The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1918-01-24

TO CONSULT STEWART
Committee VIII Put Matter
Before Governor Today;
Haste Needed.

Sheridan, one of the counties in
Montana hardest hit by last years
drought, has taken leading role in
the campaign to secure help for the
farmers of the state during the com
ing season, according to j. +. Redmond,
retiring president OF the county audi
tors. now in annual session in Mis-
soula.
However, Mr. Redmond is of the
opinion that the law now on the stat
ute books of Montana is ample to
care for the needs Of the farmers il
they will avail themselves Of the op-
portunity presented.
Voters Of Sheridan county will de-
eide at an election to be held March
3. whether the county shall as pre-
scribed by law, bond itself in the sum
OF 100000 to be issued as loan to
the farmers of the county in such
amounts individually as are necessary
to insure the seeding of the acreage
the farmers desire.
How the Law Works.
The law works in this fashion: First,
100 freeholders must petition the coun-
ty commissioners, setting forth their
need Of assistance. In Sheridan coun-
ty over 500 farmers sgnified through
petition the need of such help. After
the 100 names are in. the commission
ers must make a canvass Of the coun-
ty, to determine the amount of seed
necessary. An election is then called
an diff the bonding proposition carries.
seed grain warrants are issued, the
seed is bought by the commissioners
and if the bonding proposition carries.
price, plus handling charges. The
farmers are permitted if able to do
so, to pay cash fors the seed on delv-
cry. But v they cannot, the amount
becomes q lien upon the laud, payable
the next October
Grain Counties Need Help.
The commissioners Of Sheridan, ac-
cording to the returns Of the canvass
already maze, estimate that 100, 900
bushels of seed grain will be required
for that County alone. Other counties
along the northeastern border Of the
state-valhy, Phillips. Blaine and
Hftl-aref f1fas dire straits, while coun-
tidh 10 the south, Including Dawson.
Ricitiand and Wibaux, will need some
assistance If the required acreage is
gofhG TO be seeded this spring.
tcii you WHY IdNoE tie Sldlt >
t4kAg the. initiative in this move. in
stesM Of leaving 1t to the government,
said Mr. Redmond. This is ques-
ton that has got to be settled right
and soon. The first of February is
almost here; spring work will be upon
the farmers OF Montana in short order
and this question has to be decided be
for1t. the time comes for them to put
their plows to work. Federal aid will
involve much red tape.
I'VE have secured options on enough
wheat to supply our needs. This is now
held in storage pending the outcome
Of The bond election and the decision
ofsthe courts as to the constitutionalit3
OF the law. l am anxious that the 9TH
er counties of the state become as well
prepared at this time, to insure the
acreage we must SOW If we are to pro-
duce. commensurate with the needs OF
the country"
Mr.. Redmond Is one of the committee
of five appointed by the county Off
cerS convention to take the matter 81
farm seed up with the governor. The
auditors at their meeting yesterday
spent the major portion of their time
in discussion Of the seed question. To-
day they will present resolutions to the
committee of five, recommending ac-
ti0,i, along lines outlined i'm these re-
marks by Mr. Redmond