The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1920-12-04
nv RALPH +. COUCH.

lisst,ons. tells what farmers want
"A tAis session OF congress.
BY RALPH +. COUCH.
ss,risht, 1920, by United Press)
saed Press staff Correspondent
vnhington, Dec. 4.-More than
uG0Oo farmers banded together
ne National Board of Farm or
uIutions now are preparing for
htye in congress to get legisla-
to protect the consumer and
rper from being victimized By
Eulat ,rs and profiteers in food.
uident Charles S. Barrett Of the
ia announced today. To-.
seven million farmers now are
red to sell their products at the
mt price in history in proportion
PRODUCTION costs" said Barrett.
Il 10O, ,OO0, 900 consumers are pay
the highest price in history for
ne same products. Billions of
liars Of profit thus is going into
pockets Of the speculator and
ddlemen."
M the first step in the drive for
uec.ive legislation the farmers,
Ltlett said. are organizing a
nlry-wide public relations COM
Ittse 10 coordinate the common
Gps Of farmer and consumer.
Ihs committee. to be developed
IdH the direction of the National
ad Of Farm organizations, will
rude representatives Of the Ma.
III Consumers league and the
bM group, as well as farmers, ac-
R6ng to present plans.
n farmers program for protec-
\ legislation begins with amend
~ 70 the antitrust laws to per-
! iAlmers' cooperative societies
agage in interstate business.
ssasA many Of the cooperative
dsdes farmers plan to sell di-
Ito The consumer.
Can Be Prosecuted.
~ the antitrust laws now are
Epreted, the cooperative socie-
can make big and permanent
( \ In the high cost Of living" 60.
Under the direction Of the nation
board attempts are now being
We to organize cooperative soci-
n In every section of the United
bites.
b addition to getting food direct
The consumer the societies en-
IL farmers to buy supplies whole
t thereby increasing the agri-
elnral efficiency.
yet" said Barrett, Increased ef-
seacy for the farmer practically
says spells decreased prices for
= At the same time. Increased
nAse and harvest and prices
w. has been the experience ot
farmer. His only recourse
tielore, is to market more wisely
y eliminate the middleman and
culator where possible by assum-
the legitimate functions of the
uoieman and BY encouraging the
aiumer to do likewise.
lae department of agriculture
uncovered that 4 majority OF
,WW,oOo farmers of the country
auly are forced to dispose of the
o' their crops in the fall. i'm.
uately after harvest and months
sasance Of consumption. That
ussses prices paid the farmer
wosts prices paid to the spec
ana cold storage man who
~ snen food is low and plentiful
sne remedy, which will give the
.aet higher prices and the con.
NJ \. loSer prices. is gradual mar
ny oy the farmer Throughout,
sat' To market his produce
saA,'y the farmer must have ad.
Nv credit Another step in the
1--we program therefore will
y aemand that congress inves.
~ crop banking to determine
sGtss oo'a'A "ioe'
otAer Laws Wanted.
l,, ,.s laws to be demanded OF
ess' as outlined by Barrett. in.
svernment eharterine and on.
sSs ,sement Of consumers socie.
a'en can buy direct from the
sins industry and &c, eoId ens stors' mea'
,ss Increased appropriation.
,.;.u s agricultural department
es,..y those divisions studyins
NJ. saon' effective legislation,
compulsory Correct ant
s ICED information on label.
s.s;aaias' NV. marking, tagging ant
Use designating character O,
h..' hse0s' fertilizers. foods, drug.
at.0ssial atssials for wearing apparel;
..uce s.s Of the gradual In,
s.s. excess profits taxes SUP,
es - oy graduated inheritanc,
s.alsh lurhlsh the additional rev.
sefnment" Apense'
u. Ao.at ~ immigration laws t,
"a the American standard. o .
,'s ' !, legislation to Uro,sc, ,.rn
M, 's'l'e measure as all othe]