The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-07-17
4 SLIGHT RELIEF.

AT last the welcome news Has dILlNSu
that the backbone, or some other bone
essential to the continuance of the
drought, is broken. Rains have fallen in
| Kansas and. some parts of Missouri and
| Nebraska, while Iowa, always in favor
of water, has been relieved. More moist
ure and cooler weather is predicted for
the near future and all goes merry as a
marrige bell. But what about the dam
age already done? Reports from Kansas
indicated partial failure of the corn
crop several days ago. Not only were the
hot winds sweeping over the state but
the drought had continued so long that
water for stock was scarce, compelling
many owners to market their holdings
regardless of condition. In the matter of
moisture there is wide difference be-
tween the Northwest and the Southwest.
Although hot in the Northwest water
has been plenty, but in the Southwest
the heat has not been relieved by the
presence of humidity in the atmoshere.
Secretary Wilson, in an Optimistic report
on the crop conditions, argued that the
corn crop would not be hurt because corn
thrives in hot weather That is true il
the heat be accompanied with sufficient
moisture, but the hot winds that have
been prevalent in Kansas and Nebraska
don't give the corn time to grow. An
hour after being swept by one of these
American siroccos, the corn is shriveled in
leaf and stalk. If it has reached the
tassel or silk stage, its doom is sealed.
but if not. subsequent rains may revive
the stalk so that a partial crop will re-
suit
If the past hot spell be not repeated.
Kansas and Nebraska may yet produce a
third of a crop. while Iowa and Illinois
will bring forth three-fourths crop. The
potato crop Will depend wholly upon the
state of the field at the time of the dry
weather. A hot wind alone does not in
terfere with the potato. The fruit crop
from Texas to Michigan is damaged to
marked extent The late oats has not
filled and VIII not fill. The wheat in Kan
fore the drought and hot weather set in.
In the Northwest, some damage will be
done to the late wheat, but if no further
complications setsin the yield will be nor
NAL.
With the large wheat crop and the
price of corn the effects of the shortage
will not be seriously felt by the farmers
The shortage in yield will, however. have
| a permanent effect upon the price of
railroad stock. A short crop is bound to
affect the gross earnings and the price
| of common stock is very sensitive to
any change in the amount of freight to
be moved.
The hay crop in the Southwest has
been the greatest sufferer In localities
| where alfalfa is not grown and the wild
hay crop is depended upon for all stock
purposes there is bound to be embarrass-
ment. This can be relieved by immediate
and heavy rains. as second crop OF
alfalfa can be raised if it be sown before
Aug. 1.'fer a.
AT the present time there need be no
fear Of a general shortage of either corn
or wheat. Oats is much damaged in the
oat states. Flax throughout the North
west is good .es, ,seex
Efforts win be made by both bull and
I
bear interests to color the facts to suit
their side of the market The truth will
/ be found in the means between the two
interested extremes. AS to the foreign
crop, little can be said as yet There is
known shortage in Southern Russia
! and Prussia. Persia. in expectation Of a.
i shortage. has placed an embargo ON all
exports of breadstuffs. On the whole the
present prospects for good yield and
{! fair prices are excellent
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The National Teachers association has
| taken strong ground In favor of taach