St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-03-22
COMPETING WITH THE NORTH
WEST

The world is no longer compelled to
rely upon the United States for its bread,
and to this fact is due in large measure
the recent continued depression in the
wheat market. For many years we
have furnished all Europe with bread
stutfS. Our broad acres have produced
millions of bushels of wheat every
year, and our farmers were the most
prosperous on earth. But the demand
for our cereals has fallen off, prices
have decreased, and farmers fiud diff
Guilty i'll making living. Yet there
are more people in the world to feed
than ever before, and their demands
are just as imperative. while their
ability to pay for good food is far
greater. 1t is manifest that the reason
for the depression is to be found in the
increase in the sources of supply, as
we'll as in the increase in production.
recent report OF the bureau of
South American republics furnishes an
explanation which in a measure ac-
counts for recent changes in the cur
rents of commerce. This report fur
nishes some interesting facts relative
to the South American rival to the
Northwest III the wheat-raisng indus
try. 1.-The production Of wheat in Ar
gentine is increasing by rapid bounds,1
says the bulletin; 1.-THE wheat exports
jumping from $4,000 tons in 1890 to
100000 tons in 1898. and il is claimed
that the exports during the current
year will reach 100000 tons. This i'll
crease is forced somewhat by a severe
drought of unparalleled severity, which
set in last November and lasted until
the end of January. The result was
that the maize crop was a complete
failure, ana cattle and sheep persisted
by thousands. The districts affected
by drought, it is thought, will hereafter
be devoted more largely to the cultiva-
much from its effects as do cattle and
sheep and the maize crop.''
Southern Russia and India have of
late years entered largely into wheat
production. In both of these countries
the cost of living is cheap, efficient
laborers being easily had for less than
what the cost of their board would be
in this country, while the soil is quite
as productive as that of the praires of
Minnesota and the Dakotas. 1t is
cheaper to produce wheat in those
countries than it is in the United States.
and the cost of transportation to the
markets is much less. In Russia the
government provides against over
production by regulating the amount
| sown, and in years of scarcity takes
possession OF the entire crop in order to
| prevent eXtortiOn. Russia is no longer
buyer OF American wheat, but seller
in other markets. India supplies
| Asiatic markets and sends portion of
her product to Europe, while Argen-
| tine, as shown above. has become a
successful competitor OF the United
States In the markets of Latin Europe.
| The days when fortunes were made in
wheat farming in the United States are
over. we have too many rivals in the
trade-rivals who have their work done
cheaper, and who are content with
smaller profits. Our farmers must turn
their attention III other directions if
they would save themselves from bank
ruptcy. The time is rapidly approach.
ing when there will be practically no
foreign demand for flour. and the sup
bly, of the home market will be the onlv
resource. Farmers should prepare for
this time by engaging IN more diver
! siied industry. Corn will always be a
staple as long as it is necessary for fat
| tening stock. but in regions unsuited to
its cultivation, as Minnesota and the
take Its place. Roots are profitable.