Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1920-12-02
Was Suggested By Gov
ernor: Harding Of Iowa;
Committee Appointed to
Go to Washington And
Urge Legislation. Before
Congress Proposal Made
For Foreign Trade Corpor-
alton.

Harrisburg, Pa, Dec. 1.-The
governors conference meeting
here today moved to bring to the
attention of congress ''acutc con-
ditions, threatening ruin to farm
ers throughout the country" with
they object OF securing federal.
rcfuhdins to farmers throughout
:, the country" with the object of
securing federal refunding of
farmers Indebtedness for one
year, &
AT the suggestion of Governor
Thomas w. Beckett, North Caro-
lima, a committee of five, COVER 4
nors was appointed to study the
situation described as tragic"
and with the support of the con-
\ ference to press tor remedial leg
isIation.
Tho. conferences action was op-
josed by Governor Edward 1. Ed
wards Of New Jersey, who said 1t
vas economically wrong" to
seek federal legislation SUCH as 1t
contemplated.
Harrisburg, Pa, Dec. 1.-Governors
and governors-elect representing more
than half the states of the Union
voted, at their annual conference here
today, to begin an inquiry into what
was variously called the acute"
alarming" and tragic" situatiorfac-
ing farmers Of the country. with q
view to recommending federal legisl
lation to assist them
sAs a first step toward carrying out
their plan, which was suggested by
Governor w. l.. Harding of Iowa, the
~@nFo.o-1a ornoSrtn1 - 00rN NIT tka
consisting of Governors Harding
Bickett Of North Carolina Holcomh
Of Connecticut; Parker Of Louisiana,
and Goodrich of Indiana to make a
preliminary survey n report back
before the conclusion of the confer
ence. After that it is contemplated to
send the committee to Washington 50
urge legislation before congress which
conveness this nsonth.
Seek Refunding Of Debts.
The object of the state. executives
which is said to be- without parallel
in the history of American governs
ment, is for the organization of gov
errors to suggest to congress, and ac-
lively advocate, passage of legislation
necessary to refund the debts of
farmers who are pinched by falling
markets, with heavy stocks of SUR
plus products on hand, so as to give
them ah.year or moresin which to re-
coup losses and wait for a strengthen
ing market. 1t is proposed to do this
through extension Or adaptation of
the federal reserve system.
wiz Consider Another Proposal.
A second proposal, also scheduled
to receive consideration by the com
rittee, is another by Governor hard
ing that a foreign trade corporation
be formed to finance purchases Of
American farm products BY foreign
countries unable, through present
lack OF funds, II come into the Amer
lean market. Acting on Governor
Harding's ~suggessions. Governor Blck-
EFT introduced "a resolution providing
FOR appointment of tire committee ia
act under instructions OF the confer.
and take the proposition up
with congress direct. THIS nsotionare-
icetved q secondhand was about 10 he
voted on when It was objected that
the constitution of the governors
conference forbade formal resolutions
or action OF the sort. 81. t$
Intormal Appointsaent.
A this, governor Sprcul. 81. Penn
sylyAnia. pointed out that no such