Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-04-17
The Present
Political Situation
OF North Dakota
(By Vincent Wehrie, Bishop Of
BtsanArck)

(By Vincent Wehrie, Bishop Of
5. The Program Of the Nonpartisan
League.
The N~onpartisan League has now
two years Of political work behind 1t,
seeks toNbring around reforms for the
best Of the farmers. 1t has also, aft
er two years experimenting, laid be-
fore the public its principles and
plans. This was done through the
platform of their convention at Far
go, March 26th. 1t is well to study
said platform carefully. I do not in
tend to quote those parts of said plat
form which are common to almost
every platform, namely, their COM
pliments to their leaders n express
sions of loyalty to the country, ETC.:
but I wish to quote those statements
which are specifically Nonpartisan. in
opposition to the platforms of other
parties.
I'VE regard with satisfaction and
gratitude the savings Of many mill
nation by the action Of the food adj
ministration in regulating the grain
and food markets and especially in
stopping the iniquitous gambling in
grains.
I'VE point to this record as COM
plete proof Of the justice Of the COM
plant made for many a by the
farmers Of North Dakota. a COM
plant which has met only derision
from the politicians and subsidized
press who are subservient to the grain
monopoly, that the farmers of North
Dakota were annually being robbed
Of many millions by the nefarious
Operations Of the grain combines.
I'VE respectfully petition the fed
eral government so to shape its plans
that it will not relinquish control of
the, grain market after the war, but
will use the knowledge gained
through the food administration to
aid in keeping the grain markets
open and free from the oppressive
practices of monopoly.
I'VE endorse the taking I'VE by the
federal government Of railroads as q
further step to promote industrial
justice and the efficiency. of the gov
eminent in war. We suggest:
Government seizure and operation
Of all war supplies factories where
excessive profit taking takes place.
"Direct contracts between the gov
eminent and all workers on govern
ment supplies and work, through
their organizations.
1.-THE production of food supplies Is
not yet adequate to the needs of the
nation and its allies. AS a more RAJ
tional program to promote production
we suggest:
"Short time loans to the farmers
by the government on crop security,
whether On owned Or rented land.
Government control of the prices
of commodities necessary for the
farmers use.
sD;ek~;h-$;@ h,r 49, @.--.-k
acting as buyer and seller. through
the parcel post of important essen
tials of life.
"a system of sale and rental of ag-
ricultural implements by the govern
ment. in order that the widest posi-
BILE use may be made of power appli-
ances to increase production.
I'VE recommend especially the
laws reducing valuation for tax pur-
poses on farm implements and per-
sonal property, the law making avail
able increased taxes by reducing as
sessment on money and credits, the
law creating a state department of
grain grading and warehouse super
vision which through the able SER
vices of the chief inspector and his
assistants has prevented the farmers
from LING. cheated out of thousands
OF dollars. by misgrading wheat, the
posts.
"xu. s+.,a o, n-.-,-
Of political and economic reforms as
- aa, ~ ~. d.eauy oeen a.
,,,ant 800 nosna a az = s'dse Ell III -
Az nan ~ ~ te y
e4;+,;on, ubinh Lii 1919 naun.
81 maunao1;as nv m.it nrI ~ ine po"ei
am, aea nrono "vS 800 ;noInao.
"AAmandnept ef ~ annst;trtion ~
norni+ hona ;ssN ~ e. for onn1;o 1900
pro;an+, o"0 A@oes VI poo''s ""0
"A more form OF the IN
1t1ative, REFERENDUM ana recall
ana silnple form Ior
ny OF the STATE consul
tution.
"A system OF STATE owned central
nour mills, packing houses
n coid storage plants.
STATE controiieo rurai creolt banks
operated a cost.
STATE nan insurance