South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-11-30

The farmer IL as vitality concern
ed as any other shipper with es-
adjustment Of the railroads upon a
basis Of lasting efficiency. The farm
er has suffered from an acute short
age OF grain and livestock cars.
largely owing 20 conditions for
which the railroad administration
cannot be held responsible, and
therefore recognizes the necessity OF
congressional action to surround the
railroads with proper safeguards be-
fore their return TO private hands
The lesson OF the war ia this re-
gard Is so 20 restore railroad credit.
probably through an increase OF
rates. that capital will be attracted
10 new issues Of railroad securities
and imperative requirements and
expansion enabled to proceed. The
Cummins bill restricts earnings
rather arbitrarily. and the Esch bill
does not provide that initial operat-
ing capital which the roads require.
But from the two will doubtless be
evolved in conference a bill that will
suffice.
The Townsend Bin.
The Townsend federal highways
bill. according 20 its author. is de-
signed TO assist interstate traffic. 20
connect the large cities in each
state. 10 meet the military needs OF
the country. and 10 form a national
syst tenn OF good roads with which
state and county systems can be
linked. thus reducing transpOrta-
ton costs and the cost of living.
The Townsend bill IS designed 10
furnish a general road plan and to
stimulate the building and connect
ing with the state and national
system OF roads serving particular
localities.
~ Good roads open new markets TO
the farmer and should therefore be
encouraged. County roads connect
ing with state and national roads
bring within range city markets
otherwise inaccessible, thus proving
Of real benefit Nevertheless. the
average farmer needs a good road
connecting his farm with the near
est market far more than he needs
q few national highways for long
distance traffic. The Townsend bill
If IL becomes law. restricting fed
eral participation I'm road building 20
national highways. may not prove
an unmitigated blessing. The bill
will probably receive consideration
in committee around the new year.
Lane Bill Delayed.
Sec'y Lanes bill 20 put eX-soldiers
on reclaimed land is making little
progress. The American Legion con-
ventiOn at Minneapolis. however.
went on record as favoring a nation
al policy OF reclamation and settle
ment for the benefit OF soldiers. Co
operating with this purpose the
American Federation of Farm bur
eaus at Chicago voted 20 appoint a
committee 20 act with the Ameri-
can Legion. Out OF joint action
means should arise 10 promote the
settlement OF eX-service men upon
Untitled farm lands I'm a way that
will materially benefit. rather than
harm, agriculture.
Farmers, II is recognized. will
encounter certain difficulties in or
ganizing and acting collectively that
do not beset the path OF organized
labor. Conditions affecting produc-
tiou and markets vary greatly. The
interests Of the southern cotton
farmer may not be identical with
those OF the northern wheat farm
or. Serious differences are bound to
occur The region which has the
most votes and controls the greatest
agricultural wealth will enjoy the
greatest influence.
There must be compromise and
breadth OF vision. The prize is too
great 20 permit OF wrangling The
difficulties must be overcome