St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1893-02-18
THE RICE INDUSTRY.

OemOCISC.
THE RICE INDUSTRY.
We note with regret . disposition
on the part Of our contemporaries
in Louisiana, particularly the New
Orleans Picayune, to croak over
the situation in rice bewailing the
past, lamenting the present, and in
dulging in most hopeless and pessi-
mistic utterance regarding the fu-
ture. One might almost suppose
that these papers were hand and
glove in sympathy with some spec
ulative interest seeking to control
the market. Human nature differs
greatly, and the view taken in any
given situation is . matter Of tenn
permanent or previous personal
experience. Were the views Of the
Picayune generally accepted, PLAN
tiers would 60 out Of the culture
and turn to other things, whereas
there is no other product equally
safe which offers anything like such
satisfactory results as rice.
We see every reason for encour-
agement and enlargement Of the
culture. There is not enough rice
raised to supply the wants Of the
United States; but it is perfectly
absurd to expect it to be sold with
in . single quarter or one-third Of
the year. Every one connected
with the product has got to do his
duty in respect thereto. Planters,
factors, millers, all need to learn
the lesson Of deliberation; and il
they act along these lines. the crop
will be placed, within the next
month or two, at marked appprecia-
ton in value. 1t might be we'll for
those who are somewhat discouraged
to look into and figure over the
average results derived over any
other grain. We announce without
that even at present
prices rice by far outranks al other
grains, netting from so to 100 per
cent more in dollars and cents.
The outlook We claim is promising ;
there is every reasonable assurance
Of current rates being maintained,
and possibly higher figures reached
Is the season progresses. It is well
known that Of late years the crop
has been forwarded with more de-
liberation, and it is now rare that
my great supply is placed upon
he market before September or
October. BY this it will be seen
hat there are fully seven or
light months before the next crop |
will become . threatening quantity, |
md that the present crop at the
,ast ratio can be easily placed
within the suggested period. There
ire also other features which might
" considered in this connection,
'amely, the high prices Of canned
FOODS, dried fruits, beans, and e.
potatoee, al Of which ought
o contribute to IN increasing move
nent and an enhancing Of values.
It il we'll to bear in mind two
:reat facts. j. e. ~ the demand
4 the United States for edible
ICE for past two years respectively
~ been 240, 0OO. 900 and 232 ,OOO,-
90 lbs (2) the outcome Of the
vt crop by the most sanguine has
ct been estimated - over 225, OO0,-
90 lbs There ought to be . short
&c, but certainly no surplus, when
very direct and collateral influence ;
arrounding the market to tend en-
'rge rather than diminish consump-
on. The amounts noted - sold !
ere not the result Of any artificial
stimulating conditions, and real.
ed prices far above those now pre-
ailing. It is not optimistic, but
'asonable, to confidently expect !:
vt the demand from now until
ammer viii b ct accelerating rativ.
'pecially in view Of the high cost
competing products and the fact :
ut domestic rice Is three-quarters
one and one-quarter cents per :
'und below the price at which inn !,
'rtations can be profitably made Of !!
spective grades Of equal quality b
foEiegn.-New York Shipping il
ID Commercial List OF Jan. 20. In,
'93
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