New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-06-14

JTpOn what data this estimate is based we are not
aware, or at what point between the producer and
consumer the calculation of price is made we are not
informed Certainly, the farmers of this country, as
whole never realize anything like the prices liked to
the different products named. The price of Indian
in all the great growing States of Kentucky
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri will not average
third Of the gum stated per bushel and We doubt
whether in all the United States it will average one
half. If the in quantity is equally erroneous the
table is not of much value in calculating the surplus
for export, the number Of bushels used for home
consumption.
The above table gives the grain products Of 1855 at
9t5 900 900 of bushels to which add, as estimated in
the same calculation, ITO 600 900 bushels of potatoes
and 500 900 bushels of peas and beans 900 900
pounds of rice, and it does appear TO like pretty
liberal allowance of breadstuff With anything like
the quantity of the cosser portion of the products
which we do not export, and considerable portion Of
which goes to swell the amount Of bread consumed by
the people of the country, are satisfied that our
calculation Of three bushels per head an average
consumption of wheat each year is fully up to the
mark and all the excess that quantity Of any
crop may be set down much surplus to feed
other country less the small quantity used in starch
and cloth manufactures.
Now, if We could have an accurate census of the
production of the country taken every five years, and
then some careful estimates of the actual consumption
it would be very easy to determine every year what
was the actual surplus on hand and regulate the
price upon the only true basis-demand and supply.
That the ascertanment of such important "facts
for the people" is duty of Government, we think
is indIputabe. We think it equally indsputable that
whenever shall have Government that is cOgni-
zsnt of the fact that there is wheatgrowing North,
there will be Department Of that Government de-
voted exclusively 10 the interest of the producer and
of the products OF American SOIL instead Of
leaving such vital interests to the inevitably crude
calculations of an Overburdened halpaid clerk of a
branch Of the Government that haB no connection,
interest, or sympathy with agriculture Such thing
has been as Government acting for the people in the
capacity of parent guardian, and laying up stores
of grain in of plenty ageinst year when the
poor of the land might cry for bread. Whether
America will ever enjoy such paternal Government
is beyond the ken Of modern prophets. Certainly not
While it is governed bya Border Ruiian Democracy.
At presept it lie Government OF slaves for saves--
not for freemen who own and till their SOIL producing
bread for themselves and feDow-freemen.
That wheat is suscs ptibe of being preserved to
indefinite period of time all history confirms 1t
psher loses its vitality its value for bread has
been proved by seed obtained from the cerements of
nun MY 1900 years old. All that would be necessary
in Sc ason of plenty to buy up supply Of wheat
against year Of scarcity TO free the grain from all
moisture, aud then store it away in alright granares.
Ard these might be made in the fashion Of cisterns
shaped at the top ike the mouth OF jug, that could
be dramatically sealed after the air all pumped
out leaving the grain free from all amo-p herc infu-
snce-, ard against depredaor~ of animals or
insects, and beyond danger loss from FIRE Or food
OF such granares could be constructed by farm
or wheat merchants; but in present hapbszard
system Of prices. where il the indacementi The al
vsntsges and feasibility of such storehou-es of bread
stufs must first be shown the people aud then they
will be ready enough to adopt plan tina: would be an
eectua guard against famine and check Of wild spec
uaticLs in wheat and -four.
Even when held for speculation, waiting an advance
upon the cot, it would be far batter for all parties con-
c.rned 10 store up the wheat in the perfectly safe
insurer that We have indicated, than il woold be 10
hold the -four, since that is in great degree perish
able Article, and must be sold or will de.eriorate in