194 Cooperation in Agriculture 



under union auspices. The scheme as outlined amounts 

 to a combination either along the lines of the trusts of 

 early days or of the large corporate consolidations of the 

 present time. As such it must be regarded as another 

 expression of the operation of economic forces as main- 

 tained hi the consolidation movement in other branches 

 of industry. Should this movement take tangible form, 

 it is conceivable that the consolidated company might 

 control enough of the crop to make the union a factor 

 of decided importance in regulating cotton prices. At the 

 present time, however, this movement is in such a prelimi- 

 nary stage that its ultimate outcome cannot be estimated. 



"Both producers' associations have been criticized by 

 some interests in the cotton trade, particularly the 

 Farmers' Union, which has been repeatedly referred to 

 as 'a farmers' trust.' Some criticisms of the union are 

 undoubtedly deserved. On the other hand, no satis- 

 factory conclusion can be reached because of the complexi- 

 ties of the situation. Many of the policies of the two 

 associations, however, are reasonable and calculated to 

 benefit the cotton trade. Thus, the urging of producers 

 to practice diversification of crops is wholly commend- 

 able, and any action within the law that looks to an im- 

 provement in the condition of producers is not justly to 

 be criticized. 



"Many of the severest criticisms of the Farmers' Union 

 have come from spinners. It is worth noting, therefore, 

 that just as this report goes to press a very comprehensive 

 movement has been undertaken by spinners, both in this 

 country and abroad, looking to a material reduction in 

 the consumption of cotton on account of the prevailing 



