Liberty Express, Volume 14, Number 25, Liberty, Union County, 19 January 1917 — Page 4

The Liberty Express1

chinery ami the like. What the. net ' gs;; losses would Ih1 to our export trade, -

I world gives is a most p-i.si mist ic iew,"

.and we desire to go on record as having!

ESTABLISHED 1903. an abiding faith that what are the boat therefore, it is impossible to etiiimte, '

Official Paper Ol Union UOUniy. traits in humanity will eventually have PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY IN THE j dominance.

INTEREST OF UNION COUNTY IN j .nv unfair appeal to part i-anli i audi"

-JENERAL AND the town of prejudice is of course always to be couI tRERTY IN PARTICULAR. !' "' ..

F. I BEHTMER H. M. HUGHES Office In Burt Block. Liberty, Indiana. Liberty Telephone No. 184.

Entered as Second Class Matter at the Post Office at Liberty. Indiana.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES By Mall. One Tear U-W By Mail. Six Months f By MalL Three Months a

Advertising Rate on application. Local Reading Notices, per line 6c Black Face Locals, per line 10c

CHANGE OF ADDRESS Always give former address as well as the new one, when orderlnf paper changed.

Friday, January 19, 1917.

CUT BALKAN RAILROAD. The allied army on the Salonica front will be reuiforced as a preliminary to an effort to cut the Berlin-Constantinople railroad, according to a dispatch from a British correspondent with Central Sarrail'a forces. The writer lays it down as the most urgent task, of the Salonica army to cut the railroad and shut off Germany from the supplies of foodstuffs and men which she is drawing from Asia Minor, lie describes Asiatic Turkey as a granary which Germany is developing on scientific line?, while it is also the home of 2,000,000 magnificent fighters, who, he says, are being trained and drilled under German instructors. "Only by cutting the railroad," the correspondent writes, "can this process be stopped, and thia is the only justifification for maintaining our expensive but hitherto inadequate force in Macedonia. It can only be hoped that the reinforcements that will arrive in 1917 will make it possible by next New Year's day to have got astride of the vital trans-Balkan railway." The checking of German expansion in the neai east is specified by the correspondent as an even greater end to be aimed at by the allied army. lie declares that the Germans plan to establish themselves at Salonica as a stepping stone to a near eastern empire and that the entente powers must fashion the Balkans so as to "build a Slav dam across the tideway of German ambition."

. jdemned. We have also always recognized '

THE EXPRESS PRINTING CO. j the good in all parties (political and otli-j

en) but we would not be willing to promise not to express on occasion de- j

cided views which might con tuet radically even with those held by worthy and estimable men, and in fact we believe that a newspaper cannot remain neutral in regard to the great questions of the day and must have a good, substantial "backbone" in order to render the greatest possible service to the public. An expiessed opinion and convictions in regard to matters otherwise treated as news, if the opinion is well considered and based on knowledge, should be of value to the reader whatever his parti

san bias or prejudice may be. j The editorial in question might ' also j

lead to the inference that this is a onepaper town. If this is the conclusion which our fellow editor has reached we presume that there might here be a difference of opinion as to which is the superfluous paper. We know that the "Democratic party needs a good paper here. We have been trying to serve them well and expect to continue, and at the same time we expect to continue to serve the public in the ways in which a newspaper, fair to all, may render public service. Probably we may be led to believe that the Republicans, as a party, do not need a local paper in Union county, but all will not be agreed on this proposition. The production of a newspaper, from an editorial and mechanical standpoint, is a problem. We have the problem partially solved. This newspaper we expect to continue and conduct along business lines. We believe it is an economic necessity. We also have faith in a fair future for this town. We are interested in this town and we expect to be interested in the Liberty Express for a long time. As a newspaper it has sur

vived much, and we have a firm convic

tion now that it will keep on surviving

for many, many years. Much of our

time and attention and best efforts will

be given to see that it does.

FINANCIAL SITUATION. The stock market has not yet fully recovered from the peace note effect, writes ITenry Clews. During the interval there was a very considerable rally from extreme low prices, but no really permanent recovery. It is quite appar

ent that the losses thus incurred took off the edge from the bull market and

crippled many speculative operators on the long side. It is equally evident that larger owners of securities have not been ready buyers on the decline, but preferred selling on the rallies, although

support generally developed whenever de

cided weakness occurred. Unless appear

ances are misleading, there has been peristent inside liquidation in industrials,

especially the war group, upon the wellgrounded assumption that there will be:

no such volume of munition orders in

1917 as in 1916, nor any such profits.!

There is no denying the fact that Wall Street is disposed to discount to somej

extent an early peace. As already stated

in these advices the mind of the w orld has distinctly "about faced," and is now fixed more on peace than war. The Central Powers claim they desire an end of the war; for exhaustion and hunger are surely undermining some of the belligerents, and human endurance is marking the limitations of this ruthless destruction. The Allies, in reply to the Central

Powers, have intimated the general basis upon which they will discuss peace. Germany may not listen to such proposals. Mediation by neutrals at this time would be offensive to the Entente and a failure; so the war must go on some time longer, or until both sides come nearer together on terms. Great Britain evidently does not anticipate an early end to the war, judging by the fact that she is about to float another huge loan, the biggest in history; no limit as yet having been placed upon its extent. Nevertheless, the growing desire for peace is becoming more general on both sides and will hasten its consummation, which may not be many months away and is likely to come when least expected. The cessation of war orders which gave such an impetus to prosperity in the United States would in any event have come ere long as a result of the growing independence of the allies in munition manufacturing. Great Britain was already practically producing all her own

munitions, and partially supplying her allies; while only the other day a British munition firm made a bid for supplj'ing thia government with shells for one of our own dreadnaughts at figures much under American prices. The amount of this contract was not particularly important, but the difference in

prices was rather significant in view of

the necessity for increasing our future export trade. Less than half of the increase in our exports during the last fis

cal year was due to munition orders,

which in the mass constituted only about one-third of our total exports: The establishment of peace would reduce re

cent abnormal shipments of automobiles, horses, mules, leather, copper, etc., but these losses would be partially offset by

increases In cotton, petroleum, steel products for reconstruction purposes, mi-

THE COUNTRY NEWSPAPER, In an editorial of the past week our esteemed contemporary, the Liberty Herald says' that in the not distant future the one-paper town will have but one paper. "During a political campaign," they say, "this journal should be open to all sides. Editors will continue to express their opinions on political as on other subjects, but they will be more judicial and less partisan. They will not pursue a policy of exaggeration in one direction and suppression in the other. They will publish all the news and all the opinions that are worth while. Then newspapers will be published only where there is economic necessity." Further the Herald editor says: "A county newspaper must be run more on business lines, and the editor should look after his own interests. He should no more drive business away than should any local business man, but his attitude and utterances cause him to be boycotted, especially during a campaign. Of course business men are human, but they are not conducting partisan stores they are not only willing but anxious to sell goods to any man regardless of his politics. In fact, they never think of it when making a sale. But the partisan newspaper has to bear the brunt of things, ofttimes with the added sting of ingratitude shown by those for whom you have been fighting. "If the present management of the Herald can do it, hopes are entertained to carry out some radical changes in the news and editorial conduct of this paper, and the next campaign may see an omnipartisan newspaper, independent in its general discussion of policies and issues. Attempt will be made to eliminate harshness, only appealing to reason and intelligence, and avoiding any appeal to passion and prejudice. You cannot afford to be unfair in position or argument with those who disagree with you. "These ideas have been entertained for

vears thev are not born of recent

events. "While the present editor is respon

sible for all that has been published, yet

the assistance of other writers and the rush of getting out the paper on time

under trying and difficult circumstances, allowed many things perhaps ultra rabid to get past the censor. We explain, but do not apologize. We stand by the record made, even though there may have been mistakes." Far be it from us to gainsay the truths set forth and emphasized so plainly in the above, and as the matter has been railed to our attention we wish to further emphasize the point that all country newspapers probably should be run more on business lines; but this leads to the thought that the editor of a paper is rendering a public service, and we have always had the idea if this is given conscientiously, and is an adequate service, that the public will prove appreciative and that the reward will follow.

That Ingratitude is the pay that the

v-4

'. 4 m hi

though present disposition is to eonsid- j jcrably overestimate thcni. Our most seri- ' ons dillieiiltv in maintaining our exoort :

trade will be t lie high cost of production j ?-

in this country compared with Europe. ' The neecsity of timling a market 'or j jr our sin plus product, which will become jmore imperative when conditions return !'

to the normal, is a problem that will have to be grappled with seriously at jio tlitant date. We must have export trade, and we must bo prepared to meet foreign competition. The world's markets are comparatively bare of merchandise, so that sheer necessity will compel liberal purchases by belligerents and nonbelligerent. and unless the United States is prepared to jet slip its interest in foreign trade, American capital and labor

must co-operate to maintain and develop

its proportion. Stocks have occasionally displayed a weak undertone, but have now evidently turned for a somewhat higher range. War industrials of course always sag the most on peace prospects. Prices generally were further unsettled by anticipation of the Entente's reply to the President's peace note; also by fears of disturbance in our relations with Germany in event of "a ruthless submarine war." Discussion regarding the Adamson bill created an unfavorable impression, as did the argument on the constitutionality of the law in which counsel argued for the right of the government to fix prices. While these were merely transient influences they attracted unfavorable notice. But there is another deterrent of a more permanent character working slowly and silently; that is the tendency of foreign capital to seek better returns. In spite of the enormous waste of the last two years, there is a great abundance of money looking for investment, and it is obvious that there will be a great demand for new capital to replace War losses and start enterprises long deferred, not to speak of good prospects for continued business activity at home. In view of these demands, holders of capital are naturally inclined to insist upon better terms; just as owners of commodities have done, and just as labor has nucceeded in doing. Such a tendency is, temporarily at least, adverse to an advancing stock market, tending as it does to depress securities ;' having no prospect of increasing returns. Tins' probably has something to do with the refusal of railroad shares to show the advance to which their improved condition entitled them. Among the favorable factors in the market are the abundance of money and credit at reasonable rates, a sound banking position, increasing reserves, continued large gold imports, and an active trade in the interior coupled with frequently bare shelves. The best reports obtainable from the interior are that trade activity at home will continue for another season at least, and that even if profits are not as large during the current year as in the past, very satisfactory results will be obtained. The

amount of capital applications for new enterprises is hardly appreciated. In

1 flirt, about $430,000,000 in applications

was mailt ior new on companies, mis being a total of $.."0,00,00i since the War began. Applications for new dye

and chemical concerns were nearly $170,000,000 during the war. New shipping companies called for $108,000,000 and

war munition concerns $134,000,000 within the same period. Such unusual development of home enterprises as these

figures imply insures continued business activity for some time to come.

Very soon Great Britain will issue a huge war loan, much the largest ever recorded. None of this will be offered in this country. It is rumored, how

ever, that another collateral loan will

shortly be placed here for the purpose

of financing British purchases upon this

side and stabilizing sterling exchange. Considering recent changed conditions, it will be interesting to see what the re

ception of this prime investment will be.

p,i i-.A f:.' P K 'f?A n fei m kA m W A

Saturday Specials-

at The Hutcherson Dept. Store As a fitting close to a most successful 10 days sale, we have decided to make Saturday (the last day of the sale) "The Big Day" and are offering many inducements not made at any other time during the sale. A great number of articles, although already marked at a very low price, yet having become somewhat soiled or mussed, will be placed upon one table and closed out at exactly ONE-HALF PRICE This assortment will include such articles as Shoes, Curtain Goods, Towels, Linens, Laces, Men's Suits and Overcoats, etc. Also Remnants of Calicoes, Ginghams, Muslins, Outings, Draperies, Cotton and Wool Dress Goods, etc. As an extra special inducement, for each and every purchase of $10.00 worth of merchandise from any or all departments, we will give an extra 57 discount. 50c Rebate for each $10.00 purchase, Saturday only. The Hutcherson Dept. Store

not required, many have sprung up and are playing important parts in the success of the county agent work. Money for carrying on the county agent activities is contributed by the Federal Government through the United States Department of Agriculture and tko i )f'C3tau'jO-JUt'-ar-by the jtates, usually through the agricultural colleges; by county supervisors; by local farmers, and by publicspirited individuals and organizations in both county and city. The average total annual budget for the work of each county agent is about $3,000. The County Agents' Plan of Work. The work, of the county agents varies with the needs of their communities, but in general is addressed to the improvement of agricultural methods, practices, and conditions wherever possible through demonstrations, talks and publications, and through calling attention to good methods already practiced by the best farmers of the community. The needs of the county usually are discussed by the agents with State ex-tension-work leaders, county officials, and leading farmers, and a project progiam adopted. Farmers are then found who are willing to co-operate in the demonstration of certain improved methods and, when results of the demonstrations are apparent, field meetings are held in order that the farmers may see the results and determine their value. The agent also assists the farmers to organize co-operative associations; conducts short courses in agriculture; holds meetings, often illustrated by lantern slides of local agricultural subjects; writes timely agricultural articles which are published in the local county press; and carries on other similar activities.

PROVING ITS MERIT.

Agricultural Extension Demonstrating Its Value in Development of Farming Business.

. As a result of the realization that improved methods may be brought to the attention of the farmer more effectively by personal contact and demonstration than in any other way, the county agricultural agent work was begun in the Northern and Western States in 1911 by the United States Department of Agriculture, the State agricultural colleges, and county agencies, in co-operation. Growth of the Work. During this year only five county agents were operating in the Northern and Western Stales, but by July 1, lfllrt, the number had increased to 419, the working having been taken up in every one of the Northern and Western states. While the general nature of the activities of the agents is the same throughout the territory, the provisions under which the states assist in the work vary considerably. In some States the co-operation of organized groups of farmers in the counties is a prerequisite lo contribution of state funds, and in many instances these farmers contribute directly a substantial part of the necessary eipense money. Even where the existence of such orgtnizatlonj is

Fitting the Work to Local Needs. How the activities of the agents vary with their environment is shown by the work with corn. In the far North and Northwest this work has been chiefly in securing varieties that will mature in the short growing season. In the corn belt principal attention has been given to the testing of seed and the standardization of varieties. In New York and New England emphasis has been placed on the growing of more satisfactory silage varieties. In Illinois activities have centered in some sections on the introduction of alfalfa, and in one county having an agent since 1014 there is now a greater acreage of alfalfa than there was in the whole state in 1914. Practically throughout the Northwest the agents have striven to bring about the more general treatment of oat seed to prevent smut. In some counties where demonstrations have been carried on for three years the practice has become almost universal. The average increase in yield, due to the treatment, on all demonstrations has been 8.8 bushels, and has been obtained at a cost of less than ten cents. Improving Live-Stock Operations. The county agents Lave been instrumental in bringing about the introduction of live stock in regions where grain farming had been exclusively or largely practiced, and in all sections of the Northwest have done much toward the standardization of breeds. One saving they have effected frequently in cattle raising is the exchange of sires by different communities. This has, lo a large extent, displaced the old plan of selling fine animals for beef after several years

of service to prevent inbreeding. Many head of live stock also have been saved through the advice given by the agents to the owners of diseased animals and through the direct treatment of the animals by the agents. Nearly 300,000 hKLJiave been treated in this way for f niany head of cattle Wer

aved by the work of the agents in pre

venting the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Soil-Improvement Work. In their work as regards soils the agents have made plans which have resulted in the draining of 143,700 acres of land end the irrigation of nearly 50,000 acres. Farmers have been shown how to effect considerable savings and to secure a product better adapted to their needs by the home mixing of commercial fertilizers, how to develop local supplies of limestone and lime and use them to best advantage, and how to obtain bett results from green manuring.

Work in Relation to Farm Business. The county agents in 1915 assisted 1 1 523 fanners in analyzing their farm business and in determining the factors limiting income. In the co-operative purchase of farm supplies and co-operative marketing of farm products the agents in 1913 promoted the organization of ninety-three fanners' exchanges

and 104 other purchising and marketing associations which did a combined business of more than $3.500,0 K) and effected

a saving to the farmers of more than $275,000. In general, the work of the county agents in the Northern and Western states during the four years of its existence has been highly constructive. Its influence has been felt in increased crop yields, tlie introduction of new crops, and help in the control of insect pests and plant diseases. It has introduced

improved live stock, inaugurated better feeding and breeding methods, induced

better sanitation, and aided in the con

trol and eradication of animal diseases. It has taught the farmer better methods of conserving the fertility of his farm through adequate drainage, proper fertilization, and the utilization of humusforming materials. Its tendency is toward standardization of farming in crops, live stock, and methods. It has assisted him in marketing his products and the purchasing of his supplies. It lias developed better systems of farm management, assisted in securing farm laborers, and assured to the farmer a more adequate return for his investment and labor. It has helped to make life in the. country more satisfying through the installation of home conveniences to lighten the burden of the farm women, through interesting the young people in wholesome rural activities, and through the creation of a genuine community spirit of self-help, self -improvement, and self-assertion.

vision is divided along three line whit-h deal, respectively, with the three fcitilizer ingredients potash, nitrogen and phosphates. Potash. A plant will be erected on the southern Pacific coast to experiment on a commercial scale with the probleA of

FERTILIZER PROBLEM.

Bureau of Soils Conducts Experiments in the Production of Potash, Nitrogen and Phosphates.

The annual report of the Chief of the Bureau of Soil3, United States Department of Agriculture, announces that the fertilizer investigations of that bureau have been established as a separate ad

ministrative unit. The work of the di- been applied for.

perimental plant is made possible Sy a special appropriation of $175,000 for this purpose. The bureau also is co-operating with cement mills and blast furnaces to determine by analysis whether the potash now losts warrants the necessary expense to recover it. It is investigating the question of extracting potash from wool scourings, and is making an elfoit to get in touch with companies in the country which are engaged in cleaning raw wool on a large scale. The bureau also has published a number of alunitdeterminations dealing with ariotimethods of treating alunite for potash.

Nitrogen. The bureau has equipped a

laboratory at Arlington (Va.) Experi

ment Farm with apparatus for testing

the different methods proposed for fixing atmospheric nitrogen, and contracts have

been let for much additional equipment to extend this work. This extension of the work has been delayed by the impossibility of securing immediate delivery of machinery. In connection with the work on phosphates, an electrical furnace has been in operation working on the problem of volatilizing phosphoric acid and fixing nitrogen in one operation. Apparatus has also been installed for experimenting with the Ostwald process of oxidizing ammonia for the production of nitric acid. Iloth these projects are attended with technical difficulties and no important results can as yet be announced. Investigations on city- wastes hae been continued and an apparatus and processes for rendering garbage and other similar wastes have been devised which it is believed will prove superior to those now in U6e for this purpose. A full report on city wastes is now in course of preparation. Some work also has been done in determining the availability of various nitrogenous fertilizer materials when applied to the soil, and this work is being continued. A study of the subject of ammonia from the by-product coke ovens has loen made and published. Phosphates. At the Arlington laboratory an electric furnace has been installed and work on the volatilization of phosphoric acid from phosphate renk has been begun. A Cottrell precipitator was installed and while minor adjustments remain to be made, the essential fact tht phosphoric acid may be economically collected in this way has been demonstrated. A process f'.r producing oiilphuric acid has been perfected and patented which gives promise of being much more satisfactory than the process now in use. General. The problem of producing concentrated fertilizers containing all three fertilizer ingredients or any two of them has been

attacked from several directions, and methods have been woiked out in the laboratory for producing ammoniumpotassium phosphate, potassium phosphate, and ammonium phosphate by processes which are new and very promising. Patents on all these processes, for the benefit of the people of the United

States, have either been secured or have