The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-03-11
AGRICULTURAL TRUSTS.


on good authority, that the farmers Of Iowa.
Kansas Nebraska and Missouri are now TAX
ing steps TO form gigantic combination
which will so far raise the prices Of wheat and
cattle as TO leave a certain margin OF proht 70
the producer instead Of the steady losses
which he now incurs. has caused much con-
sternation among those who. although en-
riched by similar combinations, are yet I'M
willing TO admit that what is sauce for the
goose is also sauce for the Gander. A combi-
nation among the farmers of this coun-
try, if it were practicable, as it may
probably be under the pressure Of the
influences which are now so destructive OF
every form of agriculture, these influences
perhaps being strong enough TO overcome
every obstacle created by the diversity of asri-
cultural interests and the local separation OF
farmers, is the only thing independently Of a
change in the tariff laws that will save the
farming classes from the evils from which
they are at this time suffering with so much
severity Such combination would have its
origin in the causes which have led TO a large
majorityo Of the trusts in other interests-name-
", the fatal competition arising among those
engaged in the same business in consequence
Of over production.
II would be incorrect 10 suppose that most
Of the trusts now in existence began In an
unconscienable desire for enormous profits.
Individual firms standing apart came to-
gether and formed these trusts as the es-
sential condition of their continued existence.
ANY one familiar with the different branches
of business will admit this 10 be a fact, the
competitive scramble in which all isolated
firms are involved being due TO that enof
nous over production which can be traced
directly TO the operation of our high pro-
tective laws. If the farmers Of the whole
country could form an effective combination,
they would be merely following an instructive
impulse which prompts them TO protect their
interests at any cost, and the example which
they would be initiating is too firmly estab-
lished TO expose them to moro condemnation
than the promoters Of the various trusts
which are now found in every line of trade.
So far these trusts have been declared to be
entirely legal however much they may III
many instances be deplored. If there Is no
rule in law 70 prevent the coalescing of two
firms engaged in the same business. there Is
also no rule against the union of one hundred
or more Such trusts are the outgrowth Of
evil conditions of trade. In forming such
combinations for themselves tho agricultural
classes of this country would have a precedent
in law which no one can question. how
ever wrong that precedent may appear
TO be in its practical operation After
denouncng the principle involved in these
combinations it would seem somewhat incon-
sistent in the farmers TO adopt and condOne it
in their own business. Inconsistent it would
undoubtedly be, but it may be taken for
granted that a drowning man when he sees
the means of rescuing himself from his peril
Gus position whether or notfurnished by those
who have been opposed TO him, is not going
TO halt at nice determinations as TO political
morality.
The formation Of o stupendous trust by our
American farmers would probably havea ben
eiicial effect in several directions. First Wa
believe that it would hasten the day when our
revenue laws will be fundamentally altered.
Such an extreme illustration of the combina-
tons which are allowed and nourished by our
present tariff system would bring home 10 the
mind Of every voter with peculiar vividness
the evils of that system. because it would
touch every voter in the cost of his food.
farmers trust would also curtail the ex-
tent of agricultural production. thereby re-
lieving that Cutting Of our markets which is
now so common. 1t would check the unnRt-
ural and unhealthy flow of population 10
cities. and finally it would do much to break
down many of the monopoles which are i'm
posing very heavy burdens upon the Ameri-
can people.
The scheme hardly seems practicable. but
there is an increasing number Of indications
that an effort will be made in the course of
the next twelve months to establish among
all the agricultural classes Of this country
stringent and binding rules as 10 the
prices at which farming products are to be
sold and the amounts Of products TO be
raised by individual farmers. Only time can
show whether the plan proposed can be put
in practical operation. The conditions with
which it will have TO contend seem most adj
verse 10 its success. but in this age nothing
appears TO be impossible 10 the spirit of de-
termined, jealous, and intelligent co-opera-
ton.