The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1897-05-14

Upon tracing the movement fer q
larger volume of circulation back for
score of years it will be found that
it has invariably manifested greatest
strength in the agricultural sections OF
the country. Obviously, then, we must
seek for the underlying causes III these
communities.
When the subject is analysed it will
be observed that the ground for discon-
tent at existing conditions lies in the
fact that Notwithstanding greatly inn
proved means of production, notwith-
standing greater facilities and mate
rally reduced rates for the transpoTta-
ton and distribution of products. the
agriculturist, upon whom so large
part of our economic system is depend
ent. finds himself, generally speaking,
after a twelvemonth of hard work no
farther ahead than at the beginning of
the year, and in many instances his
status is worse. Through the failure to
make a proportionate income he has
not been able to reduce, but has, in fact,
increased his money obligations.
1t is not maintained that such is the
case throughout the land, nor are all
agricultmrists entitled to equal credit
for care and economy. Many cases there
are, doubtless. where sympathy is not
deserved, but in most of the communi-
ties where discomfort prevails the rea-
son here given is the true one, the dis
sertations of self-satisfied theorists to
the contrary Notwithstanding.
Numerous explanations made by
painstaking investigators warrant the
statement that the unequal distribution
of capital and of money and the conse-
quent gross inequality in interest rates
are the chief cause of the inability to
carry on the important business of ag-
riculture proftably.
The sections of the country polling
the largest silver vote in 1896 have,
generally speaking, insufficient credit
facilities. The small farmer who, ad-
vancing from the condition of farm la
borer, seeks a larger measure of indie
pendence and greater comforts for mis-
family, is not only compelled to mort
gage his realty, frequently at rates as
high as Is per cent, but is under the
necessity of borrowing upon his pros
pective crop. Having no banking of
flee to call upon, he turns to the store
keeper. who extends credit for the
needed supplies and taxes the borrower
first for interest upon the loan, second
in the way of increased prices for
staples furnished and finally in the way
of discounts or commissions upon the |
product of the farm turned in as pay
ment. These items not infrequently |
aggregate 30 per cent. upon the actual |
credit extended, and in a very large
number of cases the total exceeds 20 |
per cent.
1t is perhaps unnecessary to add that |
business of any kind under such condi-
tions would be Improbable.
Is it. then, surprising when the agri-
culturist, who knows little relatively of |
the principles of sound finance, imag-
ines that an increase in the volume of |
money would benefit him? Is it to be
wondered at, when he hears or reads OF
money going begging at two per cent.
in the metropolis, he fancies that, by |
some hocus pocus, Wall street is con-
stantly striving to grind him down?
1t is our business to teach him other
wise; to teach him that the prosperity
of the commercial centers is closely in
terwoven with his-is. in fact, largely
upon his welfare-but the
lesson can only be brought home to him
by the introduction of means through
which his own prosperity shall be as
sured. For. even as it is impossible to
interest starving man in the plan of