The New York herald., 1922-01-23
OTTO Il. KAHN URGES
UNITY WITH FARMER
Business Men Must Consider
Agricultural Welfare,
Says Banker.

Otto IL. Kahn. banker. ia a letter
lean Business Men. pointed out the
conlr.on interests Of business men and
farmers and advised the committee TO
keep in the closest touch with the rep
resentatives of agriculture.
| AZ the same time Mr.. Kahn denied
that in previous communication to the
coulr ittee he had attacked the agri-
cultural bloc or recommended busi-
ness bloc in Congress-. lie quoted a
letter he had written to Senator Medill
I Mccormick (1ll), IN October, 1920.
I calling attention to the discomfort OF the
farmer and urging remedies. as an in
culture. He said the representatives of
farming communities are TO be COM
mcnded for using their votes to obtain
! remodia, legislation for the farmer. but
added:
"ro the extent that we business men
are in discord with the agricultural
leaders in and out OF Congress. II is not
becarse of their efforts to promote the
welfare OF the farmer. which efforts we
cordially approve and indorse but be-
cause rot few OF them seem to be
! acting under the impression, in certain
resrects at least. that II is possible to
AID some sections and callings of our
common country by hurting Others"
Granting that 1t Is true that business
II the past has not been sufficiently con-
s:derate of agriculture. he points out
/ mat turn about' at the present stage
OF the nations and worlds affairs, is
kind OF play which can be induleed in
only to the grave detriment of all con-
cerned.' Mr.. Kahn continued:
Among the things which, as / un-
derstand 1t, the farmer most needs are
more adequate financial facilities and
broader markets. Business can and
should helm to attain these things for
him, but the accomplishment of these
objects has been rendered more difficult
and uncertain by the attitude which
the legislative leaders OF farming con-
stituencies in the last Congress took in
respect to tax revision. against the ad-
vice Of President Harding. one of the
truest and wisest friends the farmer
ever lad, and will be further impeded
and retarded IL certain measures now
Urged vpon Congress come TO be en-
acted. am far from questioning the
ability, the worthy purpose and we'll
meaning intent of those men. I do
venture to question whether, in their
righteous zeal TO aid agriculture out of
It's present depression, they have given
sufficient study and reflection to- eco
noriic laws and economic history
AN apparent short cut Is not always
the surest or straightest road to the
aim In Wow, especially in matters OF
legislative enactments concerning bus
l-fi y. l...f,.
counter effects.
statistics over many years have DEM
onstrated striking'y that agricultural
prosperity and business prosperity. and
AGRICULTURAL depression and business de-
preston, run on parallel lines and are
largely interdependcnt, Unfortunately.
that truth has not been sufficiently
recognized as yet by either party. on
the contrary, they have usually been at
loggerheads and pulling in divergent
directions. when, as a matter OF fact,
they are natural allies and both have
much to gain from sympathetic UNDER
standing ard cooreration.
50 far from counseling an attitude
of antagonism toward the farmers and
their representatives. / would advise that
your committee endeavor to get into
touch with the leading farm organiza-
tions and representatives OF agriculture.
with view to establishing opportunities
for comparisons OF views. leading, 1t
MAY be hoped. to an endeavor 10 agree
upon wise and effective lines OF policy
and action so as TO promote the essen
tial and legitimate interests of agri-
culture in the only way in which they
can be promoted lastingly. That way
does not run alons the lines OF class
se'fishness or of antagonizing. and doing
hurt TO. other interests equally essen
tial and legitimate. The true road can
only be found by following the sign
posts of steadfast adherence 70 tested
principles OF economic .soundncss and
broad, enlightened consideration for the
general welfare"