The St. Mary banner., 1922-01-07
FARMERS MEETING
IS TO Be CALLED
President Asks That National
Meeting Be Called at
Washington.

a letter Friday to Secretary Wallace
Of the department of agriculture ask
ed that the latter call a national con-
vention at Washington TO suggest
practical ways of improvement for the
severe agricultural depression which
exists throughout the land"
Prompt action was taken at the de-
partment of agriculture where the re-
quest was telegraphed to a number of
organizations and individuals whose at
tendance is desired at the gathering.
Secretary Wallace said that the date
of the conference had not yet been fix
td, nor complete invitation list made
up. 1t is expected however, that the
conference will be held within
month and that in addition to farmers
and their organizations, industries as
sociated directly and indirectly with
agriculture will be called in to assist
in the efforts to improve conditions.
NO one will pretend that the pres
ent conditions could have been avoid
ed" President Harding said in his
letter to the secretary, but none of
US is willing to agree that there ought
not to be some correct and conserva-
tive steps taken to remedy the severe
hardships under which such important
portion of productive citizenship is
struggling. am convinced that con-
ference may be made a very helpful
agency in suggesting practical ways
Of improvement, particularly that
which has been begun by congress
sional commission committed to a re-
lated work"
The president further suggested that |
the conference might divide its work |
into two sections, one ''for considera-
tion of our present-day difficulties, |
which, though temporary, are serious
and need effective attention." while !
the second could deal with Survey !
of the future in an effort to determine
upon general policies"
The letter added:
1T seems reasonably certain that ,
as the world comes out of the present |
period of disorganization this country
may find itself facing new conditions
which may very directly influence both
our agricultural and industrial life.
We should anticipate such changes and
endeavor to prepare for them. It is
that with our vast areas,
our unparalleled endowment of agri-
cultural resources, our fertility of soil,
our vast home market and the great
ability and resuorcefulness of our far
mers, we should accept the status of
a distinctly industrial nation Our des-
tiny seems to require that we should
be well-rounded nation. with high
development of both industry and agri-
culture, supporting one another and
together. 1t must be, and
feel it is, the national wish and pur-
pose to maintain our agriculture at
the highest possible efficiency.
at is unquestioned that confer
ence will bring us to a clearer under
standing of the problem before US. I
would like you to bring into the con-
ference not only the ablest represen-
tatives of agricultural production,
which shall represent our country in
the broadest possible way. but think
much good would come if you will in
clude in the conference those who are
engaged in industry most and inti-
nately associated with agriculture.
"It will clarity our views If we may
nave present representatives Of the i'm
oortant interests which are closely re-
ated to and dependent on agriculture.
trust the representatives will be in.
7ited l must leave the makeup of the
conference to your more intimate
of those who may confer
lelpfully. but will be glad il you will
issue invitations SO that
10th the country and~the government
nay have the benefit of the earliest
possible suggestions which will come
rom such meeting"
Il am in complete accord with the
residents conception Of the matters
he conference should consider" Sec
etary Wallace announced. "and the ,
haracter of the representation. and
hall try to carry out his wishes in
etail."