Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-27

| (O.) correspondent of the Country Gentle
man. | do not remember once when the
bottom seemed to drop out of all the
markets as at the close of this; yet after a
careful review we could not expect prices
to remain high.
Near the close of 1888 many farmers
sold nice lots of hogs for about s. per cwt;
corn at same time 30c per bushel. They
found it moderately easy to meet taxes,
store bills, hired help, etc., and usually
after such experience one is apt to expect
as good or little better the next year.
But with hogs at 1926 per cwt., corn &c,
wheat zoe, and hay S. per ton, the cry of
''hard times is heard from every quarter
and almost every paper contains some
| thing about the gloomy prospect. Let me
say In connection with this that the world
must be fed, and we farmers of these
United States are no mean factor in pro-
ducng the worlds supplies. Let us not
be discouraged; while people eat, drink
and need clothing we shall find something
| to do; but let US use more care In buying,
raise the crops best suited to our farms and
markets, and not try to follow this or that
crop because it brings a temporarily high
price.
We know that year of prosperity has
| been worse for us than two years of ADVERSE
| ty in succession. In the former case our
| hopes run too high, and we contract debts
! thinking the good times will remain But
alasl by the time our next crop of produce
is ready for market we find it takes two
bushels of grain, two fat hogs or steers to
bring as many dollars as one did before,
while for labor we have paid the same, in
terest is the same or little higher, taxes
1xToy7 bxrtI "a of ba g
expenses have been met we have very lit
tie left to pay on the debt. So taking it
| all in all, the year of hard times has a les
son for US five will but heed it.
A good part of the low prices is caused
| by systematic rotation of crops and a
sticking to that rotation, even If some of
the crops are little low in price Often
prices are kept down by most farmers
placing their crops on the market as soon
as gathered, and sinking the price still
lower.
Farmers above all others, should be in
dependent; but we are Motive get into a
position where we must have the money.
We must stop running in debt for sup
plies and pay as. we go; we can buy cheaper,
and there is a satisfaction in paying cash
that the credit buyer knowsnothing about.
Let this be the year In which all who read
this, if not already paying cash, begin at
once, and am sure if you stick to it you
will be better satisfied at the close of the
year than if you had two or three big bills
staring you in the face. 1t is not always
easy to pay cash if we have no bank
account to run to, or are in debt. We
shall sometimes need little article which
we can not get just when wanted But
we must look for regular income, such as
afforded by butter, eggs, etc, to buy many
necessaries, and occasionally fat animal
will buy something more expensive At the
end of the year you will wonder where it
all came from, but if you keep an account
you will have the satisfaction of knowing
How many will try it and report?
INDIANS STARVING TO DEATH