Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-01-13
PRODUCTION AND PROSPERITY.

eurned strongly in the direction of limiting produc-
zion, particularly of agricultural products. The
Fact is cited-and it is generally accepted as fact
that the Is million bales of cotton produced in the
Southern states last year were actually worth less
money to the producers than 9 million bales OF the
same kind OF cotton would have been worth in the
same year. The lessened production, it is stated,
evould SO have enhanced the price per bale that the
Total income from the crop would have been greater
from the smaller output. Similar estimates are
made concerning the corn crop, and occasionally,
She wheat crop. 1t is evident that a condition ex-
asts which is unfortunate and which needs a RENE
iy. That remedy many people profess to find in
che systematic reduction Of acreage devoted to a
particular crop.
It is to be feared that those who emphasize
This feature of the case are using arguments which,
carried out to their logical conclusion, would
prove too much. There is no important agricul-
Eural product whose price in the United States is
bot now low, and if the limitation of production is
good thing in the cotton industry and in the corn
! Industry, presumably, it would be equally good in
the dairy, livestock, wheat, fax, and other lines.
We would reach the conclusion then that there
Ehould not be a change in the kinds Of crops pro-
Eiuced, but a limitation in the total production Of
i'll crops.
It is easy to twist figures in such a manner as
10 prove almost anything, but regardless of the con-
1oftions to whieh the figures may be subjected, it
teems difficult to absorb the idea that the farmers
8 America are to be benefited by producing less of
The commodities upon whose production their pros
$erity depends.
We have become so accustomed to the state
Hent that the conditions Of today are abnormal that
The expression drops unthinkingly from the lips. 1t
Is ! fact, however, that the conditions are abnormal,
and the continued use of the expression is warrant
ID because it is continually applicable. 1t is not
likely that any method of adjustment which may de-
Eberately be devised will prove satisfactory. Some
measures may assist, but the general restoration Of
prosperity must come gradually and with infinite
bains and labor. The limitation of production is
IN economic evil, and the producers who should
5RAdopt that practice would undoubtedly, if they per
listed IN II, suffer themselves, together with all
kther groups in the national community. The in
fsrest Of the individual producer, whether in agri-
kuttfefal sor other industries lies in producing to the
Mpaogf of his ability the things to which he has de-
Heed Til attention. The manufacturer may for a
6nae ind it advisable to discontinue making some
4nSje1iar artcle. but his interest is in making every
6pyenest n his factory productive of as much as
feessible. The farmer Of the south may find it de-
nE1bte ~ raise less of cotton and more of something
afDesim i sparticular year. This will apply to the
ffnnser 81 tie north who is in the.corn Or wheat
gNu1ktne industry, but the method which would
1ISit 1n1l production would inevitably be disas-
lS6eS6oalf the interests in the country.
81 sSsMs Noffunately there is no probability Of ANYTHING
II EESEglind taking place. Production will be gov,
81 (MSed NV natural causes as they affect the individual.
sM E~s591senetal limitation of production could. not Sc
4 tuG1G1t about except by common agreement, and
"a saaeemncn agreement TO be effective. there must
81 behind II something in the nature Of force. An
81 %E&fTE ~ G&&a FAS