The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-08-17
Corn and Wheat Harvests Will
 Show a Decrease.
OATS 5 to 10 PER CENT OFF
General Status of Cotton Throughout South Same aj Last Year-Banks Make Good Reports-The Sit
 uation Regarded Favorable.

crop conditions in the grain producing states of America, compiled from reports received from presidents of correspondent banks:
 Throughout the Mississippi and Missouri valleys fair average crops will be raised, althought they are. generally backward Slight decreases in the estimated yield are reported In nearly all cases except in Texas and Alabama, where unusually large increases are shown. particularly in the corn crop, now virtually assured in those states.
 Of the winter Wheat" states, two only (Kansas and Michigan), show better average conditions than last year. In Nebraska and Wisconsin the average is within 1 per cent of the previous year. The remaining winter wheat states Gn- cluding Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Mis- sourD show decreases ranging from il per cent to 45 per cent, the average esti- mate being Il per cent less than last year.
 In the Spring Wheat" states, Minne- sota and North Dakota show decreases of per cent and 30 per cent, respectively; South Dakota, il per cent increase; the average for the district being 8 per cent decrease. Tn the southern and southwest ern states wheat Is relatively not so im- portant crop, but shows better average condition. Texas reporting an average in- crease of e5 per cent.
 The Corn Belt.
 In the "Corn Belt" decreases ranging from per cent to 30 per cent are re- ported In a few extreme northwestern states, where corn is not the important crop, a considerable percentage of increase is shown, although this does not mate- rially affect the average. The greatest falling off is in Kansas and Missouri, which show an average of 29 per cent less in each state; the least in Iowa and Ken lucky, with 8 per cent less. The average decrease in twelve principal corn pro- ducing states Is 12 per cent. In the south the corn crop on the whole Is excellent. In Alabama 1t Is 165 per cent better and in Texas 113 per cent better than last year, but it should be remembered that corn in Texas has been short for three years. The average condition of corn in ali the southern states Is A per cent bet ter. Corn, however, as well as small grain in the south is raised chiefly for home consumption and. although the yield there in some localities this year may be insufficient for their own needs, 1t is important to note that those states will not be buyers of northern corn during the next year to any great extent.
 The oats crop will be from per cent to 10 per cent short of last year. Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota report in- creases of from per cent to 16 per cent, while Illinois, Indiana. Missouri, Ken lucky, Minnesota and North Dakota show decreases of from per cent to 36 per cent The rye and barley crops are better in Kansas and South Dakota, but the totals for all states show on the average slight decreases. These crops are notably less in Illinois, Kentucky and North Dakota. while substantially the same as last year in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
 Cotton Crop.
 The cotton crop Is reported 24 per cent better in Alabama and IT per cent better in Texas than last year. but 12 per cent worse in Arkansas and Indian Territory, and 2l per cent worse in Oklahoma Slight gains are shown In Mississippi, Louisiana and Missouri and slight decreases in Geo. gia and Tennessee. The average condition of cotton throughout the south is almost exactly the same Qn percentage) as last year. The crop is somewhat backward, and some complaint of boil weevil is made especially in Texas, where in cer- tain districts the insect has done serious damage in recent years. Thus far no adequate protection against it's ravages has been discovered but In some locali- ties a bug has appeared which preys on the weevil and it is thought may in time exterminate the pest
 In addition to the information sought concerning crops my circular to interior banks embraced a number of questions regarding their local business and finan- cial conditions, the position of banks in the matter of loans and reserves, and touching also on their ability to finance the crops in their respective localities. similar circular (without the crop report feature) was sent at the same time to every bank and banker in forty-two of the principal cities in the several states named. Thirteen hundred and forty re- plies 0ncludng both interior and city banks) were received to these inquiries. The interior banks report almost without exception that they are in better position than last year. and that not so much dis count accommoda tions will be required and probably not so much currency to move the crops. A considerable number report increases in deposits since the last published statement while banks report ing decreased deposits are scattered and
  for such decrease. In no instance has a falling off in deposits been assigned to generally bad business conditions.
 Land Speculation curtalled.
 In farming communities bankers have been discouraging farm land and real estate speculation. In some instances patrons seeking such accommodations have been informed that banks will not make advances to meet land payments, nor permit large amounts of funds to be- come tied up in real estate for specula- tive purposes. It would seem in this manner that speculation in farm lands as compared with a year ago has been curtailed. A few bankers venture the suggestion that if a similar policy Of conservatism in reference to other forms of speculation and extensions of credit had been pursued steadily by bankers In all the larger cities of the country the effect would have been beneficial, and that the adoption of such policy now would do much towards insuring perma- hence and stability in business condi- tions.
 Almost invariably it is said that farm CTS are prosperous, and in some com munities that they have money to lend. The prevailing condition of trade is sat isfactory. and collections are good.
 Replies received from banks in the for ty-two large cities indicate that the banks, with few exceptions, are strong in reserves and in good condition to finance the crops. Many report that they have been getting ready for the fall demands and are better prepared