The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1922-04-28

cultural bloc seem to be out OF touch
with their constituents. Recent devel-
opments have Indicated that as the
farmer studies the sales tax PROPOSE
ton he becomes more convinced that
II Is not the economic ogre that his
self appointed representatives in Con-
gress have sought TO make II appear.
Turning TO Sales Tax.
There Is still great deal OF opposi-
ton to the sales tax plan-probably a
| vast majority OF farmers accepting the
Iappraisement of 1t by leaders of or
CARNATIONS with which they are affil-
iated-but the prejudice against the
sales tax. nevertheless. seems TO be de-
Eereasing, not only as an adjunct to the
bonus proposal but for general eco
nomic reasons which the farmers Of
the country are beginning 70 under
stand.
The attitude of the agricultural bloc
on the tariff is most confusing to most
OF the farmers OF the country Sena-
tors and Representative on the
Finance and Ways and Means commit
tees agree that the tariff bill now
under consideration by the Senate con-
tains generous provisions for the pro-
lection OF the farmer. The fact is the
farmer was given the best OF it all
around.
Discussion OF the measure in the
Senate, however, shows that while the
farmers of the country are generally
satisfied with the concessions already
or. tad ar;
cultural bloc are still clamoring for
greater benefits for certain privileged
groups, largely made up OF rich and
Influential corporations and individ-
uals M-%
Sacrificing Average Farmer.
Senatorial Observers who are not
catalogued as dirt farmers are firmly
convinced that if some of the ventures
projected by lsaders of the bloc, pre-
tending to speak for all OF the farmers
OF the country, are successful certain
powerful agricultural interests will
benefit tremendously through the sac
rifice of the average farmer struggling
for existence.
The rural constituents of the latter
entirely ignorant of the motives of
bloc leaders who are promoting the
ambitions Of comparatively small
group OF powerful agriculturists
speaking for-and probably obtaining
special Consideration in the matter
of tariff concessions.
The agricultural bloc also appears
to have lost prestige among the vari-
Gus farming communities through its
attitude toward the Administration
army and navy programs. The bloc
followers in the House, responding to
the little army" and little navy
slogans. entered the fight over these
measures with clear majority.
As soon as the hard-headed farmers
back home" began to think for them
selves this majority was routed and
the Administration plans for the
armed branches 81 national de-
tense won impressiye >lctories. The
Senate is soon to take up the army
and navy programs after the tariff
is disposed OF and there will be a
recrudescence OF small army and
small navy" sentiment among the
leaders of the agricultural bloc in that
body.
A close canvass of the Senate is said
to have indicated the same result as
obtained in the House largely because
of the views of the real farmers of
the country, who are for neither q
small army" nor ''small navy"
:. That theSmajority of the bloc lead
ers are stilk urging passage of the
bonus for political reasons cannot be
disputed, but until the Finance Com
mittee succeeds in producing a bill
which will stand a chance of securing
executive approval, the exact extent
of their influence cannot be deter
mined. The Finance Committee app
pears to be divided.
This was developed at conference
OF the Republican members of the
committee to-day. when Senator Smoot
broke from his colleagues and refused
pointbiank. to indorse a modified House
plan which is sponsored by Senator
Capper. Chairman McCumber (candi-
date for reelection) lined up enough
support In tie committee TO discard
the plan of Senator Smoot for paid
up insurance policy without an i'm
mediate cash value.
FIT
HARDING NOT COMING.
President Harding sent a letter yester.