| Show YOU CAN LEAD A HORSE TO WATER henry J eustace speaking becq before 4 the oregon state college Econ economic onil C forum recently pointed ou that canti continuance nuance oi of mass production of 0 agricultural products Is dt dependent pendent upon mass consumption in III the urban industrial areas ile he likewise pointed out that it western amert can call agriculture Is to compete in the eastern astern IS markets cost 0 of distribution must be held down dow n it i Is easy enough to boost prices sly sky high through laws that penalize low cost merchandisers merchandise rs legalize price fixing and eliminate various economical selling methods but you cant make a recalcitrant consumer buy when prices rise faster than incomes families buy fewer and cheaper products consumer re El Fi stance has bag been felt heavily at times in recent years notably in the case of meats during a time when meat ineat prices were zooming rales tell fell ott off the consumer bought substitutes the upshot of this is clear the farmer finds his markets dwindling ile he may get a little higher price tut L ut there is no profit in that it its his olal sales are materially cut today progressive farm groups warned by past experience are among the most aggressive opponents of legislation that penalizes low coit merchandising systems and pampers inefficient distribution meth ads by legal fiat they know that such laws hit at the pocketbook of very every farmer in the land as well as every consumer gilces should and do rise from froin natural impetus in a period ot of recovery the farm and manufactured goods price level should and does keep pace with increases in the na ional income and purchasing power but we should be continually on guard against measures and policies that reduce honest competition and widen the cost spread between producer and consumer you can lead a horse to water but you cant rake nake him drink and you can force prices up by artificial means but you cant make a man buy |
