The Globe-republican. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1889-1910, 1895-05-24
Western Farm Land.


During the last year great many per-
sons have come into possession OF west
ern farm properties through foreclosures.
As the present owners, to large degree,
are residents af the East, their only de-
sire is to rid themselves of these hold
ings as 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 there is reason to suppose that east
ern holders Of western lands may be de-
ceived by shippers, making use of this
very state of affairs These lands are
worth something to-day, and later on
they will be worth good deal more. 1t
all depends Oh the ability Of the present
holders to carry them until times inn
prove. The danger is that certain par
ties with long purses and long heads will
magnify the unfavorable side OF the sit
nation for the purpose Of frightening
timid investors into throwing over their
western lands at merely nominal prices.
A word of caution to holders of west
ern farm lands is timely, for a number
of reasons. In the first place, there is
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 90 lower. The
chances are that values will enhance
rather than depreciate In some local
tiles there is already reported to be a
better demand for farm properties.
Prices are bound to be low for several
years, but, there is good reason TO be-
lieve, with an upward tendency. The
financial depression in the United States
will undoubtedly keep immigration down
to low point for a considerable period.
The fact, however. must ever be kept i'm
mind that this country is the centre
towards which the population Of the
who'd world is teuding. Coming years,
therefore. must inevitably witness a
strong demand for farm lands in the
United States. In this connection 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 competition which
the American farmer is going to en-
counter in the future. as result of the
opening up of new agricultural regions
in various parts of the world. 1t can
safely be said, however. that ia the long
run this country will be able to hold its
own. Temporarily, the American agri-
culturist may experience hardship. 1t
may even be admitted that prices of
cereals will permanently remain on 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 correspond
ingly reduced rates. 1t is idle to attempt
to demonstrate that America is about TO
take second place as the great food pro-
ducing 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. il
can safely be asserted that five years
hence Will witness prices considerably in
excess of those not obtainable.-United
States Investor.