The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1913-10-31
BLANCHARD SAYS SPECULA-
TON REACHED MAXIMUM
Better Conditions Throughout West
Will Now Follow.

"The fever of speculation in farm
lands in the arid west which has pre-
vailed for several years apparently
has reached its maximum and is now
on the decline and irrigated lands IN
some localities are quoted today at
prices that have basis in actual rev.
enues from crops grown, says Z. J.
Blanchard, chief statistician OF the U.
5. reclamation department in report
on conditions on projects of the west,
which has just been published. He
continues: Undue imitation of values
has operated to give the development
of. the west a setback and has retard-
ed settlement materially. The hunger
for land om the part of 'homeseekers
shows but little dimunition but there
is evidence that buyers are growing
more conservative and are giving
more careful consideration of proper
ties before purchasing.
There is in some localities change
on the part of land owners in their
attitude toward the buyers. Prices
are lower, terms are easier and the
disposition is growing to accord the
newcomer a fair chance to make good.
Several communities have organized
protective associations to secure op-
tons on excess lands and to act in ALI
order to safeguard them from the land
sharks. These organizations are en-
deavoring to keep prices down, and
are discouraging Misrepresentation in
all literature issued. An assurance Of
a square deal to the homeseeker will
greatly stimulate the settlement of
arge areas in the west now vacant
The government is encouraging this
movement to secure cooperation be-
tween land OWNERS and the settlers in
order to promote more rapid CAB
division and cultivation of excess
lands included in reclamation projects.
Reports from field inspectors indi-
cate that the crop of 1918 will be one
Of the most prosperous for settlers on
reclamation projects since the initia-
ton OF the government work in the
west. Agricultural operations are be-
ginning to be conducted on more
solid and correct basis. More of the
products are being consumed on the
farm and the uneconomic method of
producing forage and grain crops for
the market is being abandoned as the
farmers are able to acquire live stock.
The growth of the dairy industry is
most encouraging and predicates sub
stantial prosperity for the settlers
Bankers and merchants in many COM
munities, recognizing the wealth pro-
ducing value of good dairy cows, are
cooperating in organizing creameries
and in advancing money to purchase
good dairy stock for the farmers. The
year OF 912 was trying one for many
new farmers on the government irri-
gated lands. There were large areas
in potatoes, onions and alalfa and
prices were very low Many acres of
onions and potatoes were not even
harvested. This year it is encourage
ing to note that the crop yields and
acreage of both these products are
such that farmers are promised sat-
isfactory. returns. The hay crop is
good and larger tonnage will be fed
to stock on the farm than ever be-
fore, assuring greater return than
II the crop were marketed. The apple,
peach and pear crops are good .on an
average with fair prices. Altogether
the outlook for the settlers is decided
ly more encouraging than it was last
year."