New-York tribune., 1921-01-19
Miller Pledges
Help in Solving g
FarmPro
State Must Join Growers
in Stimulating Produc-
ton and Distribution.
the Governor Asserts
Others Score Milk Plan
Botsford Holds Cooperative
Sales Agency Would Raise
the Price in New York
From a Star Correspoudent


ALBANY, Jan. Ex-Governor Miller,
addressing the New York State Agri-
cultural Society tonight, pledged the
state to do all in Its power to aid farm
ers in solving the problem Of coopera-
tlon' for better production and more
efficient distribution Of food products.
The Governor told the farmers that
their problems were Of the greatest
moment to the people of the state. He
said the question of stimulation Of CO.
operation among the producers was one
OF the essential things toward which
the attention of the farmers Of the
state should be directed.
Plans for milk distribution on a CO.
operative basis were discussed by the
society during the day. The plan is
fathered by the Dairymen's League, and
adopted would not only put the
league In control Of the states milk
supply but its distribution as we'll.
Those opposed to this program said
it would tend to increase the cost of
milk in New York and other large
cities. 1t was characterized as un-
American by Samuel D. Botsford, for
merly president Of the Buffalo Cham
ber Of Commerce, who said that farm
ers cannot combine successfully on q
cost-plus basis.
The Dairymen's League pooling pro
posal was explained By Thomas L. Mil
liman, organizer of the league. He
said that of the $4,000 members Of his
organization one-third have signed con-
tracts to place their milk supply in
the hands Of the cooperative associa-
tion proposed by the league to act as
a sales agency in distributing the milk.
Terms of Contract
Through the contract urged by the
league, the cooperative association is
building, IN purchasing warehouses,
plants, or other buildings, no matter
where situated. The association is au
thorized to make deductions from funds
due the producer for milk supplied to
pay for the plants. Unlimited deduc-
tions may also be made by the associa-
ton to retire any "loans," tie purpose
of the loans not being defined or lin
tied. Under the contract the dairyman
forfeits all his rights to sell IN open
market at the best price obtainable. He
also waives all rights to hold to &C
countability those who handle his prod
uct or his money.
P. D. Fox, president Of the Borden
Farm Products Company, defended the
distributors and branded as unsound
the plan fathered by the league. He
made the assertion that the distribu
tor is not "middleman," declaring
that he had direct contact with the
producer and consumer.
"These suggestions" he said, "are
born Of impractical knowledge Of che
business attacked and condemn a sys
tenn made practical and efficient by
years of study. This is detrimental,
not alone to the distributor, but to
every one associated with him, and I
include the consumer"
c. w. Burkett, editor Of The Anleri-
can Agriculturist, took exception to
the statement by Mr.. Fox that milk
distribution in New York City, at
least, was made in an economical man
ner. He said that the number Of de-
livery wagons could be reduced con-
siderably and large saving effected
in the overhead cost Of delivering milk
If the routes were extended.