Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-12-02
EARMBUREAU
ASKS SEVEN
QUESTIONS
Ballot Of Members Being
Taken to Get Views On
Several Vital Matters.

rdrSo, N. D., Dec. 1.-THE Farm
Bureau federation Of North Dakota
Is taking a referendum ballot Of its
members on seven questions Of vital
Importance and vital public interest
as a guide to the federation in formu-
lating a legislative program for the
coming session of the state legislature.
H. P. Fuller, state secretary, ANNOUNCE
ed today.
The questions follow:
l. Do you favor the management
OF the state mill and g evator by q
non-political appointive board, operat-
ing under the merit system?
1.-THE purpose of this is to remove,
as far as possible political interference
with the management OF the mill and.
elevator and to get efficient manage,
ment. A'
Incorporation of the mill and ele-
vator on the merit system" would do
away with the possibility of politicians
demanding the appointment Of favor
ties to positions without regard to
qualifications. "~ff
70. Do you favor q law permitting
the issuing Of negotiable warehouse
receipts for grain stored on the farm?
Farm storage is the most econom-
ical storage Of grain. A local elevator
or a cooperative association Of farm
ers organized for the purpose, could
be authorized to issue warehouse re-
ceipts for grain on the farm, which
has been properly safeguarded, in
spected and insured. These receipts
could then be used as collateral for
loans.
4" 8. Do you favor modifying our
present warehouse act SO hat our ele-
vators and warehouses may operate
under the federal warehouse act with
out, the present conflict with and dup
LEGATION of our state laws?
1.-THE federal reserve banks have no
warehouse receipts as collateral ex-
cepting those issued under the United
States warehouse act, which is more
strict in its requirements than the
state law. There arc certain conflicts
and Implications between the present
North Dakota law and the federal
warehouse act, which must be remov-
: ed before an elevator in this state can
qualify satisfactorily under the North
Dakota and the federal law and thus
u the benefit of this extended
credit and lower interest rates. This
may be of special Importance in. con-
nection with any commodity market
Ing or pooling plan.
Number Of Banks. l.
~. Do you favor a law, placing a
limitation on the number Of banks as
a means Of 'owering interest rates
and with the ultimate aim of reducing
the number of banks in comparison to
the population and natural resources :?
can unnecessary number of banks
greatly increase overhead expenses,
n the necessary investment in build
ings, fixtures, etc., and these must be
paid for by charging higher rates Of
interest. In North Dakota, We have
one bank for a little less than each
500 people. In the entire United States
the average is n bank,to abou each
1000 population. In many states, 1t is
the same. In Canada. taking each
subsidiary or bank building asia bank.
1t is n bank to a little less than A.
900 population. In many European
countries 1t is one bank to each 1000
population. The natural Of a
4 community should also be considered
in establishing the number Of banks.
IS. Do you favor extension of the
activities of the farm loan department
Of the Bank of North Dakota?
1.-THE Federal Farm Loan bank can
at best, loan only a small part of!the
money needed by our farmers on long
time payments at low interest rates.
4he farm loan. department of the
Bank Of North Dakota may be ex-
tended to meet this need.
Regarding Transportation
&c. Do you favor, more equitable
transportation rates and railroad tariff
regulations? .5%
, "You now pay 81 cents per 100
pounds or 5.1c per bushel more to
haul wheat 200 miles in North Dakota
than you do in Minnesota. Most other
rates are equally higher in North Da-
kota.
railroad rates problem, require large
appropriations>to employ skilled help
and then money to fight the case be-
fore the Interstate Commerce COM
mission. In answering this question
show whether you want this done
Or whether you are satisfied with
present rates. .a$E5
IN. Do you favor; reinstatinE power
ofsthe state railroad commission. tos fx
rates within the state?
taThe present North Dakpta laws
/. conflict with federal acts and there
fore curtail the authority of the state
board OF railroad commissioners to AZ
j rates. within the. state. a proper
amendment Of these laws would per-
nit the board to resume tho exercise
Of this authority 4 4
MAsONs TAKE HOLD.
sKfiltbn. M ~ per. 2.-The Masonic
N S5iodEe OF Milton hasstaken afpon itself
4 " aSee that Education9We sk5S 10 props
arIS observed here. Appropriate pro-;
xfSsna have been prepared 8 the
week and special attention VIII be
kiysn to discussions q. the Towner-
q sterling -