American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1915-07-15

O80Ju 10 III SOhiPCtieiOht aho Wv ~SN~S
Iishment of a national platform aiming to bring
those industries closer together, marked the open
ing session of the fourth banker-farmer confer
enee at Chicago, July z.
Declaring cooperation to be indispensable In
business, David r. Forgan, president of the Chi
cago Clearing house and the National City bank,
contrasted two fundamental business principles,
suspicious competition and commercial c%o-opera-
ton. He pointed out that the former results In
Misunderstanding, opposition and war, and the
latter In peace. harmony and prosperity for all.
The conference is the outgrowth of u policy Of
the American Bankers association by which 1t Is
hoped to increase the cooperative efforts OF the
agricultural and financial interests OF the coun-
try toward improved rural life and farm standards
In the United States. The executive council OF the
association recently gave voice to this aim In a
resolution which recited the responsibility OF the
banker to aid agriculture and the Importance OF
cooperation both by improved organizations and
individuals with all movements looking toward
improved farm conditions.
The movement ~contemplates not only increased
banking facilities for the tillers Of the soil by
giving them direct aid in the financing of crops,
but also encouragement of efforts TO train the
farmer 80 that increased acreage returns will be
the rule.
IL Dhhhoi n
early found in their studies Of the problems con-
nected with the movement that effective methods
of forwarding these ideas had been put in practice
In various communities. 1t was the thought that
interchanges of ideas and experience between
bankers, farmers and educators might give a help
full definition of the lines on which the bankers
are to proceed that caused the special conference
to be called.
While tho practical farmers were particularly
noticeable for their absence from that gathering,
the foregoing associated Press account of the meet
ing has it's hopeful side. II shows that others
than farmers are studying cooperation as ap-
piled to the farmer and his problems. Bankers
are not enemies to the interests Of farmers no mat
ter what opinions may prevail. The country bank
or In usually tho farmers friend, but he Is limit
cd I'm ability to extend the aid necessary. The
big bankers, who control the little bankers by
limiting their money-supply, have been prone to
look upon railroads and other vast corporations
and upon mercantile persuits as a~ffording the
only proper channels for letting their money out.
Their environment has not placed them in touch
with agricultural needs. That their outlook has
been enlarged is a hopeful sign. Producers must
necessarily benefit when such Influential factors
begin to study their needs with a view to anchor
ating or remedying them. Corporation has won
N WV " hs'iustih thib nv III Will
continue to attract It 30 long as It remains a vital
factor. Recognition is the first-aid to real assist
ahce. and II is to be hoped that financial centers
VIII realize anew that all permanent prosperity
has Its throne on the farm. Legitimate business OF
all kinds prospers when the farmer ia prosperous,
and suffers whom no suffers. Prosperity can not
endure upon a weak foundation.
Although farmers whose business ia farming aud
whose life IL on the farm we're conspicuous by
their absence, from tho program of tho Banker
Farmer conference, yet farmers can not afford
the news of this gathering, Colleges OF agricul-
ture, the department of agriculture, and agricul-
tural editors. as we'll IA bankers themselves,
were represented In the many addresses, gave
much food for thought. For instance, Chair
man II. f. Harris of the conference pointed out
tho fundamental Importance of agriculture In
times of war. ms well as in times of peace:
1T is only In recent years that the many, In
GLIDING a large percentage Of farmers. have be-
gun seriously TO appreciate the dominating and
the newer and larger possibilities for agriculture.
Despite our tremendous Industrial devolopment-
and the trend to town'-nothing but our great
food supply-which warriors as well as peace
makers needod-could have turned recent inter-
national cash demands on us. into balances In our
favor. We turn to farm yield and prices to get the
truest data ON trade tendencies-for IL Is the one
indispensable and dependable industry"
Here is a paragraph from the address OF w.
II. Goodwin, managing editor Of the Breeders
Gazette.
The stability OF the stock industry can never
be In doubt. icras or high prices for grain will
again send farm stock to the SHAMELESS, over-pro-
duction may possibly, but not probably. again
curtail profits. economists may rail at the high
cost OF living, and the propaganda of the v~egetar-
ian may be pushed with renewed vigor, but the
laws of the civilized world will rise and fall In the
mastication OF meat. Man Ia a carniverous ami
NAL. He was not created to live by bread alone.
The dominant races of the world are meat-eaters.
Mcat-making is as permanent as the land on
which 1t Ia based. 1t deserves the sympathy and
the support of bankers. their encouragement and
direction. IN order that the proper balance In Am
erican agriculture may be maintained, fertility as
sured and prosperity enhanced"
Speaking Of tho work of the county agent,
Dean II. L.. Russell Of the University Of Wiscon-