The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1922-07-06

agriculture and live stock purposes
All repayments have been voluntary
and considerable part of the total
represents repayments before due
dates.
The rise in the price of farm pro-
ducts is a source of encouragement
in the credit situation, affecting not
only strictly agricultural communities
but manufacturers and dealers as
well. A more clearly defined trend
towards improvement is noticeable in
the middle west than for some time.
Confidence appears to be stronger;
buying orders are reported coming in
more freely and at the same time
there is no great accumulation of
material or manufactured goods |
hanging over the market except in
few lines. The slowing down of pro-
duction in spite of fair consumption, |
has depleted stocks while easier
money assists dealers to replenish.
Agricultural conditions through
Kansas have been improved in some
sections by the increase in the price
of corn and livestock. Farmers have
been encouraged to expect restoration
of a normal relation between the
prices of their products and the
prices of the things they have to buy.
Thye are feeling optimistic over the
outlook and their changed attitude is
being communicated to business and
industry.
However the present outlook for
the wheat crop has had a depressing
effect but this is purely a local condi-
ton and is overcome in a great meas
ure by the feeling that nationally,
conditions are advancing to a more
even basis Of equalization.
tt is the general consensus of opin-
ion with hogs SO over the low point Of
last fall and corn selling at 55 cents
per bushel compared TO 20 cents
about three months ago an entirely
new face has been put on the agri-
cultural situation. The significant
feature of. the rise in farm product
prices is the fact that it is the first
substantial and sustained advance
since the upward movement which
proceeded the collapse in 1920. 1t
thus appears as a belated recognition
by the worlds markets that agricul-
ture was debated too far and too fast
in the slump, and is entitled to re-
dress. There is in progress at the
same time an opposite movement in
the prices of many industrial pro
ducts the effect of which of course is
to hasten the elimination of the dis
parity between farm and city values.
There is a noticeable improvement in
the very expression on farmers faces.
The gradual trend of prices upwards
generally has brought renewed hope
and optimism to the average farmer.
The majority now feel that the worst
of the pull is past and with better
prices will eventually come stability
and prosperity.
The improvements of agricultural
markets has also immensely improved
the banking situation. Although not
as many banks are in need of outside
help now as was the case sixty days
ago, those who till do need it can get
it much more easily as a result of
the liquidation that has been perfect
ed and as result of the increased
value of their collateral security.
Bankers are profoundly impressed
with the change that has come over
the situation. They say that the feel
ing in Western Kansas and the en-
tire state for that matter, has i'm
proved more in the last few months
than ever before in an equal length
of time. Every phase of agriculture
and business, they say, has benefited
and must continue to benefit by the
rise in prices in the prices of grain
and livestock, and they emphasize
the fact that advantages thus OBJ
tanned are of a substantial and
permanent character, a condition
which cannot be created by any mere
manipulation or extension of time on
current obligations.
From Kansas City and other whole
SAFE pOIIICS COMES Il6 I0pOIL CilRI DlAC
wholesale trade shows a gain over
year ago. But it is not yet up to nor
NAL for this time of year. Dry goods
are selling well and there is a fair
trade on footwear. Country mer-
chants are not excessively optimistic
nor unnecessarily depressed.
1t is generally conceded that what
is needed in the main at this time is
the right psychology. Gas a man
thinketh in his herat so is he" is