Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-11-22
Farmers End of tho Equation

I is not unnatural that the farmers OF the
L country should feel degree OF anxiety
over the determined campaign which the gov
ernment is making 10 force down the high
level of living prices And ii is not unnatu-
raj that they should feel somewhat rcsentful
when they face the charge OF profitcsrinE
aimed at them by many persons. This is
particularly true in the light OF declura lions
from the Department OF Agriculture. from
the Federal Trade Commission. and from the
Senate High Cost of Living Committees TO
the effect that the farmer Is not reapug
great riches at the expense of the long-suf-
fering consumer. These witnesses insist tina,
the margin OF farming profits is compura-
lively small, Notwithstanding the automo-
hiies the farmers are buying the fine houses
they arc building and their increasing bank
deposits
The country wants the farmer 10 make
money: II wants him to live we'll and wants
him TO improve his condition. IL he does
not get living profit from his labor he in
evrabiy reduces his output and nothing could
oe more disastrous now, when there is under
production IN every other country in the
world. than thar the volume OF food raised
in America should shrink To maintain and
encourage production the government has
Sone TO great lengths. The price of wheat
was fixed by law. The government nracti-
caiiy fixed the price OF fertilizers while the
war lasted. and steps were taken 30 keep
down the price OF farm machinery.
All this has been done and much more to
make the agricultural industry paving
business and the country generally has ac-
qulesced in every move that has been made
lot the benefit OF the farmer. 1t will con-
tinue 10 approve so long as it is shown that
the producers OF crops are not taking more
IMAM their share OF the earnings Of the con-
sumner.
II seems rather unnecessary therefore in
view OF all that has taken place during the
past three years. for body OF United States
senators. representing farming States to is
sue warning to the people against oppress-
ing the farmer. II there is any thought or
design TO that end on the part of the gov
eminent. no concrete evidence of the fact
mas come to light. Certainly there is no
charge OIL conspiracy to be laid against the
farmers There may be individual complaint
that the original cost of food products is too
high, but the conviction is general that il
Is not the raiser OF food. but the handler
VI 1000 VINO is gouging the public
These Senators may entertain sincere
Soncitude for their farming constituents
iney may actually feel that in the general
movement against high prices the farmer
Is 10 be unfairly dealt with and their nuhIic
protest may be grounded upon genuine nm
easiness. But the suspicion is strong that
these legislators playing politics. and
poor politics at that. They seem TO be run
nins TO the rescue of class of people who
are in no danger whatever They are mr.
suing phantoms and are striking al shadows
me position of the farmer is secure. He
WIN get a good price for what he has to sell.
ne needs no seif-apponted or self-anonted
'iiepheros. There is no man in anv com
H more independent or more capab BILE of
taking good care of his own interests