Farmers, generally speaking, are pessimistic at present, notwithstanding the consoling articles from prosperous concerns as to his certain future prosperity. They all have the theory that the darkest hour is just before day and the sun is shining just behind the cloud. Under the present system, the wheat farmer cannot accept such theories. He feels that it makes no difference which way he goes, darkness looms up before him. If he raises poultry as a side line, he finds there is over production. If he produces pork to any great extent, the same conditions apply. And if they all go into the dairy business, ruinous prices will follow. Nearly every line of industry and farming is receiving aid or protection from the government. The wool grower has a protection from competition in the market of 33 cents per lb. The sugar producer has a protective tariff of $2.20 per sack from all outside countries, except is $1.84. 