244 



DEEP FURROWS 



brought about possibilities which threaten to revolu- 

 tionize the whole established commercial system. 

 Farmers' Elevators in Dakota, Minnesota and Alberta 

 have proved that it is practical to utilize the same staff 

 at each point to manage the distribution of farm 

 supplies as well as looking after elevator operation 

 during the grain season. This being so, it is not difficult 

 to visualize a great distributing system under central- 

 ized management with tremendous purchasing power. 



There are those whose imaginations stretch readily 

 to the extreme view that the Grain Growers are a 

 menace. Such are filled with foreboding. They see 

 the country merchant out of business and the whole 

 business fabric destroyed. 



" The farmers are talking everlastingly about ' a 

 square deal/ " it is argued. " Why don't they practice 

 what they preach and give the country merchant a 

 square deal? What about the times of poor crops and 

 money scarcity? Where would the farmer have been 

 if the country merchant had not carried him on the 

 books for the necessities of life?" 



" It didn't cost the merchant anything to carry me," 

 denies the farmer. " He just raised his prices to me 

 and got credit from the wholesaler." 



" Then what about the wholesaler ?" 



" Raised his prices and got credit from the manufac- 

 turer and the bank." 



" Then the banks " 



"Refused to give me the credit in the first place!" 

 interrupts the farmer resentfully. " Do you dare to 

 blame me, Mister, for cutting out all these unnecessary 

 middle charges when by proper organization I am able 

 to finance myself and take advantage of cash discounts 

 on the cost of living?" 



