The New York herald., 1921-12-31
PRESIDENT In MOVE
TO HELP FARMERS
Takes Steps to Call National
Conference to Consider :
Measures of Relief.
Special Dispatch to THE New YoRK HEsAtp.
New York Heruid Bureau.

Special Dispatch to THE New YoRK HERALD.
New York Heruid Bureau.
Essh.,gton, ID. G., Dec. 30.
President HarG!r. Today took steps
to bring relief to tl.~ ss.,ons farmers.
Tn letter to Secretary of Agriculture
Wallace the President approved sug-
gestion for a national conference IN
Washington to determine what measures
Of relief can be worked out
Details of the time and personnel cf
the conference were left by the Presi-
dent to Secretary Wallace. The Presi-
dent made 1t clear that the Secretary
planned to include in the call not only
practical. real, dirt farmers, but repre-
sentatives OF all other interests con-
nected with the business of farming
Farmers long have complained that high
freight rates are working Il hardship
upon their business. Representatives OF
the railroads and transportation inter-
ests. therefore, will be included III the
conference.
Farms rs began TO be hit hard early in
1921 through falling prices for whea..
corn, live stock and farm prod acts
Prices OF many of their products de-
scended below the level OF pre-war
days. Wheat, for instance. recent,
went below 81 bushel, although during
and for several months after the war
the price was in excess of So n bushel.
Cotton declined from 40 cents to IL
cents pound
Farmers generally complained that at
these prices practically everything they
had to sell would be moved only at
loss to themselves. Production costs,
they said, were higher than prices
They also complained that banks re-
fused to finance them 50 that they could
carry their crops until such time AS
prices increased.
In his letter 20 Secretary Wallace. the
President says he is convinced that
conference may be made very helpful
agency in suggesting practical ways OF
Improvement particularly IL brought into
coordination with the helpful investiga-
ton which has been begun by the Con-
gressional committee committed to re-
lated work.
The President suggests the conference
be divided into two parts, one to give
consideration to present day difficulties
which, though temporary. are serious
and need effective attention the other,
survey Of the future In an effort to de-
tern inc u on general policies, having
in view the maintenance OF production,
the greatest possible use and at the same
time the conservation or our agricul-
tural resources, and the more complete
coordination Of our agricultural. manu-
featuring and general business interests.
"It is unquestioned that a conference
will bring US to a clearer understanding
of the problem before U.s." the letter
says. II would like you to bring into
the conference not only the ablest rep
reser tatives OF agricultural production.
which shall represent Our great country
in the broadcast possible way, but think
much good would come il you will in
clude in the conference those who are
engaged in industry most intimately as
ISOLATED with agriculture.
ut will clarity our views II we may
have present representatives OF the more
important interests which are closely
related and derendent on agriculture. l
will be glad IL you will Immediately is
sue invitations so that both the country
ana the Government may have the bene-
fit Of the earliest possible suggestions
which will come from such meeting"