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LIBRARY

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UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS

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AMHERST

REPORT

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONVENTION

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Chicago, Illinois, February 25, 1886,

WITH THE

ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT

Flax and Hemp Spinners and Growers' Association,

AND THE

REPORT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING.

BOSTON: SMITH AND PORTER, PRINTERS,

Old South Chapel, Spring Lane, 1886.

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4

ADDRESS.

Geisttlemeist :

The object of the Flax and Hemp Association is to advance the business in flax and hemp and their products in the United States.

Since the formation of the Association in 1883, we have on several occasions considered the matter of the waste of the flax fibre in this country, and also the question of the decline in the production of American hemp. The result has been that we have decided on the conference to which you are now invited ; and we hope that a free exchange of views will produce wise counsel, and that our action here to-day may be productive of much good.

The history of flax is a most interesting study, as it reaches back nearly four thousand years, and an account of the origin and growth of this fibre and its products stated in detail would be most attractive; but we must at this time consider the conditions of the industry as existing to-day, having in mind the objects to be attained by this meeting.

Let us first consider the question of flax.

An estimate of the average crop of flax raised in the world — outside of the United States — is

(3)

3,800,000 acres. Of this it is estimated that Kussia cultivates 2,000,000 acres.

The acreage of 3,300,000 at an average of 336 pounds of fibre per acre would produce 495,000 tons of flax, and this at an average of $250 per ton would represent nearly $125,000,000. I believe this esti- mate is a very conservative one.

Reports of the American flax-seed crop for the year 1885 estimate the amount raised as 12,000,000 bushels, valued at $13,500,000. If the average were twelve bushels to the acre, you must have planted 1,000,000 acres of flax. If this 1,000,000 acres had been properly planted and cared for, and you had saved 336 pounds of flax per acre, you would have had 150,000 tons of fibre, which could have been sold for a good round sum. Estimate it, if you please, at $250 per ton, and you would have a total of $37,500,000. You may wish to calculate upon a little less production of seed, if you consider raising flax for the fibre as well as for the seed, but a liberal discount from the figures just named will leave a sufficient amount to demonstrate the possible increased value to be derived from the flax crop.

What have we to show for fibre on the immense acreage of flax planted? Almost nothing.

If the estimate of 1,000,000 acres of flax is correct, we stand second to Kussia in the acreage planted; but in raising flax for the seed alone, we have only India to keep us company.

We raise flax for the seed, we waste the fibre — indeed, we even have to spend time and labor to dispose of the straw containing the fibre, and then perchance we wipe the sweat from our brows with a

linen towel made from fibre similar to that which we labor to get rid of, — the cloth in the towel being imported from Kussia, Ireland, or Scotland. Your wheat crop commands a low price ; yon see the ac- cumulation, and you talk of diversified crops and look about to see what the future is to be, yet you bind your sheaf of wheat with twine made from the sisal of Central America or fi'om the manila of the Philippine Islands, or of these fibres mixed, while you throw away fibre suited to make good binder twine.

I am, howeYcr, glad to state that there is some binder twine used which is made from hemp and also from flax, but I hope that in the near future the twine for harvesting-machines may be made more largely from American fibres.

It is said by many that flax exhausts the soil more than other plants; but if this is so, your one million acres of flax must be doing us great injury. The exhaustion of the soil I understand to be com- mon, and to apply to everything raised ; but it is the rotation of crops and the renewal of the soil which keep the land in prime condition. It is with pleas- ure that I noticed in the Chicago Tribune, under date of February 13, an article touching this point by Mr. S. H. Stevens, Flax-seed Inspector of your city, and I cannot do better than quote extracts from his communication.

lie quotes from Tomlinson's Cyclopedia as follows : —

" The great objection urged against the cultiva- tion of flax is that it is an exhausting crop. And this is quite true, for it abstracts a larger amount of

6

nitrogen from the soil than many other crops. But under the new mode of management copied from the careful systems of the Continent, this objection is completely set aside. The restoration of the steep- water, of the woody portions of the plant with the husks of the seed to the soil, completely renovates the soil, making it as well fitted to produce any crop as before."

"Quoting from Wilson's 'Rural Cyclopedia^: 'AH the fibrous portion of the plant is elaborated out of the elements of air and water, so that the fibre alone might year after year for ages be removed from the soil, or the plant might for ages be cultivated on the same field by always returning to it the seeds, the scutching, and the steep-water, without occasion- ing a particle of impoverishment. Even the seeds contain a very small portion of inorganic matter, or matter derived from the soil, compared with the whole bulk; and when they are all used in cattle- feeding on the farm, and their organic principles afterward returned to the land as an item of farm- yard manure, they too, as well as the fibre, may be taken off* for ages without impoverishment.'

"Read what J. Forbes Royle says in his 'Fibrous Plants of India': "There is, however, one striking point of dissimilarity between the cultivation of wheat and that of flax. And we are indebted to Sir Robert Kane for having for the first time brought this point under the notice of the farmer in a forcible manner, — namely, that while the mineral ingredients which we remove from our fields in wheat, or cereals in general, become constituents of food and enter in this manner into circulation, from which, under

favorable circumstances, they return to the soil after the lapse of some time, the woody fibre of flax as a necessary preliminary to its being used by man is separated to a considerable extent from those very mineral substances which are so essential for its suc- cessful growth. This mineral matter, when econo- mized in a proper manner by the farmer, may be returned to his field to keep up the equilibrium of its fertility. The inorganic substances taken up by the plant are only instruments used in its production, which should be as carefully preserved as tools in a manufactory, and will then do further duty in pro- moting the elaboration of futui-e crops."

"Spon's 'Encyclopedia of the Industrial Arts and Manufactures,' says : ' Analysis of the flax plant dried at 100° {212° F.) shows 3.2 per cent, of ash; this ash contains 20.32 per cent of potash, 19.88 of lime, 10.24 of phosphoric acid. It is estimated that the flax grown on one acre of land extracts from the soil about fifty pounds of alkalies (chiefly pot- ash) and twenty-four pounds of phosphoric acid. Almost the whole of this might be returned im- mediately to the soil if the refuse of the plant and the retting water were utilized.

"'The soil of the "Western prairies (in wide reaches) is so surcharged with the very ingredients required by the flax plant, as shown by the analysis, that it is important that they be reduced rather than increased. The reduction is practical through the cultivation of the flax plant, which will grow in the greatest luxuriance on soil so overburdened with alkali as to hinder or entirely bar the cereals. The equilibrium of the soil would be restored by sowing

8

flax on the sod, and the dreaded alkali would be taken up and become a source of wealth.

" ' I will say in passing, that while the flax plant is more rapid, it is no more sure in exhaustion than the cereals. When either is cultivated, the ingredi- ents withdrawn should be restored, if needed, for the coming crop. This can be most readily accomplished by the cultivator of flax-seed. The woody centre and the gum which cements the fibre thereto, retain nearly all the earthy matter taken up ; and the husk holds the remainder, the fibre is elaborated from air and water. The returning of the flax straw to the field whence it comes makes nearly a complete resto- ration. Should it not be needed on the identical land, then it is no less valuable on land on which the waste of previous years begins to tell. But it is hardly necessary to return to earth this straw in its raw and undecomposed state, for as a forage it is superior, cattle accepting it to the exclusion of all other fodder. Thus, with the addition of the oil- cake (which every feeder should use), the Western farmer has well in hand all this very exhausting crop, and has withdrawn from the soil a fertilizer without cost, more valuable to his land than any known to commerce.

'"While it is so easy and practical for the cul- tivator of flax to retain the equilibrium of his fields, not so the producer of the cereals, as the mineral ingredients of the soil taken up become constituents of food which is sold to foreign lands, and thus the real wealth of our country is borne away without recall.' "

From this it will be seen that with proper hand-

9

ling flax may be made less exhaustive than wheat; and yet we to-day have a possible surplus of wheat, while we import the flax we use, and even the coun- tries of Europe are troubled about their future sup- ply of flax.

As before stated, Russia is the largest producer of flax, and has in the past exported enormous quan- tities of the fibre ; but mthin a few years her people have been large purchasers of English flax machin- ery, and are establishing factories in Russia, which will in time take the place of the production of hand spinning and hand weaving.

Evidently Russia intends to supply her home market with linen goods, and also has an eye on the business of the Eastern countries.

This manufacturing in their own country is tak- ing the best of their flax, and as a result the poorer grades are being shipped, while formerly the best selections of their crop were obtainable.

As showing the condition of the foreign flax business, I will give quotations from a Flax Report issued from Dundee, December 31, 1885, concern- ing the business of the past year and the prospect for the future : —

"In the flax trade one of the main features of the year has been the unsatisfactory nature of the supply of nearly all the Russian flax from the crop of 1884. The continued deterioration of the supplies from Russia is unquestionably one of the most seri- ous considerations which consumers in this country have to face, l^o doubt, for a year or two back, the character of the seasons has not been altogether favorable for the growth of the flax; but apart from

10

this there is abundant evidence that the preparation and assorting of the flax is not what it used to be ; marks have ceased to have their former significance, and frauds and adulterations are practised, which were formerly rare if not altogether unknown. It is to be regretted that spinners are to such an extent powerless in the matter; the weakness of the position seems to be in the succession of short crops, and the competition there is in securing the article from first hands. There has been little if any reserve of stock of the raw material, so that con- sumers have been prematurely forced into the mar- ket ; and the narrowness of margin between supply and demand has no doubt aided producers in practis- ing the adulterations and deterioration of brack,, which has caused such disappointment and loss to consumers. In September last, a conference of spin- ners from France, Belgium, and Great Britain was held at Antwerp to consider the question of the Russian flax supply, and resolutions addressed to the Russian Government were passed; it remains to be seen, however, whether any benefit will arise from this. The flax which has perhaps given rise to most disapjDointment is that from Archangel, which seems somewhat singular, seeing it is the only port where the Government brack is still in force. The quality has been going down year after year, but what ha& been received this year has proved, on the whole, worse than at any time hitherto. Shipments are fall- ing off greatly from this port, as a large portion of the crop formerly sent hither now finds its way to St. Petersburg by rail.

11

" From St. Petersburg there has been about an average supply, and to this must be added unusually large shipments during the winter of St. Petersburg district flax via Peval. Quality has been various, but on the whole, both in Slanitz and white flaxes, somewhat similar to the early samples. The ship- ments from Pernau have been on a much more liberal scale than was expected, and have disproved the early reports of a short supply from that district ; the quality, although leaving so much to be desired, has been better maintained than that of any other de- scription, but the cleaning is greatly deficient. From Riga the importations have also been large, but the quality has been in many cases very unsatisfactory, and, on the average, shows a great falling ofi!" com- pared to the flax shipped a few years ago ; deficient cleaning, irregularity of brack, damping and stufiing, have been the chief complaints. So great is the variety in the Riga flax of some marks that it is now difiicult, if not impossible, to determine what is ' aver- age quality ' ; hence that term has almost fallen into disuse, and the flax is sold according to the char- acter of the shipper of the district in which it is collected.

" With regard to the prospective supply of flax, we regret to report rather unfavorably. Taken as a whole, the crop in Russia is not likely to prove more abundant than in the preceding year, which was not up to an average either in point of quantity or quality. From the Archangel and St. Petersburg- districts the reports are particularly unfavorable, and the quantity to come from them is likely to be much under the average. In some important districts the

12

orop is reported to be almost exhausted already. In the districts sii23plying Riga a comparatively better crop has been secured, and we look for quite as much being shipped as this year, and, on the whole, of rather better quality. In the Pernau districts the quantity will probably fall a little short of last year, but the quality is expected to be better, as the steeping process was accomplished under favorable conditions. In Ireland and on the Continent the Jiax crops of this year have proved successful, and this will, of course, to some extent make up for the deficiency in the Russian crop.

"For Spring shipment nothing has yet been done; sellers have scarcely yet come forward with offers, as the open winter in Russia has prevented supplies coming forward freely. On the other hand, consumers on this side are discouraged by the wretched state of trade, and they will likely operate very cautiously, unless prices open lower than pres- ent appearances indicate.

" Tows. — The most noticeable feature in these is the extraordinarily reduced state of stocks, and the consequent sharp advance which has taken place in prices during the year. At no period for many years past have stocks, particularly of fine tows, been so utterly cleaned out; and consumers who have now to look for stocks will find it difficult, if not im- possible, to procure them. The importations have been falling off for several years back. Continental buyers having operated more freely, especially in fine Petersburg tows. Prices have now reached such a point, however, that trade has become unprofitable to spinners, and the demand may be expected to

13

diminish. The prospect of a liberal supply next season is, unfortunately, not favorable, and con- sequently the outlook for tow-spinners is not very satisfactory."

With such an outlook for the production of flax in Europe, may we not look forward to the time when we can be exporters of flax?

Canada to-day sends us flax and tow, while our conditions of soil and climate cannot be inferior to theirs.

It is said you cannot raise seed and good fibre at the same time, but this is not a fact. You must sow your seed more thickly, must keep out the weeds, must gather the stalks with care; and while you will not get quite the quantity of seed per acre which you would have if you sowed less seed and had more branches to your plants, yet you will find the fibre much more valuable than the seed.

Can the fibre be marketed if prepared?

The importations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, are reported as follows : —

Tons. Value. Duty. Flax, hackled, known

as dressed line . . 1,014 $599,453 |40,589 Flax, not hackled or

dressed .... 3,869 862,975 77,385

Tow of flax . . . 1,699 270,239 16,998

Total . . . . 6,582 $1,732,667 $134,972

134,972

$1,867,639

14

The 6,582 tons seems a small amount of fibre, if we sow an acreage sufiicient to produce 150,000 tons of fibre, and it shows that if possible, we should arrange to increase our consumption of flax.

Value. Duty.

The importations of brown

and bleached linens, ducks, diapers, hand- kerchiefs, etc. . . . 112,159,892 $4,255,962

4,255,962

Total ..... $16,415,854

Have we not a field for the extension of the manufacture of linen piece goods in this country ; and if an abundant supply of the raw material can be furnished at a reasonable price, why cannot we do more than we are now doing? Every efi'ort should be made to have this class of goods produced in this country as far as may be possible.

We cannot expect to manufacture at once the full line of goods made from flax, but we should do more than is now being done; and while our flax may not be suited for the finest grades of linens, yet we have a large field in the coarser grade of goods, and when we can succeed in this, we can work to accomplish the production of the finer grades. Some persons would discourage the efforts to make linen piece goods in this country, claiming that we cannot successfully compete with the skill of the Old World; but I do not agree with such opinions, as I believe we can accomplish anything in this country, where skill and enterprise are the bases of success.

15

The farmers in the West have shown a desire for labor-saving machinery, and the care and preparation of flax may in the past have seemed to be a tedious operation, but it is expected the details of handling flax will be simplified in the near future. Quite a stir has been occasioned in the flax markets of the world by a new scutching-machine, the invention of a Frenchman. I quote from the United States Con- sular Report as follows : —

" The new process consists in taking a handful of stalks in a press similar to that of flax-combing machines; these are received on a carriage, which moves slowly on an endless chain, and are immedi- ately pierced by steel pins, which move forward and backward horizontally, and prick the outer surface and divide it into small bits, which loosen themselves and fall in particles. The fibre remains intact, and none is perceptible among the heaps of chafl*.

" After this the stalks are nearly stripped of skin, of which, nevertheless, some particles still ad- here, which are entirely removed as they pass through a mill, with fans. It then enters upon the third por- tion of the machine, which is a combing-machine, diflering from the ordinary combing-machines in being arranged with fewer combs.

" It is claimed that by this process the stalks of flax will turn out as much combed flax per pound as by the old process was produced of 23eeled flax. For instance, with flax stalks weighing 100 kilograms, which yielded formerly twenty kilograms of peeled stalk and twelve kilograms of combed flax, this new process would give twenty kilograms of combed flax.

16

"From the best information attainable from sev- eral spinners, the reduction of cost is estimated at forty per cent per kilogram for the spun flax.

" The labor is trifling. Each pair of machines emjDloys three boys, about the same as combing- machines.

" Those in the trade comprehend the advantages of these results, and attach great importance to them, and are adapting their business to the new state of afiairs.

" These machines can be erected wherever a sup- ply of flax can be obtained. The stalks can be peeled by this new machinery, and the fibre combed and prepared for shipment to the linen manufacturer.

" ]^early all of the spinners who have seen the new machines have ordered them. The maker has orders now for the construction of 238 machines.

" The inventor of this machine is M. Jules Cardon. He has been superintendent of combing in the Union Linen Works of the N^orth, and was awarded last year a prize by the Industrial Society of the IsTorth for an improved comber. He has tried for ten years to invent a peeler. The third attempt seems to be successful."

As with all new machinery or methods, there are those who doubt the success of that which is un- tried; but as the machine appears to be in the hands of competent makers of flax machinery, I think that we may look forward to favorable results.

Let us all start anew and try to accomplish something in the matter of the utilization of the flax fibre in the United States; let sample lots be

17

worked out by the farmers until the desired quahty be obtained j let the manufacturers pay the highest market price, and in every way aid and encourage the growth and preparation of the fibre. If the individual farmers cannot attend to the retting and scutching of the flax, then let skilled persons have charge of a mill in each farming district, where the crops for a large territory can be made ready for market.

Europe is armed to the teeth; each nation has a watchful eye on its neighbor, and war may not be impossible at some future time. It would take but the involving of a few countries in war to stop the greater part of the world's supply of flax from being marketed, and yet we rest here amid plenty, and import our flax fibre and our linens. I can but use the remark of a Scotchman brought up in the linen business, who visited our Western country not long ago ; when he saw the flax fibre and its lack of use, he said, " What a waste of God's mercies ! "

Referring to American hemp, we find the crops, according to the census reports, to be as follows : —

Census of . . 1850	. . 34,871 tons
. . 1860 .	. 74,493 "
. . 1870	. 12,746 "
. . 1880	5,025 "
Estimated crop, 1885	. . 6,000 "

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The report of the imports of hemp (not includ- ing manila or sisal) is as follows : —

Tons. Value. - Duty.

Hemp . . . .	, 4,917	$778,327	1122,945
Tow of hemp .	709	84,957	7,097
Hemp yarns	. 172	32,728	11,454

One reason for the decline in the demand for American hemp is that now the bagging for covering cotton is made largely from jnte, because of a claimed absence of the shive, which was formerly found in hemp and flax bagging. Another reason is that the manila, sisal, and jute fibres have taken the place of hemp in cordage, yarns, and similar goods, and the low price of these fibres has had' the efi'ect to stim- ulate their consumption.

Many persons have expressed to me their opin- ion that the past legislation concerning the laws afiecting the importation of jute, has proved a great injury to the business in flax and hemp. We have with us to-day representatives from the hemp-grow- ing districts of Kentucky, who should express to you fully their views as to the past and present con- dition of their business, as well as indicate the pros- pect for the future.

As showing the importations of jute, manila, and sisal, I present the following for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885 : —

19

Tons. Value. Duties. Manila and other

like substitutes 25,408 |3,908,546 |634,217

Sisal grass . . . 31,736 2,245,020 476,048

Jute 14,922 785,507 157,101

Jute butts . . . 78,230 2,304,553 391,153

" yarns . . . 4,842 466,555 163,294

155,138 19,710,181 |1,821,813 1,821,813

111,531,994

These figures indicate the enormous proportions to which the business in these fibres has been car- ried; and whatever the errors of past legislation con- cerning them, whereby American fibres may have sufiered, the fact that these industries are now estab- lished must be recognized at this time. You must consider what is best for the promotion of the Amer- ican hemp industry, and I trust you will be able to give this matter due attention.

Can we not devise measures to promote the flax and hemp industries? Can a stimulus be given to the invention of new machinery to produce results in less time and at less cost than by present methods ? Can we not make a strong effort to utilize the flax fibre we may raise? Can we not aid to bring about an increased production and consumption of American hemp?

These are questions of vital interest, and they are now before you. Let us consider them carefully, not expecting to accomplish the desired results in a day, but rather to lay a sure foundation, and then

20

press forward to the building tip of industries which shall be a credit to our country. I have tried to lay before you facts rather than to attempt to solve the problems which we are here to consider. This meeting should throw light on the questions to be considered, and the solution of the difficulties ought to be determined after we have had a full inter- change of views.

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Copy of Notice calling the Convention,

SPINNERS AND GROWERS' ASSOCIATION-

Boston, Februai-y 15, 1886. Dear Sir : —

A meeting of the members of this Association, with flax and hemp growei's and manufacturers, and all others interested in the promotion of the flax and hemp industry in the United States, will be held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, on Thursday, February 25, at 11 o'clock, a. m.

It is expected that manufacturers using flax and herup will bring to the meeting samples of these fibres in various stages of manufacture, that their requirements ma}^ be fully explained to the growers. It is also expected that the growers of flax and hemp will bring samples of what the}^ may have raised of these fibres, in the straw, and of the same retted, scutched, or otherwise prepared, to show the manufacturers what the growers are now doing.

Please interest yourself and prepare samples to be submitted, with statement of an}^ facts, statistics, or suggestions which would be of value in connection therewith.

We trust you will attend and take an interest in this movement for the advancement of the flax and hemp business in America,

By order of the Board of Government,

F. A. J. SMITH, See'y, A. R. TURNER, Jr., Pres't,

P. 0. Box 2984, New York. P. 0. Box 5284, Boston.

You are requested to send notice of the meeting to any persons in your vicinity who would be interested, and to recxuest their attendance.

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ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS.

A meeting of the Flax and Hemp Spinners and Growers' Association, with others interested in the promotion of the flax and hemp industry, was held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Chicago, on Thursday morning, February 25, 1886, at eleven o'clock.

The meeting was called to order ; and on motion of Mr. Abram Bentley, of 'New Brighton, Pa., Mr. A. P. Turner, Jr., of Boston, President of the Asso- ciation, was elected to act as chairman and Mr. F. A. J. Smith, of New York, Secretary of the Asso- ciation, and Mr. "W. J. Loughridge, of Lexington, Ky., as secretaries.

Mr. A. P. Turner, Jr., presented an address to the Convention, and the address was ordered to be printed.

The Secretary read most interesting communi- cations on the growth, preparation, etc. of flax, from Mr. J. H. Poss, of the Boston Thread and Twine Company, Boston, Mass.; Mr. H. C. Plumley, of the "Dakota Argus," Fargo, Dakota; and Mr. H. C. Craig, of Walnut, Kansas.

A general discussion ensued on the practica- bility of using hemp (Kentucky) and native-grown flax for binder twine, in lieu of the manila and sisal

23

used at present, Mr. Bentley contending that it was merely a matter of education (with regard to the tension of the reaping-machines) of the farmers, and that flax or hemp twine was superior to the manila and sisal; Mr. C. S. Crane, of Chicago, controverting; and Messrs. W. Jerome, of Champaign, 111., H. A. Dement, of Dixon, 111., J. S. Mahan, of Champaign, 111., James Bojce, of Muncie, Ind., and others taking part. Mr. John Hinde, of 'New York City, and Mr. Bentley discussed matters relating to flax and flax tow, and explained the preparation of the same for fibre, for threads and twines and manufacturers' uses, many questions being asked and answered on the subject. It was stated by Rev. John P. Conkey, of Dubuque, Iowa, that flax straw was valuable as fodder, and that he spoke from experience, having fed it to his cattle with great success.

On motion of Mr. Bentley, it was voted that " a committee of nine, consisting of three represent- ing the flax-groAving interest, three the hemp-grow- ing interest, and three manufacturers of these fibres, be delegated to visit Washington, and petition Congress to award a premium for the invention of a machine for the improved handling of flax and hemp fibres."

The meeting was then adjourned for an hour.

The meeting reconvened at three o'clock. Presi- dent Turner in the chair.

Mr. Sparks, of Kicholasville, Ky., spoke at length on the question of the tariff (with reference to Mr. Bentley's motion), advocating a continuance of the duty on hemp and flax, and claiming that protection was more needed than new machinery.

24

Mr. Boyce, of Muncie, Ind., moved that Mr. Bentley's motion be laid on the table. Lost.

Mr. Sparks moved an amendment to Mr. Bent- ley's motion: '^That the same committee shall pro- test against any reduction in the present tariif relating to fibres, and shall fully represent the affairs of the Convention before the proper Con- gressional Committee." This amendment was ac- cepted by Mr. Bentley, and the motion was further amended by adding that the chairman appoint the members of said committee before the close of the convention. Seconded by Mr. Loughridge, of Lex- ington, Ky., and carried unanimously.

Mr. Loughridge moved that " a committee be appointed, consisting of Mr. Bentley, of l^ew Brighton, Pa., Mr. R. W. McEery, of Frankfort, Ky., and Mr. Crane, of Chicago, 111., to draft a set of resolutions expressing the sense of the Associa- tion in reference to tariff legislation, and any other matters which they may deem of interest to parties here represented." Carried.

On motion, the meeting adjourned until Feb- ruary 26, at ten A. m.

Mr. Rogers, representing the Chicago Board of Trade, extended an invitation to the members of the Association to visit the Board of Trade. The invi- tation was accepted, and twelve o'clock, February 26, was the time decided upon.

25 Febkuaby 26.

The meeting was promptly called to order at ten A. M., President Turner in the chair.

The Committee on Resolutions reported as follows : —

^^ Resolved, That we, as growers and manufac- turers in convention assembled, agree to use every endeavor to advance the interests of the flax and hemp industry in the United States; that as growers we will iise every effort to raise and prepare the fibre with reference to the wants of the maniifacturers, and that as manufacturers we will co-operate with the growers and give preference to American flax and hemp."

It was moved by Mr. Boyce, of Muncie, Ind., that the report be adopted, and seconded by Mr. Loughridge. Carried.

The Committee further reported as follows : —

" Whereas, Any reduction of the tariff at this time on foreign fibres, including jute, manila, sisal, flax and hemp, would, in our opinion, be disastrous to important domestic industries, both agricultural and manufacturing : therefore, be it resolved by this Convention, representing both producers and man- ufacturers, that our Senators and Representatives in Congress be respectfully urged to oppose any such reduction, whether by direct legislation or indirectly by reciprocity treaties, and that a memorial be pre- pared and forwarded to every Senator and member of Congress, and that we will individually urge the matter upon their attention."

Moved adoption by Mr. Boyce, of Muncie, Ind., and seconded by Mr. Sparks. Carried.

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The President appointed a committee to visit Washington, to consist of the following: —

Hon. Henry D. Dement, Dixon, 111. Mr. John F. Conkey, Dubuque, Iowa. Mr. W. S. Benton, Minneapolis, Minn. Mr. W. J. Loughridge, Lexington, Ky. Mr. A. S. Winston, Lexington, Ky. Mr. B. A. Mellen, St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Abram Bentley, ^N'ew Brighton, Pa. Mr. William Barbour, Paterson, ]N". J. Mr. Wm. Allen, :N'ew York, ]^. Y.

On motion of Mr. Bentley, the President, Mr. Turner, was added to and named as chairman of the above committee. Discussion then ensued in regard to the best method of reaching the farmers, with in- formation as to the method of growing and prepar- ing flax for fibre.

Mr. Bentley moved " That the President's address be printed, together with an account of the proceedings of the Association at this meeting, and also that a pamphlet setting forth the manner of the planting, preparing, etc. of flax be issued under the direction of the Board of Government." Seconded by Mr. Hinde. Carried.

Mr. Wm. Barbour, of Paterson, ^NT. J., moved " That the expenses of the committee to Washington be paid by the Association." Carried. •

It was moved and adopted that Mr. Mahan, of Champaign, 111., take charge of the various samples exhibited, and present the same to the University of Illinois, at Champaign.

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The Flax and Hemp Spinners and Growers' Association then met as an Association, for the elec- tion of members, and the election of officers to serve for the ensuing year.

The following new members were proposed in writing by Mr. Gr. H. Torr, of Andover, Mass., and they were unanimously elected.

Mr. E. E. Sparks, Nicholas ville, Ky.

Mr. W. J. Loughridge, Lexington, Ky.

Mr. James Boyce, Muncie, Tnd.

Messrs. J. F. Scott & Bro., Lexington, Ky.

Kentucky River Mills, Frankfort, Ky.

Mr. A. S. Winston, Lexington, Ky.

Messrs. H. B. ]S"elson & Bro., Lexington, Ky.

Mr. C. S. Crane, Chicago, Bl.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : —

Mk. a. K. TuKis^EE, Jr., Boston, Mass., President. Mr. Wm. Allen", ISTew York City, Vice-President. Mr. Geo. H. Torr, Andover, Mass., Treasurer. Me. F. a. J. Smith, 'New York City, Secretary.

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Board of Oovernment.

Mr. Christopher Bailey, Philadelphia, Pa.

Mr. Chas. F. Wymai^, Boston, Mass.

Mr. John G. McMaster, Greenwich, IS". Y.

Mr. Wm. Barbour, Paterson, ]^. J.

Mr. James Boyoe, Muncie, Ind.

Mr. E. p. Sparks, ]^icholasville, Ky.

Mr. Abram Bentley, ^ew Brighton, Pa.

On motion, adjourned sine die.

F. A. J. SMITH, Secretary.