The state republican. (Jefferson City, Mo.) 1871-1896, 1894-11-08
HOLD ONTO THE FARM.

During the last year a great many
persons have come into possession
of western farm properties through
foreclosures. As the present owners
to large degree are residents of
the east their only desire is to
rid themselves of these holdings as
4 soon as possible. A word of caution
to such persons may not be out
of place. Real estate values in
the west are greatly depressed as
a result of last years panic. In
many localities it is difficult to
find purchasers at any cost. Now
q There is. reason 70 suppose that
eastern holders of western lands
may be deceived by sharpers, max
ing use of the state of affairs. These
lands are worth something to day,
and later on they will be worth
a good deal more. 1t all depends
upon the ability of the present
holders to carry them until times
/ improve. The danger is that certain
parties with long purses and long
heads will magnify the unfavorable
sides of the situation for the purpose
of frightening timid investors into
throwing over their western lands
at merely nominal prices.
a word of caution to holders of
western farm lands is timely, for
a number of reasons. In the first
place, there is ovory reason to
believe that the worst that can
be apprehended in connection with
the western situation has been fully
discounted in the drop in real estate
prices, which has already taken
place. Owners of lands should be
on their guard against any and all
attempts to convince them that
prices will go lower. The chances
are that values will enhance rather
than deprociate. In some localities
tI'tlS 10 dllSduN ItpOIltu w ne Il
better demand for farm properties.
Prices are bound to he low for
several years, but, there is good
reason to believe, with an upward
tendency. The financial depression
in the United States will undoubtedly
keep immigration down to a low
point for a considerable period. The
fact, however, must ever be kept in
mind that this country is the center
toward which the population of the
world is tending. Coming years,
therefore, must inevitably witness
a strong demand for farm lands
in the United States. In this con-
nection it is well to bear in mind
the fact that about all the good
government land has been disposed
of and that farms are not going
to be obtained as cheap in the
future as in the past, other things
being equal. ..
A great deal is being said at this
time regarding the sharp competi-
ton which the American farmer is
going to encounter in the future
as the result of the opening up
Of the new agricultural regions in
various parts of the world. 1t can
safely be said, however, that in
the long run this country will be
able to hold its own. Temporarily
the American agriculturist may ex-
perience hardship. 1t may even
be admitted that prices of cereals
will permanently remain on a low
level. The situation will adjust itself
in time, and if the farmer is obliged
to take lower prices for his wheat
and corn, he will obtain whatever
commodities and services he may
require at correspondingly reduced
rates. 1t is idle to attempt to demon
strate that America is about to
take second place as the great food
producing country of the world.
This fact should be kept in mind
by holders of western farm lands.
Whatever may be the status of their
investments to-day it can safely
he asserted that five years hence
will witness prices considerably in
excess of those now obtainable.