The gazette-times. [volume] (Heppner, Or.) 1912-1925, 1922-03-23

| eTS anu llt pSopic WIZ sPCah III uiSii
behalf as simply the recurrence OF
grumblings which have been heard
from farmers in past periods OF de-
preston. Now the truth is that We
are passing through the most severe
agricultural depression we have ever
experienced. 1t is not simply a case
of low prices for farm products. We
have seen lower prices in times past,
The trouble now is that whereas
prices on farm products, speaking
generally, are lower than before the
war, prices of the things the farmer
must pay for, including transporta-
ton, wages, taxes, and the loan of
money, remain near the war levels.
Hence the purchasing power OF the
major farm crops is lower than at
any time in our history.
A GREAT TASK.
Our first task is TO bring agricul-
ture through this critical period with
the least possible damage. Senators
and Congressman from the surplus
producing states appreciate the grav-
lity of the situation, as indeed, do
hundreds of thousands of business
men who have dealings with the far
mer directly or indirectly. 1t is quite
natural, therefore, that there should
be consideration Of legislative mea-
sures which might afford relief. AS
is always the case in periods OF finan.
cial depression we'll meaning people
whose understanding of economic
forces is not all that might be hoped
for, come forward with i'll considered
plans. Such have had scant consid-
Grafton. Efforts at relief by Congress
sional action have been directed
along three general lines, first i'm.
proved credit facilities; second, per
missive legislation which will encour.
age the farmer himself to improve
methods of marketing farm crops
third, assurance of free, open and
competitive markets for crops and
live stock through the exercise Of
reasonable government supervision
over market agencies.
| That anyone should be disposed to
regard such legislation as of the ma.
|ture of class legislation intended to
or having the effect Of benefitting one
group at the expense of other groups
is surprising. 1t is not in any sense
class legislation. Its primary purpose
is to maintain agricultural produc-
tion that the people may be fed.
| We have come to the time when
team work is needed, yes, impera-
tive. There must be sympathy, un.
derstanding and cooperation be-
tween agriculture, industry and busi-
ness. They are dependent upon one
another. They are alike necessary
to well rounded national life. They
must work together for the good OF
all.
/ To REDUCE CosTs.
The paradox Of our present large
food surplus notwithstanding, we are
fast ceasing to become food export
ing nation. The startling rapidity Of
our industrial growth points to the
approaching need Of materially in
cearsing production. Enlarged pro-
duction may be brought about in
two ways. There are still large areas
of land which may be brought under
the plow-not easily or cheaply but
as need may require and prices JUS
tify. And larger yields may be had
from the lands already under cultiv-
alton by the practice of more inten-
sive methods. In either case the con-
sumer can not hope to buy food as
cheaply in the future as in the past,
unless there be large reductions in
the costs of producing that food, and
when say costs Of production |
mean also costs of marketing, for
production and marketing are insep-
arabic. In its own interest, there
fore, and for its own benefit, the con-
suming public must aid in making
available to the farmer every facility
and business device which may help
him in reducing production costs.
SOME SUGGESTIONS.
In the administration of our credit
machinery whether by government
agencies or otherwise the effect on
agriculture must be given more con-
sideration than in the past.
Credit for productive and improve
ment purposes must be made avail
able to the farmer on terms which
the seasonal character Of agricultural
production makes necessary,
Improvement in marketing meth
DDS through the organization of CO.
Operative associations should be per-
mitted and encouraged.
Farm products should be transport
ed at the lowest possible costs con-