Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-07-01
The Farmer in Politics

DENlED their reasonable requests at
- Chicago and given the scantiest kind
OF recognition in the Republican plat form
the farmers, like organized labor, have cen
tered their efforts at San Francisco AL
though the farmers are not organized pri-
marily for political activity, they have
created three great associations, the Ma
uonal Board OF Farm Organization. the
National Grange and the American Farm
Burcau, through which they express their
aspirations as good citizens and to whose
voice the government is accustomed 10 pay
strict attention. The Non-Partisan League
is another organization of farmers. but, be-
cause it is dedicated to Il form OF agrcul-
tural socialism, il is recognized only at
home. AT this moment the enlightened
farmers OF the country are seeking to
Nlta!Ae their needs and impress them
the platform makers at San Francisco, as
they sought unSuccessfully 1T Chicago, not
with the idea of controlling the party nomi-
nations or policies, but for the economic
good OF the nation as whole. These needs
Will be more striking To statesmen when
the new census develops. rs it is expected
10 do. the fact that the man-power of the
| farms has been sadly drained and some
measures must be taken 10 restore the old
basis OF production
Aside from this general condition. the
| farmers seek support OF certain definite re-
! forms. They want recognition Of their right
! Ia sell products collectively and TO be able
| TO go beyond The local community, cstab-
| fish central selling agencies and cross State
! lines without fear OF prosecution More
| over, they want a short-tCrm rural credit
| law. They hope TO see the present ma
! chinery OF the Federal farm loan system
! expanded 10 where il Will be as efficient in
! combating tenancy as the Irish land com
! mission, and rs efficient i'll aiding poor men
| to become home owners as the Danish and
Australian plans of assistance have proven
| I" be. The farmer naturally opposes the
| idea Of restrictions on freedom OF speech
! and the press as well as restrictions upon
| his freedom TO organize and do business rs
| an organization. But lie looks for strict
| regulation Of those who have exploited him
| IN the past, particularly the packers, and
| the farmer is inclined to look with dis
| trust upon the activities Of the Federal
| Trade Commission as it is now functioning
| The farmer wants larger appropriations
| Tor the Department OF Agriculture, his only
| agency OF information and guidance He
has come to depend upon the studies of it's
| experts. The extension work OF the gov
| eminent, including the campaign against
| the boil wccTii. live stock tuberculosis, hog
+, cholera, insect pests and the like. are nat
! tiers in which he has vital interest lie
! also wants pure seed and pure fertilizer
| legislation. lie wants to see the parcel post
agencies and the mutor-truCk delivery sys-
| ten developed. He wants Federal improve
| mcnt OF highways, and he is opposed TO
| daylight saving. Briefly, this is the pro-
gram OF the farmers organization, and.
| while ii is comprehensive, it is neither rad
| ical nor graspng. and il is certain to have
| earnest consideration on the part of the
| platform builders.
Greek generals hope and predict that tho
| campaign against Turkey will no, take more
J than three weeks Lest We forget, Germany
| predicted that her armies would crush