Monte Vista journal and Monte Vista graphic-reporter., 1923-05-25

regard TO cooperative marketing stat
ed in general terms, We wish to state
that We agree with him in the pre-
face of his argument: that agricul-
ture has been unable to place itself
on equal footing with other lines OF
activity; and that attempts have been
made to adjust the difficulties
through legislation, but that many
authorities hold that our agricultural
troubles cannot be cured by legisla-
ton.
Now why has not agriculture been
able to put herself on an equal foot
ing with other lines of activity? Some
phases of agriculture have done this.
as for example. the citrus fruit and
Taisin growers of California. the cot
ton growers OF the South, the tobac-
co growers and other commodities
handled through cooperative associa-
tions; and why? Because they have
commercialized their different prod
ucts on u commodity basis selling
their products in a cooperative busi-
ness-like way. which means feeding
the market in an orderly manner.
which further means that the pro-
ducers have good solid organiza.
fion back of each commodity.
Through organization of the pro.
ducers and orderly marketing agri.
culture can be put on a line with
other industries and this the COOP.
erative marketing law provides. As
far as legislation solving the prob
lens of agriculture. II can't be done.
Through legislation certain rights
and privileges can be granted to the
farmer. but the working out Of his
salvation lies with me farmer him
self: and II he is perfectly satisfied
with present conditions. why how
about not getting what is coming to
him. but put his shoulders to the
wheel and help to right matters. Mr..
Henry evidently Is showing the
wrong way which would seem TO in
dtcate that he is not arguing heart
and soul from the point OF agricul-
ture but that his interests are d,vjd-
ed.
Upon the above, We think It ad-
vtsable to elaborate at "a little great.
er length. Mr.. Henry apparently is
not aware OF the fact that cooper
alive marketing. through all its vicis-
situdes has been going on in Calf.
ornia for around twenty years: but
takes the stand that cooperative
marketing is really an outgrowth OF
the war on conditions resulting from
the war. Long before war or rumors
Of war. the citrus growers have been
marketing comparatively and today
they have wonderful marketing
system built up. II took "A long time
to do this and many mistakes were
made but the machinery OF that or.
ganization is running smoothly and
efficiently and that machinery can be
had for the. asking. Our present co.
operative law Is result OF the bes,
methods, based on the experiences OF
the fruit growers OF California, thus
enabling us to start in with the Cal.
nornia growers not at their begin.
ming but at the present successful
status. Now are We willing to make
the stari7 II is up to us. Legislation
viii not assist us further.
Governor McCray OF Indiana did
veto the cooperative marketing bill
and that state is the only one out OF
many that failed to pass such a law
Why does Mr.. Henry mention the
exception And Aaron Sapiro prob
ably has been criticized In Maine and
elsewhere but the ,acrc fact that The
majority Of the growers in that state
have signed contracts to market DO
tatoes comparatively should convince
any opcn-minded person that ,hi,
'eriticiam 10 not Of . serious nature
In move Of this kind there 10 bound
20 be criticism and opposition from
certain sources. Over the countr,
there are Thousands Of local dealer,
Who have been making their iivit
hood through marketing farm prod
ucts. Naturally the dealer viii
Ssmonstrste. We have NO fight with
the dealer: We do not blame him
and he 10 performing . service und.,
present conditions. but aren't farm
srs Intelligent enough 70 hsudl,
their own business.
NJ. Henry asks what IL meant b.
ths phrase and definition OF th1
term Agricultural products,.
Whersin the bill states shall inciuds
. horticultural. vtticalturai. forestry
dairy. livestock. poultry. bee and suy
farm product. Does this mean TIA,