New Cotton Standards

The Fulmer Act, passed by Congress during the closing hours of the last session, made compulsory a new set of standards for grading cotton in all interstate and foreign transactions. In alarm, the representatives of the principal European cotton markets hastened to Washington, being in doubt as to the effect of this new law upon their interests. Despite the curt and bureaucratic manner in which the law was passed, however, its outcome seems likely to prove beneficial to every one. The standards, which are now due to be followed all over the world, relate especially to discoloration, amount of foreign matter contained and care used in preparation for market; they were drawn up, not by the Government, but by a committee from the American cotton trade, and have now been approved by the foreign representatives in Washington. The grades comprise nine of white cotton and eleven of stained cotton. The new standards have been recommended for adoption by the European cotton exchanges by the foreign representatives, and it is anticipated that soon they will be recognized throughout the world. The establishment of such a universally followed grading system should effect considerable conveniences and economies generally throughout the cotton business.