The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1920-11-17
FARMERS TO
ASK DIVISION
OF PROFITS
Central Thought in Meeting
of State Federation at In
dianapolis Fair Division Of
Wealth Produced on Farm.
IS HOPE OF COUNTRY
BY WILLIAM r. SANBORN

In a brief review of the work &C
complished, and of the hope presented
for ultimate accomplishment by the
members of the Indiana Farm Fedora
tion at Indianapolis, only the high
lights can be brought into relief. The
details are of no consequence; these
can await later telling if considered
sufficiently important
What are the outstanding facts?
For what purpose was the convention
assembled? Why the need for con-
ventions of farmers, not merely in In
diana but in all the a agricultural states,
some may ask. Isn't the farmer sat
isfied? Isn't he doing well and living
upon the fat of the land? What is
the matter with the farmer and farm
conditions?
There is much the matter. There
are many wrong conditions to be
righted in these days of reconstruc-
tion and falling prices. And what
vitality concerns the farmer also con-
Germs the country banker, the city
banker, in later analysis, and from be-
ginning to end affects every consum-
er. The farmers problems relate to
the food supply of the nation, and
next, largely the food supply Of the
world. for we are a surplus country
and the world is our market.
1t develops, furthermore, that de-
spite all contrary opinion, the Ameri-
can farmer is now largely feeding the
rest Of us at loss.
Think that over minute. The
question is, How long can he afford
or continue to do that?
What will happen if too many farm
ers are driven out of business? What
ha 70 HI
conditions? How are these market
ing conditions to be brought about,
and how quickly?
Representative Gathering
These are the great questions Of
policy and action which confronted
the convention at indianapolis. Their
solution, as far as may be, was the
work cut out for the assemblage. 1t
was an earnest, thoughtful and highly
intelligent gathering. 1t would seem
that the best brains and widest ex-
perience in farm circles in the vari-
Gus counties had been delegated to do
what might be found best to rectify
conditions or. at least, to take for
ward steps in that direction.
AS representative body the farm
ers of the state are to be congratulated
on the makeup OF their second annual
convention. The work accomplished,
or planned, will make it's impress in
due time.
An important Program.
A well arranged program was pre-
sented and exhausted, to the last de-
tail. When the convention adjourned
Tuesday evening, it's work was finish
ed A report Of the proceedings will
tie made in person by delegates from
all parts of the state, who are to
address the meetings which are to be
called for that purpose. The boys back
home want to know all about it, and
if we are getting anywhere?' Later
the report, as complete as possible,
will be printed in the Hoosier
Farmer, and all the cold financial
facts will appear.
But the life and enthusiasm dis
played on the floor cannot be put into
picture or story. One must have been
present to have sensed what this
gathering was intended to mean to
the farmers of Indiana, and of the
country.
Three Telling Addresses.
There were three notable addresses
delivered during the proceedings. The
speakers We're John G. Brown, OF
Monon president, who was reelected;
G., l. Christie. OF Purdue university.
and James r. Howard, an Iowa farm
or, and the president of the American
Farm Bureau Federation, the apex of
all the various farm associations of
the United States. Mr.. Howard's ad-
dress on Tuesday was heard with
marked attention. It compelled atten-
ton. 1t was broad, comprehensive
end suggeStiva. Il was revelation in
wi
students of the questions now await
ing solution in the reconstruction to
come.
1t would be unfair to fail TO include
the address of Mrs. Charles w. Sewen.
of Benton county. delivered on Mon
dav night Her address had charm
all its own to the farm home makers.
end we believe that many a husband
is at home today. intent on making
that home happier for his wife and
children by the installation of the con-
veniences which will make the wifely
'abors ever so much lighter. Mrs.
SewelI was cheered to the echo. She
rIeaded for the women who share the
farm burdens and stated that in all
Indiana there are now but four coun-
tias supplied with home demonstra-
ton agents. rs helpful to the women
On the farms as are the active, pro-
eressive county agents to the farmer.
Favor Protective Tariff
yn his address President Howard of
the American Federation, said:
During the war the people felt that
the farmer was a profiteer. Nothing
could be farther from the truth. 1t
became our first duty and work to
convince the people of that fact" He
then related what had been accom-
plished by The Committee of Seven
teen" what this committee had done
at Washington, not merely in the in
terest of the farmers, but of the great
mass of consumers whose interests
are correlated. He outlined some of
the things which remain to be done,
and what this all-comprehensive COM
mittee is attempting for the common
good.
Mr. Howard demands protective
tariff on farm products. Not tariff