Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1897-05-21
A Suggestion for Our Farmers.

Mr.. Lee, an experienced farmer and
dairyman, who lives few miles south
OF this city, will leave in few days for
the mineral fields east of the Cascade
mountains. He gives as reason for
going, that he is unable longer to
make living for himself and family
on his farm. He says that there is
no cash demand for such articles as
he produces; that if he takes his but
ter or his fruit to the stores he can
get only L" trade" for them, notwith-
standing his taxes and interest must
be paid i'll coin; the price that is
paid him is just as low as it can be
screwed down to, and the articles paid
in exchange are held up to the full
retail price, without any of those con-
cessions, or favors, the cash customer is
cheerfully accorded.
This statement of grievance induces
the query, "Is there no relief for
such a state of affairs? Is there no
way by which our agricultural popu-
lation may be assured of cash pur-
chasers for their products and fair
share of the middle mans profit,
which of right belongs to himself and
the consumer, where so conveniently
situated as to make but single trans
action necessary.
One suggestion that has been made
seems to possess considerable merit,
unless our dealers can arrange to han
die country products upon a partially
cash system at least, and that is the
establishment OF farmers market
place, where once . week, at least, they
may be afforded facilities for disposing
OF farm products to cash customers.
1t seems to us that this suggestion is
quite feasible from existing circum-
stances. The large building on Second
street erected few years ago for a
livery stable, could with a few changes
be admirably arranged with booths for
the proper display of produce, and the
upper story would afford ample room
for the storage of feed for the teams,
should it be desirable for the tenants
to" board" their teams instead of car
rying forage for them. When it be-
comes known that one day in the
week, say Saturday, products of the
dairy, garden and farm, fresh from the
turf, and at the minimum price,
could be obtained at the Farmers mar
ket, customers would find their way to
the new institution, and the farmer
would receive nothing but cash for his
supplies.
Probably somebody could be induced
to take charge of the building for the
privilege of handling fruits, grain,
butter and eggs, for shipment, and as
the market for all these products need
not be more distant than Seattle or
Tacoma, moderate amount of capital
would suffice for handling the business
The writer has no choice of location
for the market, except that based
solely upon availability. 1t is said
that the building named may be pur.
chased for a song" and this is pri.
mary essential for any such transaction
these days, and aside from the use that
will be made of it the property will
possess a positive speculative value a,
the price it is offered. The suggestion
seems to DO entirely feasible and pro-
ductive of certain results. Sure it i:
that something must be done, to retain
our present population of producers
without whom we can do nothing and
will speedily lose what prestige in bus
mess we have already attained.
The next thing after suggesting q
need and means of supplying it. is tc
state some plan of action. We think
it rests largely with the farmers them
selves. If they will but signify de-
sire to cooperate, we feel quite sure
that other details can be arranged. In
order to arrive at an understanding on
the matter, We cordially invite ex.
pressions of views in the STANDARD
both as to the desirability of this aid
and the details to bring it about.