South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-03-21

VIII the republican and demo-
cractic parties meet agricultural is
sues squarely in the coming cleo
tion2 The answer 10 this question
has more than its usual quadrenniaI
concern for the farmer. Never be-
fore have so many vital issues af-
fecting his welfare and the future
OF American agriculture converged
in any one election. II the old-line
parties seek means Of evasion. the
farmer must demand fair considera-
ton Of his claims. He does not care
10 adopt the exp, dent Of direct in
dependent political action typified by
the NOn-Partisan league. Suffice 81
90 say that the farmer will figure
more prominently in the 1920 cleo
lion than ia previous campaigns
The reduction in the annual APP
preparation for support of the de-
partmcnt Of agriculture. while made
in the justinable interests Of econ
Omy. comes at an unfortunate time.
Never have Ike number of COM
plicated and serious problems de-
banded the attention of department
officials and technical experts. The
natural inference from present con
ditiOus is that the stan Of the de
partment should be increased in
stead OF decreased and the pay OF
individuals brought 10 the point
where 10 viii command and hold
the services Of the foremost agricul-
tural experts and authorities.
Los. Valuable Men.
The same might DE said Of the
Country's agricultural schools, which
like the department OF agriculture
have been losing valuable members
Of their STATS. Men of training and
pronounced ability will go inevitably
where the rewards are greatest. and
the commercial world will pay far
greater sums than any school or
federal department. II is evidence
of a genuine desire to serve that
these have been able 10 retain so
mGch real talent and maintain so
high a standard The work Of agri-
cultural experts. whether in public
or private employ. is Of the first inn
portance. The senate agricultural
committee reported total appropria-
tiOns Of 1872 900 for the depart
mcnt Of agriculture. an increase Of
S1,722,000 over the amount ap-
proved by the house, but nearly So
100000 less than appropriations for
1920.
Defend Loan Banks.
Farmers in various sections OF
the country arc rising TO defend the
federal loan banks. which have been
made the object Of strenuous attack.
Not only has their constitutionaIity
been questioned, but mortgage
brokers and hnanciers oppose the
tax exemption OF farm loan mort
cages The farm loan system has
fulfilled its original intention of Civ
ing The farmer a supply Of relative
~ cheap money. Now. with money
tight and interest rates advancing.
II is not strange that business inter
ests attack the privileged farm
loans. The farmers having once
enjoyed the benefits OF cheap money
are naturally lOathe 20 relinouish
them. particularly at a time when
the stability or agricultural prices
IS endangered
Less is heard OF the Partisan
league OF North Dakota than dur
ing the early days of its regime. Yet
u intends 10 carry Minnesota this
t8ll and is laying plans 20 invade
Montana. Idaho and washington.
Pres't A. Q. Townley is quoted as an
Eouncing that the league is pledged
90 payment OF the nations war
debt by the CONSUMPTION of wealth
That the leagues path is no. strewn
with roses is indicated by the op-
position OF independent North IA
.tota farmers acting through the
Farmers Federated council. which
condemns the state administration
and the "socialistic schemes" which
% believes the league IS attaching
20 tic farmers program.