Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-01-10
Us, 'leR RIA'' u QC'|
'GR|CU'. TURAl MEET
BY THEODORE TILLER
The Atlanta Journa, News Bureau.
623 Riggs Building.

WASHINGTON. Jan. .7.-Belief ex-
lists in certain congressional circles
here that President Harding's call
for an agricultural conference, which
will be held here the middle Of Janu-
airy, is direct move against the
growing power of the agricultural
bloc" in congress. Calling Of such
conference under ADMINISTRATION
auspices, it is suggested, will give
the administration prior charge OF
any recommendations the farmers
conference may make. and thus the
situation in congress might shift
gradually to the control of the regu-
lar organization.
1t is not commended that the presi-
dent has not deep interest in the
agricultural situation and the pres
ent distress of the producer, but
the move is believed to have political
as well as economic significance.
Capper's Challenge
Attention is called to Senator Cap
per's newspaper. which goes to thou
sands of farmers. carrying in its
current issue virtual challenge to
all critics of the "agrarian bloc" in
congress. Senator Capper, of Kan
sas, is one of the leaders in that
group. which was recently openly
criticised by Secretary Weeks, and
to which disappearing reference was
made in the annual message of Pres
ident Harding.
''The farm bloc says the editorial
in the Capper weekly, sis going to
keep on keeping on. Eastern criti-
cism of the bloc has only served to
solidify it in the senate and house"
In a signed article in the same is
sue Senator Capper presents a pic
ture of the financial distress among
the farmers of the country, and pre-
diets there will be no rest in con.
gress until the demands of the farm
ers are met and relief afforded.
The death of Senator Boies Pen
rose gives still stronger position to
the bloc in the senate. The Pennsyl-
vania "Old Guardsman," chairman
of the powerful finance committee,
with control over tariff and internal
revenue taxation, will be succee
ed by Senator Porter J. McCumber,
Of North Dakota, an agricultural
and not an industrial state. Sena.
tor McCumber comes up for re-
election this year. His political flu
ture is dependent upon a farmer
vote. -t
Powerful Friend at Court
1t is not denied that certain Re.
publicans from, the industrial east
and north would like to see one of
their own kind at the head of fl
nance, but the seniority rule pre-
vents this, and McCumber, represent
ing the farms and plains of North
Dakota. will step into probably the
most important Craftsmanship Of he
senate. Business interests of the
east will not relish the change from
the conservative, regular Penrose to
the radical, unregular McCumber,
but what is left Of the senate "old
guard" will not have the temerity
to try to displace McCumber.
With McCumber at the head Of
finance, the agricultural bloc" ill
rave powerful friend at court, and
the Penrose death is certain to have
an effect upon the situation.
The agrarian group is non-parti-
san, and, from the administration
viewpoint. is beginning to hold \
dangerous balance of power in both
houses. 1t made it's influence strong.
ly felt during consideration Of the
taxation bill, was successful in in
creasing the capital and authority
of the war finance corporation to
make agricultural loans, and already
is lining up for the fight over the
permanent tariff bill.