The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-05-05
BUSINESS AS
usual" SHOULD
Be SLOGAN now
John Ell. Rich, Federal Re-
serve Agent, Proclaims
the Policy.
BANKS MEET SPRING
DEMANDS READILY
Predicts That Country Will
Enjoy Good Business
Throughout the Year.

Minneapolis, May S." Business as
usual should not only be the slogan,
out the policy of every business man,
banker and individual in this district, !"
says John III. Rich, federal reserve
agent. The spring outlook Is as fav-
orable as 1t has ever been at this date.
The volume Of business in manufac-
turing lines, in the wholesale trade,
in the lumber trade, and in retail
merchandising Is good. Banks are
meeting the spring demands without
evidences of strain, and over the en-
tire district, q condition OF unusual
activity prevails. The country as a
whole will enjoy good business during
1917, and while conservatism will pre-
vail the underlying factors that guar
antee prosperity are plainly in EVIL
dence. In the northwest, especially,
upon which there viii be heavy de-
n1ands for foodstuffs. not alone for
domestic consumption but for foreign
export, there is every reason to look
forward to a period during which the
prime necessities, which embrace the
principal products of this district, will
be in very active demand at good
prices. Business activity Is, therefore
thoroughly guaranteed by the domes-
tic and international situation, and the
outlook is favorable.
May Cut Acreage.
at this date, a critical condition
exists as to the northwestern wheat
crop. Some delay in seeding has al
ready occurred on account Of snow
and wet weather, and it is possible
that the acreage hoped for may not
be secured. Upon the other hand, the
northwest has never seen a condition
of such vigorous activity on the part
rf @axr hoy nj
and all others interested in a success
full year from an agricultural stand
point, and every force in the northwest
has solidly united behind the farmers
to provide money, seed and help, and
results of this effort are illustrated by
resultso this effort are illustrated by
the condition in a single North Da-
kota county, where since April 16,
organized. work of the bankers and
business men has resulted in pledges
from farmers to plant 10000 additional
acres Of wheat that would not other
wise have been put into the ground.
Natural Apprehension.
1.-THE natural apprehension that al
ways exists at this period, should not
be allowed to create the impression
that the northwest faces short crops.
In the face Of drouth, rust and hail
last year, reports received by this
wheat acreage will not be much less
than normal. Some increase will be
shown in Minnesota. South Dakota
will plant a good wheat crop. The &C
reage of wheat in Montana will be in
creased. The district, as whole, with
at least a week more before seeding
is completed, promises to show a bet
ter wheat acreage than a year ago,
put in upon carefully prepared ground,
and under the most favorable moisture
conditions that the district has seen in
many years. AS to other grain crops,
there will be a large increase in the
barley acreage, as well as oats and
rye. In North Dakota and Montana,
there will be a substantial increase in
the fax acreage. Very large increases
in corn planting are already assured,
and should weather conditions during
the period in which it will still be
practicable to seed wheat, prove at all
unfavorable, a sudden and very con-
siderable increase in the corn acreage
now in prospect, may, be expected.
THE apprehension as to a shortage
of good seed wheat was not well
founded. Where intensive crop produc-
ton work has been in progress, those
engaged have been surprised to find a
much larger amount of prime seed
than was believed to have been in the
hands of the farmers, and Though a
system for the quick exchange of in
formation, localities needing seed have
been promptly advised of sources from
which it could be obtained. Organized
effort to expedite car lot shipments
of seed and agricultural implements
have met a fine response from the
railroads, which have co-operated
heartily in promptly moving loaded
cars.
Seed Difficulty.
Owing to the partial fixture of the
crop last year, some difficulty has been
experienced in financing farmers at
this time. The call issued to the bank
ers of the district to meet this situa-
ton resulted in an immediate and
hearty response. In some localities,
where smaller banks were having diff
ficulty I'm taking care of the farmers,
the larger banks at other points have
come to their assistance, and are TAX
ing the farmers paper and supplying
funds. In other instances, the banks of
a locality have entered into cooper
alive agreements, and have practical
~ pooled their resources in meeting
the demands from adjacent farming
districts. Banks are showing great
lfberality In their terms to farmers,
and in numerous localities have made
public announcements through the
press that they will fully meet every
legitimate agricultural demand. Close
by this bank has so far
failed to disclose any cases where
worthy and reputable farmers are not |
being fully accommodated, as to their |
for seed, labor, feed and |
funds otherwise required as an Incl |
dent to spring planting. Close CO.
operation exists between the larger |
banks at urban centers, the Federal |
Reserve bank, and all of the banks at |
outlying points in the grain raising |
territory, and the financing of imme-
date agricultural demands has not |
only received proper attention, but |
steps have been taken to care for the |
farmers throughout the remainder of |
the year.
There is apprehension among farm
ers that it viii be difficult to obtain /
farm labor, and there has been some |
disposition to hold hack on spring /
Rlanting because Of this factor. The |
labor situation has not been serious
50 far ais spring operations are con-
cerned, and over at least 80 per cent