Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1917-01-04


dards for cotton have been establish
ed, the operations of the future ex-
changes have been supervised, and
cotton trading has been placed on a
sounder basis. Quotations for spots
and futures have maintained sSeady
relation to each other. Future Quota
tions now are better indications to the
farmer Of the value of his comm 9dity
than formerly. This uniformly has
demonstrated the value of the +uture
markets for legitimate hedging pur-
poses. 1t is clear therefore, that the
general purposes of the act have been
and are being, accomplished.
The United States grain-standards
act will bring about uniformity in
grading, enable the farmer to obtain
fairer price for his product and to
improve it's quality, and prevent OF
diminish materially the shipment OF
adulterated grain. Plans for its en-
forcement have been developed as
rapidly as possible. Official standards
/, for shelled corn have been promulgat-
: ed.
In order that the work of licensed
-, inspectors may be supervised proper
ly, and appeals and disputes under the
act dealt with promptly, it has seem
ed advisable for the present to divide
the country into 80 districts. This
number may be increased when stan
dards for other grains have been es-
tablished. The districting has been
made with view to place all sec
lions of the country in convenient
reach of grain supervisor.
The United States warehouse act
authorizes the Department of Agri-
culture to license bonded warehouses
which handle certain agricultural
products. 1t will make possible the
issuance of reliable and easily negoti-
able warehouse receipts, promote the
better storing of arm products, and
of marketing processes. The rules
and regulations for its enforcement
are in course of preparation, and in
terested parties will be given oppor-
tunity to submit suggestions.
The Federal farm-loan act creates
banking system which will reach
intimately into the rural districts,
operate on terms suited to the farm
er's needs under sympathetic manage
ment, Intro luce business methods in
to farm france, Bring order out of
chaos, reduce the cost Of handling
farm leans, place upon the market
mortgages which will be safe in
vestment for private funds, attract
into agricultural operations a fair
share of the capital Of the Nation, and
lead to reduction of interest.
A provision in the Federal reserve
act, which was approved on December
%, 1913, authorized national banks to
lend money on farm mortgages, and
recognized the peculiar needs Of the
farmer by giving his paper maturity
period of six months.
The Federal-aid road act, approved
July II, 1916, provides for coopera-
ton between the Federal Government
and the States in the construction of
rural post roads and of roads and
trails within Or partly within the ma
tional forests. This measure will con-
duce. to the establishment of more
effective highway machinery in each
State, strongly influence the develop
ment of good road building along
right lines, stimulate larger produc-
ton and better marketing, promote
a fuller and more attractive rural life,
add greatly to the convenience and e.
economic welfare of all the people, and
the national foundations.
Immediately after the approval of the
act, plans were formulated for it's adj
Rules and regulations
were promulgated on September /.
Thirty-two States have indicated their !
intention to assent to- the provisions of
the acs-one through it's legislature
and the others through their COVER
nors. 1t has been determined that
since States have legally assented to
the act and are in position to meet its
requirements. AS soon as certain de-
tails have been arranged the depart
ment will be prepared to cooperate
with these States. Eight States have
submitted specific projects for con-
sideration. In one Of these States
Four projetcs have been approved ten
and the necessary project
agreements are in course of prepara-
lion.
The work of the Office of Markets
and Rural Organizations has develop
ed very rapidly, and some notable re-
suits have been secured. Definite as
Stance has been rendered to the fruit