Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1895-12-03
MAINE ANSWERS CALIFORNIA.

"RitN6 NiN0WGno SR1tF 0fNNiF<.
Agriealtural Editor Democrat:
What blessing Ii Is, Mr.. Editor, that
we do not all think alike; for IL we all
thought as Mr.. Pray OF Fryeburg, we
should all wish TO live In California; OF
IL all agreed with me, what n crowded
place the state Of Maine would be.
AS the gentleman from California
says, "Your valuable paper Is always
open TO honest criticism; and since he
criticises my advice to young men to
''Stay in Maine," it will not be out OF
place for little friendly defence.
la the first place, when writing OF the
West. had In mind the states west OF
the Mississippi everywhere. and not
California alone, TO which he applies
nv general remarks.
But since he writes of California alone,
am willing to meet him on his own
ground. As have many near relatives
and friends living in that state, have
had personal interest Ia IL for years,
and know there are many wonderful
advantages there. Still there are, be-
lieve, even more here, and our discussion
might be endless.
But last week, | had the pleasure of a
visit from relative who owns large
fruit ranch and vineyard 10 one OF the
best fruit sections of the state, so that
have good authority for what say.
Mr.. PRAY SAYS that There has never
been such demand, and at good prices,
for California fruits as has been wit
messed during the past season" That Is
true. but there is only about half crop,
so that leaves no more money in the
producers pocket. Last year there was
a big crop, but prices were very low,
The fruit is mostly bought up by big
dealers, who can get reduced prices on
the railroads and thus crowd out the
smaller dealers.
The grapes for which people in New
England are paying from fifteen to
twenty cents per box do not bring the
producer at his vineyard over three and
One-half cents for the cost OF production
and packing. Three-fourths OF the
VINEYARDS are for sale AT far below what
IL has cost 10 get them into bearing.
We were told of neighbor who had
eighty acres in good bearing which 1t
had cost twelve thousand dollars 10
bring 10 its present condition, which he
would be glad 10 sell for forty-tive
hundred.
Although nv informant owns valua-
BILE fruit ranch Just coming into ilne
bearing. vet he stated that he would be
glad TO come back TO Massachusetts, and
90 into the milk business, IL II were not
for his wife's health.
And that Is great point in favor OF
California. Ii certainly has wonder
ful climate for people with weak lungs.
but people can't live on climate alone.
And there Is no denying its wondrous ad-
vantsges for raising fruit, flowers and
wheat; but the trouble is to get enough
profit TO live on.
To get back 10 the point OF argument:
/ advised Young men, already In Maine,
10 stay here. The country there Is
literally flooded with men seeking work.
The regular wages for farm hands run
from fifteen TO eighteen dollars per
month, and they are Obliged 10 furnish
their own bed and bedding and do their
own washing, simply receiving their
meals and wages from their employer.
Mr.. PRAY says "The amount OF land
that Is necessary 10 support family In
comfort Is so small, not exceeding
twenty acres, and in many cases not more
than ten or even five acres, that the
country homes are close together"
True, but those small places must
have every particle Of land under In
tense cultivation, and that same amount
In New Eagland with the same outlay
and labor in small fruits or market
gardening near our large cities, can do
the same.
In a real estate agents catalogue from
san Jose he gives descriptions OF many
Of those small farms extending for
twelve miles out OF the city, but there Is
scarcely one of them TO be bought FOR
less than one thousand dollars per acre.
Therefore IL the young man from Maine
goes there without money how long will
il take him 10 buy farm OF even nve
acres, at fifteen or eighteen dollars per
month? And IL he should try to hire
money he would certainly call II Land
OF Promise" for he must promise to pay
eight per cent interest and furnish good
security. IL he should be fortunate
enough 10 own five or six thousand dol
iAf-. MiltL tu iAlfaf Naa nv tN~ N'|
here, instead of few acres there.
Mr.. Pray fears | must find II diff
cult 10 pick out this year the prosperous
and contented farmer at the present
time lin Maine with potatoes selling st
twenty cents per bushel, and other crops
as ruinously low" That is proof posi-
tive that ne isn't Granger, nor can he
be acquainted with his fellow towns
man. our worthy State Secretary Nc
Keen. IL he could attend almost any OF
our Turner Grange meetings, could
introduce him TO two hundred or more
and contented farmers
I noticed last weeks Maine Farmer
quoted potatoes at forty cents per bushel
and the Lewiston Journal from forty 10
fifty-iiye cents. also saw in recent
Journal that potatoes were selling IN
Minnesota at nine cents per bushel, ana
the farmers had 10 wait six weeks Tor
their pay.
As Tor schools, willadmit, California
ranks ahead of Maine; | believe stands
second in the Union. But many OF her
leading men were sent out from the iit-
tie .sseyen by nine school houses OF the
old Pine Tree State.
..Three hundred sunny days in the
year." With dust three inches deep IN
The road, and the thermometer for
weeks at time ranging between ninety
and one hundred degrees. How should
long for some of our good rains. Even
a thunder shower would be acceptable
WHY. there isn't enough green grass
to keep hens even, without irrigation,
in the low lands. They have TO raise
green crops for poultry. And there Is
only pastursge for cattle short time In
the wear, except in the mountains.
No, no, friend Pray,-fou may hSe
in California il you prefer; II Is even
one of nv dreams TO visit the wonderful
state some day; but for me, am thank
full can bring up my children in the
good old State of Maine.
Mrs. V. z. DECosTER.