The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1913-05-06

would be the best way to bring the
matter before the attention of the
American public. Consequently It was
decided to form an American com
mission to have at least two delegates
from every state. The American Com
mission is the result. Three-fourths
OF the States OF the Union are repre-
scented.
While this work was being pushed
| ahead, others were busy at the same
| task from different directions. Myron
T. Herrick, of Ohio, had taken up the
study Of agricultural credit from the
bankers viewpoint About three years
ago, Mr.. Herrick had spent a year In
Germany and had studied the Ger
man systems then. He, appeared be-
fore the American Bankers Associa-
ton and succeeded in having a COM
mittee of that organization appointed
to investigate the question. Later he
interested President Taft in the mat
ter, and when Mr.. Herrick was ap-
pointed Ambassador to France he was
given the direction of the Govern
ment investigation which was carried
on through the diplomatic officers. In
October, 1912. President Taft called
the subject to the attention Of the
Governors Of the States and the South
to provide speakers for the Conference
Of Governors held at Richmond last
December. Governor O'Neal, of Ala
bama, made the address at the invita-
ton Of the Congress. When the Gov
ernors were the guests of the Presi-
dent at the White House to confer
upon agricultural credit, Senator
Fletcher, President of the Southern
Commercial Cont -ess, explained the
|
American Commission. A committee
OF nine Governors was appointed,
which will consider the findings of
the Commission and draft legislative
program which, when approved by
two-thirds of the Governors. will be
submitted by each Governor to his
legislature. Thus the channel is open
both to the federal Congress and to
every state Legislature for the pres
entation Of the case.
The American Commission now has
the approval Of President Wilson, ex-
President Taft and ex-President
Roosevelt. The adoption Of an agri-
cultural credit system Is recommended
IN the platforms of all three of the
great national political parties. The
Commission has also been endorsed by
Congress, the House of Governors, the
National Grange. the Farmers Educa-
tional and Cooperative Union of
America, the National Farmers Con-
gress, the International Institute of
Agriculture. and a number OF other in
fuential bodies.
The idea OF agricultural cooperation
has gained remarkable Roadway in the
short time IN which it has been dis
cussed. The usual crop Of legislative
proposals on the subject has appeared.
Two bills have been introduced in
Congress and several others In the diff
ferent state legislatures. However it
is felt that, since the Conference of
Governors appointed q committee of
nine Governors to draft legislative
program for submission to all the Leg
islatures. these scattering bills are
that uniform state legislation be Sc
cured. The movement is gaining as
many financial hackers as legislative
advocates. Ambassador Herrick has
recently announced his intention to
give all of his time In the future to the
furtherance OF the work. It Is even
reported that Vincent Astor will finan-
cially support the cause Just as Car
negie has supported peace and Rookie
Teller has showered his millions upon
scientific research.
The preservation of individuaiism
naturally Is q subject OF keen interest
in these days of corporate control. The |
butcher. the baker. the candlestick |
maker have all resigned their self suf- |