Bridgeton pioneer., 1913-09-11
MORE RURAL
ITS FIRST REPORT
State Executives Hold Annual
Conference-Lane on
Land Policy.

cooperative lines. Farm products are
sold by the producer at q relatively
higher price and are bought by the
consumer at Il relatively lower 7r;cf,
because the cos ~e listribntion Is con-
siderably lowered by cooperative mar
keting. which results also in improv-
ing the quality and uniformity of farm
products and in promoting more busi-
nessilke methods in farming opera
tions.
1t is the opinion of many of the
leaders of this movement in Europe
that the question of rural credit ought
not to be divorced from cooperation
for business purposes and the general
organization of community life in rural
districts. In some European countries
visited agriculture and country life in
terests generally are thoroughly or
ganized and co-ordinated. The studies
Of the commission emphasize the ne
cessity of defining the functions, on
the one hand, of the government, and
Oh the other Of voluntary organiza-
tons in promoting the development of
country life. In some of these coun-
tries great emphasis is placed upon
the value of voluntary associations and
such state aid as involves governmental
control over the activities of rural or
ganizations is deprecated as tending to
stifie the initiative of the people,
Conditions Differ Widely.
Rural conditions. environment and
temperament in Europe differ widely
in the various countries and also differ
from rural conditions. environment and
temperament in America. Therefore it
may be necessary in some cases to
modify these European systems if they
are to be adapted to meet the needs of
American farmers. At the same time
cooperative effort among the farmers
of Am erica might well be more gener-
ally employed, and the facts gathered
should be of great value in developing
methods suited to the needs of the
farmers in the several sections, states
and provinces.
To this end the American commits
sion. with membership in thirty-six
states and in four provinces of Can
ada. has effected an organization with
headquarters in Washington and in
vites the aid and cooperation of farm
ers and all agricultural organizations
and persons concerned in promoting a
more prosperous and contented rural
life as, the enduring. basis of our mate
rial, social and civil welfare.
The commission desires to call atten-
ton to the geographical scope Of its in
quiries, which were conducted in Italy,
Hungary. Austria. Germany. France.
England. Ireland and Wales, while
subcommittee were sent to Russia,
Denmark. Switzerland. Holland, Bel
GUM, Norway, Sweden. Egypt. Spain
and Scotland.
Legislation Needed.
have contended all along that our
present banking and currency system
is framed to serve commerce and the
industries other than agriculture. For
fifty years it has Disseminated against
agriculture. am convinced this was
not deliberate blow at agriculture,
but arose for the reason that no COM
mercial banking system can be framed
so as to adequately serve agriculture.
We must have a distinct system to
meet the requirements Of the farmer.
would prefer to 60 on with that
subject now while the banking and
currency bill is up; but President Will
son is doubtless right in the circum-
stances in advising that it go over
until the regular session next winter.
While believe wholesome and help
full legislation can be enacted by con-
gress along the lines have indicated,
l beg again to say there Is much the
states must do If the system is to be-
come the success it should attain In Or
der to be powerful and effective
means toward accomplishing the well
fare Of the largest producing class Of
our people and the prosperity Of our
greatest industry. indeed. the general
good