Why The ModernFarmer Couldn't Pay

Dear Mr. Banker:

I have your statement showing that my note for $500 is now past due and at the bank for collection. I am enclosing my check for $5.I cannot pay more at present, as money is scarce right now.

My orvn living expenses are terrible and I can hardly get along. I will try to send you another $5 when I sell my sudan seed in November. I cannot pay more at that time as my daughter is leaving for the East to take a pbst graduate course in art, and that costs a heap of money.

I thought I could send you a check rvhen I gathered my cotton crop, but it rvill take all I can rake and scrape to put in the Delco lights which rve badly needed to run the electric sewing machine and vacuum cleaner. Then, too, we had to build a shed for the Ford, so rve could put the nerv Studebaker in the garage, and build a new concrete bridge over the creek in front of our house, as tvell as a new road, so lve could get in and out better rvithout having to back up to turn.

I can't send you the corn money this fall, because my son is going to college then. Although the lads of today are very economical about hats and garters, still a coonskin coat costs the old man a lot and even junk-yard Fords come right high by the time they are decorated for college use.

I might send you the hog money, but the Missus and I have planned a trip to the State Fair this month, and after working hard all these years, I think she deserves the trip. 'We can't go until t[re last week, though, for she is having the house redecorated and refurnished, taking out all red plush and putting in overstuffed cane and mahogany. This is a terrible strain on my finances.

Then, too, I had to have a new well closer to the house and the new barn has to be paid for. All the farmers here are in hard shape financially, with fresh turnips 1O cents a bunch and strawberries 75 cents a quart and with the price of gasoline so high it is just hard to get by.

Another thing which has hurt us considerable is the epidemic among the married women to have their plain gold wedding rings platinized and set with diamonds and everybody is having their tonsils and teeth removed and there is a right smarf of stomach trouble, too.

Please be patient rvith me and I'll do the best I can on my note. I aim to pay it as soon as I can spare the money, so don't you rrorry a bit.

Yours very truly, . A FARMER.

(I\failecl to Trade b1' Stippich Lumber Co., Wichita, Kan.)