The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1923-07-18
wheat FARMERS
FACING CRISES
OPINION AT CHAMBER OF COM
MERGE MEET = GOVERNMENT
FIXED PRICE TO THE FORE

Interest in gOvernment-estab-
lished price for wheat was revived in
the Wednesday meeting of the Mos
COW chamber of commerce, because
of the persistent downward tendency
of the market, which is now below the
cost of production. 1t will be re-
membered that some moths ago
movement looking to a guaranteed
price was started in the Moscow
chamber of commerce, and gained
considerable impetus throughout the
west, price guarantee bill being
introduced in the United States SEN
ate by Senator Gooding of Ms state.
The bill was introduced but short
time before the close of the session
and was not reported out. 1t is be-
lieved now that with the situation
confronting the wheat farmers even
more critical, the bill will be taken
up shortly after congress convenes.
Mr. Mix briefly called attention to
the situation confronting the wheat
farmer and said that the administra-
tion had passed laws honestly meant
to aid the farmer, but that they had
not reached the wheat farmer. Hel
said that, although democrat him
self, he believed the farmers would
rally to the support of any admins
tration which would bring relief to-
this most important industry. He
said he believed it to be the function
of the government to come to the
aid of any industry which is facing
such a crises as is agriculture at the
present time. He said it is not so !
much a matter of high taxes, as it'll
is to get something to pay taxes with |
He suggested a nationwide organi-
zation of farmers, the purpose of I
which would be to bring about a |
stabilization of the price of wheat,
and said that he thought all other
products would then be taken care Of |
President Lamphere called atten-
ton to what he considered the un-
wise policy of reclaiming more land, |
to come in competition with the far
mers now operating, and to further
force prices down.
Congressional Viewpoint
Congressional Burton L. French |
said that the agricultural committee
in congress had been laobring over
the problem of stabilizing the price
of farm products and had found it
one of the most difficult to solve,
with many people objecting to the
government taking hand in private
affairs; while the price of labor and
of manufactured articles continued 1
to ascend and the price of many farm
products, notably wheat dropped
father below the cost of production.
He said that while there is dire need
for immediate action, he believes that
the law providing for cooperative or
ganizations offers an ultimate solu-
tion of the farmers difficulties. He
said that while it would be difficult
for the government to say to the
farmer: s'Cut down your acreage" it
would be easy for the farmers, CO.
operating, to cut down their wheat
acreage, or the acreage devoted to
the raising of any crop where an
over production was threatened.
Mr.. French said that while there
is danger in the government going
too far in the matter of controlling
industries of any kind, he would j.,
favor a law stabilizing the price of :
wheat for the time being, so that the !
farmer might have an opportunity to :
bring into action the machinery :
which the government had already !, ,
provided. The Gooding bill, as !. ,
originally drawn, provides that the l
government go into the market at the
opening of the grain season, July l,
and buy at fixed price. Mr.. French
expressed the opinion, which was S
in by Mr.. Mix and others, {
that the law might better provide G
that the government go into the mar t
ket the following spring and buy
grain at the fixed price. If this were
done. he said, the farmer could offer v
his wheat at the close of the harvest /
season on a basis of the price which a
the government would pay for it the f
next spring, and would find a mar O
ket for it, the necessity for the gov v
ernment tying up vast sum OF f
money thus being eliminated. 7
No Help From Labor Party .
Mr.. French, speaking OF the result r
Of the Minnesota senatorial election, q
said that the farmer had nothing to
hope from any member of congress
elected as a representative OF labor,
IS the labor representative would in ?
7ariably, when the matter of a fixed
price for farm product was brought 8
I'D. oppose it both from the floor !, !,
and with his vote, stating that 1t y
would advance the price of the food !.
which the laboring man must buy for II
lis children. y
The interest in the subject under s.
was general and it is
probable that further action will be ls
aiken. looking to a general meeting m
# farmers. o.
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