The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1895-05-23

1889 ....".. l7s662,7i7 oo6,24s 25s
1890 ,....,... ls5e5s,s26 77s,t57 eos
You will note O remarkable economy
in the use of hops-fiity per cent more
beer being made from one pound of hops.
We attribute the saving in hops to the
general use Of improved processes in Ger
many and America. An analysis of the
statistics given as to these two beer pro-
ducing countries shows that in 1887
America ussd one pound Of hops for each
26.l gallons Of beer and in 1891 each
pound made 37.S gallons. In Germany
the ratio Was to 1872 in 1887 and to
$40 in 1891. In the United Kingdom
one pound Of hops was used for each 1877
gallons in 1887 and in 1891 the number Of
gallons had increased to els.
It will be seen that with the more gen.
eral adoption OF the improved process
and machinery in England there is the
possibility OF a considerable curtailment
of hop consumption there. At any rate
the consumption has fallen of consider
ably in all countries, Notwithstanding the
increased production of beer. and when
we consider this In connection with large
ly increased acreage on this coast, We
very much doubt whether any reasonable
shortage Of the crop will help rs very
much as regards price. Besides, hops
have always been speculative crop.
Farmers on this coast are without canital
sufficient TO enable them to pick their
drops. There is but little speculative ten
dency among dealers on account Of hard
times. Owing to certain peculisrities in
our laws, which last seasons low prices
developed, dealers contracting crops are
at the mercy of INSCRIPTIONS growers.
The lien law, in fact, will make it very
much harder than ever before for grow
ers to get picking money.
Now, while we have q large personal
interest in good prices for hops this fall
and would therefore be as much pleased
as yourself if things would so shape them
selves, we are not very hopeful for the
immediate future. Under no circum-
stances would we do anything that
would hurt prices, If we knew it.
While we weuld regret to see general
movement at this time to contract the
crop at cents, We are sorry to see the
sighting way you treat the two small
contracts we have made with farmers in
your county. These deals were strictly in
business way. In one case the farmer
had abandoned his yard. The small ad-
vances had to be had and will enable him
to go on with his crop. The other case
was equally meritorious. The question
as to the ACCESSIBILITY of such transac-
ton is not matter for the public. 1t is
sufficient il the parties directly interested
are satisfied. There is as . matter of
news no interest for the public. Should
it be thought that such contract would
affect the market injuriously, It would be
matter of public concern and should be
condemned. On that score We would say
that the market will be made, If any
thing, better. But the market will de-
pend on the condition Of the crops at q
much later date than the present; on the
business situation prevailing then and
the business prospects.
We admit that general movement to-
wards contracting would in measure
make q price. Such q movement will
not take place on any such basis ss 8
cents. Not because growers will not take
it, however; but because the margin 10 SO
close that dealers would not consider the
advances safe.
As we look at IL cents 10 better for the
present than 10 cents would I've. At the
former 6gure dealers will do but little
"short selling" as the margins would all
be against them in event of q change.
At the latter figure they might do more
since there would be room for q fall rs
well as rise. Short selling during this
summer will make "bears" of dealers
this fall. Without short selling they will
all be in position to get on the othe.
side of the market il the situation justi-
fies. Like everybody else who buys and
sells they prefer rising market.
The outlook for prices this fall is not
very pleasing While we would not ad.
wise any one to sell his crop at q low
figure just yet, it is the part Of wisdom
for the farmer to be conservative, and W.
would not advise him against taking even
less price than 8 cents. If rs we believe
considerable surplus of hops is being
raised wedding out must come. 1t may
not come this year but il cannot be de-
layed long.
Ultimately we have no doubt as to the
result. The Pacific coast will survive.
Tha nlouv;nu oY,t xuiIl hA dona hv Naw