Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1922-02-02

often spoken of as a special concession
to the farmers, but In Its commercial
results. II is of as much benefit to the
buyers and consumers of agricultural
products as to the producers, or even
more. l do not suppose that anyone
opposes the benefits that the farmers
derive from the educational ana re-
search work Of the department, or the
helm that It gives them in working out
improved cultural methods and prac-
tees, in developing better yielding va
rieties through breeding and selection,
in introducing new varieties from re-
mote parts of the world and adapting
them to our climate and economic con-
dition. and in devising practical meas
ures for the elimination or control OF
dangerous and destructive animal and
plant diseases, insect pests. ana the
like. All these things manifestly tend
to stimulate and enlarge production,
and their general beneficial effects are
obvious
It Is complained that, whereas the
law restricts Federal Reserve banks
to three months time for commercial
paper. the farmer Is allowed six
months on his notes. This Is not
special privilege, but merely such
recognition Of business conditions as
makes it possible for country banks
to do business with country people.
The crop farmer has only one turn
over a year, while the merchant and
manufacturer have many. Incidental
ly. I note that the Federal Reserve
Board has just authorized the Fed
eral Reserve banks to discount export
paper for a period Of six months, to
conform to the nature Of the busi-
ness.
The Farm Loan banks are pointed
TO as an instance Of special govern
ment favor for farmers. Are they not
rather the outcome of laudable efforts
to euualize rural and urban condi-
tions? And about all the government
does there is to help set up an ad-
ministrative organization and lend a
little credit at the start. Eventually
the farmers will provide all the capt.
tai and carry all the liabilities them
selves. 1t Is true that Farm Loan
bonds are tax exempt; but so are
bonds Of municipal light and traction
plants, and new housing is to be ex-
empt from taxation, In New York, for
ten years.
On the other hand, the farmer reads
of plans for municipal housing prof.
tects that run into the billions, of hun
dreds of millions annually spent on
the merchant marine; he reads that
the railways are being favored with
increased rates and virtual guarantees
Of earnings by the government, with
the result to him Of an increased toll
on all that he sells and all that he
buys. He hears Of many manifesto
tions of governmental concern for par
ticular industries and interests Res
cuing the railways from insolvency Is
undoubtedly for the benefit Of the
country as a whole, but what can be
Of more general benefit than encour-
agement of ample production Of the
principal necessariss Of life and their
even flow from contented producers to
satisfied consumers?
While It may be conceded that
special governmental aid may be nee
essary in the general interest, we must
all agree that 1t Is difficult to see why
agriculture and the production and dis
tribution Of farm products are not ac-
corded the same opportunities that are
provided for other businesses espe-
cially as the enjoyment by the farmer
Of such opportunities would appear to
be even more contributory to the gen.
eraI coed than in the case Of othe
industries. The spirit Of American
democracy Is unalterably opposed
alike to enacted special privilege ant
to the special privilege Of unequal op
portunity that arises automatIcaIl,
from the failure to correct piarins
economic inequalities. ! am opposed
to the injection Of government int
business, but / do believe that 1t Is al
essential function Of democratic gov
ernment to eQualke opportunity 81
far as 1t is within Its power to do so
whether by the repeal of archai,
statutes or the enactment Of modern
ones. If the antitrust laws keep tn,
farmers from endeavoring scientificall!
to integrate their industry while othe
Industries find a way to meet moderr
conditions without violating such stat
utes. then 1t would seem reasonabl,
| to, find way for the farmers to NEE
| them under the same conditions. TIL,
law should operate equally In fact. Re
pairing the economic structure on ont
side Is no injustice to the other side
which Is In good repair.
| We have Travelled a long way from
the old conception Of government al
merely defensive and policing agency
and regulative, corrective, or eQualfz
Ing legislation, which apparently Is o
q special nature, Is often of the mos
general beneficial consequences Ever
the First Congress passed a tariff &C
that was avowedly for the protector
OF manufacturers; but q protectiv,
tariff always has been defended as
means Of promoting the general goo,
through a particular approach; ant
the statute books are filed with act
for the benefit Of shipping, commerce
and labor.