New-York tribune., 1922-11-14
Farm Bloc and Third Party


Che election of farm bloc Senators
tn many Of the Western states nee
essarily means the creation of new
national party controlled by Western
radicals" No more does it demand
the creation Of third party which
will seek to fight ''radicalisn" by
harmonizing the farmer and the
manufacturer. Mr. Baruch has SEN
sibly turned down an invitation 70
lead third party organized for the
latter purpose. He says that he will
remain a Democrat. hoping for ''lib-
e1al and constructive" legislation.
He agrees that go far as the needs
and wishes Of the farm bloc states
are concerned the presen. Republican
Congress has "a constructive pro-
gram OF REFORM" partly accom-
plished and partly on the way to &C.
connplishment.
MIR. Baruch knows very we'll what
happened in the farm bloc section.
lie says: "The go-cailed farm bloc
IS shown by the movement which
elected @ lot Of men last Tuesday to
be non-partisan. Republicans and
Democrats were elected in various
states, according to their position on
che agricultural situation" The
movement was bipartisan as well
as non-psrtisan. 1t cut across party
Zines. Il used the party labels which
we're most convenient. It's success In
doing this will necessarily discour-
age those who would prefer to give
the farm bloc movement @ third
party form, assuming needlessly ali
sfe handicaps Of third partyisrn.
Unless the Republican leaders shut
Sheir eyes to sense, the farm bloc can
do Its work far better and more eco
ston1ically within existing party
Zines. Its experienced and Intelligent
leaders will be loath to Re branded
and segregated so long as they can
achieve results by regularity.
That is why it is premature to
ealk to-day about q farm bloc or
aati-farm bloc third party. The
present leadership of the farm group
ss not the sort to go off on third
party excursions il it can help it.
1t Is agrarian, but it is not wild
eyed; it is constructive, not cyclonic,
as were the Populists. 1t is as intent
on its own advantage as any other
political group-the protected manu.
Yscturers' group, the banking group
or the union labor group, for ex-
ample. 1t is as self-interested, prac-
Sical and realistic as they are. The
cinge Of liberalism" or "radicalism''
su the farm bloc agitation is due 70
the fact that it is the protest of an
under dog class, which has suffered
IN the past because it was 40 pa
shetically unorganized.
~sAaS1 GAV0Po Las0 itGG LIE CI1QlCS
seats at the first table. The farmer
has had to take his meals at the
second table. In the group struggle
5or governmental recognition he has
been elbowed aside. But no other
group can fairly deny him his claims.
Speaking broadly, the farm bloc leg
sslation which Congress has been
considering ig not radical" at eli.
It simply aims at economic fair play.
Mr.. Baruch is right when he says
that most Of it would not only not
snjure any other class but would
eventually benefit al classes.
The Republican party win be wise
70 complete promptly ali the sound
legislation which the farmer has
been demanding to improve agricul-
tural conditions. It is only what he
ought TO have. If he gets it TO new
Populist organization is likely 10
come out OF the present farm bloc
movement.