The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1889-10-08

here given we see that farm values
have dwindled down from 100 per
cent. increase from 1850 to 1860, to
absolutely less in 1880 than they
were in 1870; that every other occu-
patton has outstripped the agricul-
tural in the increase of numbers; that
manufacturing pays much higher
wages than farming, while the former
reaps a larger percentage on the CAPT
tai invested in business than the latter;
and if time and space were at com
mand we could show that of all the
industries, farming, the most impor-
tant Of all, is paying the very least
returns.
But there was a time, however, re-
membered by many now living, when
the name of a Virginia or Maryland
farmer was the synonym for an indie
pendent, prosperous and cultured
gentleman. Then farming paid hand
somely and there was nothing con
tracted or niggardly in farm life; for
the proprietor of a large estate then
was a landlord possessing something
else than the bare name, who lived in
regal splendor and enjoyed the best
Of everything which wealth could
provide. That time-the good old
time-has passed, possibly never more
to return, but while it lasted it fur
nished the highest and in all the
essentials Of exalted manhood the
grandest and noblest specimens of
humanity that ever trod this earth.
AGRICULTURAL INDEBTEDNESS.
There are available no recent relia-
bic data on which to base a true cal
culation as to whether the indebted
ness of the farmers of this country is
increasing or diminishing. The next
census will throw the only clear light
p~rospectively available on this sub
ject. OF one thing we may be
assured-land and chattel mortgages
are not so readily effected now as
formerly, and the fact that less of
these are going to record is rather an
evidence that the property Ear stand
no more, for the accumulation of the
interest added to the principal swells
the debt beyond the value of the
property mortgaged in some cases,
while in others the depreciation Of
farming lands offers little inducement
to capitalists to loan money on land
mortgages. The foregoing disposes
of DIR. Golfers point 7 in his sum-
mary.
CONDITIONS OF SUCCESS.
l can heartily indorse, however,
every word the Doctor says under the
heading conditions of Success" for
it is clearly evident that very many
are succeeding in making money in
every branch of farming, despite adj
verse circumstances, by pursuing the
best methods and using economy,
energy and good judgment in their
business. But the question at issue
is as broad as the limits of this great
country, and refers to the entire body
of farmers rather than to isolated
cases. Something is very much the
matter with the agricultural industry,
and I would it were in my power to
point the way to success in relieving
our languishing industry.
H TARIFF AND MoNoPoLIEs.
DR.. Collier said nothing about the
tariff or its influence upon the agri-
cultural industry, and yet it cannot
be the least factor in it's oppression
and enslavement. He is silent, too,
as regards the influence of combina-
tions, monopolies and trusts, as if
none existed, to worry, vex and de-
fraud the land-workers. He says not
a word about railroad exactions and
determinations against the great body
of the farmers of this republic. But
possibly DR.. Collier is not a farmer,
or else he would not have thus utterly
ignored what is so apparent to one OF
average capacity and observation.
In the publication of the series of
very able and instructive articles on
trusts and monopolies by the Hon.
w. L. Wilson, of West Virginia,
The Sun is doing a most commendable
service in enlightening it's readers on
economical subjects of great public
interest and paramount public policy.
R. L. RAGLAND.
Hyco, Halifax county, Va.