The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-07
TENNESSEE.
IMPROVED CONDITION OF TILE FAR1fERs IN
SPITE OF Low PRICES FOR PRoDUcE-rxMI-
GBATIoN-RErURN OF CONFIDENCE

IMPROVED CONDITION OF THE FARMERS IN
SPITE OF Low PRICES FOR PRoDUcE-IxMI-
GRAT1oN-RErURN OF coNRrDENcE.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. Dec. g. 1873.
The general improvement in Tennessee for the
past two three years has been painfully slow and
gradual But this improvement is not due to in
creased financial facilities for money has been tight
during whole Of that period It has been the
suit Of the most rigid and exacting econ
omy. The crops have been the salvation OF
the people. They have been extraordinarily
good for the past four years in success
sion. This years crop was very good with
the exception of wheat and spples. which have,
paratively speaking. proved failures. But. taking
everything into consideration. have had abundant
crops. While this is the case, however, the prices
are so low that their movement has been exceedingly
slow. There was q very considerable shipment Of
produce Immediately SITTER tho close of the yellow
fever epidemic but this was caused mostly by those
who fed from home and had borrowed money that
had TO be replaced Just the merchants carry
ing the country. Eastern debts falling due anilan
increased effort has to be made to keep up their
credit. Farmers holding out for better prices.
and they not selling large amounts Of their
products a very considerable financial pressure is
ielt. Products cheaper than was ever known.
They not cheap even before the war, when it
was thought everything had touched bottom
pound, gross; -four, 81 80. instead of So
and 81. and cotton is down to nine cents.
To meet these reduced prices farmers have
been forced to curta their expenses and to practice
the utmost economy in every particular. This
dion Of things has altered IL not entirely changed,
the system of conducting business of all kinds.
There IL less recklessness and increased in
everything. The people have only by this means
enabled to get out of debt, at least To reduce
their debt and they have no surplus money-none to
bank They have got down to general balance of
TIMES GETTING BETTER
While money is scarce with the farming community
they have an abundance of produce hand. Fewer
farms are now under mortgage than known.
not than one farm out of 100 being under mort
gage. Farmers have not been able TO borrow money
ON their lands, money could not be obtained from
banks on mortgages, and there have been but few in
dvidua capitalists able to carry thcm. Having thus
been unable to get credit they have come down TO the
hard pan, made the best of their and
quenfly not very heavily burlened with debt.
The impression among them ~ that times begin
ming to get better, things look more hopeful, and
they IN better spirits than they have been for
several years past, aud that too, notwithstanding the
duh prices. "A spirit OF contentmcnt seems to pre-
vail and general reaction IL taking place. They
appear to feel more interest in their farms and are
beginning to the Importance of setting
their lands in grasses, raising stock and
cattle. which is regarded AZ one Of the
and manurcs are more in use aud an cndeavor is
being made to recuperate WORKOUT soils and quilted
hllsdes. Progressive farmers have this year raised
double crops. They are looking out for better
markets and obtaining information from every
relative 10 transportation facilities. The rail
u
within the pact three years, aud. with better prices,
the movement OF crops would at once become active
and remunerative
CAREFUL FARMING.
Less wheat has been sown this year than last, but
IL has been better put in aud ID is anticipated full
crop will be realized. From past experience one OF
the best evidences of good crop j. the fact that
wheat was sown in the dust and is now in healthy
advanced state. More than average attention will be
given by farmers 10 their lands, which of itself
will insure large crops. More interest was never
known TO have been taken in Tennessee
in the production Of small industries which are nee
cssary to give farmers ready money throughout the
year. Everywhere there is disposition manifested
by farmers to supplement standard crops by add
ing others heretofore deemed unmportant and insig-
niicant, which proving of very consider
good omen, and II will hereafter lie possible for our
farmers to have something to sell every week In the
year
IMMIGRATION.
There is general disposition to invest in farms.
first class Immigration liz coming into tennessee
from OHIO, Indiana Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota,
Wisconsin, New York and PcnnHylvanis; but more
from Pennsylvania than from New York. u IL esti
mated that 400 people have come here from those
States this year. Commissioners KiIebrew has during
the time answered 500 letters making inquiries
about Tennessee lands Ii is believed tins irnmiRra-
ton will be doubled next year II the proper means
taken by the state TO have its resources published
throughout the North. Those who arc coming here
from the North paying cash for the best firms
thai can % secured Jne most decided activity has
boon manifested In the cities and towns ia the State
within the past thirty days. They seem to have been
| awakened into new life. improvements OF all kinds
hive been put foot and idle mechanics hsve gran
ally g0ttnto employmsnt mil IA are NOW ka<d. Al