Ashland tidings. [volume] (Ashland, Or.) 1876-1919, 1915-02-08
WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH THE
VALLEY?
mail Tribune.)

IlelQS are I6TIll0, lLb ClliudlO LuO6L uc-
sirable, its surroundings picturesque,
its population progressive, its natur-
al resources immense. 1t is sur
rounded by vast forests and extensive
mineral belts. Agriculturally and
horticulturally its products are un-
surpassed. It's cities are modern and
up to date.
Here are all the elements for the
most prosperous and one of the most
populous communities in the world.
What is lacking is more scientific,
diversified and intensive agriculture
and a development of the timber,
mineral and transportation resources
The situation is most clearly shown
by the railroad statistics. In 1913
there were 1881 carloads of products
shipped out of the valley. In 1914
there were only 683. The year 1913
was moderately wet year, the year
1914 dry one. Here, then, we have
the keynote of the situation-the
need of irrigation. Any crop, fruit
or other, is a gamble without irriga-
tion upon large percentage of the
land-hence the pressing need of ir-
rigation.
In one line only the traffic reports
of the two years show favorably for
last year, indicating the development
of the livestock industry. In 1913
the livestock shipments comprised
54 cars of cattle, 20 cars of hogs, A
cars of sheep. In 1914 there we're
SO cars of cattle, 69 cars of hogs and
20 cars of sheep-a total increase of
hundred cars in single year.
The opportunities offered by the
local market are clearly set forth in
the list of exports. In 1913 total
of 1862 carloads of products we're
shipped into the valley. In 1914 the
imports totaled 1915 cars. In 1918
the exports exceeded the imports by
329 cars, healthy showing. In 1914
the imports exceeded the exports 533
cars-an unhealthy showing. In the
wet year there was a narrow balance
of trade in favor of the valley. In
the dry year heavy balance of trade
against the valley-and to secure
prosperity it is essential to produce
more than is consumed.
The need of a more diversified and
intensive farming is eloquently set
forth in these figures that speak
louder than words. The nevessity of
a more varied production is also ap-
parent. That the valley offers a
home market for products is evident.
The imports for the year show 1876
carloads of flour, 278 cars OF bran
shorts and feed, 80 cars of fruit and
vegetables, "A cars of grain, 54 cars
of hay, / car of onions, 81 cars OF
potatoes, II cars of cereals and
cars Of beet pulp-a total of 70S
cars, all of which should be and car
be produced in the valley.
The need of milk condenser IL
apparent, in the fact that IL cars ol
condensed milk were imported by the
valley. Here is home market justi
, flying the establishment of a factory
that will undoubtedly follow the es
Establishment of beet sugar factory
whose by-products will furnish thu
best and cheapest milch cow feed al
; well as stimulate the livestock indus
try in all its branches.
The urgent necessity of a loca
lumber mill and box factory is showr
by the figures, showing, even in sucl
quiet year as 1914, the importing
of 406 cars of lumber and Is cars o
box shocks. In 1918, also a quie
: year, the lumber and box shook i'm
ports totaled 442 cars. With billion
of feet of merchantable timber sur
rounding the valley, not stick 1
cut, but hundreds of thousands o
dollars year needlessly sent out t
sustain payrolls in other sections o
the state.
: The statistics unfortunately do no
p show the less-than-carload shipment
d of produce, which will greatly in
!, crease the balance of trade agains
e the valley. There is little gimme
d of sunshine in the fact that the va
e ley is not now importing eggs an
y poultry in carload quantities, as
l. few years ago, but exporting sma
y quantities. We lack four carloads
It year of producing enough came
u goods to. supply home markets, ant
= with apples rotting on the groun'
II still import car of vinegar yea
N Three cars of silos were imported
t, 1914 against one car in 1918, als
s. healthy sign.
Ie There is plenty of opportunity II
le development Of our own resource
g good home market for scores
u products and an opening for the e