Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-10-01
REASONABLY PROSPEROUS

From many different sources re-
ports have recently emanated TO the
effect that this country is today en-
joying prosperity. This appears TO
nettle some Of the Democratic lead
ers. who look upon hard times as
conducive to Democratic ascendancy
on pledges to make better times.
They point to isolated instances OF
business depression, to the Amoskeag
cotton mills trying to get its en-
ployes to accept lower wage. There
is some depression in the textile
industry. also in the soft-coal pro-
duction, and there are reasons for
this which politics surely cannot be
expected to mend. The abundance
of soft coal. for instance. the over
production by those anxious to mine
81, cannot be corrected by legislation.
Agriculture in the Midwest has
had hard row to hoe the past few
years since the War. For one thing
the prices Of those farm lands reach
ed exalted levels during the War, due
to the demand for farm products.
This national administration has not
been unmindful Of this, but it should
not and evidently Is not disposed
TO endeavor by Government subsidy
10 make abnormal land prices normal,
1t has, however. endeavored ana is
yet endeavoring by methods short of
revolutionary or socialistic to aid
agriculture.
The farmers are not more I'M
reasonable than are other folks.
Moreover. they are not favorable to
the revolutionary in Government.
But they, like all of US, feel that
they are not getting their share.
Such a view Is inherent in human
nature and in the case of the farmer
has rather more of sound basis. A
good season on the average over the
country has helped to allay discon-
tent in some degree, it seems. Sem
ator Capper, who is under obligations
TO an agricultural constituency has
been looking over the situation.
Here are a few remarks he makes
by way of conclusion;
1.-THE farmer is better off than at
any time since the World War. Re-
publican Congresses of the last five
wears have turned to his problems,
and much sound and constructive
legislation has been passed. There
Is much yet to be done, but the con-
dition of the farmer was SO desperate
that 1t has been Slow work. His
problems will reach final and COM
plete solution quickest through uni
fed control of the legislative branch
es"
II we are asked whether we are
prosperous how many of US would
speak right up and admit we are?
Few are getting what they think
they should get The test comes by
way OF comparison with times when
business is inactive, when wages and
incomes dwindle, when idle opera
tives are unable to buy and live from
hand to mouth. If one were trying
10 find idle persons willing to work
for small wage, willing to take half
a loaf as better than none, he would
quickly find that most think they
do not need the half loaf. that they
have full loaf or are confident
sthey know where to get one.
Sanity at the head of Government
Is always helpful in good or in bad
times. This country has that. 1t
bases its confidence on experience
over a period Of test that is and
should be reassuring. In our calmer
moments, under existing conditions,
the disposition to support that kind
OF Government should and we be-
lieve will prevail While it undoubt-
IDLY is excellent political manage
snent to insist that we are enjoying
good times it will fail Of its purpose
unless the facts dispassionately and
intelligently considered bear out that
conclusion. There is accommodating
evidence that they do bear out such
conclusion.