Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-01-26
CROPS AND MARKETS.

At the beginning Of the year we ind
the graDaries Of the farmers somewhat
short OF wheat, the elevators less re-
dundant than usual, an Inclination TO go
slow In further liquidation OF the sur
plus, a low condition Of visible stocks In
foreign markets, a disposition among
Russian sellers TO hold up values, and
away in India the pitiful walls Of i'm
pending famine burdeu the air. This is
all favorable for dollar wheat; yet the
information Is not very definite as to the
need Of further shipments Of our sur
plus to feed needy competitor, or as to
the quantity OF surplus TO be expected
from Argentina from the coming crop.
From exporting countries reserves suf-
| ficient for current wants can be obtained,
but the future price will depend on q
| better knowledge OF the coming supplies
from the southern hemisphere, and after
that upon the prospects for the crops OF
lsg, In Europe and America. Ii takes a
long look ahead IN these days 10 see the
probable course OF prices. Should ru-
mors of war intervene, or sensational
fears OF reduced supply or enlarged de-
mand arise, we might expect panic and
boom In the wheat market.
The price Of corn Is low. The recur-
renee Of two large crops, TO say nothing
of low level Of prices and Its influence,
makes that fact inevitable. Yet corn Is
good property st present values. Feed
ing is profuse IL not wssteful; Il Is not
necessary To seek cheaper substitutes; !;
much Of the last crop Is soft and will
not spend SO well as usual, the exporta-
tion Of fat stock and products Is depict
ing the supply, and the country Is grow
ing and requiring more for home con-
sumption. All this tends 10 reduction OF
stocks and enhancement OF values. III
its cheapness leads 10 greater use for
human food, as To sdulterstions OF -four
by wicked millers, enhancement will
come all the faster. Then prices will
gradually stifien till planting time, and
in the event OF poor crop prospect next
summer, they will rise materially; but
with another big crop, low prices will be
surely continued.
As 10 oats. an increase in expectation
from 500, ,l5i bushels Ia ten months OF
| st year 10 -, 81, ,1a5 in the same period
aud great activity Of moyemeDt In the
other two months tend TO reduce stocks.
There Is so large proportion Of inferior
quality that apparent abundance Is de-
ceptive, and a gradual increase of value
should be expected, and certainly will
ensue II corn should advance.
A rise In corn will be followed BY sd-
vance Ia prices Of hogs and pork prod
ucts. In years of abundant crops, the
later winter and sprlug values are almost
invariably higher, often decidedly adj
vanced, as compared with fall or Decem-
Der prices. The chances are therefore
favorable for higher prices OF cereals
and the products which they represent.
The ravages OF hog cholera, which are
estimated for the single state OF Iowa al
millions OF dollars, and the heavy ship
ments 10 the summer markets from fear
of loss by waiting, have depleted the
stock. aud will tend 10 advance OF prices.
We know that the Increase OF the hog Is
rapid. and that n great crop of pigs for
the number of mothers available may be
expected in the spring: yet IL Is believed
that overstocking is scarcely possible for
a wear 10 come. and therefore a stimulus
to values should be expected TO bear
good fruit in the immediate future.
4 scarcity of beeves Is not 80 easily
cured. Some causes have conspired to
reduce numbers Of cattle, aud the sever
ity Of the winter has already made far
ther inroAds on the herds, and threatens
still more On the other hand the gener-
al and extensive feeding operations OF
Texas and the Trsns-Missouri, gives
more and better meat In proportion 10
numbers. On the whole, there Is ample
reason for rise Ia prices, and " the
beef combine, the octopus, which is one
Of the few monopolies controlling the
raw products Of agriculture, would
loosen its grasp Gu the herds, such a re-
suit would he Al once assured.
Horses are still very low. Some OF the
plugs Of the ranges can scarcely be civ
IN away. Yet a good quality Of coach
and carriage horses and hne roadsters
are In demand al fair prices for expor,
and for home consumption. There i 20
need 10 despair Of horses, II proper at
teution shall b. paid 20 the breeding Of
such "a the demand requires, bicycles
and electric motors Notwithstanding
tultivxtor.