Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1917-07-04


the industry in which he engages been exploited
than any other has reaped what he has
sown, but he has garnered only small share of the
profits. He has not been protected by organza-
ton, either of his own organization by society
for the benefit OF the farmer upon whom all depend
We have read with deep interest an article in the
Breeders Gazette by DR.. D. E. Davenport. dean of
the Illinois College of Agriculture Contracting
for Meat Production" The farmer is blamed for the
falling off of the meat supply and DR.. Davenport
concurs in the accusation, at the time exoner-
the farmer and shows how by general change
of the system he may have incentive to increased
production.
The labor policy of the country for the last
years, says Dr. Davenport has been which has
been bound off the general food supply and
the public would naturally suppose that such
TEN would drive the farmer into the production of
in which a minimum of labor is required. 1t
has done but the farmer encountered other OBJ
stacles and has been forced to curtai production
that now the visible supply is shorter than ever
before.
The farmer has tried raising chickens large
scale and has found it improbable because he has
not been protected against thieves. He has tried
raising hogs ravages of disease have brought
his work to naught. He has gone into cattle which
less subject disease and the operation of
night raiders. Beside the packers have guaranteed
him market every day of the year" Says DR..
Davenport:
That is well far it goes; but the business
has yet been so organized provide safe
market any day of the year, and with the farmer
safety first is fundamental principle in business
Having embarked at considerable expense in the
meat business, which he cannot begin to realize
for three years. he may find when he market
that the day many others have gone,
that the price he receives is such to have made
his business losing When he returns
home he regards with disfavor any suggestion for
increased production. He is not invalid who has
engaged in the business for his health, yet
is he so much of patriot as to be raising cattle at
loss for his country and the allies
After a few experiences of this kind and all the
farmers have had them, they have come to under
stand that farming is extremely elastic business
that it may be extended to become profitable under
favorable conditions or If that is temporarily or
permanently impossible, that it may be contracted to
the self suffering basis whereby the farmer is
of a living whether other people not. Indeed,
am frank enough to say that these things are now
taught in colleges. The public is facing new
situation. 1t has exploited the farmer, the fertility,
and the natural of the country to the limit and
the game is about played out"
Under these conditions the farmer naturally
pendence. He ceases to concern himself with the
needs of the country, but centers his attention upon
himself and his family He limits his production to
their needs and he lives off the fat of the land Who
blame him?
DR.. Davenport offers this suggestion
The adjustment will further before the supply
is fully assured Farmers will be able to grow beef
contract. Just coal is mined on contract,
just cement, steel, or any other standard com
modify is produced contract, the producer of
beef and other kinds of meat must know that after
he has taken all the hazard Of season, disease and
the of labor he will at least be protected in
price when he delivers the goods 1t is perfectly
feasible to contract with large producers on the
basis of a minimum price plus differentia based
upon the selling price of meat the block for the
month it is marketed; and it is also possible to deal
with the small producer the generous
basis. Until methods are found for doing this, our
fields and yards will not produce abundantly.
To say that this cannot be done and will not be done
is confess the that the business of farm
ing cannot be put upon business basis. The
farmer cannot force it, he by cooperation
combination bring about the right conditions of
trade He is not tradesman; he is producer and
it is the bridesmaids business to insure the farmer
fair return for his investments and his inevitable
risks. The business is still in the old Indian
barter Every separate bunch of cattle is sold
by the method Of hagglng and bluffing. just the
trapper haggled and bluffed with the country
merchant few coon skins and haunch of
venson. The Anticipated method of dealing is not
only reproach to twentieth century business, but
it prevents the proper serving of the public. 1t is
for the distributor. in whose hands the big business
lies, be reasonably safe in what he undertakes to
grow. If he not provide these methods, then
farming will change its aspect many points, and
all hands will be losers the farmer least of all These
things not pleasant to say, but somebody must
say what everybody who is at all informed
knows. | am blaming it anybody"
Conditions have grown up here in other lines of
trade, and, having grown up they defeating the
purpose of trade which is service to the public
distributors and if he neglects his
opportunity the public will step in and ought to
step in.
THE DAY
Far back in the dawn of the morning of time,
Ere the Zoophite emerged from his home in the