Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1918-11-29
RECONSTRUCTION
AND THE FARMER

| make certain that IN the feadJust
ments the welfare of agriculture will
receive its full measure of considera-
| ton?
Letters will be sent out by the Ma
tional Board of Farm Organizations
within few days to farmers in every
state in the Union suggesting that
quick action be taken in regard to
war.
Bills are already in congress and
| others are certain to follow, bearing
| on the methods under which this ma
ton, unhampered by the restrictions
of war, shall once more pursue the
commercial and industrial pathways
OF peace.
Unless the farm organizations of
this country take a hand in the shap-
ing of legislation bearing on the
problems arising out of the war there
is grave danger than measures will
be enacted which may lead to perma-
nent injury to agriculture. 1t is high
time for farm organizations to get
their affairs in order and be ready to
act together in the making of wise
and constructive plans.
The farmer who belongs to no
farmers organization should join one
without a moments delay; every
part of the country has some educa-
tional or business organization ready
to receive him. individuals ideas
count for little in the framing of
laws or in the building of national in
situations unless they reflect the
| thought and accurately interpret the
desires of the masses. To weigh evil
dence in the business experience of
many farmers and unite on a pro-
gram which will give the greatest
benefit to the greatest number is the
legitimate object of farm organiza-
lions. In this way only can the voice
needs of committees be made articu-
late.
Business, long before the days OF
the Hanseatic League, has been or
ganized to take care of its own. At
this moment wealth, prestige, the
power to do great good or evil are in
the hands of men who have organ
lied
These men will emerge from the
war still better prepared and with
sharpened appetite. Business will
reach out in every direction for trade
and profits.
1t will ask for legislation, special
privileges, and get both, if it can. On
former occasions it has been success
full. Unless agriculture develops
simultaneously with business there
will be no real progress in this ma
ton. There must be greater guaran-
tees in agriculture than now exist
People flock into the businesses that
are remunerative. The tendency is
to the cities and away from the
farm. The number of tenant farm
ers in this country is increasing too
rapidly. Perhaps half of the farms
are now operated by renters and ten
| ants who afford the basis for Shift
ing farm populations concerned but
little with the responsibility for
sound and healthy rural institutions.
Without organizations of farmers
and unity of action among them in
dustry and commerce will get more
than their share of consideration
from the law makers in matters af-
fecting the creation and division of
wealth. Great corporations are now
in existence with Unsuitable desire
for profits. New vast combinations
are in the making with ambitions for
world trade conquest. International
combines are already formed, now a
necessary arm TO military success,
and in them lie the seeds OF COM
} mercial worldwide domination.
Since last year the farmers OF
} America have been affected by regu.
latory powers vested in the Nationa
: Food Administration. On this bod,
have sat the leaders and representa-
) tiVes OF some Of the greatest indus
: trial and commercial interests of I'll.
5 nation. Packers, millers, manufac
turers, professors, dealers and yend
t ors of foods and feeds have beer
, called to Washington frequently Il
a determine policies affecting the fin
4 ancial condition Of every farmer il
: the United States. The same thini
J, is true of the War Industries Board
s the Fuel Administration, and othe
= governmental agencies The pas
a year has called for the patriot an,