Page:Shop Talks on Economics.djvu/52

 When they go into another sphere of production do prices on this commodity fall to normal again?

Why cannot a capitalist raise prices at his own will? Suppose a wealthy ranch owner has a splendid stock of horses when the U. S. troops are sent down to the Mexican borderline. Horses are very scarce, since automobiles have won favor with the leisure class. He sells these horses at an enormous price. There is still talk of war. What does every other ranchman in the country plan to do when he hears of the profits of the lucky owner of the horses? Do they all go into the COAL BUSINESS?

EVEN if there is still war, or rumor of war, will the price on horses be as high in a few years as it Is now? Why not?