Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 October 1891 — Two Pictures Contrasted. [ARTICLE]

Two Pictures Contrasted.

During the last fifteen or twenty years farm values all over the East have declined from 25 to 100 per cent. Many have been abandoned and others are mortgaged for ail or more than they are worth. Several Eastern States already have abandoned-farm commissioners, to devise means for resettling these farms. Many Eastern farmers think this agricultural depression is caused by the opening of Immense farming tracts in the West, where cattle and grain can be raised so much cheaper than in the East But during this same period the West has suffered in the same way, and mortgages have been even more numerous here. There must be some cause that operates alike in both East and West. It is barely possible that we have had too much “home market” during this time for the benefit of our farmers. If the “home market” theory be true it would naturally be supposed that farmers nearest to protected manufacturing centers would be most prosperous, Mohawk valley is filled With highly protected mills. Three-fcurths of the knitting mills of ths United States are at Cohoes, Amsterdam, Little Falls, and at other points in the valley. These mills are protected by duties ot from 50 to 100 per cent Some of the biggest carpet factories are in the valley. The duty on carpets will average 80 to 100 per cent Remington guns and typewriters are made at Ilion Edison’s electric works at Schenectady emp oy J ,OOO or 4 000. Linseed oil is manufactured in large quantities at Amsterdam. These are but a few of the highly protected industries that flourish in this valley. Now what of the farms along this valley? Have they fared better than those in other parts of the East? The greatest decline in farm values in New York has occurred in this valley. Many farms have been abandoned, and the average decline In values probably exceeds 60 per cent. In Scbobarfe County it will average nearer 80 per cent. The population of this county has declined considerably since 1880. The case of the Mohawk Valley is no

exception to the rule. Wherever protected manufacturers congregate, there farm values decline most rapidly. This phenomenon can probably be explained by the class who have up to date made the farmers believe that they should tax themselves on all the manufactured articles used to purchase these invaluable “home markets. * Manufacturers understand the beauties of these home markets. Do the farmers understand them as well? .