The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1922-01-23
HARDING URGES
WATERWAY PLAN
AT CONFERENCE
Tells National Gathering to Dis.
cuss Farm Life That it
Would Aid Interior
CITES EUROPE'S EFFORTS
President Tells Gathering Called
by Secretary Wallace that
Cost Is Not Too Great
CITES EURoPE's EFFORTS


Washington, Jan. 23.-Attended by
approximately 300 delegates repre-
senting agriculture in ali its phases
Ind the industries related to farming
,he National Agricultural conference
was convened here today by Secretary
Wallace and Immediately heard from
Presiuent Harding declaration Of in
eress and sympathy by the admins
ration in he present plight ol~tne
atiyiI's farmers together with SER
les Of suggestions for remedying ex-
ting CG..UltlOuS.
Feasibility Of the st. Lawrence
Great Lakes waterways project is
'unquestioned," President Harding de-
alareil today before the conference.
II Lave spoken" the President said,
"of the advantage which Europe en-
ioys because of its easy access to the
eas, the cheapest and surest trans
portltion facilities. In our own cOur-
Try is presented one Of the worlds
most attractive opportunities for the
extension OF the seaways many bun
dred miles inland. The heart Of the
continent with it's vast resources in
both agriculture and industry would
be brought in communication With all
the ocean routes by the execution Of
the St. Lawrence waterways project.
10 enable Ocean-going vessels to have
access to all ports Of the Great Lakes
would have a most stimulating effect
upon the industrial life Of the con-
tinent's interior.
Cost not SO Great
"The feasibility of the project is un-
questioned and it's cost compared with
some other great engineering works
would be small. Disorganized and
prostrate the nations Of Central Europe
are even now setting their hands to
the development of great continental
waterways WHICH, connecting the
Rhine and Danube, will bring water
transportation from the Black to the
NORTH Sea, from the Mediterranean to
the Paltic. If nationalistic prejudices
and economic difficulties can be over
come by Europe they surely should
not be formidable obstacles to an
achievement less expensive and yet
giving greater advantages to the peo.
pie Of North America, Not only would
the cost Of transportation be greatly
reduced but a vast population would
be brought overnight in immediate
touch with the markets of the entire
world"
The president in an address touch.
Ing on the agricultural situation ir
detail but without attempt to dictate
the course of conference discussion
outlined half dozen broad questions
to with consideration might we'll be
given by the, conference. These in
cluded:
Development of thorough code O.
law and business procedure with ;
proper machinery of finance through
! some agency to insure that turnovei
capital shall be as generously sup
piled to the farmer and on as reason
ables sterms as to other industry,
Formation of cooperative loaning
buying and selling agencies.
: Creation Of instrumentalities fol
collection of useful and true informa
tion so as to prevent violent fluctua
j tions of market. -
i Practical development of the watel
I resources OF the country both fo
+! transportation and power includ.n.
plans for clectrification of the nation!
railroad
! Methods for bringing about furthe
| reclamation, rehabilitation and ex
! tension Of the agricultural areas.
Promotion of new conception o
the farmers place in the national, so
! cial and economic scheme.