The Economic Pulse of Benton County

When you meet the fellow who attempts to tell you that the country is on the blink and Benton county is traveling like a crawfish, hit him with some real facts and figures, says County Assessor A. H. Wheaton, who has just completed the 1915 tax rolls. As the real estate assessment was not taken this year, no comparative figures are available on the realty valuation of the county. Personal property, however, shows an increase of more than a quarter of a million dollars. In 1914, the valuation of personal property in the county was $1,648,520; this year it is $1,906,725. Undoubtedly, the most noticeable growth in any phase of development in the county is that of the dairy and hog raising industry. There are 7000 more swine listed this year than last and the dairy herds of the county have grown by 500 cows. Population has made a very satisfactory growth, this year’s personal property list showing 400 more persons than were listed in 1914. In concluding the report, Assessor Wheaton adds: 'But say, Fords have doubled over last year. In fact, they must all be Fords as nobody will put his in for more than the price of a Ford. Since March first they have almost doubled again.'