Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1922-11-17

Farming must be placed on a sound
economical basis and surrounded with such
legislative safeguards n will place it on a
par with industrial occupations. This, II
YOU please, is the program OF the agTicul-
tural bloc
Many will ask Why does not the farm
er limit his productions Let me explain.
farm in Iowa Of 100 acres, with an in
restment of $4,000, stocked with full
blooded hogs and cattle, is being operated
At loss; factory employing ten men.
with like investment. is likewise operated
at a loss; the factory manager orders the
machinery oiled. the material stored, and
the plant closed: but the farmer cannot
close his plant-onc year OF weeds means
three years to reclaim. tho sale OF his stock
means ten years to rcstock.
Wars After Effects.
1 his situation, originating in the after
effects OF the War. brought upon agricul-
ture the present crisis demanding solution
The best authorities arc making a careful
study OF the conditions and suggesting
remedies. Some general remedial meas
ures have been agreed upon.
II is fundamental that the United States
become sclf-fecding Nation. that we
formulate our legislation to encourage
our people to produce sufficient food for
our own consumption.
Iransporta:i ion must be so revolution
ned as TO permit the free exchange Of our
produce from one locality to another
New Financial Needs.
All the financial machinery OF our
Government, has been formulated around
al ;,l
OF our country. The result Of such cor
troll was in the demand for a nnetv-dav
defation to normalcy in the Middle West.
Had the deflation demanded in October of
1870 been distributed over a period Of
three years and been gradual instead of
spasmodic. II seems to me certain that the
depression OF the past year would have
been greatly decreased Out Of this
condition has come the demand for a
commodity loan Of the crop production
duration.
Marketing crop Of food ha. been here
tofore the business OF commission men.
These men have always shown themselves
interested more in the welfare of them
selves than ia the producer. The farmer
has plowed. planted and harvested, trust
ing in the Lord for sunshine and rain. and
the Board Of Trade for his market. He
trusted the Lord 50 implicitly that he for
Tot his own interests, and 20 the comrs;s-
sson men and the middle men, and Tie
warehouse man, the grain gambler, c1RbI
broker. forgot all about the costs Of
production TO the farmer, and proceeded
to see how cheap they could buy his crop,
and how much margin they could sell for.
7 ~is1~
Agricultural legislation has dealt here.
toiore almost entirely with the improve
ment Of the health of our country in
purifying the food supply, and has also
had to do with the increase of the food
snPply Of the Nation. All Of this leeisla-
ton has been from the viewpoint Of the
consumer. and none of it has had to do
with assisting in any way the margin of
proht to the producer Of such food supply.
Agricultural legislation Of the future must
take into account the welfare OF those
engaged in actual food production, and
the demand for this legislation will be
persistent and convincing.
The West needs the East. and the East
needs the West. Agriculture must have
a future program. 1t can be made
advantageous to the Fast We should
be self-feeding Nation. 1t is to the
interest OF all industries that agriculture
! - entitled to seat in tho inner council
chamber. Our cause should be heard.
1t is not combination OF a few political
ONCE holders. it is National economic
program involving the food and clothing,
happiness and welfare Of our entire popu-
lation, and in which the East should CO.
operate. National legislation is only
minor part Of this program, but a necessary
part.