The New York Herald Newspaper, December 7, 1878, Page 4

4 BUSINESS SOUTH Condition and Prospects of Mer- chants and Planters. “IARD PAN” AND HIGH HOPES, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, . Alabama, ida, Tennesse, Louisiana, COTTON, CORN, TOBACCO. Encouraging Results of Working On a Cash Basis, SMALLER FARMS, BETTER CROPS Diversity of Products the Salvation of the Planters. DULNESS IN TOBACCO GROWING. Where Capital Is Wanted—Immigration, Transportation and Banking. VIRGINIA, DEAWBACES OF TOBACCO CULTURE AND MAN- UFACTURE—EFFECTS OF THE TAX—A WEAK GBAIN TRADE—BANKING FACILITIES WANTED— “HARD PAN,” CAUTION AND SAFETY THE RULE IN BUSINESS. RictMonn, Dec. 3, 1878. In response to my inqniries as to the general con- dition of the people of this State, particularly the farmers and planters, as compared with two or three years ago,I have received information from every ‘ection upon which the facts set forth in this com- munication are based. The questions, propounded in a general way, were:—To ascertain if the-condition of the country was improved? Had the farmers and planters made more money this year then three years ago? Were movements of crops larger and more active? Was the prospect of crops increased? ‘Was there an improved disposition to invest in busi- ness generally? Was there a marked improvement in local trade? Was confidence returning, aud was there | more money in-circulation than in the two preceding years? Almost unanimously there came a negative reply to these questions, the exceptions being in favor of returning confidence, and even thet in.some instances wasconsidered doubtful, It was gratifying, however, to learn that there exists-among every class of people a more healthy condition financially than has obtained for many years; that they had come down to “hard pan,” and that with the repeal of the batikrapt law and the era of resumption at hand the future looked bright and full of hope. CAUSES OF DEPRESSION. Tobacco is the chief reliance of Virginia, or rather ?n Eastern Virginia, where it is knoamn as its money @rop. When the mamufactare of tobacco was con- ucted free of tax other than that borne by all other Industries nearly all the tobacco mamnfacture in the United States was carried on in Virgpeia. As soon as an overseer in a tobacco factory became qualified from experience to operate on his own @eccount he had no trouble in securing the necessaryamonunt of capital required to set him upin business. The large number of buyers thus created made competition keen for all grades of tobacco, and to the planter se- cured 4 remunerattve price for his product. The fine crades of leaf were bought for the city and town trades and the lower grades for the country stores in all directions of the Union where tobacco was chewed or, indeed, smoked, as chewing or plug to- bacco naed to be cut up by the consumer for hts pipe. Fyen the negroes in the South consamed mannfae- tured tobaceo, because it could be sold (retailed by the plug) for less than is now added to the price in the shape of the twenty-four cent tax. All this is now changed. The whole “country” trade las been neatly blotted out. ‘The farmers not deeming them- selves able to use taxed tobacco, wherever it can be raised, even if the farmer depends his income on other stapie crops, a patch large enough forthe farm- er’s consnimption is grown and used in the shape of the raw leaf. The trade is, therefore, narrowed down to the y and town trades, and the manufscturer, having to advance twenty-four cents per pound, eaunot afford to nse any but the finest lest; he camnot: take the risk on low grades. This, then, requires the Manufacturer to have the command of Jarge capital, and constrains the overseer to remain an overseer, He has no showing whatever to improve his con- dition unless he wndertakes to put up tobacco “on the sly” and run it into market in defhunce of the Jaws. The tax does still more—it floods the market with low grades of leaf, and this food has over- wheimed everything, until now the good low grades do not, th Many cases, fetch more money than corn shucks. This state of affairs is borne out by the report of the Congressional committee appointed to investigate the condition of the tobacco trade in connection with the tax. EFPECT ON THE PLANTERS. ‘This strangling of the tobacco interest in Virginia— for the bulk of the tobaecos are now low has made the condition of the grower worse than he haa ever experienced. The reason why the type of the tobacco hax declined in quality ix found in the fact that the negro is no longer directed nolens rolens by The white man. When he was o slave bis master brought the handling of his tobsecos to @ fine art. fhe same negroes handled it every year, and were made to handle it properly. Now this negro may not be on any plantation two years at a time, and not 4 few of the planters, being unable to hire him ‘tall, mast needs let ont portions of their estates negro crops end in has had its effec with freedom fr Western competition of that could have bee: tax that has arfully diminished consumption of the grades Virginia can produce. There is no por- tion of the tobeeoo region of Virginia that enjoye even reasonable comfort except it may be that (the lower part) where fancy bright tobacco is grown, the large increase in the ¢ trade inducing an + txtra consumption of this type of leaf. On there several accounts the inquiries for tobacco farms are fare, and the desire to invest in the tobacco business 4 almost effectually crushed out. TRUCKING. Around Norfolk the trucking fmterest is decidedly On the jucrease, and the community eugaged in this Wind of farminy are reasonably prosperous. N AND CATTLE. ‘The grain rexion of Virginia is bereft of the advan- sage of nearness to market, because through freights trom the Wost will land grain at the seaboard for the Pa money. The question being between the nds of the Wert and the worn lands of Virginia, rtation charges being equal, the Virginia farmer is left in the rear. In Sonthwestern Virgimia tattle growing is on Lhe increase, aud the region is y comfortall®, but being withont banking wilitkes its forward movement must necessarily be BANKING FACILITTRA, From section comes a complemt about bank- tng facilities, It is claimed and persistently urged that the national bankiny system is utterly unsuited Jo # eparsely settled country like the Sonth, ‘The real witate neeurity of the Southern country is wholly un- svailnble and the people here have litile else to offer, Dne correspondent says in this conneetion:—“Vir- Finia is not worrted abont the resumption of specie payments, It will affect her very little one w the other, What she wants is the ability to take care of herself, and this sly never do under the operation of the tax on tobacco and a banking n that fr niches her with no fuetlit her try the State bank sytem by off the ten per cent tax. if it does not work It will be easy enough to change it. Our dealings are sutirely with coun! people, and our business cov- eS @ largo range, and we have never known money to ae scarce in the country as it has been this year, Nor do we see where any tmprovemens of any ac- tount is to come from next year.” TORACCO AXD WHEAT. ‘The cropof tobseco is good in quality were gene. Wily this year, and it is hoped better prices will be ob- ined; Dut there ie no assurance whatever that this Will be the fact. The wh p, except in the Shen was generally atailure this year, To- indowh Valley paves is laple, and while that is hampered with a oppressive tax times will be hardin Vir- gina, COMPARATIVE TAXATION. writing to, (A gentleman, a NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1878,—TRIPLE SHEET. these subjects makes the following argument in _re- lation to taxation in the Northeastern States and in the Southern States :— w England and the Easjern States paid an in- auParmothitig toward the support et the cor. ‘That tax taken off it fei! mainly on the South and West. fn 1867 (i ew England stern paid $141,901.00 ut me tax: in bs tux off) thoy paid dora ialling off of $113.844,000 In_IS67 ‘the tobacco States South aud the Weat paid @85-777,000. in IST ee A 0005 in Sedo, It, as ‘the North and East urge, the consumer pays the tex, fer them consent to all. their manufactures Delng taxed inthe proportion tobacco ts and see hi works They should not object to its be Yosted. Fite income tax, will fairl 4 it te simply Infamous that it should. bo tirely on the Southern and Wostern States, *mentionad as showing a part ot the rouson for our wretched condition, and it is folly to cry peaco When there is uo peace. A BRIGHTER PROSPECT, A more encouraging view comes from Mr. J. L. Piltiams, @ realestate agent aud broker, and I give is letter entire as a fair sample of the rling spirit among Virginians, and periaps a more trathfal representation of the prevailing condition of affairs in this State. He sa: The 657K, or a gain of <= r before me for several days, and to gi Iked Ereely mon of different oon Rections on the general condition and prospects of busi- ness with us. All agree that our people are passing through an ordeal of extreme sev Business is low, ery Tow are making any money; very many are almost Ai wits’ ends to sustain themselves. But while their straitness is great yot our people have learned so Well tv en- dure hardness, to be frugal and to practice economy, that spirits, make very little go a great way, d, as arule, prefer to go without what run in debt for it. x you the best ii with our leadin, * thay keep up t he!p themselves, a1 they want rather thai Pal at MA 5 Many of one small tarnity and nts bave in the last fow years added to thelr lands and meaus. 1 know of many who at the close of the war started with only their bare lands, who have reached a condition of ease aud cormfort. Bad crops, however; unfair freightage on the railroads and lowering prices have of lato hindsred ail and ruined many. Stl, throngh the Bankrupt Iaw and compromises, indebt- edness has been to a large extent disposed of, and bi men in town and country show a disposition to with great cantion, but ievertheless to zo forw farmers lave almost entirely aband the use of cial manures and fancy enterprises and are sei- Wing back into their ‘old ‘of making and using their in making 08a nation of shavers and pirates and bank: rupts. They are accordingly dai {making obligations they luy it small quantities and often, preferring to © up small and si ratits to the etapa’ pleasure of ques- tlonabie, delusi dd unanre gains, MERCANTILE INTERESTS. ‘The common report _amoug inerchants is that purchases with umusnal care and judgment, that payments romptly, and that business generally looks safer and more bealthy than it has for along time. Some believe that our well-inapaging people at larze are not only more easy and comfortable, but that in spite of everything they have, perhaps, w little more ready money than hitherio. INQUIRIFS FOK FARMS. for farme. Brit onr State has in There is a fair inqui this respect suffered incalculably from tho, ignorance and conceit and folly ot immigrants, as well as from the eager: news il jndgment of land orators and the cruelty aud greed of agents. Our climate, our soil and iizatio a the heel in finance, gement, and to stan in the world’s market lo, is the dire disgrace that a Hood of indiscreet politicians and desperate men have been near putting upon the Old Dominion, The tobacco crop just matured is said to be sm t very fine. ‘The crop has been very good and ‘the wheat promises well. © But t aren . hor of cambinations of tat for new enterprises. The ruling notion with our tists is safety, us near absolute 4s possible, and build- ing of houses that will keep till the good time comes. f do believe that our community is feeling and showing the invigorating imfwance of the dawning era of good money, legitimate busiuess and honest living; and the prospect of a new régime of character is, I am satished, working # far greater and wore abiding excouragemeus.and growth than the chances and hopes of good crops and im- mediawe profit. NORTH CAROLINA. VASTLY IMPROVED CONDITION OF THE PLANTERS AND FARMERS—THE COTTON CROP NOT sO LARGE BUT OF GOOD QUALITY—RAISING THEIR OWN PRODUCE—-THE CASH SYSTEM—MONEY Easy. S Rarxion, Dec. 3, 1878. The year now drawing to a close has been, on the whole, prosperous one with the farmers of this State generally, particularly so with those living in the cotton growing counties. The war and its results entirely revolutionized the system of farming in North Carotina, aw indeed they did in every Southern State, and the planters consumed several years after the war in changing from the old system and experi- menting in new ones. While this process was going on urany serions errors were made and farming gen- erally became very unprofitable. The mistake which has bankrupted many planters was the one of at- tempting to cultivate the large number of acres which it was their custom to do in antebellum days, The result of this for the most part was the planter not being able to work so much land as thoroughly as it should have deem; scattering and inferior crops were harvested, ailof the proceeds from which, or too large a portion thereof, went to pey for labor. Another woful error, which for a number of years proved very disastrous to the plan- ters of this State, was the system of pitching and cultivating only “money crops” and buying their supplies. For instance, many farmers in the coun- ties contiguous to this city for several years suc- ceeding the war made nothing but cotton and bought all of their corn, wheat. bacon and even provender from the oer stores. These two errors slone had well nig! jpted the whole farming popula- tion until, within the last three years, they stopped policy to mood u suicidal commenced the “money crop” ‘that is, first nay aces the Cormega ae their own en using their re: pa city int 6 cultivation of cotton for the market ‘This is also true of that section of tho State which culti- ‘vates tobacco for a money crop. MARKED IMPROVEMENT. Since this latter system hus been im vogue the con- dition of the farmers has been gradually improving, and the universally good crops this year have place: them nearly out of debt. The planters in this section have this year made @ larger variety of produce than im amy year since the war. The cotton crop, by which every other is measured, has not been altogether as large ae im some of the years past, but us a gemeral rule it has been of much better quality, show- ing cowclusively that the are ‘coming down to the sensible idea of cultivating fewer acres, tmukivg their products good and improving snd enriching their lands. ‘The sales of cotton in Raleigh have been much larger and more active this year than for the corresponding mouths of apy year since the war. Two reasons are ant for this—Raleiyb has been improving won- as ® cotton market within the last three years, and has extended considerably its trade terri- tory; and, in the second place, the crop, owing to favorable seasons, was quite forward this year, being from teu to twenty-five days earlier than it bas been for anamber of years past. GENERAL BUSINES BYTTER. industry depend: As every trade and every 8 upon agriculture the improved condition ot the making iteeif felt for the better in planters is every branch of trade. The farmers having been wally improving for the laet three years, and ing financially much better off this year than they have been for 1asuy years past, they no longer trade upon the eredit system, and this fact, toget! with the general cheapuess of every of life, bas had the effect to improve every branch of trade. Coufidence is being —— restored, and now, if politieal turmoils can kept down and wise State and national legislation bad, North Carolina's day of prosperity and plenty will soon dawn, CAPITAL CONFIDENT. Byidences of this are abundant, but the best indica- tion of the correctness of the assertion is the fact that capitalists Who never step without first carefully sur- veying the ground are not only diaposed but anxions to put out heir money at living rates of interost for investment in business; farmers do not now find it diffenlt to borrow money to be nved in carrying on agricalture, and men engaged in commercial pursuits are not a8 bard pressed a8 they have been for capital. St is wo early yet te make an estimate of the next year’s farming transactions in this section, bnt in consequence of the improved condition of thecountry and the ie, perticuleriy the planters; with more money inciteulation at large; with the general cheap- ness of everything, especially labor, it is reasonable tw anppowe that larger crope will be pitched next year than were in 1875, and thet portion of the population en in agriculture will begin the year 157% with greatly improved prospects and with brighter hopes than they have enjoyed at the beginning of any year since SOUTH CAROLINA. IMPROVED PROKPRCTS—PROPLE HARD AT WORK— SHRINKAGE AND CASH PAYMENTS —corron— VARIETY OF OTHER PRODUCE—1¢CK OF gart- TAL POR INVESTMENT-—-BETTER BANKING PA- CILITIES WANTED, Couvunta, Dee. 3, 1878, In reply to the inquiry, Is the general condition of this State improved within the past two years, and are the people generally better off this year than they were two and three years ago? Tecan unhesitatingly way yes. This has been a most snecesefal year to farmers and planters. There have been no draw- backs in the way of droughts or caterpillars, and my observations, made in the course of extensive and re, peated rambles throughout all the State north of Columbia, enable me to sey with truth that there has been no legitimate cause for complaint on the seore of the yield of any or all the crops. In the absence of statistics and reports, which in this State are not attainable owing to recent repnblican rule, I cannot compare this year with the last ihree years; 1877 and 1874 have been remarkable for the fact of two good seasons coming together, and the land seems to have produced ju theee years all that it was capable of yielding under existing modes of cultive tion. MOVEMENTS OF CROPR. | racy whether the movements of crops have been arger or more active in 1878 than two or three years ago. All the cotton that is made hereabouts, and in tact in the whole State, is moved as fast as itcan be gathered. There has been a marked inerease in the movement of home raised corn, oats, peas and hay, for the reason that more has been planted than usual, and in many cases the farmers have made enough to sellandship. Little or none finds its way out of the -_ however, as there is ready sale for ‘all of it at ome. NEXT YEAR'S PROSPECT. There is no data at hand now, nor anything but general observation, on which to base an’ opinion as to whether the crops for the next year will be in- creased, I see uo reason to believe that there will be any great increase in the excellent and more than average crops of the Iast two years, INVESTMENTS. There i3 no pronounced disposition to invest fresh capital in business or farming. The reason almost universally assigned for this is that the people lack proy banking facilities, and that there is no surplus capital here to invest in anything, All the capital that is on hand is already invested, and until the tax is taken off the banks more is not only hard but im- possible to get. LOCAL ‘TRADE IMPROVED. It isgratifying, under all the adverse cirenmstances to which the people of this State have been subjected for the past ten years by bad government and mili- tary rule, to observe that there is a marked improve- ment in the local trade. In one respect it is mostly conducted on a cash basis, and it is a common remark among merchants that the farmers of the cow are paying up such debts as they have been allowed to make during the past with unusual and commendable pron . The decline’in the price of cotton has greatly discouraged many of tho planters of the staple, and the good result will likely be that they will plaut less of it for another yearaud more of other crops. RETURNING CONFIDENCE. It is also satisfactorily apperent that confidence is returning, and that the business prospects generally for the next year are as encouraging, There is certainly less crosking about “hard times’’ than I have h im any year since the war. The ple are tired of polities; can hardly be driven to take part m them, and have all gone to work to make a living. Feeling, as they do, that the State government is in | a and honest hands, they have cach and all sottled own to their own private business. It is not probable that there is more money among the people than there was two or three years ago. 1 have ‘no certain information on which to base a statement, but it is well known that there is a woeful lack of capital in the State. Hundreds and hundreds of the small merchants and many of the larger ones havo failed within the past two years in consequence of the shrinkage of all values; but these have began work again on a new footing and oncash principles, as a rule, and they seem to be doing an amount of busi- ness which would indicate the presence of a consider- able amount of cash stillin the community. I can- not aflirm that theré is more or perhaps as much money afloat here now as during the two preceding years; but this I know, and every man can see for himself that itis plainly true, there is very much Jess distress and absolute pov among the working classes, including the negroes. Numbers of the latter ‘on the verge of starvation two years age. All are now employed and have what they most destre, “plenty to eat.” GEORGIA, ALABAMA, FLORIDA. PROGRESS IN ALL THREE STATES—BUSINESS ON A CASH BASI5—INCREASED DEALINGS—DI- VERSIFIED FARMING—THE NEGROFS WORKING HARD, Atianta, Dec, 2, 1878. “The people of the South, and especially of Georgia,” said a leading merchant of Atlanta to your correspondent, “are better off to-daf than they have been since the war.” The merchant looked beneath the surface of things to get this cheerful view. About the cities, among the masses, there is more grum- bling and discontent than there has been for years. ‘This is dne to the misrepresentations of politicians more than to anything else. The greenback dema- gogues have succeeded in convincing the work- ing people thet they are really in a bad way. They call the laborer’s attention to the decline in his wages, but lead him away from the compensating fact that a day’s labor will buy more of the necessaries of life than it ever did before. The farmer is made to grow indignant over the fall of cotton to eight cents, and to forget that a pound of cotton will to-day buy more meat or calico than it ever would since cotton has been grown. The truth is, the merchants of the South are without ex- ception buoyant and hopeful beyond what I have known since the crazy days of inflated values. Their trade has been larger than in several years, the surplus being more than large enongh to account for the early movement of the cottoncrop. The business of the railroad and steamship lines has been heavy beyond precedent. The Central line, via Sa- yvannal to New York, reported a surplus of $85,000 net profits over the same month of 1877, and the stock of the road has advanced in three months from 48 to 74 It is indicative of the increased briskness and confidence that the stock and the earnings of every road in the State of Georgia have advanced heavily and steadily within the past year, The Central has gono within that time from 33 to ite present figures. Within that time four ocean steamers, costing together over $1,000,000, have been purchased by a Georgia com- pany from Roach’s shipyard, and are plying between Savannah and New York. A new line of steamers has been put on from Savannah to Cuba. The Northeast- ern Railroad and the Elberton Railroad, both devel- oping new sections of country, have been finished, and the Minetta and North oe Tailroad is rap- idly approaching completion. Within about one year over $500,000 has been invested in cotton facto- ries in the State. There has been a falling’off in the total values of the tax books, but the percentage of de- cline has been only about one-third of the general de- cline in values. A CHANGE OF SYSTEM. ‘The secret of this geveral revival of business and enterprise received satisfactory explanation in a call at the office of the Commissioner of Agriculture of Georgia. This industrious gentleman, Dr. Janes, has the best system of statistics that ingenuity could de- vise or experience suggest, collected with the energy uliar to comparatively new enterprises, He says that the farmers of Georgia are in much better con- dition thnn they haye been since his department was organized, several years ago. ‘The chief canse of their Pod pb ce is the general adoption of the diversi- fled system of farming as opposed to exclusive cottwn eniture. It hae been the habit of the Georgia plant- ers to go into debt for everything on the plantation, buying even corn bacon from their factors at high prices and ruinons intcrest. They would give such liens on their cotton, which waa the only thing they attempted to grow. Accustomed to the lavish habits of the old slave days, and tempted by the credit afforded by the greedy factors, they would bay loosely and heavily in the spring, and work through the year only to seo their cotton crop into the hands of the factor aa soon as it was gathered. The amount of money lost under this system was enorm: Senator Hill lost by the tax book, This represents an immense amount of land, as at its reduced price it sold for nominal figures.” The property owned by the negroes is al- anost entirely land. Every property owning negro is @ democrat, almost without: ion. There is no sort of prejudice against selling lands to negroes. ‘The system of small farms will, of course, result in the more thorough cultivation of the land and the building up of collateral industries, NORTHERN EXAMPLES. The statistics show that the system of raising from supplies at home! and of stimulating farming into a science will emphasize itself and establish itself more thoroughly next year. ‘There will be a heavy increase in grain crops, in sheep folds and orchards, The Southern people have just fairly learned the secret of thorough farming, and they are working it ont with energy, A knot of New York farmers set- tied in Morgan county, of this State, several years ago, aud established a series of far on the most ap- proved Northern principles. The uative farmers at first scoffed, then watched and have now imitated, and have made Morgan county the best cultivated county in the State. So of a Swiss colony on Cumberland Mountain, in Tennessee; a German colony in North Alabama, and of Yankee orange growers in Florida. ‘The soil of the South is rich and fertile, the negro labor the cheapest this side of Chung Lee, and the best anywhere; the climate incomparable and general 2dvantages good. Itsimply needed that the farmers of the South should be lifted out of the old loose ruts and shown how to adapt themselves to free labor and the new system of planting. ‘This has been done at last, and a general prosperity is breaking. PROGRESS IN ALABAMA. The agricultural reports of Alabama show the same results as are found in Georgia, The negroes are buying even more largely of land, and are rapidly be- coming steady, taxpaying and responsible citizens, A county grange passed aresolution (as did also one in Georgia) forbidding its members to sell or rent land to negroes. The public sentiment soon forced a retraction of this narrow and illiberal res- olution and an abandonment of this miserable policy. ‘The general tax value of Alabama's property has de- clined, but has not kept pace with the general fall. ‘The merchants are contident of the winter's trade and the farmers are comparatively out of debt and have more spending money than before in years. FLORIDA'S ORANGE CROP, ‘The Florida orange crop, which is now being mar- keted, is the heaviest and finest that has ever been grown. Of conrse thousands of new trees have come into bearing, but the surplus that these would have given was iuore than swept away by the terrible equi- noctial winds. The crop commands food prices and is, on the most of the larger plantations, bought in bulk before it is gathered. ‘The orange crop of this year will bi about thirty per cent more than was ever realized before, The general crops were fint and the conditions of the farmers reported excellent: Mr. Maxwell, raitroad superintendent at Fernandina, informs your correspondent that the local shipments on the line of his road, which cuts through the upper part of the State, were very nearly doubled this year over last. A steady tide of immigrants has been pouring into the northern part of the State and set- iling on the public lands. Ships ware loaded daily at Fernandina, some with early vegetables for North- ern markets. CREASE IN OF BUSINESS, Interviews with the merchants of Atlanta, Mont- Loci! and Savannah show no variance from the general cheerful and hopeful outlook. Merchants in the various cities and in various kinds of business re- port the increase of the business of this season over the corresponding season of last year from vlaeats to forty per cent. Ido not say over the same month of last year, for the business is fully two weeks earlier this year than last, but the comparison is made over the same period of last year. The merchants noted almost invariably that tho Northern and East- ern merchants are much more anxious to sell to the South this year than for the last two or three years and are disposed to give more liberal credit. Last year and the year the ques- tion was, “How much do you need?’ It now is, “How much can yon take?’ The purchases have been much heavier than before for years, and hun- dreds of merchants who had bought for the season have had to make @ second trip North already to re- plenish stock. There is complaint at the closeness of competition this year and the narrow margin of profit, but this is compensated by the fact that the trade is mostly cash, aud therefore safe. The repeal of the Bankrupt law and the reduction or abolition of “the Homestead and Exemption laws in the Southern States have done much to restore contidence and have unlocked much money that was hoarded and let itinto business circulation, There is no serious fear of the results of resumption. On the contrary, the South- ern merchents are generally hard mouey men and are glad that bed rock has been reached and a fixed standard of values set up. There is an abundance of money in the South for all legitimate enterprise and good collateral commands it at a low rate of interest. ‘The merchants are in good spirits and the temporary dulness in trade for the past week is rather encour- aging than otherwise, for it shows that the farmers are masters of their crops, and are so co! ly out of debt that they areenabled to hold back their cot- ton until they have fully satisfied themselves that there will be no wee in holding for higher prices, TENNESSEE. IMPROVED CONDITION OF THR FARMERS IN SPITE OF LOW PRICES FOR PRODUCE—IMMI- GRATION—RETUEN OF CONFIDENCE. NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 3, 1878. ‘The general improvement in Tennmesseo for the past two or three years has been painfully slow and gradual, But this improvement is not due to in- creased financial facilities, for money hasbeen tight dnring the whole of that period. It has been the ro- sult of the most rigid and exacting ccon- omy. The crops have been the salvation of the people. They have been extraordinarily good for the past four years in succes- sion. This year's crop was very good, with the exception of wheat and apples, which have, com- paratively speaking, proved failures. But, taking everything into consideration, we have had abundant crops. While this is the case, however, the prices are so low that theirmovement has been exceodingly slow. There was a very considerable shipment of produce immediately sfter the close of the yellow fever epidemic, but this was caused mostly by those who fied from home and had borrowed money that had to be replaced, Just now the merchants are carry- ing thecountry. Eastern debts are falling.due andan increased effort has to be made to keep up their credit. Farmers are hokling out for better prices, and as they are not selling large amounts of their products a very considerable financial pressure is eit. Products are cheaper than was ever known. They were not 80 cheap even before the war, when it wae thought everything hal touched a bottom figure. Hogs are seiling at two and a half cents per vund, gross; flour, $4 50, instead of $6 Bnd $7, and cotton is down to nine cents. ‘To meet these prices farmers have been forced to curtail their expenses and to practice the utmost economy in every particular. This con- dition of things has altered, if not entirely changed, the system of conducting business of all kinds. There is less recklessness and an increased care in Poem oh The people have only by this 1eans to getout of debt, or at least to reduce their debt, and they have no surplus money—none to bank ou. ‘They have got down to a general balance of accounts, how! TIMES GETTING BETTER. While money is scarce with the farming community they have an abundance of produce on hand. Fewer over $100,000 in two or three years, and other heavy planting princes did even worse. These lowses were #0 certain and so Leavy that the valuable plantations fell imto disrepute and sold for one-tonth of their value. A place assessed at $00,000 wonld hardly oes taxes, and never over $6,000 to $12,000. The thinking men of the South perceived ‘that the old system of pianting must be reformed, With slave Inbor “it was easy to make money. h free labor and a disorganized system it was dif- mt. The Legislature of Georgia and the Agricul tural Department determined to effect this change. ‘The Legisiature repealed the Lien law (by which a farmer could mortgage his ctop) and thus destroyed his basis of credit. The department advocated the raising of corn, meat, mules, &c., at home, and lent its energies toward exeiting an interest in orebards, vineyards, corn crops, sheep husbandry and such branches of farm industry as had been formerly over- looked by our careless ‘planters, It demonstrated that the wastage of a Georgia farm would support @ Vermont farm. . A SPLENDID RESULT. This fall for the first time the admirable and posi- tive effets of these reforms have been felt. 7 fermers commenced this year without any debt to speak of, and they have kept out of del ‘They have to # marveilou ent adopted the diversified sys- tem, and while, of course, cotton is still the main money crop, enough corn has been raised to carry the State through without importing a bushel of it Some counties have not raised enough, but others have raised much more than enough. Tho State is almost entirely independent of the West, and this means independence of factors, of high prices, of heavy interest, rainous discounts and loose expendi- tures, The lack of credit las made the farmer more carefal in his purchases. Having little cash to spare he has bought cosely, and has managed to get through the summer with very litte expense, The shipments of dried fruit from Atlanta aloneduring the last week we unde. A few years ago it would 1 half million of pounds tor the whole roads have a ham, the leading friit grow: tees that several cars will ben on over; train that leaves Atlavta duri sou, Tl farmers no longer keep their rkehouses and coi cribs inthe city of Chicago, but have built them on their farms, ‘They are happier, more hopetul, betver off (han before for yeara. SMADLER FARMS, A notable tendency of the past two years is thecut- ting of the old plantations of two thousand or 80 ores into handy little farms of one hundred or so secres each. A popular pian is for @ large landed owner to cut his place into a score of farms, and, putting a house on each of them, rent them on farms ure now under mortgage than was over known, not more than one farm out of 100 being under mort- gage. Farmers have not been able to borrow money on their lands, money could not be obtained from banks on , and there have been but few in- dividual capi abie to carry thom. Having thus been unable to get credit they have come down to the hard pan, made the best of their resources, ahd conse- quently are not very heavily burdened with debt. dhe impression among them is that tines are begin- ot better, things look more hopeful, and than they have been for too, notwithstanding the dill prices. Aspirit of contentment seems to pre- vail and a general tion is taking place. They appear to feol more interest in their farms, and are beginning to seo the importance of Sag | their lands in raising stock a cattle, which is regarded as one of the best evidences of thoeve of proaperity. Fertilizers and manures are more in use and an endeavor is being made to recuperate wornout soils and gullted hillsides. Progressive farmers have thin year raised double crops. They are looking out for better markets and are obtaining information from every source relative to transportation facilities, The rail- roads report a gradual increwe of farm prodyets within the paet three years, and, with better pricen, the movement of crops would ai once become active aud remunerative, MORE CARBFUL PARMING, Leas wheat has been sown this year than last, but ft has been better putin, aud it is wnticipated a fail crop will be realized, From past experienco one of the best evidences of a good crop is the fact thut wheat was sown in the dust and is now in @ healthy advanced state. More than average attention will be given by farmers to their lands, whioh of. itself will insure large Lag. More ipterest was never known to have nm taken in Tennesseo in the production of small industries which are nec- essary to give farmers ready inoney throughout the Liverywhere there is @digposttion manifested y our farmers to supplement standard crops by wdd- ing others heretofore deemed unimportant and insig- nificant, which are proving sources of very consider- able revenue, ‘This tendency to diversify crops is a good omen, and it will hereatier be possible for our larmers to have something to sell every week in the yeae. LAOMLGRATION, There ina general dixpowition to invest in farms, A first class immigration is now coming into ‘Tenneseee from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesote, Wisconsin, New York and Penusylvania; but wore from Pennsylvania than from New York. Jt is esti- imated that 10,000 peopte have come here from those: States this year. Commissioner Killebrow bes during the same titae answered 8,000 letters making inquiries about Tennessee lands. It is’ beHteved this immigra- tion will be doubled next year if the proper means shares to his old slaves or to white tenanta. THE XEGRORS GATHERING PROVERTY. ‘The negroes im most cases prove to be good ten- |} ants, and yonerally make their wives and cuildren hoe and plough, In this way they manaye to make wod rental for the farm and 4 living for themselves. he negroes Lave sliown # wonderful capacity for saving aud for acquiring land. nlp to the accession of the democrats to power they nothing. They are taken by the State to have its resources published | throughout the North, Those who are coming here from the North are paying cash for the best tarnis | that « securcd, The most docided activity bas boon manitested in the cities and towns im the State within the past my cy They seem to have been awakened into new 5 of ol) kinds have been puton foot,and ide mechanics have gradu- work. Contractors have more than they can do for the next three months. BUILDING ACTIVITY, A sudden demand for buildings of all descriptions has sprung up, and there is even an impatience felt at the necessarily slow progress of completing now buildings. Small manniactories are rapidly coming into existence. MORD BUSINESS. ‘The sale of general merchandise has been much greater than for the three vears, merchants hay- ing replenished their stocks of goods as many as three times this season, ‘This is due, to a large extent, to increased confidence. B SSEE'S SUMMARY. ‘The whole subject may be summed upas follows: The general condition of Tennessee is much iin- proved, The farmers have made no more money this year than for the past three years, but have a reater abundance of crops. ‘The inovement of crops as been backward, in consequence of low prices. ‘The prospects for increased crops next year are very Sptiering, ‘There is an apparent improvement in the disposition of the people to invest capital in farming and in business generally, The people are generilly bet-, ter off this year than they were two and three years ago. There is an improvenient in the local trade cons quent on the increased means of producers on ac- count of low prices. Confidence is returning, and all the general business prospects for next year are re- ogling d eucouraging if not even flattering. There is no more money among the people at large than there was last year or in the two preceding years. LOUISIANA, ENCOURAGING SIGNS FOR THE FUTURE—THIS YEAR'S CROPS—OUTLOOK FOR NEXT YEAR— DEPRESSING EFFECTS OF ‘HE YEVER —A NATIONAL QUARANTINE NEEDED — LADOR CHEAP—MANUFACTURES AND COMMUNICATION. New Orveans, Dec. 1, 1878, ‘There is unqnestionably a marked improvement in the general condition of the people in our part of the country this season over two or three years back, simply for the reason that we have learned to live more economically, Rents are getting lower, ser- vantse’ wages are more reasonable, and labor can be more depended upon, and™ there is a more general appearance of thrift, most par- ticularly noticeable in the country. Here plantations and farming implements are moro con- sidered and better cared for; while we must add to «ll this as the greatest item in the count that we havo this season the products of the largest crops that rave been gathered for the past thirteen years. Our farmers and plenters have certainly made more money this year than for three years back, becsuse they have saved more in the actual cost of produc- tion. Large crops do not generally bring high prices, and it is doubtful if more will be realized for this year’s crop than the last; but with provisions at half the price they brought last year, and with the ability of presenting a better article of produce to the market at less outlay, the condition of our planters is far better than it hes been for several years past. The colored labor, too, ia more steady and settled, and would most unquestionably be tho best labor in the world if politicians would only let italone. This can now be.obtained at just the inter- est on the cost of the slave before the war, without incurring any risks either from sickness or death, DEIATED CROP MOVEMEST. The movement of crops has not been as large or as actiye during the present year as in two or three years past, for the reason that sickness and the Quarantines incident to the sickness have very much delayed it up to the present time. In the late epidemic, when the disease spread throngh the country districts, large numbers of the colored people were prostrated by it, and this has seriously impeded the gathering of the crops in certain localities, notwithstanding the most liberal offers have been made for labor. ides this a low ¢ of water in many of our interior streams and bsyous adds to the trouble of the planter where no other mode of transportation exists. It is, then, in consequence of this delay caused by sickness and the want of transportation that our city trade has been retarded, as the increased means of the producer, at least to a large extent, has not yet reached our mar- ket. Part of the incoming crop indeed has been diverted to other points on account of the fever and interior quarantines which have shut off all communication between the healthy districts and our city. It is confidently expected that this trade will come back to us in all its strength as soon as the imcoming crop, now beiag gathered, flows again in this direction. Still, it is of the utmost im- portance to us here that these quarantines should not be repeated again, and the only way we can effect this is by ridding ourselves of the fever. A perfect and absolutely effective quarantine in the hands of the national government may possibly be able to do this— at least the experiment is worth the trial, TIS YEAR'S CROP. The incoming crop now being gathered in Louisi- ana is estimated as follows:—Ootton, 650,000 bales; sugar, 200,000 hogsheads; rice, from 150,000 to 160,000 barrels, All things being equal, it is probable that more will be planted next season than this, and, with the exception of rice—the cultivation of which can- not be extended, simply for the want of land adapted to its cultivation—the crops will be larger. Of course the worm and the weather must always be remem- bered in our conjectures, a either of these might ruin everything. Still I think there will be next ear & more earnest as weil as a better system of cul- ivation and an increased cultivation as to the acre- hb exceptions as above. CAPITAL WANTED. I notice some slightly increased improvement in the disposition of the people to invest in farming ana business in general, but there is as yot a sad want of capital here to make these investments, owing to the disasters of the Faro three years. To be sure there has been some inquiry looking to the purchase of plantations, but no actual sales, at is yet too soon in the season for this kind of business, as our crops have not all been gathered in. Our planters aution than they ever possessed before, and are therefore not likely to forget what it cost them to acquire it. I notice, however, in this connection an increased demand for cotton gins and various kinds of si machinery which at least seers to foreshadow that better pros- | ere areabcad. There are unquestionably very great inducements for investmeuts im the planting inter- ests in Lonisiana. We have the same mild climate wad excellent soil we had before the war, and the same land which then conid not be bonght for $luu an acre is pow being offered at $5. RISING MANUFACTURES. Something has been done in the establishment of manufactires here in the past two years, and more, 1 understand, will be done during the winter. The ‘Louisiana cotton mills have ordered a large amount of machinery ond experienced operatives from England, and an extension of one ot our soap tac- tories, I also learn, is contemplated, One of the Jargest industries, however, in Louisiana is our cot- tonseed oil manutactories. There are now six of these in our city, two of the largest of which have been erected in the past two years, ‘These represeut & capital of $12,000,000 and give employment to 2,500 operatives. About $1,000,000 is expended yearly in transportation end seed, the proceeds of which last, of course, go into the pockets of our planters. ‘This industry turns out about 30,000 tons of oil cake yearly, and about 65,000 barrels ot oil, most of which last goes to’ the Mediterranean, ‘This business, to be sure, is at the present time a good deal depressed owing to the little demand for these articles incident to the cheapness of corn in Europe, which is antagonistic to vil cake for feeding pur- poses, and the tact that the south of Europe is now overstocked with olive oil. The depression of this Wadletyen is best oxpressed in the fact that this tina year 45,000 barrels of ofl were contracted for at this port, while this year but a single contract for 1,000 barrels of crude oil haa yet been made. Again, time ten vessels were being loaded » this your there are only three. rwever, is considered to be only temporary, at thought that a late but active business will be renewed in the spring. ENCOURAGING SIGNS. ‘There is certainly more money in the country than there was Jast year or in the two preceding years, but not — oll pe ple at large. This possibly may be more diffu when tho crops are all gathered in, Our banks certainly have no lack of money, which can readily be had for all general business purposes, but not for railroads or manutactures, which would most benefit the people at large. Still there is no want of confidence among ont con This depression, munity, and tie general outlook of business is regarded as encouraging. The — facititios offered by our cotton market cannot be exceeded by any in the world, and, in addition to there, as they now exist, there is a prospect for the still farther reduction of charges at this port, under the anxpices of acompany now in the process of forma. tion. Great improvements for the compressing of cotton have been mede in the past few years and the charges for compressing have been reduced one-third. ‘The weight of cotton taken from this port three years ago was 1,425 pounds per ton; at present the general average is 1,400 potinds, One press, by use of improved means for tightening the bands, puts 2,00 pounds to the ton, Still further improvements have bee made to this, the first vessel is now being loaded with all vantages of these im- provements, and it is confidently expected that her cargo will show a very large increase over anything that has ever been attained before, The tendency of this is to lower the rate of freight, even now tnu- sually low. The deepening of the bar at the mouth of our river enables véseols of the largest tonnage to pass up and out without detention, and there are now thirty-three large occan steamers lyiug at our wharves, »pid strides which wo have made in the wheat t trade shows that we shally 4 probability, control this interest for the future. ‘hie Southern Toxas and Pacific ailroad will undoubtedly be pushed forward to completion. ‘This eventually will, with its branches, give us the Texas and Mexican trade, now being cart elsewhere, All these things inust adlerd encouragement for the future. BUSINESS ANOMALLLA, Still, even at the present hour our business ret tions it wome frightful anomalies. Vor exam- ple, Cadova coffee, which is grown almost at our doors, we import from England; and, while we su ply the conntry with olive oil via the Mediterranean, wo send our Tottors via Li ook—to Beaeil, And wt, with all the disadvantage whielt the want of capital inust laduce—and we do not suppose there is any city that does so large * business on so amall a capital as Now Orleans—we are oven more contident that there ts or safer than “LORD ‘ASHBURTON’S” ADVENTURES. How a Pseudo Nobleman Humbugged Confiding Americans. DETECTIVES LEAGUED WITH THE THIEF. A Rocky Mountain Sheriff Refuses to Arrest Criminals “for Fun.” The arrest of William Griffis, alias Saville, alias Lord Ashburton, in San Francisco, brings to light some sirange secrets of # criminal lite and oxposes the nefarious practices which re sometimes resorted to under the cover of an official position. In tha early part of October the prisoner made his début in a criminal ré/e gn this continent. On that day he called upon Thomas Kirkpatrick, the jeweller, of No. 889 Broadway, represented himself as an English nobleman travelling incognito, with ample means and a yacht which was supposed to lie somewhere in the East River. He presented a number of circular letters of credit on the Union Bank of London, had them cashed and soon after disappeared from the city. Word came to the Cen tral Oflice officials of the artifices of the accomplished forger, and inquiries were made regarding him which only served to reveal his description and tho fact that he was accompanied by a comely maiden fresh from the Hub, whose chief characteristics were red hair and a ready tongue, Almost contemporaneously with the pseudo noble- man’s disappearance, the Liddell House, in St. Louis, became the abode of a dashing foreigner and an in- teresting lady companion, who flaunted about under an aristocratic title and was much sought after by the denizens of the place, in spite of their republican principles. The man said he was the elder son of the Earl of Ashburton, and as the “Lord” of that name he made quite a sensation in the parlors of tho Liddell. Word of his doings reached New York anda see that he might be the man who had victimi: Kirkpatrick t out and led to an inves- tigation, which, however, did not culminate happily. “Lord Ashburton” was apprised that he wag being sought for, and, taking the hint, he stole quietly away to the far West. Hoe was not unwatched, however, ‘The train that bore him to Denver, Col., had alsa abourd a gentleman rejoicing in the name of C.C. Joy, who solicited an interview with the ciderant noble, who had now become Mr, G. M. Sayille, English tourist and speculator. The s' intimated that he was a detective, and that he had @ desciiption of a forggr which tallied exactly with him. Saville was som@what taken aback at but stoutly denied his identity, though he admitted having known the St. Louis Ashburton, Then Denver was reached, and for a brief time nothing more of C. C. Joy was seen. A SHEBIFF WHO WILL NOT WORK FOR FUN. Meantime Superintendent. Walling had notified D. J. Cook, Sheriff of Denver and Chief of the Rocky Mountain Detective Agency, that the forger who was travelling his way was ‘‘wanted.” In reply he re- ceived the following despatch ;— Denver, Col, Oct. 30, 1878. Superintendent WALLING :— Send description of torger wanted travelling with a red- headed woman. What is reward offered? Answer imme- diately. D. J. COOK. To this the following reply was sent:— New York, Oct. 30, 18° D._J. Coox, Denver, Col. : ios five feet nine inches, pock-marked, reward ; orca i iL Chief of Police. On the same day the Superintendent was somewhgt staggered by the following despatch :— af Denver, Col,, Oct. 30, 1878, val can got iin, with jonds ead note on Bank of Eng {mot for fun, . J.C jana, bit Sherlif and Obtef of Rocky Mountain Devectives. Mr. Kirkpatrick was shown this despatch and ht authorized the Superintendent to send the follow ing:— New Yorx, Oct. 31, 1878, PVFin give $100 reward. Te any more h ‘mor rn isa "GEORGE W. WA Then came this final reply from Denver, Col.;— Snperintendent WaLuna — Can’t get him for that amoant. Railroad fere is more. D. J. COOK, POLICE OFFICIALS COMPROMISE WITH THE PORGER. While this correspondence was in progress Mn Joy brought the Rocky Mountain detective chief ta Saville, and they had # consultation, after which Jo; accompanied the forger to hia hotel, where ho se to compromise the matter for a sum of moncys Shortly after that the pair met at the races, where Joy solicited a private interview. At it he told Saville that he had another ich from Su} ne Walling Hert Baad his arrest. On this the other told him he had bei take him into custody then. This Joy suid, would entail his arresting his wife and whoever was in his company, The upshot of it ail was that he consented to wait and telegraph to New York further about the reward. ‘These particulars Saville furnished the San Fran cisco is after Lis arrest, and he goes on with hia ive in the following vein :— “At one o’clock the next morning I saw Joy: with a man he called Detective Buli. They said they arrested me for forgery. Then thoy searched the room, got hold of my circular notes, took away m: watch, diamonds money, and afterward deman alot — Bank of England notes which were the hotel sate. I gave them these, but they want $5,000 more to release me. I agreed, telegraphed fou money, got itat Cheyenne and turned it over to Joy. Then went to Salt Lake and titence to San Francisco. Bull had left me, but the othes still followed, and constantly kept clamoring fox money. In San Francisco he took to drink and led a wild, roystering life, but he never gave over badger ing ine and I had to keep him supplied all the time, Once, while peregeee, he told me to get his letters for bin and read ree One of them conteined in structions to keep Savilleffrom sending money to hig woman in Denver, as she had left Lim and formed another cont m, and also urging not to let him return there, as New York parties were awaiting bim.’”* THE FORGER BAGGED AT LAST, While these unpleasant relations were being maine tained by Mr. Joy, Saville himself was not idle. He calied upon Mr. E. J. Baldwin, of the Palace Hote! ap} in his quondam réle of a pleasure seek! nobleman, presented letters of credit and so ingrati« ated himself with that gentleman that he induced him to purchase $25,000 worth of stocks. The cir- cular letters of Saville were soon after presented to the Bank of California, when the officials of that in- stitution sent a cable to London. In reply came the startling announcement that the notes were for- geries, with directionsto arrest the person uttering them.’ Captain Lecs, of the San Francisco police, with ‘Detective Meogher, then got upon the track of Savills, who had left the hotel and was ae a in privacy. With some difficulty they ran him we and put him under arrest. en CO. C, Joy, his coms panion, came under the ban of suspicion, and he, two, was taken into custody; but the representative ot the Rocky Mountain agency was spared for thut. He showed letters from D. J. Cook and the despatches the latter bad received from Superinten« dent Walling, exhibited an appointment trom the Mayor of Denver, and said that he was only “shadow- ing” Saville, JOY PADES AWAY. He got off on that plea, and long before the inters esting developments aboat him were made kuown by the prisoner he had boarded on Eastward bound train and put many a milo between him and San Fran- cisco. Saville, it is understood, is still under lock and key there, and while Joy seeks tures new Bull is supposed to enjoy in Denver the ‘gga and re- pose secured by Saville's money and the companions ship of the red-haired daughfer of the Hab. Meantime Superintendent vane has sent on ta San Francisco a requisition issued by the Governor of New York, and if Saville escapes conviction there Superintendent WALLING e he may not fare as well in this city. It has been learned that the prisoner is William Griffis, of Tutuess, Devonsuire, England. He left that country on the 22d of lest January, in company with one Cobb and a conple of ‘Albambra actresses, They travelled through part of the Continent and then came to New York, where they parted company. AN AFRICAN TRAVELLER. Wesley Nervus, a colored citizen of Boston, found himself on the Stonington Line pier in this city on ‘Thursday afternoon with $1 in bis pocket. Ho waa in search of a ticket to Boston, and Eugene Gaffney, who was loafing on the pier, guessed as much. He persuaded Wesley to part with the dollar by assuring him that he was a properly authorized ticket agent, Wesley was told to jump ona wagon, which would tuke liim to a lodging house where he could remain over night free of }o. Next morning he was to ot his ticket for Boston. When Weasley reached tho ‘odging house the proprietor repudiated all knowl- due of Gaffney, wud the African traveller was pelled to pawn his cost to pay for his . Yesterday morning he went in search of Gaffney and found him near the river front, but the latter, when asked for the promised ticket, told ee hp jones ogee Officer Kash, on the co! 0 ‘oaley, tool Iney into cust aod scrtigned him at the ‘Tombs Police nan ae Bessions were being held at the same time, and with little delay the prisoner was transferred there fos trial. The dusky complainant, carpet bag in mae told his story to cea tee ha ee the Penitentiary for.a term of six months, “Now, how do you expect to get back to Boston?” ked dudge Waudell ot Wesley, who looked bewik 1, and return of his dollar world have be more equitable settloment of the case, “LT loaves dat wid you, bows,” he answered, as if he did not care to think of what # long walk it was. The Judge solved the problem by giving Wesley sitver to pay his latter euniled on enough way. The the Judge and showed @ wealth-of.. ea he a tvory on {