The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-07-09
HOLDS UP CROPS
Congressional Delay on Federal
Aid a Blow to Kansas.
Farmers in Doubt About Funds
for Fall Planting.
OTHER M0NEV Ic M HANl
OTHER MONEY is ON HAND
President Wilson Has a $780,
100000 Emergency FUND.-
Meanwhile Kansas Would Sow
d Maximum Acreage.

Preparation of soil for winter wheat
sowing in Kansas is being held back
because of congressional delay in pas
sage of the federal aid bill, according
to many letters and kilograms being
received by ]. c. Mohler. secretary of
the state board of agriculture If the
bill which is being urged by Senators
Curtis and Thompson should fail of
passage at this session, relief may
come thru special funds in the hands
OF federal officials.
AT least three million dollars will
be needed, Secretary Mohler believes,
TO aid wheat growers in the planting
of a maximum acreage. This money
will not be a donation by the govern
ment. but will be the government S
share in the cooperation for the pro-
duction of grain with which to win the
war.
An amendment to the emergency
farm aid bill, as presented by Senator
Curtis, provides aid in the amount of
not more than $450 for each farmer.
1t is believed this amendment can be
further extended to maximum loan
of $1,000, which will meet any normal
condition in the state.
Hold Back Preparation.
Letters and kilograms are pouring
into Mothers office from all sections
of the state. Local council of defense
officers in western counties are vital
" concerned and many reports have
been received that soil preparation Will
be held back pending assurance that
government aid will be extended a
telegram today from L. ]. Petujohn of
Dodee City, stated that immediate &C
ton was vital to the. wheat growers OF
Ford county, one CT the big wheat
counties of the~state-
Recently Congressman Jouett
Shouse found a six million dollar
TT, Sr-l, Ia n q q
for aid to wheat growers. The money
accumulated from a French 1nsur-
ance fund of one cent a bushel on all
grain shipped to the allied nation
Not a busheI of the grain had been
lost and the Kansas congressman now
believes the fund accumulated from
marine insurance can be converted
into promotion of increased crops. II
one-half of this fund can be loaned to
Kansas farmers, Secretary Mohler be-
lfeves it will insure planting of ten
million acres of wheat land this fall.
From Emergency Fund.
Relief might also come from the
presidents fifty million dollar war
emergency fund.
Passage of a law as early las next
month will meet general demands in
Kansas, Mohler believes, altho il
would not give adequate time for
proper preparation of soil. There is
a belief that the much amended agri-
cultural bill-with its prohibition rider
and other decorations@may be passed
soon. Definite action may be taken II
a few days. Again. debates and con-
ference squabbIes may hold the bill
back several weeks. The desired re-
lief for Kansas wheat farmers will be
sought first thru the passage of the
present measure. Should this relief
fail, the state will then look to one OF
several available funds.
Notices have been sent to members
of the council of defense, calling {
meeting of the council to be held il
the state house Thursday afternoon
1t is proba BILE the grain situation viii
be discussed at that time.