Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1904-06-17
10 McDILL'S MUSINGS.
THE DRIFT.


It has frequently been pointed out by various
writers that there was tendency in the direc-
ton of large land holdings. What was at fist
conjecture proves, from the census OF 1890 and
1000, to be fact
In 1890, 81 per cent of all farms were under
500 acres; in 1900, but IS per cent. Almost
the total in 1890; only three-fourths in 1900.
AS further showing of the drift of the
times, it is found that, in 1890, IL per cent OF
farms were occupied by owners, while in 1900,
only 62 per cent-an increase in tenantage
that. to say the least, has an alarming aspect.
AT the same rate of increase in large hold
mos of farm land and increase in tenantage,
the present century will witness the passing OF
farms out of the hands of the many into the
hands of the few, and instead of farm owners,
we will have nation of tenants.
The capitalists have the mines, manufacture
e1s and railroads. They are now seizng the
land.
In the last census year, all farm property in
the United States was valued at twenty billion
dollars. Land must necessarily increase in
value Prices of tarm products ought 10 in
crease We may safely predict that not many
years hence, farm property will be worth forty
billion dollars, and that the bulk will be owned
by the capitalists. This is not an improbable
prediction, under present conditions and the
manifest spirit of the capitalist class.
In one short lifetime, Rockefeller and Nor
gan have each obtained tine control of one thou
sand million dollars. To gain some idea OF
what one thousand million dollars stands for, we
have only to state that, from rough estimate,
ten thousand men, working at ordinary wages
since the birth of Christ, could only have accu-
mulated an equal amount. Or, in other words,
Rockefeller and Morgan each is worth as much
mon. y as ten thousand men would have earned,
a, ordinary wages, in two thousand years
If The rage fol the possession of land becomes
as great a mania as the mania for the poss
sion of oil, coal and ore, and for the possession
of manufactures and transportation lines,
farms will change hands at rate that will
b. simply appalling. 1t S, and will be,
Il lined that the farmers will be able to hold
heir ownings. How many of the original
share holders in mines, manufactures and rail
roads are shareholders to-day? Not one IN &
thousand. Why we're the original share hold
ers induced to part with such valuable posses
sions? 1t was the squeezine-out process OF
deprecated stock, purposely deprecated, i'll
order to force a sale. 1t sell or be bank
rupted To most, it has proven to be both.
Attorney. General Knox calls it "pledaory
competition" call it highway robbery. The
Moroans and Rockefellers are now in position
to squeeze small farmers. In fact, the squeez.
ing is now on. How many small farmers can
afford to raise wheat at prevailing prices? How
about cattle and hogs? Take any farm product
at average prices for period of ten years
land valued at $40 acre. Take the cost of
equipment. Add in taxes. Can the farmer
become capitalist? 1t is impossible. l ad-
NIT that there are exceptional cases. l am
speaking for the mass, and the census shows
that have formed correct conclusion.
The drift is strongly in the direction of a
very LARGE class of tenant farmers. In fifty
years. it may reach two-thirds of the whole.
If there is no change in the administration of
our government, what is to hinder the Morgans