New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-07-28
THE WESTERN FARMERS AND THE WAR.
The war between France and Prussia,

THE WESTERN FARMERS AND THE WAR
The war between France and Prussia
whether it last long or be soon terminated
will undoubtedly create demand to-
breadstuffs from this country. The pric'
of wheat has already advanced in conse
ouence, and corn will be favorably affect
ed. Fortunately, our Northwestern farm
ers are in condition to respond to any
reouisition likely to be made upon them,
as the crops throughout the Northwest
are reported to be very abundant. With
the exception Of wheat, in which slight
decrease is reported, there has been an in
| crease in the production Of grain. Last
year there were Deficiencies in both corn
and oats, which had in some measure to
be compensated for by an increased con-
sumption in wheat. A relative decrease
in pork was one of the immediate effects
off short crop Of corn and oats. So
that it is probable that the increase in the
latter cereals this year, will more than
make up for the short crop of wheat. We
have no advices as to rye, buckwheat and
barley, but take it for granted that aver
age crops VIII be made.
AS regards the market, much will de-
pend upon the duration Of the war. It
would be running a risk to hold back
grain for rise, as the first sharp, des-
perate conflict like that of Sadowa, may
lead to sudden peace, and consequent
fall in prices. But as We are now in the
midst of bountiful grain harvest, it will
be the part Of wisdom for our farmers to
hurry their crops to market, and realize
while prices are good, without waiting for
better. Shipments during the next two
months should be very heavy. And it is
not grain alone that will be wanted by the
people of Europe. A demand Will spring
up for leather, iron, wool, pork and bacon.
Probably the next two months will be
the Western mans opportunity; for, in
considering the nearness to each other of
the two hostile nations, and their ability
to almost instantly bring their available
forces in the field, sagacious men will be
able by that time to determine with some
degree of accuracy, what will be the dura-
ton Of the war. Peace, or reasonable
Of peace will naturally depress
breadstuffs which should, however, be
sold out of the country, in the mean
lime, and will raise the price Of cotton,
which will probably begin then to come
Onward freely. This will afford buoyant
markets and full prices for all the sur
plus of the American crops Of this year,
sud will either be the means of calling
back and paying large portion Of the in
lebtedness, public and private, Of this
country to Europe, or causing heavy ship
nents of gold from the old world. There
s but one cause which now occurs to us
likely to prevent this result. If our pee
DE increase importations Of foreign goods |
IS they become able to pay, it will defeat
o some extent the beneficial influences Of
he war.
A prolonged contest, which few people
t present look for, will stimulate produc-
ion and bring the supply up to the de-
nand, and keep prices down to the
verage price, which, however, has been
ute favorable to producers during the
asst four or five years. But unless the
,merican people grow very luxurious and
nprovident, and spend all their surplus
n buying imported goods, We ought to be
BILE within few years to pay off the
eavy balance against us in Europe. At
II events we can see no canses likely 10
row out Of the war that will depress our
onds or credit Of any kind, or raise the
rice of gold in this country. The Bank
France has already begun to pay silver
My for its notes, and entire suspension
specie payments is looked for at an
srly day. The financial institutions Of
russia will no doubt suspend also in
ase of long struggle. The effect upon
lis country Of suspensions of the kind is
ssily foreseen by our fnanciers. Gold
ould be shipped to New York in great
for investment, for the pur-
lase of our products, and, as it may hap
en-, for safety.