1-1                                     1
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 296
 1-3           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in
 1-4     recognizing March 2, 1999, as Cotton Day at the State Capitol in
 1-5     honor of the significant role cotton has played in our history
 1-6     and in the economy of our state; and
 1-7           WHEREAS, Cotton was first grown in Texas by the Spanish
 1-8     missionaries in San Antonio as early as 1745; cotton cultivation
 1-9     was begun by Anglo-American colonists when Stephen F. Austin
1-10     brought families to settle between the Trinity and Brazos rivers;
1-11     and
1-12           WHEREAS, Since 1880, Texas has led all other states in
1-13     cotton production, and cotton has earned its title of "King" in
1-14     Texas; cotton production and the annual cotton harvest in Texas
1-15     are approximately one-quarter of the total production in the
1-16     United States; and
1-17           WHEREAS, In the late 1850s and early 1860s, a sharp rise in
1-18     cotton production occurred when new areas for planting were opened
1-19     as settlers pushed westward; the introduction of barbed wire and
1-20     the building of railroads increased the industry, and cotton growing
1-21     spread to the plains and the prairies of the Panhandle by 1908 when
1-22     irrigation brought water to the area; and
1-23           WHEREAS, Cotton remains the main cash crop of Texas,
1-24     and since 1989, the annual cotton crop in Texas has averaged 4.39
 2-1     million bales; the total value of upland and pima lint cotton
 2-2     produced in Texas in 1997 was $1,508,408,000, and cottonseed value
 2-3     in 1997 was $226,062,000; and
 2-4           WHEREAS, Originally grown for its fiber, cotton has become a
 2-5     versatile plant whose seeds are used for cooking oils, livestock
 2-6     feed, and cleansing products, as well as various other products
 2-7     made from its linters, hulls, and meats; and
 2-8           WHEREAS, Cotton continues to be a major source of income
 2-9     for our state, and Texas remains an important supplier of cotton
2-10     products for the world, with major buyers located in Asian countries
2-11     and our neighboring Mexico; now, therefore, be it
2-12           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-13     76th Legislature, hereby recognize all Texans associated with the
2-14     cotton industry in our state and declare March 2, 1999, as Cotton
2-15     Day at the Capitol; and, be it further
2-16           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor
2-17     of the cotton industry as an expression of appreciation from the
2-18     Texas Senate.
2-19                                                                  Duncan
2-20                                  ______________________________________
2-21                                          President of the Senate
2-22                                       I hereby certify that the above
2-23                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
2-24                                  on March 2, 1999.
2-25                                  ______________________________________
2-26                                          Secretary of the Senate
2-27                                  ______________________________________
2-28                                           Member, Texas Senate