Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1891-08-27

Il
| 1t is difficult to conceive how any
person OF average intelligence could
have been surprised at the rise in wheat.
The only remarkable thing about il is
that 1t did not come sooner. All ac-
counts agree in representing general
shortage in other countries America
has a bountlful supply, it is true, but
there is no doubt that the supply rs Il
whole is light, and the supply OF rye
still lighter. Corn will go far to offset
this deficit in rye, but all the bears in
the world can not keep down the price
Of cereals.
No doubt there will be Quotations in
the grain market from time to time
aud the bears may have their day in
the pit, but natural causes are too
strong for mere speculative manipula-
tions. Very likely there will be de-
cline from the present price, followed
by still higher figures. There is a
large latitude for speculative action
but it is safe to say that 1881 is to be
duplicated in 1891, with liberal margin
OF improvement That much it is safe
to reckon on.
Already one hears talk OF a car fam
inc, and no doubt the rolling stock OF
country will be severely taxed. The
same is bound to be true OF the short
age facilities OF the country. It is nee
essary TO project grain against not on
ly the weather and rats and mice but
against natural heat. There is a great
deal of moisture in new gran. and
latent heat The farmers can properly
care for only small part OF their crop,
and the country elevators, as rule, are
not provided with the facilities for cur
ing the green grain. 1t would be n
great pity TO be careless in the preser-
vation OF the grain. So far as reported,
it is in good condition now, and ought
to be kept so.
The ultimate effect of the present alb
normal demand for American grain
can not be anticipated. The production
here and elsewhere Is likely TO be stim-
ulated There is class of economists
who sneer at the idea OF oyerproduction,
and in one sense they are right No
doubt there is 'under-cOnsumption y
but that is due TO the poverty Of the
people. They can not pay for all the
grain they really need, and so must
scrimp themselves. That is the eX-
PLANTATION, and consequently from the
standpoint of the producer, there Is al
ways liability to overproduciion.
The western farmers may hope for a
permanent enlargement OF the demand
for corn as a substitute for rye. A great
many people viii take kindly to it and
want more and more of it each year. 1t
is the most economical grain in the en-
tire cereal family. Then, too the rails
ing Of rye in this country is likely to be
materially stimulated. There are large
tracts OF country, especially in the far
west, specially adapted TO rye raising.
II is crop which natures early, and
can get its growth before the drouth
comes to wither IT, Many farmer in
western Kansas and Nebraska can raise
rye to advantage when corn is an uncer-
tain crop. with the chances in favor Of
its being ruined by the scorching sun
and drouth of August and September.
The present extraordinary demand for
rye may have highly important effect
upon tho drift of production throughout
the west and, measurably, throughout
the country. Inter Ocean.