The Omaha morning bee., 1924-05-01
OmahaWhcla theMest is at its Best
RADICAL BLOC AGAINST THE FARMER


on at Washington. We understand why those
who seek to initiate third party balloon should try
to do so ut the expense of both the republican and
democratic parties. That is, IL they really are sim
s,cere. For no third party succeed, even as a
method Of protest. unless it clearly distinguishes be-
tween its own aspirations and purposes its prinei-
pies and its plans, and those Of the older groups.
Nothing abstruse in these tactics.
But why should third party, which rests its
claims to public attention and possible approval on
its promises of benefit to all, do everything its lead
ers can think of to hamper the administration in its
endeavors to relieve distress! Is it possible the
group that is lining up behind Senator La Toilette
believes that if it defeats that designed
to benefit the farmer, for example, it can go to the
farmer and gain confidence by promising to afford
relief after its own plan?
What is the position of the member Of congress
who says 81 would not vote for that bill, because it
was proposed by a republican, but will give you
one just like it, if get enough votes to pass t?'
Yet that is just the position OF the La Toilette
followers at this time. The McNary- -Haugen bill is
before congress. 1t was planned to give relief to
agriculture along lines that have been embodied in
every so-caled progressive plan that has yet been
issued In fact, some Of its most serious opposition
arises because conservative members Of congress
gard IL as radical departure from the traditional
course of legislation It has the approval Of the adj
ministraton, and Is warmly supported by repub-
lcans who believe it should be passed. for the rea-
son that it is step toward the solution Of per-
picking problem, the marketing Of the surplus prod
ucts Of agriculture.
In the house Of representatives the head and
front of the opposition is Edward Voight Of Wiscon-
sin, one Of La Follettes abest lieutenants In the
house committee on agriculture he has delayed by
nf factics Tho an the
measure. Now he Is reported to have discontinued
this form Of attack and will allow the bill to come
on the floor, accompanied by minority report Of his
own. He has an amendment that will be supported
by the entire La Toilette group in the house.
The effect of this amendment will be directly
trary to the intent and spirit Of the measure The
McNary Haugen bill provides that the surplus prod
ucts of the farm shall be sold abroad for cash. The
voight amendment provides that the Farm Relief
corporation
shall have power to sell and exchange surplus agri
cultural products in foreign markets for any goods
except farm products and to enter such goods into
the United States free OF tax or duty for sale or
disposition in the domestic market at the best prices
obtainable; provided that any cooperative nlarket
Ing association of farmers, with the approval Of the
: hoard, may likewise sell exchange agricultural
products in foreign markets for any goods except
farm products. enter the into the United
States free Of tax Or duty
In other words, the huge surplus Of United States
farms will be dumped ON European markets, and
pay taken In kind. Every dollar in goods admitted
duty free that much taken from the output OF
American factories. II that many workmen
will go unemployed. IL will lessen the home market
for farm products just to the extent that wages
lowered and the consuming power OF American
workmen is reduced.
The purpose Of the McNary-Haugen bill Is to aid
the American farmer, and not the European manu-
facturer. The Voight amendment will aid the Euro
pean manufacturer to dump his product upon the
American market. Viewed from this point, the OBJ
ject is plain. The radicals seek to prevent the ef-
forts Of the administration to give any form Of relief
TO the farmers. few weeks ago the Norbeck-Burt-
ness bill went down In the senate under onslaught
Of democrats, who refused to permit It's passage be-
cause the republicans would have probably gained
some credit, because 1t something that would
help the farmer. Now the third party adherents
seeking to seattle the McNary fIaugen bill for the
same selfish purpose
We believe the farmers are wise enough to see
through these tactics and that they will reward the
promoters accordingly
The McNary-Haugen bill Is unusual, II Il true
There Is no denying the fact that II Is correct In
principle. This being admitted, IT is the duty of
gress and the president TO get IL into shape for pas
sage at this session. II be done. II IL Is not
done 1t will mean confession that the great farm
ing sections Of the country to be allowed to
tinue in their present Debated condition while the
rest Of the country enjoys a specious prosperity.
Those who take this position must understand
that permanent prosperity is not possible unless agr.
culture is prosperous This Is no time TO debate
tbeories II may be that some other bin might have
been introduced better than the McNaryiaugen bill
~ has not been introduced. There is no sign that
Il will be- The need Of the farmers IL pressing The
plain duty Of the senator's, the representatives and
all farm organizations, well ne the administration,
isto get behind this measure. Amend where neees-
saisl but pass II.