Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-07-07
Determined 70 Prevent Sacrifice
OF The Farming Interests.
Sees Surprise for Those Crying
That Farmers Are Indifferent.
Desire for Expeditions Action Found
After Informal Conferences.


eraI sentiment for expeditions action
| on the Canadian reciprocity, wool re-
vision and free list bills was apparent
today after informal conferences
among various groups of senators and
six hours of continuous debate in the
super heated chamber of the Senate.
1t was the first of the long& sessions
in accordance with the Senate to meet
one hour earlier than usual to hasten
action on the legislative program.
Senator Gronna of North Dakota, an
insurgent Republican made a long,
speech in opposition to the agreemeh&
during which he clashed frequently
with advocates of the measure and was
forced to give up almost exhausted at
o'clock this afternoon. The Senate
adjourned almost Immediately after
ward.
Senator Gronna said that the
agreement was a usurpation of
authority by the President and that
the bill should have originated in the
House as revenue measure. was
made in the Senate today by Mr..
Gronna of North Dakota a Republican
insurgent.
ers OF this country were almost
unanimous in their opposition to the
bill. that their indifference was appar-
ent only to those viewing the farmers
attitude with prejudiced eyes and that
probably some of these so busily en-
gagged in discovering that the farmers
are Indifferent will have occasion to.
change their views when the ballots
are next counted" 8
In having the bill framed and trying
to force it through Congress, Senator
Gronna said, the President exceeded
his constitutional powers a decidedly
serious violation, he added, because it
was in accordance with pledge given
to foreign nation
THE President" he continued, has
apparently come to the conclusion that
he represents the people of this coun-
try both as executive and legislative
and that the two Houses of Congress
are merely two bodies of men pro-
vided for by the constitution, which
he can unfortunately not get rid of,
but which are to be ignored and Co
creed whenever he deems it necessary
or expedient."
Aloilid itlcIIeu To WHAT he
called the strange unwillingness" of
the supporters of the reciprocity
measure to explain its benefit and to
defend it and the Presidents action on
the floor of the Senate. He contend
ed that the goods on which the duties
have been removed are almost with
out exception, goods that Canada will
sell to us and that we can have no
hope of selling to her. that the trusts
| are still protected and that ii is the
| farmers who are to receive Tess for
| their products in order that this ad-
ministration may have the glory of be-
| ing the one to negotiate trade agree
ment with Canada and force it's rati-
| fication by Congress-.
He denounced the agreement as a
cloak to hide the adoption of a new
economic and industrial policy out of
harmony with Republicanism. policy
which. he said, the rank and file of the
party would repudiate and he con-
demned the policy of placing food
products and raw materials on the free
list and retaining a protective duty on
manufactured.
| Mr.. Gronna contended that the
farmer met with "unkindly rebuffs'
when he attempted to present his case
to the President that the administra-
ton is Indifferent to the farmers vel
fare and that the free admission of
Canadian wheat would glut the Min
neapolis and Duluth markets to the
detriment of the American wheat
lgroWers and cause the surrender of
wheat growing to that country to a
large extent for some years to come.
The agreement. he said, gave Canada
lsuch preference as the United States
lgiVes no other country.
Il cannot" he concluded, support
AN agreement which sacrifices the in
terests of the American farmer in or
der that the Canadian farmer, the
railroads, the millers, the packers and
the brewing interests may be bene-
fitted"
The informal discussion among SEN
ators Indicated that the present feel
ing. doubtlessly Influenced to some ex-
tent, by the existing not wave is that
debate may be brought to an end with
in 10 days or fortnight and that wher
the reciprocity bill is passed the Demo
Gratis will be willing to vote on the
; wool and free list bills at an early
| (('nntipItnd Do