Evening star., 1920-01-31
j. S.LEG|SLAT0RS
STUDY MEMORIAL
FROM FARMERS
Practical Suggestions Found
in Agricultural Conferees'
Communication.
BY N. O. MESSENGER.

Senators and Representatives in
Congress received in their mail this
morning typewriter, three-page
statement which attracted wide at
tention. 1t was a memorial addressed
to Congress by the executive heads
of six large national farmers organi-
zations, in conference in this city this
week. The communication gave the
farmers of the land, from Vermont to
Washington state and from New
York to the cotton-growins states
of the south.
Some of the statesmen on the hill
who read the statement characterized
it. with satisfaction and gratifica-
ton, as indicative of the fact that
one considerable element of the ma
tional population at this period of un-
rest. attempted social upheaval and
ed society and the rights Of property
still have their feet on the ground
and their heads out of the clouds"
Practical SuggestiOns Seen.
BY some others on Capitol Hill the
communication was regarded as con-
tanning many suggestions of an in
tensely practical nature which might
well find their way into political plat
forms next summer. The agreement
tion of common sense principles quite
worthy the study of prospective can
didates for Congress for adoption as
individual platforms.
In this connection it may be said
that many a statesman at the Capitol
is seriously pondering at this time the
problem which is to confront him
within the next few weeks-the rem
dering of an account of his steward
ship to his constituents preparatory
to seeking denomination to Congress.
Will Be Asked to Account.
More than in many years past con-
gressmen are beginning to realize the
question is not going to be alone ITO
what party do you belong?" but also
What have you done in Congress,
and what has your party done?"
"And let me tell you," said one fur
rowed- -browed veteran. shaking his
finger forebodingly, "a lot of us will
have to stir our stumps TO be able to
answer those questions satisfactorily"
congressman, 1t IS sald. are receiving
intimations from their constituents
that it will not suffice to propose a
lot of glittering generalities for the
next Congress. which will not assem-
BILE for business. in ordinary course,
until December, 1921. DO something
noW," is said to be the echo reSound-
ing through the country.
One sentiment in the farmers pro-
nunciamento caught the attention OF
congressman today. This Is the best
country the sun shines on" ran the
phrase. Its opportunities are pound
less and open to every individual VINO
cares to avail himself of them. Its
government is the best in the world
There is nothing fundamentally wrong
with it," Such an expression at time
when a small but virulent element is
seeking to preach sovietiSm and DOL
sheyism was regarded as both refresh
ing and stimulating.
Another striking clause which found
responsive echo at the Capitol was
the declaration that the war has not
changed basic principles nor economic
laws The same principles OF rlsht
and wrong. the same social STANDARDS
and economic laws Will continue lo
nreyail. We are not being ushereo
imto anv new era, wherein the rights
nf Tho individual, or his obligations TO
society are changed. -.
..To attempt to thwart natural eco
nomic laws by legislation is useless;
The law of supply and statamsnt demand snoer Vent
nn to sav The farmers insisted that
the country, while demanding that
the farmers continue production at
ton notch. should also see TO IL that
labor and capital do their full snare
towsrd n,Sandt,oD pr0duf.nifs hifewse. haa that low
p prices of farm products should not be
exnected while high prices OF what
the farmers need are maintained.
Ouuoses l.. 8. Rail Operation.
If was noted by the legislators on
the hill that the farmers are agains! against
government ownership or continueo
eovernment operation Of railroads.
This was construed to ranswsr be fair warning I'M
clined to follow the leadership of men
clamoring for governmenit nrsits OWNERSHIP VINE ship
nort of the thinking agricultural
Class, admittedly so influential in this
country. ..
Indiscriminate striking for trivia
causes was deprecated '"hile the in.
dividual or collective right to quit
work was upheld. but the right tc
strike in unison would be denied te
all engaged in federal, state and mu.
nicipal service. Note also was taker
Of the fact that the farmers are OPP
posed to compulsory military training
- continued on Page 2. Column 1.)