Evening star., 1923-10-16

decided difference of opinion is
developing over whether organization
of cooperative marketing associa-
tions to handle the wheat crop will
prove the remedy for conditions now
prevailing in the wheat-growing
states. Editors are watching with
deep interest the visit of Mana ging
Director Meyer and Director Mondell
to these states to help complete such
a plan. Should they be successful. it
is agreed that, while not much as
sistance can be hoped for this year,
the foundations will have been laid
for a better future for the wheat
farmers.
cooperative marketing, which
means orderly marketing instead OF
dumping, is one of the two most ra-
tional means of stabnizing agricul-
ture," the Baltimore Sun holds. The
other is diversification Of crops. Both
south. The an-important need is to
relate production and marketing to
the consumers requirements" The
Lexington Leader, however, is some
alton. feeling at is undoubtedly true
there has been a good deal of calami-
ty howling" but it is convinced the
general agricultural recovery is al
This view has the Endorsement as
wen of the Allentown Chrinicle,
which also feels the farmer is tax
ing a second look, with the result ne
is beginning to doubt the efficiency
of bloc systems in state ana nanoniai 3in.
the Boston Globe suggests the question:
Does cooperation among the farm-
ers offer more than political action
through their representatives IN
no rpn1
handed to them from the outside IN
essence it must be voluntary actlon
by the men who are to help one
another. The problem for the Presi-
dents agents is how to gIVe heIp
without trying to boss.
x x x X
That the President realizes he
must bear a large share of the re-
sponsibility for the success or failure
Of the policies he initiates is the
opinion of the Kansas City journal
which commends MIR. Coolidge for the
careful manner in which he IS con-
lsidering all suggestions, and 1t recalls
that the cooperative plan has func-
toned successfully in other branches
of agriculture, notably cotton, raisin'
fruit and tobacco growing in various
narts of the country r is most
embarrassing to have the ghosts OF
Yesterday raised" suggests the MIL
waukee journal, especially as CO.
operative buying and selling by farm
ers depends for its success chieny on
able r1lanaEement and SO may not De
relied upon for miracles. Co-opera-
ton is a business proposition inVoIv-
ing slow building. 1t may help. But
the Nebraska Union-Farmer points
the way for certain results in narrow
ing the spread between the prices
farmers receive and those they must
pay when 1T calls for an end of gov
ernmental special favors. The sug-
gestion of the Union-Farmer which
the Journal refers to was that
| farmers, in order to be on equal
footing with the business world. must
give attention to overcoming the
menopolieS in industry-by gettlng
rid of privileges, such as excess tar
| iff protection for manufacturers ana
pushing cooperative buying clear
through to the citadels of the trusts:
IF the Meyer -Mondell mission IS
successful" the Cincinnati Enquirer
/ believes, 1t viii break the influence OF
Abe farm bloc and there win be much
the country as weu as the farmer
to- be thankful for. 1t may be much
iiks bearing new gifts in addition TO
fayh rs already bestowed. Yet the Sc
rfotza ness of the situation and the ap-
nroaa h of another national campaign
NAV justify the effort" The Spo-
kane Spokesman Review points out
that "s., far few authoritative bodies
have atn roved the wheat price guar
antee. n he Spokesman Review would
reioica to- see our wheat growers get
ting S175 N bushel. but it cannot join
with .thosa whe ass selfish political