Southwest Washington labor press. [volume] (Hoquiam, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1924-04-18
SHAKING;
FARMERS ON RAMPAGE
Farmers Proposals Given Serious
Consideration by Both Branches
of Congress

WASHINGTON, April 17.-Farm
legislation, now seriously discussed in
congress, is along the same lines ad-
vocated by the Populists of 80 years
ago. It brought ridicule and scorn
from the best minds of those days.
But there is no ridicule now. This
is presidential year, and Northwest
states and those along the Mississippi
river are fermenting with revolt and
threaten to leap over political boun-
daries.
Control of both branches of con-
gress and the White House are at
stake, and the situation calls for the
most tactful handling to keep the
farmer in line. This revolt has ex-
listed before, but never so extensive,
and never were the people so dis
trustful of the old school politician.
Under the circumstances the elder
statesmen can not resort to old
methods. They can not challenge the
patriotism of these citizens, nor can
they abuse them. Instead, they are
giving serious consideration to some
of the most extraordinary proposals
ever presented to the senate.
The cry of 'less government in
business" has been forgotten, and
even from the White House come
recommendations that the govern
ment loan money to wheat growers
that they may purchase live stock
and other equipment for diversified
farming This is what Congressman
Simpson from Kansas advocated three
decades ago.
McNary -Haugen Bill
Of more far-reaehing effect, how
ever, is the McNary- Haugen bill,
which has been favorably reported
by the senate committee on agricul-
ture. This bill would take the ex-
porting of wheat and other export
able commodities out of the hands of
private interests and place them in
charge of a government commission
with large powers.
The bill is based on the fact that
Liverpool prices of wheat, less the
cost of delivery there, sets the price
of wheat in America. The wheat
production in this country averages
75O,00O,00O bushels annually. The
domestic consumption totals 600,000,-
900 bushels, leaving a balance of
$50, OOO. 900 bushels that must be sold
abroad.
The McNary- Haugen bill would
create a commission, set aside $780,
0O0,0 900 for its use, and empower it to
take charge of this export surplus
and sell it in such a way that strong
competition would be lessened, and
it would not be dumped on foreign
markets so prices would be unreal
sonably affected. The commission
viii have the same power over other
commodities that have a surplus.
The bill would embark the govern
ment on ventures undreamed of a few
years ago. This is significant, but
more significant is the gingerly man.
ner in which it is opposed by those
who hate it most heartedly. They see
congress drifting from old mornings,
but they are silent. They fear to in
crease the number of political bricks
that are coming their way. =
In the agricultural states Jeven
business interests favor the bill. They
have forgotten their lifelong pleas
Of "private initiative and '1ess gov
eminent in business"
1t appears from the present tur-
MOL that legislation may be forth
coming that will be of real benefit to
the agricultural districts of this coun-
try.