Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-11-14
Farm and F1res1ae.
DISs.gTEsP.fCTIO. .s.uO.vG F.sR-
.NEfgS.

There is widespread feeling Of dissat-
isfaction and consequent discomfort among
farmers at the present time. This feeling
arises from the fact that the mass of farm
ers find it difficult to realize any profits
from their farms. By dint of hard and
continuous labor and the exercise of econ
omy in all directions, thoy are enabled to
meet running expenses. Very little mon
ey, if any, is accommodating upon their
hands to be laid by for future emergencies
or TO be used for such articles of comfort or
luxury as their condition and Circumstance
es seem to demand. While the exercise of
economy is to be commended at all times,
it is difficult TO see why the industrious
farmer and his family should be obliged to
exercise it more than people living in vii
lagos and cities, engaged in different occu
patonS. 1t is ii fact that although the far
mer may nave respectable property in his
farm and its fixtures, the laboring classes
in town for the most part dependent entire
ly upon their daily labor for an income,
have more ready money than the farmer,
and can more easily supply themselves
with ''extras" which contribute to the en-
joyment and TO the refinement of the fam
lily. Denying ones self OF purchases not
absolutely essential should not be hard 10
do, and perhaps it is not, but still the far
mer cannot see why this necessity should
fall upon him more than upon other classes
dependent upon their labor for an income.
Farmers are accused of being prone TO
complain Of their hard lot-the uniavorable
weather. the drought, the rain, the rrosts,
and many other casualties which Interfere
with bountiiul crops, and anticipated re-
turns. We do not believe, however, that
we as Il class are chargeabe with COM
plants and murmurings above all others.
There is good ground for the belief so prev
alent, that we are not being so well re-
warded for cur labor as other classes Of
people; and the conviction is driving
thousands from their farms, where former
ly they were prosperous, to the towns,
there to avail themselves of higher wages
While this condition of labor and its re-
wards is greatly to he regretted, the fact
nevertheless must be admitted. How long
this state of things is 10 continue is a mat
ter of serious inquiry to those who have
pleasant homes in the country, and who
sun lONt tIt vi the ldIlil, anu are
reluctant to leave it and its pleasant sur
roundings for the closer quarters of house
in town.
The unequali relation Of producer and
consumer was brought about by various
causes, and we fully believe that in due
course Of time the former equilibrium will
be restored. Time will, as it ever has be-
fore, work its changes, and the labor of the
farmer will receive its due reward.
The abnormal relation of productive la
bor and low priced products existing at the
present time cannot long remain. High
priced labor will not for any considerable
length of time be employed in the produce
ton of products whose market value will
not return the outlay for labor. Producers
will continue TO leave the farms and nom
producers will correspondingly multiply.
Thus in the West, farmers cannot continue
to raise corn at the price which they for the
last two years have been receiving for it.
Therefore this year there is much less
breadth planted, and what there is does not
promise well. 1t is more than probable
that before another passes, corn will rule
very much higher. With higher priced
corn comes higher priced pork and beef.
Pork is already much higher at the pack
ing establishments than for two years past.
With beef ruling high, and blessed with
bountiful crops of grass and hay, we can
again find profit in growing fat steers and
other cattle.
Thus, although the present almost uni
versal complaint of small profits, or rather
no profits from our farms, is grounded in
something more than the habit of grumb-
ling with which we are accused, yet we
fully believe that the cloud which now
overshadows the business will pass away,
and we shall again enjoy the sunshine of
prosperity. The consumption of pro-
ducers will continue undated, while pro-
ducers will not continue TO produce with
out satisfactory compensation therefor
Mdiue Farmer