The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-07-26
AGRICULTURAL PRICES.

In its last issue the South Boston Times. in
seeking TO explain the discomfort and dssat-
isfaction that have prevailed to such an extent
among the farming classes Of Virginia as we'll
as of the Union at large, gives some interest
ing figures which would seem 10 confirm its
view that the extravaganza of the times and
the elevation of the standards Of living have
much to do with the origin Of the state Of
feeling referred TO- A comparison OF these
figures is certainly very suggestive. Take for
instance, the prices at which certain articles
in ordinary use have been sold at intervals of
thirty years in the course Of the last one hun
dred. which very nearly covers the whole
period snce the adoption ofthe National Con-
stitution. In 1890. few years after the Rev
olution. calico cost 58c. per yard. In 1880 it
had fallen to 29c. In 1860 it had sunk to
still lower point, namely. lie; and in 1891,
the present year. 1t can be bought at the rate
of only Sc. per yard. In other words, this
staple article has declined at least ninety
one per cent. in price. without. it is probable.
any special depreciation in quality
The figures which during the same length
sugar, another article in general use, are
equally significant The cheap brown grades
Of this staplesartcle could be bOughtin 1890 at
the rate Of 1871 cents per pound. Forty years
afterwards it bad fallen of only half a cent for
the same quantity q fact which was probably
due 10 the impending change in the economic
system Of the British West Indian Islands.
slavery having been abolished in thoseisands
by an act Of Parliament in 1882 In 1860 the
same grade of sugar was sold at u cents d
pound, decline in price of cents In
1891 white granulated sugar can be purchased
at the rate of 5l3 cents, difference in price
as compared with that of brown sugars III 1890
of 10 cents, that is, difference of over
seyenty-two per cent
a comparison of the prices at the same in
teryals of certain agricultural products is al
most equally instructive, though the differ
erences are not so striking. In 1890 butter
sold for II cents; in 1880, 70 cents; in 1860. 26
cents. and in 1891. 25 cents to So cents-an in
crease Of over 300 per cent. The advance in
dressed beef q more indispensable article is
T, still more worthy Of note. In 1880 this article
could be bought for 81 cents per pound. in
1850 for IL cents. in 1870 y cents and in
1891 for 10 cents to IS ceuts-an advance in
value from 300 to COO per cent.
All the advantages which the Virginia
farmer or planter may have gained in the de-
cline in the prices of certain articles which
lie is compelled to buy and the advance in
certain articles which he has to sell. are
counterbaanced by the falling of in the
value Of wheat. corn and tobacco. the staples
upon which he has TO rely principally for sup
port. In the cultivation of these staples he
has from 1925 and 1880 had the competition of
the Western farmer and planter to contend
with. In all this long period the prices Of
these staples have tluctuated very much. but
probably at no time have these prices sunk to
the point which they have now reached.
Nevertheless, we are strongly disposed TO
as-ee with our South Boston contemporary
that the change in the standards of comfort
is exercising an important influence in pro-
longing the present depression in the condi-
ton Of the agricultural classes of Virginia.
Il is an interesting fact however, in this con-
nection, that even in States like Iowa and
Kansas, where the farmers adhere more strictly
to economical methods of management both
in their domestic and farming affairs than our
Virginia farmers do. there is the same discon-
tent and dissatisfaction. If any thing. the
farmers Of Virginia are in a better condition.
for their lands are not, as a rule, burdened
with mortgages.
The final result of the great change which
new agricultural conditions have brought
about IN this State will be the complete rup.
ture OF the large plantation system. The soil
Will be gradually divided up. because only the