The Delta independent., 1921-12-09

(Written for the Delta independently
In normal times It. has been the
practice of the farmer to sell his prod
ucts within a short time after the har-
vest. He was then in position to put
the returns into meeting his financial
obligations and buying his supplies
and equipment for the next operation.
But when he has to carry his output.
or large part of it. on the farm or
in the warehouse, as has been the
case this last season, his capital is
tied up and he is not only faced with
the difficulty of meeting his obliga-
tions but he cannot go ahead properly
with his regular farming business. He
hasn't the money for seeds, labor. and
equipment and he is brought to
standstill.
When the agricultural population is
affected in this way the whole nation
feels the pinch. THE FARMER is
THE GREATEST BUYER IN THE
COUNTRY as well as the greatest
producer. But his potential purchas-
ing power cannot make itself felt in
an effective manner SO long as he is
compelled to play the role of keeper
Of the national storage. SO to speak.
He may have done his part in pro-
ducing food and other commodities.
He may want to continue operations
and be willing to make the necessary
expenditure, but unless he can md
market for his products his hands are
tied.
The way out of this situation is to
unite the farmers hands-to PRO-
VIDE HIM WITH THE MEANS of
spreading the marketing Of his prod.
ucts over a longer period and at the
same time of carrying on the regular
farm operations. II. In this way. we
can help the farmer to help himself.
the good effect will extend gradually
through our whole business structure.
The War Finance Corporation Is
now making every effort to supply
| Just this help. To assist in the order
ly marketing Of agricultural products,
the corporation 10 making advances
on adequate security and ON sound
business basis to properly qualified
associations OF producers, to financial
institutions, and to exporters of agri-
cultural products. Good results have
already boen obtained. For instance.
the cotton belt used to make 80 per
cent Of its exports OF cotton within
six months Of the harvest. Last year
It forwarded only 81 per cent in the
same period, This has necessitated
the carrying Of from a million and q
half to two million bales of cotton into
the second six months. The burden
fell chiefly on the original producers
and the country banks which do their
| financing The War Finance Corpora
tion has authorized advances of near
ly 1000, 900 on cotton, and the inn
provement in the situation in the
South is undoubtedly due in no small
degree, to this assistance.
Steps have been taken by the cor
poration to meet the financial needs
eliminate the necessity for sending
immature stock to market and to save
the breeding herds; and assistance is
being given also to corn. growers,
wheat growers. and many other
branches OF our agricultural industry.
There is still much to be done. but
what has already been accomplished
indicates clearly that we are on the
right road.
The restoration In marked degree
OF confidence in business circles In the
South as a result Of the improvement
in the cotton situation has been felt
in other parts OF the country. The
purchasing power Of the cotton
planter. having been greatly In
creased. he has gone into northern
and western markets for products
that he needs to carry on his business
and TO support the labor that works
his plantations. ~
Somewhat similar results may be
expected in other regions and with
other lines Of agricultural commodi-
ties, because the loans made by the
War Finance Corporation will help to
stabilize the market and thus to en-
gender the confidence necessary for a
mora equal distribution Of stocks
among producers, jobbers. whole
salers and .retailers on the basis OF
the probable needs Of consumers. No
other single thing would do moro than
such distribution to restore business
.stty ADM iTt.ss sf{f4 f.--.. l44.N.