Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1916-01-20

States, Michigans farmers are Just
beginning TO line up in support OF It.
A bill is under discussion at Washing
ton which provides for compre-
hensive farm mortgage credit system
under the control and supervision of a
land bank board of five members TO be
appointed by the President with the
approval OF the senate. Under the
plan suggested by the committee hav-
ing the bill in charge, the country is
10 be divided into twelve districts,
each with a regional bank having a
capital stock of five hundred thou
sand dollars. to be issued in shares OF
ten dollars for purchase by the public
Stock not taken in ninety days by
private capital or by local organiza-
lions, according to the contemplated
bill will be subscribed by the Federal
government Business would be done
directly between the regional banks
and local bodies which farmers would
be authorized TO organize in the form
OF cooperative farm loan associations
or Joint stock banks. charter for which
would be passed on by the land bank
board. Applications for loans ap-
proved by the local organization would
of the district.
Chance for the Farmer.
Many of the farmers organizations
could quickly organize into proper
cooperative bodies for the handling
of this business and from several sec
tons OF the State comes the informa-
ton that they are already becoming
active in support OF the plan. for II
promises aid TO agricultural interests
of the State. similar subsidiary meth
DDS having been heretofore applied
10 the advancement OF every other
ENTERPRISE in the State. in some form
or other.
First among the Michigan districts
90 show organized support of the Farm
Credit System is the upper section
of the lower peninsula The farmers
VI Emmett County and adjoining ter
ritory have already raised their voice
Concerning the farm credit plan VI
NJ. Burnham. OF Petoskey. one o. the
leaders on farm development work III
that section OF the State and an an
thority on things agricultural says IN
the Pellston Journal in substance:
''In this political year some discus
sion of the farmers interests in the
coming campaign seems in order to
the end that they may not be over
looked in orr State and National plat
forms. II is most certain tha' other
classes will be so engaged in looking
after their own special interests that
they will give little thought % the
unorganized farmers There are few
men who are broad enough in mind
and heart to grasp the larger views
of human affairs and who rejoice IN
devoting their efforts TO the general
good Of all Many Michigan farmers
as the spring approaches. have not
sufficient cash to make the best of
their opportunities. Many find them
selves without funds TO make improve
ments which would add MANIFOLD tc
their 'ofts, and still others have not
what hey absolutely require in the
way seed for proper cropping This
does not apply TO tenant farmers
alone. for many owners foresee a sea
son of distress If nothing new is in
stituted to relieve them and enable
them to produce at least the usual
crops. Even those who have enough
are not prepared for a rainy day" as
II were . kness In the family would
mean rii Mess they could borrow
money reasonable terms. lnvari-
Ably the hardest pressed and most
needy Is driven to seek aid from the
private money-lender at high interest
rates. Such hazard means ruin ulti-
mately. These farmers need State
aid. They need system of credit
which will extend over a period OF
long enough time to permit them to
get on their feet and to build up their
lands to profit-making basis, and at
the same time to be beyond the reach
OF that type of money-loaner who gains
riches through the borrowers inabil-
ity to meet his obligations promptly.
Every farmer has a right to hand
in political platform making and the
selection of the candidates so that
their welfare may not be neglected.
"There are probably many good men
in Michigan who are qualified TO serve
the whole people, but since II is not
always the man who seeks Office the
most industriously that makes the
most efficient executive Of a State. !
am in favor OF a strong Farm Credits
advocate In my mind the name Of
one man looms large i'm point of public
service and constructive administra-
ton While | am not acquainted with
the man, nor have ] ever seen him.
yet for various accounts and reports
Of quick action and devotion TO the
service OF the people i'm the relief OF
the furnishing Belgians as Chairman
OF the Michigan Committee for the
Relief of Belgium. OF the human sym.
pathy shown in leading the movement
TO furnish labor and food for the thou
sands of unemployed in Detroit last
winter; of the organizing ability
shown in helping the beet sugar farm
ers to put their industry on a profit
able basis and place Michigan in the
forefront as a sugar producing state:
OF his efforts to unite capital and labor
through profit-sharing partnership
methods, which, according to advanc-
ed thought is the practical solution
OF one of the gravest economic prob
lens that confronts the American
people; OF the constructive genius dis
played as President of the Detroit
Board OF Commerce, recognized TO be
the most progressive civic institution
I'm the most prosperous city in the
United States OF his activities as
head OF the World Court Peace move
ment in Michigan. am led to believe
be is the best man TO whom we may
look for safe leadership and concrete
results.
The European conflict has estab-
lished the United States in the front
rank among the nations OF the world.
- to Of nw a