Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-05-13
Resolution Adopted Without
Debate-Sen. King Only One
. to Question Policy - Farm
Relief Legislation Dominant
:. Issue in Congress-No Ad-
jOurnment Until Remedial
Measures Are E n a c t G d,
Stand of Farm Bloc

Washington, May 12-Urged by
the farm bloc. a joint resolution was
quickly adopted by the senate today
directing the interstate commerce
commission to adjust freight rates to
relieve depression in any basic in
dustry and particularly agriculture.
1t was adopted with virtually no
debate, Senator King, Democrat,
Utah, alone questioning the wisdom
Of the policy.
Farm relief legislation is now an
outstanding issue in congress with
the farm bloc standing against an
adjournment until some measure is
enacted to aid agriculture.
The first fight will be made on the
McNary-Haugen bill, which will
come to test within a short time
in the house. If this measure fails.
the bloc is prepared to champion the
Norris Sinclair bill, while the Curtis
Aswell bill is in the offing and may
receive attention, although it has not
been reported by the senate agri-
culture committee.
The rate adjusting resolution was
introduced by Senator Smith, Demo-
crat, South Carolina, chairman of the
interstate committee and was sup
ported by Senator Cummins, Repub-
lican, Iowa.
The resolution declares:
THAT it is hereby declared to be
the true policy in rate making to be
pursued by the interstate commerce
commission in adjusting freight
rates, that the conditions which at
any given time prevail in our sew
eral industries should be considered
insofar as it is legally possible to do
SO, to the end that commodities may
freely move with fair profit to the
producer and be sold at a reasonable
price to the consumer.
1T Is further declared that agri-
culture is the basic industry of this
country. and that it is the policy of
congress to promote, encourage and
foster that industry, and especially
in rate making during the existing
depression in agriculture.
In furtherance of these policies
the interstate commerce commission
is hereby directed, with the least
practicable delay, to effect such law
1ul changes in the rate structure Of
the country and will promote the
freedom of movement by committee
carriers of the products of agricul-
ture including livestock, at the low
est possible lawful rates compatible
with the maintenance of adequate
transportation services.
provided. that no Investigation of
the proceeding resulting from the
adoption of this resolution shall be
DeTInlffpd h.
cases now pending before the COM
mission involving rates on products
OF agriculture. and the policy herein
stated shall be applied in such de-
termination as soon as possible"
senator Capper, Republican, Kan
sas' one OF the farm bloc spokesman.
III a formal statement said he would
oppose adjournment of congress I'M
III real effort has been made to
heIp the farmers of this country"
Inc McNary- Haugen bill would
create a 100000 export corporation
70 Duy farm products at ratio price
derived from the average price ox-
istlng during the period from 1905
IL Inc Norris-S Sinclair bill would
G G the Farmers and Consumers
+ than nd Corporation" capitalized
AZ SloU, OOO,0OO to sell farm products
direct to the consumer and exnor3
farm products direct to the consumer
anu export farm commodities in gov
eminent ships free of charge.
me Curtis-Aswell bill would GRO
ate the Interstate Farm Marketing
association to promote cooperative
I processing, preparing for market
handling storing and marketing of
an AGRICULTURAL commodities. An an
preparation of 100000 900 would bo
made available to the association