32i LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI.

seems quite certain, they propose to establish a banking-house in
Greenville, and lend money at an unburdensome rate of interest—6
per cent, is spoken of.

The trouble heretofore has been—I am quoting remarks of planters
and steamboatmen—that the planters, although owning the land,
were without cash capital; had to hypothecate both land and crop to
carry on the business. Consequently, the commission dealer who

THE COMMISSION DEALER.

furnisher Hie money takes some risk and demands big interest—
usually 10 per cent., and 2^ per cent, for negotiating the loan. The
planter has also to buy his supplies through, the same dealer, paying
commissions and profits. Then when he ships his crop, the dealer
adds bis commissions, insurance, etc. So, taking it by and large,
and first and last, the dealer's share of that crop is about 25 per cent.1
* * But what can the State do where the people are under subjection to
rates of interest ranging from 18 to 30 per cent., and are also under the neces-
sity of purchasing their crops in advance even of planting, at these rates, for