The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-01-08
Proclamation Prepared,
Only Awaits Signature
of Chief Executive
SEED GRAIN ISSUE
WOULD BE FOREMOST
Needs Of Western and Cen
tral Portions of N.
Dakota Held Vital
FEDERAL RELIEF
is BEING SOUGHT
Several Other Propositions
Also Are Being Consid-
cred by Executive

Gov. Lynn ]. Frazier of North Da-
kota has under consideration, the
calling Of a special session OF the
North Dakota legislature.
Consideration OF the seed grain
situation and the farm labor prob
lem, as related to the government
program for the greatest possible
crop production, which is held to be
seriously endangered in North Da-
11ota because Of seed and feed
shortage over the central and west
ern sections OF the state, will hold
the attention of the legislature If
Governor Frazier signs the procla~
1nation that has already been pre-
pared.
a date not Tar distant Will be
pscksd by tie governor if he de-
cides to call the legislature. for any
state action 1n connection with the
farm credit problem must be given
Immediately.
Governor Frazier has had the call
for the special session under con-
sideration for a week or ten days
past, and his decision for or against
session hinges wholly upon devel-
opments in congress- where BILL
sponsored by Cong. j. M. Baer or
the First Congressional district OF
North Dakota, proposing that $780,
100000 be appropriated for aiding
the farmers in bringing about the
greatest possible production OF food
crops. Is under consideration.
State Must Act.
If congress acts early, in time to
assure federal relief for the situation
that now confronts farmers in vest
ern and central North Dakota Gov
ernor Frazier is said to hold to the
opinion that state action WIN not be
necessary.
The executive, however, has made
a complete canvass Of the situation
as relates to the farming problems
in North Dakota. and also has be-
fore him the complete report of the
state seed stocks committee, which
body made a thorough going survey
OF seed needs for the whole state,
Not only are the farmers in the
crop shortage districts affected by
the shortage of seed grains, but they
also are seriously affected by the
feed shortage. Their horses are, for
the main part, now on the ranges,
but the animals will not be in shape
to return to work in the fields with
out proper seasoning, which includes
daily allowances of feed and grain.
Labor Problem Vital.
AS for the farm labor problem, the
fact that so many thousands or
North Dakota's young men have
joined the colors, has left many rural
sections with far from an adequate
supply OF skilled farm labor, accord
ing to the reports gathered by the
state commissioner of agriculture
and labor, J. N. Hagan, and thor
ough- going steps, at as early date
as possible, are held essential to the
raH Ia i'm
Other Matters Proposed.
In the original draft Of the call for
the special session Of the legislature,
Governor Frazier includes number
OF other points, the more important
Ratihcation of the prohibition
amendment to the federal constt-
tuition.
Provision of funds for the
North Dakota council Of defense.
Provision of funds for certain
departments OF state.
Moratorium to state soldiers
Several OF Governor Frazier's ad-
visera have suggested the elimina-
ton of various of these issues, prin-
cipally the liquor amendment. 1t
has been pointed out to the executive |
that there is no need for action on
the liquor amendment at this time, |
inasmuch as congress has allowed |
six years In which to ratify the am |
endment The administration politi- |
cal advisers suggest there is no need
for arousing against the league, the |
opposition Of that element within |
certain German communities in |
North Dakota that have always been |
opposed 10 prohibition.
AS for the state council OF defense, |
varying views have been presented to |
Governor Frazier. IL has been held, /
by some whom the governor has in- |
terviewed, that the work the state I
council Of defense Is undertaking, Is, \
In the main, already being handled by /
organized bodies that are /
working without any appropriation /
from the state, and which are pro-
ducing the required results, These
include. more particularly the Red /
Cross. the Liberty Loan, the War
Thrift Stamp committee, and similar
agencies. The council Of defense has I
been operating without funds up to I
this time, several members having
given their notes for $500 each to es-
tabIish a fund with which to main
tain the work. Governor Frazier 4
however. has pledged to the mem-
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