Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-01-30
Government Official Takes
Pessimistic View
of Conditions.
FARMERS TO REFUSE
TO INCREASE CROPS
Much Dissatisfsct;on Among Asrieui~
turists Because ~ Prescott Priess
Of Products Compared to What
They Must Pay For Necessities -
Secretary Glass Says Europe Must
Not Look to U. 8. For Aid.

Washington, Jan. so. - DECREASED
farm production next year and con-
sequent increase in the cost OF LIVING
due to dissatisfaction OF farmers was
told the postoffice department COM
mlttee today by James I. Blakesly,
fourth assistant postmaster general
More than 10000 OF 100000 question
naires sent to formers indicate, he said,
a condition "disquieting and preten-
tious Of disastrous consequences.
A report summarizing the farmers
answers prepared by George L. Wood.
superintendent Of the division OF rural
mails, was read by Mr.. Blakesly. de-
claring that the farmers were tired OF
receiving low returns for Ions. hard
periods Of toll, while city dwellerp lfVed
in ease and comfort, and short hours"
The report indicated that hundreds OF
farmers have resolved to quit farming
or decrease production.
Complaint was made in a majority
Of the replies. the report said. Of the
high prices paid by consumers as COM
pared with the low return to the farm
er. indicating an entirely dispropor-
tionate profit for the middlemen. A
member of the committee remarked
that the replies seemed to be mostly
from a bunch Of bolshevists." which
prompted Mr.. Blakesly to say that in
his opinion the situation was extreme
ly serious.
Inability to get farm labor was an
other complaint Of the farmers. In
ability to set farm labor was produc-
ing more antagonism by the city
dweller," the report said, and is driv-
ing the farm help and farmer boys and
girls to the city.
"The high cost OF wearing apparel
Of staples not produced on the farm
OF farm implements and fertilizers. all
Of which he must have. seemed to fill
the farmers mind with encouragement
and Is certain to result in ourtailment
Of production" the report said.
Declaring that the letters received
from 10000 farmers. and others arriv-
Ing daily the report said, contained
alarming Information that the country
unrest Of mind and such spirit Of an
tagcn!sm toward dwellers In cities as
totEive grave concern and apprehen-
sion"
Mr.. Blakesly said the report and all
other data bearing on the matter had
been submitted to Postmaster General
Burleson. Extension OF the rural par
Gel post service to make II easier for
the farmer to sell his products direct
to the consumer in the city was advo-
Gated by Mr.. Blakesly a some step TO-
ward correcting the conditions indi-
Gated.
Europe Must Go Il Alone.
Europe as far as the United State,
government Is concerned must rely or
her own resources as far as rehabiita
ton Is concerned. This is the inter.
probation of the letter sent by Secre.
tary Glass to the United States Cham.
Der Of Commerce. who sought to learr
the attitude of the government or
European construction problems.
The United States has done all Il
can and will do to Aid Europe" Mr.
Glass said.
The treasury department does no.
offer objection. Mr.. Glass said. II tn,
chamber OF commerce wishes to nam,
delegates to an informal conferences
provided ''the scope and character an
limitations Of such conference a.
we'll as the .impossibility OF govern
ment action are clearly understood"
Exports Decrease.
Foodstufts imports in Decembe,
amounted to nearly double the amour,
in value In 1918. while exports were
$30, 900, 600 below the period a year ago
according to figures made public to.