New-York tribune., 1918-10-27
Farmers View the
Postwar Outlook
With Pessii1niisn
Foresee Sharp Decline in Prices
Of Principal Agricultural
Products
By Archer Wall Douglas

There are many who predict con.
tinued high prices for food after the
war because Of the supposed demand
which will come from Europe, not
only from our allies, but from orr
foes. But those out ION the road
know full we'll that the farmer has no
illusions on that score. he realizes
only too kcenly that the recent drop
in tho prices of corn and hogs on the
prospect of peace prophesies with rare
prescience what the end Of the war
will bring to him in the way of de-
creased prices On all food products
save those guaranteed by government
fiat.
Nor is he content with the prospect
Having gorged on the government
guaranteed prices on wheat he IS III
content to revert to TIE meagre rs-
tions of the past. In this thougt ne
has strong support from many OF those
papers that cater exclusively to MS
patronage. Their argument is tna'
union labor, supported by public opln-
ion, will stand firm against any sefi-
Consequently the prices of supplies
the farmer buys will prevail at com
paratively high levels because OF the
continued high cost of production.
Moreover, the self interest Of the
large manufacturing consultations
with the assistance of government
will prevent any sudden drop In price,
and instead there will be witnessed
that orderly retreat which character
lied the course of prices in steel ana
iron products in 1907190S. Nor does
he look for an appreciable Lowering
in transportation as he percelves sna'
the necessary rehabilitation OF tne
railroads viii be urged against an!
such reduction.
This fact alone Will put him at $
disadvantage in competing with lndis'
Australia and the Argentina. which then
with their long stored up wheat stocks
viii have free access to the markets
of needy Europe
He knows, 900. that he alone Of pro,
ducers has no voice in the prices o.
his products. but that the figures arc
set for him by wide world compefl'
ton and the facilities for marketing
his production.
He is organizing as never before, ioF
he has seen how classes and trioeS
/ have won better things for themselves
by just such organizations.
The thing that most impresses yoS
as you talk with him on the train anu
in the country is the apparent con
sciousness that every producer feeis-
that he is not receiving his full share
o. the rewards OF his labor. Ihets
is the ever present thought IN "
minds of many farmers that there a.,
those who toll not, the middlemen. ana
yet who get a greater share OF u.
profit than comes to him. Some tn,es
years of prosperity did much to sia'
and dull this thought, but it is begsa.
ming to waken with the knowledge tina,
peace will usher in much Of sh' ~
competition and many or the old ways
He is equally conscious Of the ilgu',,
he has cut in the great conh'ct she
how he has fed the world with oes,
perate and unremitting industry. anp
his belief is that with the thought o
abundant and probably cheaper foog
there must come tho consideration o.
satisfactory profit to him who resii2e'
as never before the great part p.
is destined 20 play in the cou'ihs
drama of world reconstruction.
Improved and more intelligent IA.
OF agriculture and more lsbor-ssTin,
machinery may count for much, pa
| there yet remains TO be found eer1el
ways of distribution and cempcsl'io"