The record-union., 1896-02-03

NOTE-These averages are official. They
are translated into United STATES equivalents
at the par value of the pound sterling (S4 $685.
and in bushels of 80 pounds each. English
wheat has for its unit the quarter OF 504
pounds; English barley, the quarter OF 44S
pounds: flour, the sack of 280 pounds; beef,
the London stone OF pounds.
These tables are, as the Secretary
says, of great value to the American
farmer, and they further illustrate the
fact that the price of wheat is now and
must always be governed by the rela-
ton of supply to demand
Since September, 1894, there has been
a slight advance in English prices,
nearly equal to the highest point
reached In that year, which fact gives a
little fragment, although we have
grave doubts as to their permanence.
Further deductions from this valuable
report show that the United Kingdom
Of Great Britain took in from foreign
countries during the nine months
shown in tables, 100000 bushels more
wheat than during the same period in
the year previous; but the increased
shipments of wheat into England were
principally from Russia, Argentina and
Australasia. During this time, the re-
port says, the United States did not
maintain its position as wheat seller
IN England. In those nine months the
American product fell short 100000
Winchester bushels, with a valuation
reaching over $S.000,O00 The primary
cause thereof was that Argentina was a
free seller, while our people maintained
figures trifle above the English
market America cannot hope to COM
pete with Russia, Argentina and Aus
traIasia in the production of bread
stuffs nor can we expect sales in the
worlds market, except on rare occa-
sions, when failures come in any Of
these large wheat growing countries.
The Argentine Republic alone is capable
of placing 35.0000O0 bushels of wheat
annually on the European market, and,
like Russia, has her wheat fields adja-
cent to tide water, with but short haul
to seaboard.
California, by reason of climatic ad
vantages which permits the use Of i'm
proved methods and machinery for till
ing the soil and harvesting cereal crops
applicable to no other country Of the
globe, save possibly the Argentine Re-
public, can produce wheat cheaper than
any Of the great wheat growing States
OF this Union But notwithstanding
this, prices have been below cost Of pro-
duction, which fact, and there seems TO
be no likelihood Of q permanent change
for the better. viii bar future cultiva-
ton Of this great cereal in California as
an article Of export
We find, however from the same
source. that there is a steadily growing
demand for barley for export. In 1894
the shipments Of barley to the English
market were $4,000. .000 bushels more
than the shipments to the same country
ii 1893. OF course. this refers only to
high grade brewing stock. The hard, firm
and bright grain barley from the North
western States and California COM
naands higher prices than the European
article. The barley acreage in the United
Kingdom averages about 250. 600, with
an average yield Of about T5,000000
bushels. The average acreage i'll Cali
fornia IS nearly .000.0o0 with yield
of 20.0o0,000 bushels. The records Of
exports show that the American pro-
duct above referred 10 has been steadily
gasnfng favor for the past seven years
The average price is about Is cents per
Eushe1 Of ffty-six pounds. California
mating barley is rated as one Of the.
highest grades. and the English market
should take a volume at remunerative
prices.
The American farmer must no longer