concerning the later deliveries supported his con- tention. His experience of cotton from different countries was that it varied very materially in the amount of moisture even when the cotton was considered to be in a reasonable condition. Mr. J. M. Thomas did not think they would do any good until they 56 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS had absolutely independent men to settle disputes, both in Liverpool and on the Continent. There would be no real remedy for excessive moisture, or anything else, as long as the question had ultimately to go back to an interested party to settle disputes. The Chairman agreed that so long as one side had it all their own way, they would never have any proper dealing with the matter. He did not think they could press this point too strongly. Herr Ferd. Gross : I should like to add a few words to what I have already said regarding this position. We have had some very gratifying experiences on the Bremen Cotton Exchange, in consequence of the influence which the spinners have on the Board of that Institution. I have been for many years a member of the Board of the Bremen Cotton Exchange, and I can assure you that, although we spinners are in a minority as regards the number, we are not in a minority as regards the influence we exert. We have always found the people there ready and willing to deal with reasonable grievances. I can only point out that such a state of things is most satisfactory, and in some cases it is of great importance to us, especially in cases of differences regarding contracts. In such cases the settlement is referred to a court of arbitration. After this court of arbitration a court of appeal settles the difference definitely. This court decides how the rules have to be applied. Spinners are always called upon to act as judges in this court in conjunction with dealers, and I may say that, in important cases, the opinion of the spinners has a very great influence in the framing of the judgment. We would like cotton to be dealt with ac- cording to the same rules on all the Exchanges. In Bremen the Committee would often introduce an improvement if it were not for Liverpool. I would, therefore, suggest that you can, at least in this one instance, learn something from us. I should think that the English spinners with more than 40 million spindles could exercise a greater influence on the Liverpool Exchange than we with a much smaller number. Dr. Hellmann, Mr. A. Dearnaley, and Mr. Derbyshire con- tinued the discussion, the purport of these remarks being that Cotton Exchanges should be urged to give spinners more favourable conditions for the conduct of arbitration in cases of damp in cotton than those at present existing. The experience of the Continental members in regard to humidity in cotton was similar to that of the English spinners. After the discussion the matter was left with the International Committee, with a view to the preparation of a resolution to be submitted to a future meeting of the Congress. DAMP IN COTTON 57 Mr. Macara said he was sure the discussion that morning would be of immense benefit to the trade. His experience had been that if they wished to remove any grievance, the best thing they could do was to expose that grievance. He thought that the work that Mr, Mac- alister and his committee had done could not be estimated too highly. The 'paper would certainly be included in the report of the Congress, together with the synopsis of the discussion which had taken place upon it. The Chairman said he had not troubled them with an address at the beginning of the meeting, but now that they had come to the end of their discussion he would like to say a few words with regard to a hobby of his. He would like to call the attention of English spinners to the evils which followed upon dealing and meddling with cotton futures. This subject was not down on their programme, but he thought it was well worth their consideration. The bulk of continental trade was done without touching futures at all, and it would be a great benefit to the whole cotton industry if every nation would conduct its business on similar lines. Last year, at Rome, he tried to impress upon Italian spinners how unfair it was to leave English people alone to fight against high prices in cotton, brought about by the gambling element, and he was sorry he could not persuade them to adopt short time, although in the long run it would have been to their advantage. He would like to indicate to English spinners that, if continental spinners were to try to obtain the adoption of the principle of short time, they would like in exchange that English spinners should consider very earnestly this question of cotton futures. As a means of suppressing this kind of speculation, he advocated no contracts for a longer period than three months. This might seem strange to English people, who had been in the habit of regulating their trade through the medium of futures for many years past ; but the plan he had suggested was one which in his opinion was well deserving their earnest attention. Herr John Syz (Switzerland) at this stage introduced the newly- appointed Secretary, Mr. Arno Schmidt. Mr. Schmidt would, he said, soon enter upon the duties of his office, giving to the International Federation all his time and energy. Mr. Schmidt, who was warmly received, thanked the Congress for the confidence bestowed upon him, and said he should do his best to give satisfaction. E 68 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS The Chairman : I express the sentiments of the Congress in bidding our new Secretary welcome to our Congress staff. Mr. J. L. Tattersall, referring to the protest uttered by the Chairman in regard to deaHng in futures, also urged the delegates to do everything in their power towards its discouragement. If they would only do so, the futures markets would become less and less, and in time would entirely disappear. Mr. J. Derbyshire expressed himself in full sympathy with the Chairman and Mr. Tattersall in this matter. Mr. Thomas pointed out that there was another side to the ques- tion. There was the case of manufacturers who had sold their pro- ductions a long while ahead, and had to protect themselves. After some further discussion the Congress adjourned. 59 FOURTH DAY'S PROCEEDINGS, THURSDAY, JUNE 8th. Chairman: Monsieur JEAN de HEMPTINNE. The fourth day's sitting was held in the Town Hall, Liverpool. In welcoming the Congress, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool (The Right Honourable John Lea) said: It is well that you should come to Liverpool on the question of cotton, because, I suppose, Liverpool owes its position very largely to cotton, and whilst Lan- cashire has a large share in the cotton trade of the world, Liverpool is to a very large extent the gateway of the cotton manufacturing districts. In the name of the municipality, I beg to assure you of a warm welcome to our city, and to this historic Mansion House. I believe there are in this Chamber representatives of ten foreign countries, but whatever the diflference of language I am sure we shall all be one at heart. We are brethren in two great causes. The first cause that has brought us here is business, but we have not brought simply business in our hands ; we have come with goodwill in our hearts, goodwill and friendship, not only to Liverpool and to those we meet in England, but amongst ourselves ; and the world is going to be better and brighter, and the goodwill between nations is going to be increased, by reason of these gatherings. Mr. Macara : Before we commence the business of the day I must, as the President of the Congress, thank the Lord Mayor of Liverpool for his very hearty welcome this morning. When the Lord ^layor of Liverpool heard of this Congress, he said he was most desirous that the great city of Liverpool should share with Manchester in the honour of receiving so many foreign delegates, and I can assure you that that offer was very cordially accepted. We appreciate to the fullest extent the warmth of the Lord Mayor's welcome, and it will be to everyone of us a pleasing remembrance that we have met in this historic building in connection with the deliberations of the Second International Cotton Congress. I beg to thank you, my Lord Mayor, on behalf of the Congress, for your great courtesy in receiving us to-day. The Lord Mayor, in reply, said : I thank you very much. I assure you of a warm appreciation of your acknowledgment of any 60 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS little service I have been able to render, and I also assure you it has been to me a great privilege to be associated with so important a gathering. M. Jean de Hemptinne then took the chair. In thanking the Congress for the honour conferred upon him by electing him President of that day's proceedings, he said : I wish to say one word — it is that the Belgian Cotton Association highly appreciates the results of the Zurich Congress, and of the services rendered by the International Committee. The Association will always endeavour to contribute to the success of the International Congrress. THE METRIC SYSTEM OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. Introduction of International Uniform Numbering of Yarns on the Basis of the Decimal Metric System. The following Paper was read by Herr Ferd. Gross (Germany) : — (A) — A History of the Endeavours that have been made previously for the purpose of introducing a uniform numheving of yarns. The efforts to establish a uniform system of numbering the spinnings of all kinds of vegetable or animal spinning materials have been continuous for a period of more than a quarter of a century. At the instigation of the Netheraustrian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in Vienna, an International Congress for the numbering of yarns was held during the Universal Exhibition, in Vienna, in the year 1873, at which delegates from Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia and Sweden attended. The discussions of this Congress lasted from the 7th till the 11th of July, 1873, and led to the following resolutions : — 1. The systems of numbering yarns actually in force hinder business and render it difficult. In consideration of the fact that yarns have now become an article of international trade, and that this trade becomes more perfect with every treaty of commerce, every net of railways, every new line of telegraph and every universal exhibition, it is in a high degree desirable that special efforts should be made to remove the noted obstacle. 2. It appears possible (after a carefully made selection of the units of weights and measures according to the nature of the spinning materials) to number all spinning materials on the basis of one and the same principle. THE METRIC SYSTEM 61 3. The metric principle appears to be the one best adapted to be taken as a uniform basis. The number of the yarn will be given by the number of metres contained in one gramme. 4. The length of the Hank will be fixed at 1000 metres for all species of yarns, with subdivisions of ten skeins at 100 metres. The Congress appointed a Permanent Committee, who had to consider specially which winding-length, and consequently which number of threads per skein, should be adopted for the various species of spinnings. This Committee published an official correspondence paper for the introduction of a uniform numbering of yarns (Correspondance officielle pour I'introduction du numerotage uniforme du fil). The year after the Vienna Congress, a Congress was held at Brussels, from the 21st to the 23rd September, 1874, in which sixty delegates from the principally interested States, as well as from England, took part. This Congress passed the following resolutions : — 1. The International Numbering of yarns shall be based upon the metric system. 2. The grade number of the spinning is determined by the number of metres of the yarn contained in one gramme, with the exception of raw or spun silk. 3. The length of the Hank is fixed at 1000 metres with decimal subdivisions, for all species of spinnings. 4. Any system of winder shall be legal that gives 1000 metres as unit of weight. 5. The numbering of raw and spun silk shall have 1000 metres as fixed unit of length, and the decigramme (100 milli- grammes) as unit for the variable weight. 6. In order, however, to take into account the customs of the trade of all countries carrying on silk manufacture, it shall be granted that the number be determined by weighing a length of thread of 500 metres in weight units of 50 milli- grammes. As will be seen, the Brussels Congress, acting in contradiction to the resolution of its predecessor, considered the question also, whether the metric numbering would render necessary an alteration of the existing system of winding. In this respect it was acknowledged that the numbering of yarns should remain independent from the winding system, and that any dimension of the winder should be allowed, provided that such dimension multiplied by the corresponding number of revolutions gave the length of 1000 metres for the hank. The Congress, therefore, did not reject any winder circumference that would be capable of giving the legal length of 1000 metres. This is important, as in the most considerable spinning industry, viz., that of cotton spinning, the usual winder dimension of 1^ yard = 1-37™ — gives for 73 revolutions the exact number of 100 metres within about one per thousand. Owing to this fortunate, although quite accidental circumstance, it is possible to consider the introduction of the metric numbering of yarns as being practicable without any alteration of the winding machine. 62 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS It is also of importance that the Brussels Congress should have departed from the principle laid down by the \^ienna Congress in regard to the classification of silk yarns, and that that principle was reversed, taking the metre and gramme as the bases, but increasing the number with the thickness of the yarn instead of with the fineness, as is the case with all other textiles. After the Brussels Congress, followed the Third International Congress for the numbering of yarns, which was held at Turin from the 12th to the 16th October, 1875. This Congress confirmed the work of the Brussels Congress by passing the following resolutions: — 1. The International Numbering of yarns shall be based upon the metric system. 2. The number of any yarn shall be determined by the number of metres of the same contained in one gramme, under reserve of the deviation for raw and spun silk, as set forth in paragraphs 6 and 7. 3. The recognised length of hank for all species of unwound yams shall be fixed at 1000 metres with decimal subdivisions. 4. Any system of winder shall be allowed that gives 1000 metres of yarn per hank. 6. The number of any yarn, whether twist, dyed or bleached, shall be determined, under reserve of contrary arrangement, by the number of metres contained in one gramme. 6. The number of raw or spun silk shall be expressed by the number of grammes which a thread of a length of 10,000 metres may weigh. 7. Tests shall be made on the basis of a unit of length of 500 metres, and the unit of weight of 50 milligrammes (half-decigram). 8. The legal basis of the numbering of the spinning is the conditioning, which, although facultative, may be required at any time. 9. The conditioning is effected after complete drying of the yarn without altering its nature, and the dry-weight is increased by a certain quantity or proportion. 10. The fixing of the Number is to take place in accordance with an exact method. The Congress also recommended the adoption of the dimension of the English winder of 1-37°', this being preferable to the others, and pointed out further a number of winders in use, the dimension of which fitted into the metric system. In conclusion, the Congress proposed certain standards for the conditioning of the various species of yarns, as, for instance, for cotton yarns an addition of 8i% at a temperature of 105° to 110°. The practical realisation of the decisions arrived at by the three Congresses mentioned above remained unachieved, in spite of the un- animity of the interested parties on the Continent. This fact caused a Fourth International Congress to be called together in Paris, on the 25th June, 1878. This was attended by upwards of 200 delegates, and at this Congress English delegates THE METRIC SYSTEM 63 were present. Official delegates had been sent by the Governments of Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland and Sweden. The Congress ratified all decisions of the previous three Congresses. It further considered it a special duty to request the French Government to call together an International Conference. The result was that the French Mmister of Commerce promised his co-operation, but this was of no avail owing to the notorious fact that England refused to introduce the metric system. The Paris Congress ex- pressed clearly the conviction that was steadily gaining strength, that success could not be achieved in bringing about the acceptance of the metric-decimal numbering of yarns by mere resolutions of con- gresses and voluntary agreement of the interested industries. The cause of this is the opposition of England to the introduction of the metric-decimal system in general, and its application to the spinning industry in particular. The continental spinners, although quite prepared to apply the gramme metric numbering of yarns, practically for its own sake, are to all intents compelled by the influence of England on the inter- national trade in yarns and by her preponderant contribution to the same, to conform to the English customs regarding winding, packing, numbering and ticketing of yarns. Independent action is made difficult for them, so long as the EngUsh spinning industry declines to accept the metric decimal numbering of yarns. The Paris Congress, therefore, took the view that the question could only be brought to a successful issue by an international agree- ment of the governments of all the States interested, such an agree- ment to be followed by corresponding legislation in the single States. On two points only can the result of the Paris Congress be described as satisfactory : — France, in her customs tariff and her treaties of commerce, fixed the duties on the various yarns according to the international system of numbering ; further, the spinners of combed yarns on the Continent and especially in Germany, introduced the international numbering of yarns. Otherwise, this Fourth Congress gave no practical result. After an interval of 22 years, it was again Paris that, during the Universal Exhibition of 1900, became the theatre of an imposing manifestation in furtherance of the introduction of a uniform number- ing of yarns. The Fourth International Congress held in Paris on September 3rd and 4th, 1900, at which there were official representatives specially appointed by the different governments, passed the following resolutions : — 1. For all textiles, under reserve of the following exceptions re- garding raw and opened silk, the number shall be expressed by the number of metres per gramme or kilometres per kilo- gramme. 2. For all species of wound spinnings the length of a Hank shall be 1000 metres, with decimal subdivision. 3. Any system of winding is allowed, provided it gives 1000 metres to the Hank. 64 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS 4. The number of all twists shall be determined by the number of metres per gramme, or kilometres per kilogramme, pro- vided there be no contrary arrangement. 5. The standard of raw and open silk shall be determined by the weight in half-decigrammes of a length of 450 metres. The tests shall be made with 20 skeins of 450 metres each, and the single results shall be entered in usual form. Furthermore, the test report or bulletin indicates by the name of "number" the weight of 10,000 metres in grammes. The test reports shall be drawn up in all countries accor- ding to the same sample. 6. The basis of the standard or numbering is the conditioning. 7. The conditioning shall be facultative, but it shall be obliga- tory if one of the parties demands it. It shall be effected in complete dryness, without altering the composition of the yarn with the addition of the usual proportion {reprise) in accordance with the local custom. At the same time, the Congress expressed the wish that a diplo- matic conference might take place, in order to bring about an international agreement on the question of the uniformity of the numbering of yarns. In a further resolution, the Congress expressed the opinion that, after the publication of the laws and regulations passed by the pro- posed diplomatic conference, it shall be forbidden to introduce into those countries that have adopted the new system, any yarns which have been wound in a way rendered illegal by the action of the Conference. In conclusion, the Congress recommended that a respite of two years should be given, counted from the date of the publication of the respective laws, for the enforcing of such new legal measures. In the course of the discussion the following important points were specially mentioned : — The General Reporter maintained that the chief obstacle to the uniform numbering of yarns consisted in the refusal of England to adopt the metric-decimal system. Though he mentioned Eng- land, it would be more correct to say the English Government, since in business circles in England a growing willingness was evident in favour of adopting this system. On the other hand, Mr. Balfour had declared to a deputation from the United British Chambers of Commerce, that he did not consider the time ripe for the decision of this question, the education of the English people in the metric system of weights and measures not being sufficiently advanced. He added, moreover, that the numbering of the various species of spinnings was quite in order so far as English require- ments were concerned. The official representative of the German Empire stated that in Germany nearly all the parties interested had decided in favour of the international numbering of yarns, and the Legislature was furthering the practical introduction of such numbering. The opinions, however, were very much divided as to the advisability of putting into force the regulation of this question in the continental States, if England did not participate therein. THE METRIC SYSTEM 65 From tliis consideration the German Imperial Government had been unable to decide to take up a position in this complicated and important economic question. As soon as it appeared certain that England would be prepared to join an international agreement in this matter, then would a solution be near at hand for Germany. A regulation could only be brought about by an international agreement, for the Imperial Government had to take into consider- ation the interest of those industries which up till now were in the habit of buying English yarns in English numbering. The President of the Congress, an Austrian manufacturer, Herr Gustav v. Pacher, who occupied the chair at the Congresses in Turin, Brussels and Paris, in 1878, and had been prominently active in furtherance of the uniform numbering of yarns, made an interesting motion. In view of the fact that the English Government had persisted in its refusal, in spite of the wish of the English Chambers of Com- merce repeatedly expressed during the previous ten years, to introduce the metric-decimal system of weights and measures, Herr V. Pacher moved that for the time being no further effort should be made to obtain the participation of England, and that the pro- posed international conference should be restricted to those States which were in harmony with the programme of the Congress. A proposal should be made to those States to forbid their manu- facturers to number and wind their yarns in a different fashion from that prescribed by the resolutions of the Congress, and on the other hand to prohibit the introduction of yarns wound in any different manner. This, of course, did not imply that the introduc- tion of English yarns, as such, should be prohibited, but that ths English spinners should be compelled to number and wind those yarns intended for export in accordance with the metric system. By this means pressure would be brought to bear upon the English spinning industry to iirge its Government to introduce the metric system. This proposal found acceptance in that the Congress expressed a wish for legislation for the prevention of the import of such yarns that did not conform to the decisions of the Congress in regard to numbering. The explanations given to the Congress by the official repre- sentative of England were not such as to create any great hope that the decisions or resolutions of the Congress would soon be realised. He stated that England, with her duodecimal system, consumed by far the greatest part oif her yarn production, and that her colonies, as well as North America, were likewise adherents to that system. Besides, there was the fact that the English system of num- bering of yarns prevailed in the whole of the international yarn trade. Consequently, it was impossible to compel the spinners to use two different systems, since, even in those countries that have adopted the metric system, the spinners refused to accept the proposed alterations. The difficulties in the way were more considerable than was 66 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS supposed. Under the actual circumstances it was impossible to introduce in England the metric numbering of yarns. This was the unanimous opinion of the English spinners. They would prefer to maintain and retain the English system, which was understood in all the yarn markets of the world. He could not believe in the adoption of the proposed system. The Congress nominated a Permanent Commission, whose mandate has not yet run out. The ofifices of the Secretary are in Paris, Rue d'Uz^s No. 9. Nothing has, however, been made known to the public of the workings of the Commission. In the foregoing the endeavours to bring about a uniform num- bering of yarns have been stated and characterised in so far as they were made by the interested industries, and could claim to be of international importance. Besides these prominent organisations, similar endeavours were constantly made in smaller circles likewise interested. The German Congress of Commerce, i.e., the Union of the German Chambers of Commerce, proposed, in 1875, to the Federal Council of the German Empire, that a law should be passed em- bodying the resolutions of the Brussels Congress. In the same manner, the matter was taken up by the Central Union of German Manufacturers, by the Union of the Textile Manufacturers in Chemnitz, and by a number of German Chambers of Commerce, but without any tangible result. The furtherance of the movement, at least in Germany, sustained a severe check in that the desires of the spinning industry to base the duties on yarn upon the metric yarn number, or at least to adopt the international number along with the English number, was left out of account altogether in the framing and passing of the new German customs tariff of 1902, which forms the basis of the new German treaties of commerce. This was brought about by the agitation of the Union of German Yarn Consumers, which claims in the interest of the con- sumers of yarns, that the unification of the numbering of yarns should not be introduced without the direct participation of England. (B) — Advantages of the Reform and Opposition to the same. The most important advantage of the metric-decimal numbering of yarns consists in its being in harmony with that system of weights and measures, which, in consequence of its inward, natural — one might even say, organic advantages — has, with few exceptions, conquered the civilised world. Against it, the English systems cannot, in the long run, be upheld, although the well known conservatism of the English people might justify the fear that it will take a long time yet to educate the nation into the acceptance of the new system of measures. It seems, however, unfair to the continental spinners that, just in their branch of business, the only system of metric weights and measures known to everybody on the Continent, as well in business as also in private life, should not be allowed to come into practical use. The introduction of the metric-decimal system of the numbering of yarns does not result in this ideal advantage alone, but also in quite a number of practical improvements. These comprise all those THE METRIC SYSTEM 67 simplifications necessarily connected with the use of a system of numeration based upon a logical and organic mode of calculation, and of an order of weights and measures l)uilt thereon, which simplifi- cations are, for natural reasons, inherent to the decimal system, but, on the other hand, though likewise for natural reasons, are foreign to the English system. It is impossible to enumerate all these advantages. Nor are they such as could be estimated according to a mere tabulation. Nevertheless, they possess an extraordinary economic value. It is absurd and unfair that the Continent, which possesses the ideal of a most practical, and in itself most logical system of weights and measures, which system it applied in all spheres of human activity, whilst refusing to learn or know anything about the English pound at 453i grammes, nor about the English yard at 0-91 metre, nor about any duodecimal division of figures and system of reckoning ; it is absurd, we repeat, that the Continent should be compelled to use just in the yarn and twist trade, these old-fashioned systems which it generally cannot ev^en examine. The consequence of this is that, through reduction of the original number of threads, or through the shortening of the dimension of the winder, falsifications of quantities have crept in, an abuse that would be removed at one fell swoop by the international legal introduction of the metric system. The further practical advantages mentioned in the international discussions would be, that a high degree of simplification would be obtained in the formulas of calculations required by the increasingly scientific technicalities of the process of yarn production, which simplifications would likewise lighten the task of the master spinner. '■ The weaver who uses mixed spinnings must likewise know thoroughly all possible numberings of yarns. In many branches of the yarn trade the result would be greater facilities and economies in handling business. According to the opinion of the writer, it would be necessary that a reform should be thought out thoroughly and in all details right from the beginning. The dimension of the winder now generally in use, of 1-5 yards, 1-37 metre, which gives for 73 revolutions 100 metres, should be allowed for a certain period of transition only, and, on the other hand, the general adoption of a winder with a dimension of 1"25 metres, giving an exact yarn length of 100 metres for 80 revolutions, should be advocated on principle. The equality of the dimension of the winder for all species of yarns is indeed no imperative requirement of the metric numbering of yarns, provided that the product of this dimension multiplied by the number of the revolutions gives the length of 100 metres per skein and therefore 1000 metres per hank, but the equality of the winder would be a great advantage in the practical application of the system, a great simplification and surety in its use. It is, therefore, desirable to strive in order to attain this equality. The objections to the introduction of the metric system are chiefly the following : — The continental, especially the German, yarn consumer, as also 68 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS the spinner, to a certain extent, state that the introduction of the metric-decimal numbering of yarns is opposed to their interests, at least so long as England does not adopt this system, or, what would be still better, does not make the metric-decimal measure and weight system generally obligatory. Unless an international agreement be made, binding all nations taking part in foreign trade, and more especially England, to introduce the new system, any movement on the part of a single State therein interested would be impossible. This standpoint was taken up in Germany especially by a great combination of spinners, the Verband Rheinisch-Westfalischer Baum- wollspinner, which partially influenced the position adopted by the German Government, inasmuch as the latter will certainly not pro- ceed in the question of the numbering of yarns without England in the first place. The following views were put forward above all others by the Association in question : — Also the circumstance, that in introducing the metrical system the importation of other yarns to Germany than those made up metrically should be forbidden, whilst, however, for purposes of export, the making up of yarns according to other systems should be allowed, cannot warrant any movement without England. The spinner, as a rule, does not himself export ; the dealers, dyers, etc., do this, and give orders for whole lots to the spinners and take out of same what they want, whether for home consumption or for export. If England adheres to her system, the German spinner must arrange for delivering yarn in both ways of making-up. Hence arises the necessity of holding stocks and making such arrangements as to machinery, that the latter shall be in a position to provide for the entire production, both in English and in metric numbering. The spinners, therefore, would require a complete double arrange- ment for reeling and bundles, which, in many instances, for reasons connected with space and other matters, is impossible. In the German spinning mills, English machines, moreover, are principally in use, which in all parts are calculated, constructed and made according to the English system. Besides this, the work in German spinning mills is so complicated, that the spinner cannot adopt two systems of making-up and numbering for his yarn, especially as a German spinner does not spin, as in the case with the English spinner, only one, but, in most instances, very many counts. Further, in the metric system far more numbers come under consideration, within the same limits of fineness, than is the case in the English system. These reasons are certainly not without weight, because they tend to prove that the adoption side by side of two different systems of numbering is impracticable. The entire reform will, therefore, prac- tically depend upon the fact whether the opposition of England to the introduction of the metric-decimal system of numbering yarns can be overcome. Should this not be possible, the combined endeavours of the con- tinental spinners will no doubt be directed first of all, as was already brought forward in the Paris Congress, of 1900, to make the metric yarn system obligatory in their countries, and to forbid by law the sale of yarns made up according to any other numbering. This THE METRIC SYSTEM G9 would assuredly mean such a serious disturbance to English spinners in their business arrangements, that the demand for the legal intro- duction of the metrical system in England also would soon become irresistible. The question will be asked, whether the introduction of the metrical yarn system in England is possible, for which purpose an understanding between the interested parties would, alone, certainly not be sufficient, but rather, to have proper eflect, a special Act of Parliament will be necessary, before the greater and more important question is solved in that country, namely, that England shall give up altogether its present out-of-date system of weights and measures, and adopt the metric form of weights and measures. Efforts to this end have now for a long time been made, and above all in industrial and commercial circles. In connection therewith, the Union of Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom adopted on the 15th of March, 1899, in London, the following : — " In view of the time wasted in teaching a system of weights and measures which, according to the First Lord of the Treasury, is 'arbitrary, perverse, and utterly irrational,' and in the opinion of H.INI. Consuls is responsible for great injury to British trade, this Association urges Her Majesty's Government to introduce into, and endeavour to carry through Parliariient as speedily as possible, a Bill providing that the use of the metric system of weights and measures shall be compulsory in this country within a period of not more than two years from the passing of the Bill, and suggests that meanwhile the system should be adopted in all specifications for government contracts. That a copy of this resolution be sub- mitted to the President of the Board of Trade, and the First Lord of the Treasury." This statement has since that time been repeated every year in a more or less energetic form. For instance, the Fourth Congress of Chambers of Commerce of the British Dominions expressed itself in London, on the 28th June, 1900, on this matter, as follows : — " That this Congress is of opinion that the metric system of weights and measures should, as recommended by a Select Com- mittee of Parliament in 1895, be legalised in all parts of the Empire (excepting India) for all purposes, and after a period of two years be everywhere rendered compulsory by Act or Ordinance ; and that meanwhile the system should be thoroughly taught in all public elementary schools as a necessary branch of arithmetic, and that copies of this resolution be sent to Her Majesty's Government, and her representatives in the colonies, with the request that they will give immediate and full effect to the proposals contained therein." In the year 1902, the Union of Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom expressed itself by 46 against 13 votes to be of the opinion that, considered from the standpoint of the British trade, the obligatory introduction of the metric system of weights and measures has become an unavoidable necessity. Again, in 1903 and 1904, the same opinions were expressed and the English Government was urged to immediately take steps to get the measure through both Houses of Parliament. INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS The English Government appears, indeed, more and more dis- posed to abate its previous decided opposition, and in the near future it will be obliged to lend its aid to the obligatory introduction of the metric system of weights and measures into England as well. (C) — Bases for the Treatment of the subject by the International Federation of Cotton Spinners and Weavers. The work of the International Federation can, according to the points brought forward, only be limited to smoothing the way for the introduction of the international numbering of yarn, especially in England. There is all the more opportunity for this because the English spinning industry participates in a prominent manner in the formation and labours of this Federation, and because it, through its English members, stands in an extraordinarily favourable position for promoting and pressing in the strongest and most effective manner the agreement for the new system, and for the introduction of the metric mode of weights and measures in England generally. Before the International Committee engages in any further work, it will be advisable that it shall enquire in the most careful manner possible into the feelings and opinions of the English spinning trade. Should it transpire that the said industry, or, at any rate, an over- whelming majority thereof, is disposed to accept the new system, the way would thus be firmly laid for an international understanding respecting the introduction of the metric numbering of yarns, and the International Federation would have achieved the fine and great result of having obtained what so many important international organisations had previously striven after in vain. It might likewise prove to be necessary and advisable, before taking in hand any work whatsoever, to make careful enquiries in official English circles as to the prospects existing at the time for the legal obligatory introduction of metric weights and measures into England. Should it be found, after the steps proposed have been taken, that in the English spinning trade an inclination exists to introduce the metric system of numbering, or that there are prospects of the legal realisation of the metric system of weights and measures in England, the following important consideration will have to be taken into account respecting the different labours to be then undertaken by the International Federation. Up to the present time the endeavour to base the numbering of yarns on one uniform system has not been limited to the cotton industry alone, but has been extended generally to all branches of the spinning industry. It will be questioned whether the International Federation, which really only represents the interests of cotton industry, shall and will be allowed to break the continuity and consequent progress of international efforts towards the uniform system of numbering, by occupying itself with one single section of the labours of previous Congresses, that of the cotton industry, and limiting itself exclusively to the furthering of our object for this special, although most impor- tant branch of textile industry. It will become a matter for further consideration, whetlier the International Federation should not take up the question of the numbering of yarns on the basis of the very THE METRIC SYSTEM 71 valuable results attained by the previous Congresses for all branches of textile industry, and include amongst those of its members to which it shall assign the treatment of the question of the numbering of yarn, members of other branches of textile industry, in order to continue in this way, to a certain extent, as a legal successor of the previous in- ternational congresses, the whole of the labours of the latter, and allow all branches of textile industry to participate in the advantages of a uniform system of numbering. The International Committee can only be recommended to take up a definite position in the question of the uniform numbering of yarn in the appointment of a special commission for the advancement of this question, when the aforementioned important preliminary questions have been solved. The Metric Sy stein: Would its universal adoption be advantageous to the Cotton Trade or otherwise? The following Paper was read by Mr. John R. Byrom (England) : — Permit me at the outset to thank Herr Gross for the admi- rable resume he has given to the Congress of the history of the efforts which have so far been made to bring about a universal system of numbering yarns; and if I cannot agree with all his conclusions, I trust my remarks will not be translated in any spirit of antagonism, as it would be quite subversive of the aims and intentions of this Congress if either this or any other subject should be approached in, or give rise to, any feeling of national jealousy. On the other hand, I sincerely hope that our successive meetings may be the means of bringing us nearer to each other, and of demonstrating that we have so many interests in common, that it would be the extreme of folly to disagree. Further, let me say once for all, that I do not wish to quarrel with the metric system, much less with a decimal system ; each has its own peculiar uses and advantages, but what this Congress desires to arrive at is the best and simplest system for the necessities of our trade. I take it we all agree that a uniform system of numbering yarns is desirable from an international standpoint, and this desire will become stronger as the nations get closer together. But the question is: Which system? I reply by asking: Which system now holds the field ? There can only be one answer: It is the English yard and pound, and the hank of 840 yards, which is known and recognised throughout the world, and which, notwithstanding legal enactments and conventions, still reigns supreme. It is over a century since the metric system was first made com- pulsory by law in France, and yet quite recently a French manufacturer had to submit to a considerable claim for cloth exported to a French 72 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS colony, because it was folded in metres and not in English yards. The metre was there, but the yard was there before it. I need not, however, go beyond the paper we have just heard read for proof of my position. Witness the stand taken by the "great combination of spinners, the Verband Rheinisch-Westfalischer Baum- wollspinner," as quoted by my friend, and also the action of the German Government in still insisting upon the retention of the English counts of yarn for their revised tariff. We do not claim perfection for the English system, but the merits of the yard and the pound are such as to command the assent and use of them by a far greater number of people than are using the metre and the gramme. I must, therefore, most respectfully beg to differ from the position taken up in the first paragraph of Section B. The metric system may, and does, afford facilities for many purposes, but /(?;' o;/;' z^mi^ there are no "inward, natural, or organic advantages" to be found in the metre or gramme, which are not equally found in the yard and the pound ; and as to the metric system having conquered the civilised world, it does not appear from the paper now under discussion, to have been finally victorious in any part of it, I grant that many governments have made it legal, our own amongst them, but in how many of these countries does its in- fluence or use extend beyond the port of entry ? Take Germany as an illustration of a country not yet conquered, and here we must always remember that previous to the federation of the German States, almost every large town had its own system, and any one system was better for a United Empire than a multiplicity of systems. The success of the kilogramme especially was greatly facilitated by the fact that the Zollverein pound coincided exactly with the half-kilo, so that it became a change of name only ; and yet when we turn to the standards of measure, we find that there are still in use, in various parts of the country, nine different "ells" in addition to the EngUsh yard and the metre. These ells are divided into inches, an inch varying from ^^ to /g of an ell. Such extraordinary ratios as the following are still in use : — The Prussian ell, 25|- inches ; the Wiirttemberg ell, 34|- inches; the Vienna ell, 29^ inches. In proof of this I refer you to a book, of which the last, or third edition was published in 1901, by Friedrich Frowein, entitled " Kalkulator fiir Artikel der Textil- branche." Indeed we have only to consult the various text books of the Continent to find that so far from the introduction of the metre having simplified the various processes of manufacture, it has merely added one more to the babel of standards already in use. Neither years, nor centuries of years, will be sufficient to reduce the world to a dead level. We do not attempt to measure the ocean in " minims," that standard is left to the apothecary, who does not wish to poison his customers ; and whilst the astronomer may be allowed to give us the weight of the sun in kilogrammes, we may safely leave the jeweller to his " carat." I now come to the hardship complained of by our friend. "It seems unfair to continental spinners," says he, "that just in their branch of business the only system of metric weights and measures known to everybody on the Continent, as well in business as also in private life, should not be allowed to come into practical use." Again, he says, " It is absurd and unfair that the Continent should be com- THE METRIC SYSTEM 78 pelled to use just in the yarn and twist trade, these old-fashioned systems which it generally cannot even examine." But in another place he admits that " in German spinning mills, English machines are princi- pally in use, which in all their parts are calculated, constructed and made according to the English system," and also it seems these very spinners refuse to adopt a new system alongside the old one, and, I should say, very properly so. Think of it ! Not only are these machines in Germany " calculated, constructed and made according to the En- glish system," but so are all the machines in this country, in the United States, and Canada, and other colonies ; all the machines in India, in Japan, in China and Russia; and, we may add, all the machines in most other parts of the Continent itself. Where then comes the hardship ? Does it not arise with the advocates of the metric system who ask us to alter all our machinery ; to revolutionise all our industries, and to undertake the initiation of all our old customers, in civilised and uncivilised countries, the world over, into a new system of weights and measures ? Then as to the contention that it is England alone which stands in the way of this Utopia, and that it is "only just in the Cotton Spinning business where the metric-decimal system cannot be applied ; " what about the silk trade whose headquarters are in France, and with respect to which I notice that a different conclusion was arrived at in each of the five conventions. The most recent recommendation for that trade was not metric in the true sense, and none of the recommen- dations of the five conventions have been brought into practical use. Many other trades might be mentioned, but surely this one is sufficient to shew that it is not "England alone," nor " only just in the cotton spinning trade," that the difficulty arises. Then again, England is not so conservative that she cannot adopt a change when any advantage is to be derived by it. For example, take the action of Liverpool, perhaps the most conservative of our cities, in the adoption of decimals for cotton quotations, and also in discarding the use of the 1121b. cwt. in the weighing and invoicing of cotton. But, when this country is asked to adopt a new system of weights and measures, which adoption would involve all the other English- speaking countries — a system which it has been estimated would cost our engineers alone at least £100,000,000, and which in short would throw all our industries into confusion, surely it is prudence, and not mere conservatism which calls for a pause, and asks the question : For what reason make we this change, and what great benefit are we to gain ? This question brings me to notice the inducement promised. That the introduction of the metric-decimal system will result in " quite a number of practical improvements." I am sorry that Herr Gross did not proceed to point out in detail what some of these "practical improvements" consist of. On the other hand, my friend, Mr. Roberts, will shortly shew you that a very great many practical difficulties would at once be encountered. The hank of 840 yards and its relation to the pound, constituting the counts or number, is the basis on which every process throughout the mill is calculated, indeed it regulates every phase of the industry 74 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS from the cotton field to the retail counter, it is understood by all our workpeople, and forms the mode in which we think and speak. The denomination of yarn by the counts or numbers has been carried by our commerce into every part of the world, and to alter it would involve a complete revolution, both in our mills and markets, at home and abroad, and we utterly fail to see where we should be benefited. Calculations would not be simplified, but very much complicated ; our markets would not be increased, but more likely greatly restricted ; it would take generations to make the new system as familiar as the present, and meanwhile confusion would reign and our trade diminish. Coming now to section C, we join in the enquiry : How far can this International Federation act in this matter ? and I agree with the writer that " before the International Committee takes any further step, it will be advisable that it shall enquire in the most careful manner possible into the feelings and opinions of English spinners and manu- facturers." And here let me warn our continental friends not to be led away by the resolutions passed by Chambers of Commerce, nor even by the action of our House of Lords. In the latter case I may mention that the " Select Committee," which sat last year to take evidence on the Bill, did not call a single witness to represent the textile trades and allied industries. I would, however, ask them to make the most careful enquiries whilst in this country as to the prospects of England adopting the metric system, and I beg to assure them that anything we can do to help them to arrive at a true decision will be readily accorded. As to the feelings of English spinners, they will probably ascertain what these are w^ithout going outside this Congress. I also agree that if a " Universal Hank " is arrived at, it would be necessary to consult the other textile trades before embarking on any scheme. I am conscious that I have only very inadequately expressed my feelings as to the serious difficulties the proposed change would lead us into. Whatever be the result of the discussion, I sincerely hope that nothing will be done without the gravest and most careful consideration. We must not act in haste; there will be no leisure to repent. We begin by being unanimous in the belief that a universal system of yarn numbering would be advantageous from an international point of view, and I trust that if not of this Congress, then of some one of its successors, it will be recorded that we have finally solved the difficulty. A Cotton Cloth Manufacturer's Case against the Metric System. The following Paper was read by Mr. T. Roberts (England) : — I wish it to be thoroughly understood at the opening of my paper that I do not object to the metric system as a system, but in so far as the metre — on which is based the system we are con- sidering — and the derivatives of the metre, are incommensurable with THE METRIC SYSTEM 75 any of our English measurements, I have strong objections to it, and I will endeavour to point out how its introduction would detrimentally affect the trade or business of a cotton cloth manufacturer and the internal working of the weaving mill. The equivalents I have adopted in my calculations and com- parisons are those decided upon by an International Committee, which fixed the metre (the unit of length) at 39-;-i707904 inches, and the gramme (the unit of weight) at -00220462 lb. avoirdupois. The first point to be considered in cloth making is what we term the " counts " of the yarn to be used. Under the metric system the term would be changed to " Metre Numbers," or " Metre Numbering," and these metre numbers are arrived at as follows: — 1000 metres weighing 500 grammes = No. 1 Metre Numbers. This gives the formula : — 500 Grammes __ xt i — = Metre Numbers. Weight of 1000 Metres in Grammes Illustration : — If 1000 metres weigh 15-62 grammes, what are the Metre Numbers ? 15-62)500-00(32 468-6 31-40 31-24 Answer, 32's. I now draw your attention to a comparison of our English Counts with Metre Numbers. The change from one to the other is made by multiplying by a constant obtained as follows : — Metric System. 1000 Metres per 500 Grammes = Metre Number. or 1094 Yards „ 7716 Grains''' = Metre Number. *1 Gramme = 15432 Grains. English System. 840 Yards per 7000 Grains = Counts, or 1094 Yards „ 9117 Grains = Counts. Producing Weight of 1094 Yards | ^9^17 No. Is Counts . ~ , .. n-i c 1 Multiplier for converting Weight of 1094 Yards ] r-rj.n r^l^Z. xr^ ie KT.f.o M^o ='716 I Counts Metre Numbers to \ No. Is Metre Nos Weight of 1094 Yards 1 _ 7710 / No. Is Metre Nos. -''^'^ ( o volved in an indescribable confusion of weights and measures, and have concluded that the actual condition must be much worse, because it is the aim of every technical writer to simplify his explanation as much as possible. The only explanation from the Continent is that England is respon- sible. "If England would only change her system we on the Continent would have a metric uniformity." But would they ? Is the use of the English system responsible for the survival of thirty-five continental systems of numbering yarn based on non- English and non-metric units? Is England to blame for the medley of inches, ells and other standards in every continental country ? Now all this continental confusion prompts a question to which I invite your careful attention. If the Leipzig inch still persists in Saxony, the Vienna inch in Austria, the French inch in France, and innumerable other old standards of measure and weight all over the Continent, if the English system cannot be driven out of Germany, how can the entire English system, including yard, inch, pound, ounce, dram, grain, and yarn counts, be eradicated from every English-speaking country where it is now the single standard ? This Continental failure is not surprising. A person having learned to think or work by certain standards of length or weight will never learn to think and work as well by any other. The attempt to establish the metric system came in conflict not only with the inveterate habits of the individual, but with those habits immensely strengthened by being common to the whole community. Law is powerless to alter these habits. The individual will is impotent. There is not a textile mill owner on earth who can change the standards of his own mill. He can sell the plant or tear it down, discharge his employes and hire new ones, change the structure of his fabrics, but he cannot change the mill standards of length, area and weight on which the mill records are based and by which the mill operatives think. Compare the conditions under which failure has been so complete on the Continent with those under which the attempt must be made in English-speaking countries. Then, a rude industry of the household with not a power-spindle in operation at the start, plain, coarse fabrics, weights and measures of little importance, a diversity of standards causing confusion, a small area and a stationary population. Now, a complex factory system with 75,000,000 power-spindles in operation, complicated fabrics, accurate weighing and measuring essential in every process, a practical unification of standards on the yard-pound basis, a vast area and a rapidly increasing population. Then, everything was favourable to success ; now, everything is adverse. We are as much the slaves of habit as the French or the Ger- mans ; we dislike as much the changing to new ways of measuring and calculating. We pretend to no greater ability. We cannot succeed with everything adverse to success when they have failed with every- thing favourable. This is the conclusion of reason and common sense. Although the abolition of the English system is impossible, the metric system may be forced into English-speaking countries, pro- \ iding the right law, not too drastic to arouse the people, be enacted and executed. What then ? The chaos of multiple standards. We do not have to imagine it for we find a practical illustration in the present textile practice of continental Europe. I will not presume to I 2 130 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS tell you about your own mills, but will let a few unimpeachable wit- nesses from the Continent describe the continental chaos themselves: — Lamoitier, " Traite de Tissage " : " We shall further on study the counts of silk, cotton, linen, etc. We regret extremely these anomalies which obstruct business, lead to regrettable errors and wantonly complicate all calculations," Frowein, " Kalkulator fiir Artikel der Textilbranche," Barmen, Germany : " In an estimate of the cost of a cotton tape the reed is gauged by the number of dents per French line, the yarn counts in both warp and filling are English, based on the SiO-yard stan- dard. The picks of filling are given as so many per French inch. The weight of the warp yarn is calculated in vietvic grammes from the English counts, and extended at a price in marks per English pound. The length of the filling yarn is calculated per 100 metres of cloth from the picks per French inch, and the width in French lines. The weight of the filling in grammes is then calculated from the English yarn count, and the length in metres. This weight in grammes is then extended at a price in marhs per English pound.'" This state of chaos is what always results from a mixture of two systems of measurement. On the Continent it is due to the fact that the old and the English standards are different from the commercial standards of the people ; and it the metric system should become established in the textile industry of Great Britain and America, to the extent that the English and old standards are used on the Continent, we should be thrown into a similar confusion, only worse, because there would be more people, more work involved. We now have two points established, the impossibility of abolishing the English system, and the chaos that would result from a mixture of English and metric standards. There remains an examination of the merits and demerits of the two systems. I shall be brief, because the theoretical advantages of a system we cannot have as a single standard, and ought not to have as part of a multiple standard, are of no importance, no matter how great. The chief merit of any system of weights and measures is the extent to which it is used. Outside of France the English cotton yarn system is universal. The world has adopted the English system and deprived it of its local character. The English cotton count is German, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and American. A proposition to change it evokes protests as violent at Berlin as at London or Washington. Three years ago, when the German tariff was being framed, Kommerzienrat Miinch-Ferber declared before a committee of the Reichstag that to abandon the English system would be to throw the German weaving industry into heillose Verwivrung. Here is a card made in Germany for the German trade. On it are fourteen samples of cotton yarn numbered to indicate the sizes, and it bears the inscription " Die Nummernbezeichnung ist die englische." The standard of this card is the cotton standard of every country on earth except France, where a system based on five instead of ten is now used, enduring evidence of the revolt of the French people against the decimal despotism of 1793. Outside of France a number applied to cotton yarn indicates the number of 840-yard lengths per pound. 40's is the same in Shanghai, THE METRIC SYSTEM 181 Yokohama, Bombay, Leipzig, Barcelona, Milan, Moscow, Manila, Fall River and Manchester. No confusion, no chance of error or fraud. Germany is not the only country in which the English system has received the official as well as the popular sanction. It is the basis of the cotton yarn tariff schedules of Austria and Spain, while the triumph of popular usage over official regulation in Italy was thus submitted by Baron Cantoni, at Paris, in 1900: — "We find ourselves in the strange position that all our com- merce is based on the English system, while the Government has adopted the metric system for commercial treaties, statistics and the customs tariff." The English cotton system is supreme in the Orient. The textile schedules of the Japanese and Chinese tariffs are based on it, and we find the Chinese textile schedules translated into German and published with the English standards for the guidance of German manufacturers and exporters. The English system of weights and measures is not only the world's standard for cotton, but it is the leading standard in other industries. This, I know, is contrary to the metric assumption, but the facts pro\e it. We often hear of the many countries and the many hundreds of millions of people who have adopted the metric system, but these statements have little foundation in fact. The governments of many small States have adopted it for official business, but this official use has continued for generations with practically no effect on the customs of the people. I cannot now discuss this point in detail without going outside of the textile industry, but will content myself with citing the case of the Philippines, where it was made the official sj'stem in 1855. To-day it is nothing more. The Philippine people still use the old Spanish standards. Take the case of Manila hemp, which forms three-fourths of the Philippine exports. All this fibre is bought and sold in the Philippines by the old Spanish picul and arroha. The weight is reduced to kilogrammes for the purpose of assessing export duties in the custom houses, and then 95 per cent, of it is carried to Great Britain and the United States to be sold and spun by the English yard and pound. So far as I have been able to learn, the Philippine case is typical of the conditions in all the so-called metric countries outside of continental Europe. In the textile industry the metric system is used practically not at all, and outside of that industry it is a bureaucratic obstruction to business. Judged by the highest standard of excellence, the extent to which it is used, the English system stands without a rival. The chief claim for the metric system is that being decimal it facilitates calculations. Decimals are not confined to the metric system. With the English system, decimals can be used if wanted ; with the metric system they must be used whether wanted or not. The metric system of yarn counts based on 1000 metres per kilogramme facilitates the calculation of any one of the three factors, length, weight and yarn count, from the other tw^o. This calculation by the English system is more involved because the yarn count is based on 840 yards per pound, while the yard is divided into 36 inches and the pound into IG ounces, or 7000 grains. To state fairly this difference, which involves the chief if not the only advantage of the metric system over the English, it is necessary to call attention to certain useful relations of the English 182 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS standards, which reduce the apparent difference in this respect. Eight hundred and forty is divisible by every digit except 9. Being divisible by 7, we are able to find the count by dividing 1000 by the weight of 120 yards, or 100 by the weight of 12 yards in grammes. Multiplying the English count by -5 ^ gives a decimal count based on 100 yards per ounce, which facilitates the calculations of the ounces per yard. Di- viding the threads per inch in a woven fabric by the weight in grains of gi^ of a square yard gives the English cotton number. These relations of the English units still leave an advantage with the metric system for this class of calculations, but they reduce that advantage to very small proportions. For all other textile calculations there is little to choose between the English and metric systems. If any one thinks the metric system offers an advantage, let him make a series of calculations by both systems and compare the results. Such a course of experiments, and a careful study of French and German works on textile calculations, has convinced me that outside the advantage already mentioned, and which is a mere bagatelle, there is little to choose between the English and metric systems for textile calculations. As for the names of the metric units they are impossible. They were condemned by the men who invented them, but were forced on the French people by the will of Robespierre and his associates. No one uses them without change ; no one can. They are abbreviated, altered or abandoned for others. They are long, cumbersome and so near alike as to be easily confounded with each other. Exclusively decimal divisions of units are equally impossible. Suc- cessive halving is the natural division of the yard, pound or other units for many purposes. It gives us halves, quarters, eighths and sixteenths of a yard or pound. A slight modification of the process of halving gives us thirds, sixths and ninths. The human mind as now constituted will never abandon these easy subdivisions for decimals which are the most diiftcult divisions of all to make, and by which it is impossible to express a third, sixth, seventh or ninth. No matter what the basic unit may be, decimals fail to give standards that, judging by all human his- tory, supply a natural want. A glaring defect of the metric system is the lack of a unit approxi- mating the English inch. The fact that the Vienna, French, Leipzig, Berlin, Brabant and English inches are approximately the same is not* the result of blind chance. Note how well such a length is suited to the requirements of the textile industry. For gauging the set of textile fabrics the centimetre is too short, the decimetre is too long, while the inch answers this purpose perfectly. The French customs tariff speci- fies five centimetres for gauging the set, while the French weaver clings to the French inch and its binary divisions. Let me summon a French, a German and an Austrian witness to state this defect of the metric standard : — Dantzer, " Traite de Tissage," Lille : " When it is desired to determine the set with a fair degree of accuracy the length of several centimetres, five or six for example, is used." Donat, " Methodik der Bindungslehre," Reichenberg : " The threads in warp and filling are gauged by the number per deci- metre. The use of the centimetre is unsafe, because from one- half to one thread, even more in silk goods, may be easily overlooked." THE METRIC SYSTEM 183 Frowein, " Kalkulator fiir Textilbranche " : " The different widths of ribbon and tape often vary by one-quarter line, the millimetre being too long for this measurement. It is greatly to be regretted that we find here an obstacle to its use for expressing widths, and thus bringing it into use in commerce." Hermann Domig, " Die Materialbestimmungen," Greiz, Ger- many : " The set of a fabric is usually determined by the centi- metre, but this is unsafe. The shortness of the centimetre makes a fraction of a thread an important factor. It is best to count the threads not only for one centimetre, but at least for five and when possible ten. The number is then divided by ten or five, respec- tively, to obtain the threads in one centimetre." The general use of the half-kilogramme proves that the English pound, which it approximates, is a more convenient unit than the kilo- gramme. The ounce is preferable to the gramme for expressing weight of woven goods. The greater convenience of the English units is not a reason for surprise. The English standards were selected by the worker for his work ; the metric standards are the result of an arbitrary scheme devised without regard to the textile industry. If this comparison is fair, you are asking us to adopt a system of weights and measures that is inferior to the English system, which we have and which, with our language and common law, is one of our fundamental institutions. We do not deny that the English system is imperfect, but it is the better of the two. Your metric proposition reminds me of a non-partisan reformer in my country who once went to a party boss and asked that appointments to public office be made irrespective of party service, adding that both parties. Republicans and Democrats, were a pack of rascals. " Yes," replied the boss, " that may be, but these are our rascals." And so the plain American people will answer to this metric proposition. Our English weights and measures may be imperfect, but they are ours. This, my friends, is the line of reasoning that has led us to three conclusions : the impossibility of abolishing the English system, the chaos that would be caused by introducing the metric, and the superior- ity of the English. In a word, the metric system is both impossible and undesirable. Like conclusions in other branches of industry are reflected in votes of many technical and industrial associations of the United States, among which may be mentioned : The National Association of Manufacturers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Iron and Steel Association, National Association of Carriage Builders, National Association of Heating Engineers and Contractors, Engine Builders' Association of the United States, National Association of Builders, National Brick Manufacturers' Association, National Asso- ciation of Machine Tool Builders, Furniture Association of America, National Metal Trades' Association, Association of Railway Master Mechanics, Master Car Builders' Association, American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers, Providence Society of Mechanical Engineers, and Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. Not the least in the list of those who have bowed to the logic of the anti-metric facts is the Committee on Coinage, Weights and Mea- 134 INTERNATIONAL COTTON CONGRESS sures of our House of Representatives. Three years ago that Com- mittee reported a compulsory metric Bill favourably to the House by a vote of 16 to 2. Three months ago all but one of the same Committee were opposed to almost identically the same compulsory measure. If we are right, it does not follow that the efforts to unify the world's weights and measures must be abandoned. The use of weights and measures is extended by the industrial energy, skill and commercial ability of those who use them. The skill and artistic talent of the silk- workers of Lyons have made the French denier-aune the silk standard of the world, and established the French line wherever ribbons are sold. The pre-eminence of Great Britain on the sea has made the British ton the standard for shipping wherever vessels float. The use of the English cotton yarn system by the spinners of every land is a result of the industry and shrewdness of men and women who have lived within sixty miles of this hall. Peter the Great, working in aji English shipyard two hundred years ago, was impressed with the skill of English ship builders and took back with him to Russia half-a-dozen carpenters to teach their trade to his people. As a result of that apparently trifling incident, the English inch is to-day either equal to or commensurable with all the linear standards of the Russian Empire. These are examples of the natural forces of individual and collec- tive habit by which weights and measures are established and extended. If the weights and measures of mankind are ever brought to one common standard, it will be by such a process of evolution, and yet for more than a century the attempt has been made to unify weights and measures on a metric basis by opposing natural laws. Let us learn a lesson from that century of failure, and cut away from the old fallacy that the unification of weights and measures means necessarily the adoption of the metric system. Let us study the natural laws by which these standards are established and maintained. In this way only can we learn how individual and official efforts should be directed to hasten the day when " there shall be but one measure throughout all the earth." ^^(^)^^5r 186 STATUTES. Object. 1 — The purpose of this International Federation shall be to watch over and protect the common interests of the Industry, and to advise Associations of the action to be taken against any common danger. 2 — The means to be employed are : — (1) The holding of Congresses of Delegates from the Associa- tions in all countries becoming affiliated with the Inter- national Federation. (2) The Appointment of a Committee of Management, who shall :— (a) Control the work and expend the monies of the Federa- tion under the instruction of the Congress. (b) Distribute information of practical value in carrying on and improving the conditions of the Cotton Trade. (c) Assist in the formation, strengthening and assimilating of Associations in all Spinning and Manufacturing Centres of the Cotton Industry. (d) Call together the Delegates to special Congresses when the need shall arise. (e) Consult the Associations by correspondence, and dis- tribute and collect voting papers from the Associations on any international movement in connection with the trade. (f) Take any other action in the common interest of the Trade that may be decided upon by the Congress. 186 STATUTES Membership. 3 — All Associations of Cotton Spinners and Manufacturers are eligible for affiliation with the International Federation, subject to their acceptance by Committee and Congress. Financial. 4 — A Levy shall be paid by each Association according to its number of Spindles and Looms. 5 — Spindles shall include Mule, Ring, Throstle and Doubling. Two Doubling Spindles to be equal to one Mule Spindle. 6 — Each Association joining the Federation shall pay an Entrance Fee of Y^jy of a penny per Spindle, and one farthing per Loom (one Loom to be equal to 25 Spindles). This Entrance Fee shall include the current year's levy. 7 — For the year 1905, and each succeeding year until otherwise determined a Levy shall be made of 2-50 ^^ ^ penny per spindle and one-eighth of a penny per loom. Associations are liable for the coming year's levy unless they have handed in their resignation at least three months before the end of the current year. Resignation forfeits all right to any accumulated funds. 8 — All Levies shall, after the year 1904, be due for payment before the end of September. 9 — In case any Association shall fail to pay its Levy, or send Delegates to the Congress, the name of such Association shall be placed before the Congress to take what steps it may think fit. Offices. 10 — The Offices of the Federation shall be in Manchester. Any change in the headquarters must be by decision of the Annual Con- gress. Bye- Laws for Committee. 11 — The Committee of Management shall consist of one Dele- gate from each country affiliated to the International Federation, and the Committee, from its own members, shall appoint a Chairman, Vice-Chairman and two Honorary Treasurers of the Federation. Each country shall appoint its own Delegate. The country which the Chairman of the Committee of Management represents shall be en- titled to another representative on the Committee. STATUTES 137 12 — For the Committee of Management, five shall form a quorum. 18 — Each country shall have the right to appoint a substitute to attend the meetings of the Committee in the event of its representative being unable to attend. This substitute, in order to become conversant with the work of the Committee, may accompany the duly appointed representative to any meetings of Committee, if the Associations in his country so desire, but in the latter case his expenses will not be paid by the International Federation, nor has he power to vote, and it is not expected that he will take part in discussions at the meetings. 14 — The Committee shall appoint its Secretary, or Secretaries, and other Assistants, Bankers, Auditors and Solicitors ; and such ap- pointments shall be confirmed annually or otherwise. 15 — The Committee shall have power to appoint, from its own body, any of its members for the purpose of obtaining information, or undertaking preparatory work, in connection with any of the ob- jects of the Federation. Such information or preparatory work to be reported upon periodically to the Committee through its Secretary. 16 — Should a position as Officer or Member of the Committee become vacant by death or resignation, the Committee shall have power to fill such position, if an Ofiicer, from its own body ; if a Member of the Committee, from the Delegates from the country repre- sented. 17 — The Committee shall meet when it is desirable, but where possible the consultation shall be done by correspondence. When possible, at least four weeks' notice shall be given of any meeting of the Committee of Management. 18 — On the request of one-fourth of the Members of the Com- mittee (which always includes the Officers), the Chairman shall call a meeting. Expenses of Members of Committee. 39 — The Members of the Committee of Management, when at- tending meetings of the Committee, shall be allowed first-class fares and 40 francs per day for out-of-pocket expenses. Bank Account. 20 — The Bank Account shall be in the names of the Chairman of the Committee and the Secretary at headquarters, and all cheques shall be signed by the Chairman, or one of the Honorary Treasurers, and countersigned by one of the Secretaries. 138 STATUTES 21 — The Bank Account shall not be overdrawn, and no expen- diture or liability shall be incurred for which there are no funds in the Bank. Close of Financial Year. 22 — The financial year shall end 31st December. Dissolution. 23 — In case of dissolution the funds in hand shall be divided on the basis of the contributions made by the affiliated Associations. Regulations for Congress. 24 — The Annual Congress shall be in a different country each year. 25 — When possible, at least four weeks' notice shall be given of any meeting of Congress. 26 — The Associations in each country shall appoint Delegates to attend the Congresses. No restriction shall be placed on the number of Delegates any Association may send, but the voting power shall be as follows : — One vote for each Million Spindles or part thereof. One Vote for each 40,000 Looms or part thereof, but not more than Twenty Votes to be given by any one country. Voting shall be by the showing of hands, but shall be by ballot if desired by twenty-five per cent, of those present empowered to vote. 27 — Each Association shall, before the end of March, appoint its Delegates for the following Congress, and shall at once intimate to the Secretary the names, postal addresses, and cable addresses of such Delegates. 28 — Fourteen days' notice shall, if possible, be given to the Secre- tary at headquarters of any change in the appointment of Delegates. 29 — The expenses of Delegates shall be paid by the Association they represent, or by the Delegates themselves. 30 — If a Delegate be unable to be present, he may be replaced by another representative of his Association. This representative, however, must present satisfactory credentials to the Committee. 31 — Any Association wishing to bring a subject before the Annual Congress, or propose the alteration of a Rule, shall forward its resolu- tion to the Secretary at headquarters before the end of March. STATUTES 139 32 — The member of the Committee of Management representing the country in which the Congress assembles shall preside over such Congress. The names of the Delegates shall be called over; after which the Chairman of the Committee of Management shall present a report to be followed by the reading of the Financial Statement. 33 — The remaining proceedings shall be arranged by the Com- mittee of Management, but shall be subject to alteration should the Congress desire. 34 — Permission may be granted for the discussion of matters which do not comply with Rule 31, but no vote can be taken. 85 — In order to expedite the discussions of the Congress, the introducer of any subject shall be allowed one hour. Subsequent speakers shall be allowed fifteen minutes, which the Chairman may at his discretion extend to thirty minutes. 86 — Delegates may speak in English, French or German, but it is desirable that they use the English language in order to obviate, as far as possible, the necessity of translation. 37 — No resolution in any Congress shall be voted upon except 75 per cent, of the Delegates empowered to vote are present, and no resolution shall be carried except by a majority of 75 per cent, of those voting. 38 — No resolution shall be voted upon at the sitting in which it has been introduced (unless a 75 per cent, majority be in favour of such vote being taken), except for the appointment of Officers of the Congress and the fixing of the next place of the Congress. 39 — The place of meeting for the next Congress shall be decided upon at the last meeting of a Congress. * Official Reporters. 40 — Official Reporters shall be appointed to take a verbatim report of all proceedings, and submit a general report of the day's proceedings for the Committee's approval before giving it to the Press. Visitors. 41 — No strangers shall be allowed to attend the sittings of Con- gress, except they have a special written permit from the Committee. Voting by Correspondence. 42 — Voting by correspondence with the Associations shall be by Spindles (one Loom equalling 25 Spindles, and two Doubling Spindles 140 STATUTES to be equal to one Mule Spindle). The ratio of voting power shall be as per Rule 26. Alteration of Rules. 43 — These Rules may be added to, varied, or rescinded at any annual Congress, but notice of any proposed alteration shall be sent by the Secretary with the notice convening the Annual Congress. Local Committees. 44 — Local Committees may be formed in each country for the purpose of discussing questions of International interest. The meeting forming such Local Committee shall be convened by the various representatives on the Committee of Management. cr > K^ i Thiel & Tancjve, English and Foreign Printers, 106, Princess Street, Manchester* YC V4I43 mm ■ , M > ""Mi mm ■^ 'Wife .. i .'.i 'II