The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1921-03-21
new CABINET
WILL CONSIDER
WOOL SITUATION
Delegation of Western
Senators Tell Presi-
dent of Problems
of Producers

WASHINGTON-P Hard.
ing, after hearing first hand Wednes-
day morning about the predicament
of wool growers of the west and after
listening to an appeal for an en-
barge on wool promised to discuss
the wool situation with his entire
cabinent and later with leaders in
congress. Just what stand the presi-
dent will take, and what recon-
mendations he later will submit to
congress will depend upon future
study of the problem.
Senators Smooth, Warren, Good
ing, Borah, Stanfield, Cameron, Cd
die and Poindexter, accompanied by
Frank J. Hagenbarth, president of
the National Woolgrowers' associa-
ton, laid before the president COM
prehensive statement regarding the
wool industry of today, showing the
utter lack of market for American
woOls, the flood of foreign wools
pouring into this country, and the
distress of woolgrowers, who not only
have no market, but see their market
for the spring clipping wiped out by
the flood from abroad.
BY agreement Mr.. Hagenbarth
acted as spokesman, to lay the situa-
tion before the president and when
he concluded his statement, which
was supported by the senators pres
ent President Harding said he had
had no realization that the situation
was so critical. He displayed keen
interest in the facts laid before him,
and said he would make the wool
situation a subject for early cabinet
discussion.
Wants Full Discussion
In order to get the subject before
the cabinet, however, he asked that
the situation be discussed fully with
Secretary of Agriculture Wallace, so
that he might advise the cabinet
fully. By arrangements Senators
Gooding, Stanfleld and Cameron, ac-
companied by Mr.. Hagenbarth, spent
an hour with the secretary of agri-
culture Wednesday afternoon and
found him not only informed, but
deeply concerned about the wool in
dustry.
The secretary was entirely sympa-
thetic with the demands of the wool
men that something be done to help
restore the industry and save 1t from
destruction and already q solicitor
for the department has been asked to
investigate and report whether the
president has authority, without fur
ther action, to impose an embargo on
wool. The early impression was that
this authority does exist, but that the
legal question will be ascertained
definitely before the subject is
brought before the cabinet.
Presideli. Harding expressed his
of the seriousness of the
situation and because of its serious
ness, he wants the judgment of the
entire cabinet. 1t was his veiw that
the subject should first be studied
thoroly by the secretary of agricul-
ture, so that the cabinet might act
on all facts obtainable.
The senators had called to urge
the president to name an interstate
commerce commissioner from the in
region, it having been
agreed in advance that no individual
names would be submitted to the
president. The president in reply
said that he wanted to name a mar
who was livestock man or farmer,
but also he wanted man of wide
experience and vision, as we'll as one
who had considerable knowledge of
shipping problems that are peculiar
to the inter-mountain section. He
told the senators they would assist |
him greatly If they would pick out
such man and submit his name to
him, but he laid stress on the quail
fications which he said were essential.
After senators left the president |
and gathered in front of the White
House some one suggested that |
would meet all the
specifications laid down by the presi-
dent. It was then and there agreed
that Mr.. Hagenbarth was the man for
the place.
Accordingly, Senator Smooth drew
up letter of Endorsement which
since has been signed by all the sena-
tors present at the conference We'd
nesday morning save P0indexter.-
Tdohr Cfotocmon