Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-02-21
FARMERS LOBBY MOUNTS
GUNS ON CAPITOL HILL
George n. Peek, Foe of Hoover, Takes
Charge OF Campaign for Dickin-
son Exporting Bill.

not usually identified with farm
politics.
The Dickinson bill is opposed by the
same elements, including the Coolidge
administration. that for the past three
years have stubbornly stood against
so-called 'McNary- Haugen" legisla-
ton for Government aid in exporting
surplus farm produce. At the recent
cooperative marketing convention in
Washington. representatives OF add
ministration agricultural policy de-
nounced the Dickinson bill in un.
measured terms. 1t was attacked as
the old McNary HauGen bill in
bobbed hair and short skirts
The bills outstanding feature is the
provision of "A Federal Farm Board
Tor the disposition of domestic surplus
crops. few days after Mr. Dickin-
son introduced his bill on January 4,
lll1am NJ. Jardine, Secretary of Agri-
culture, issued a very guarded state
ment pointing out that while the bill
may pave the way for more tangible
consideration of the agricultural sur
plus problem" he had some reser-
Vatlons as to certain portions of the
Dill. Mr.. Jardine recalled that he
has consistently favored some form
OF farmer-controlled agency" at Wash
lngton. But the Secretary of Agri-
culture did not leave much doubt that
the sweeping scheme of Government
aid for farm export, contemplated bv
the Dickinson bill. finds no favor
"uh the Coolidge administration.
thls writer has just had opportu-
my In Washington to discuss farm
!eels'atlon With Gov. Arthur G.. Sorlie.
republican Progressive. of the great
waeat-raising State of North Dakota.
90 ''rlls ASSERTS that politicians in
Washington, sr.cs. Her home consump-
ton IN their L-~n constituencies. are
eNaSaeratlns The gravity of the So
called farm revolt" in the West
oohiltlons in many regions" said
Gov. Sorile. are far from ideal But
IL North Dakota at least. which has
certainly been hit hard in the past, we
are no longer in a state of panic and
are working out our own salvation.
We ara finding that this is possible
II there Is less politics and more genu-
Inc cooperation applied to the situa-
ton.
Opposed to Price.fixins.
II am strongly opposed to any
echefne of Government price fixing for
farri produce. But l am equally
strGnSly IN favor of our powerful and
wealthy Government putting it's full
'i'fI'iNio i anu uipioIldllc machinery be-
mind some systematic scheme of sell
ing our goods abroad AS agriculture
Is the basis of nearly every nations
prosperity. agriculture should be one
OF the first things to receive govern
ment support. The manufacturing in
Custry has long enjoyed such support
III the shape of our protective tariff
Industry is sufficiently organized to
reap unaided the Government benefits
1t enjoys under the protective tariff
system. The American farmers are
not so organized. They are entitled.
III my judgment, not only to full tariff
equality with industry. but the most
substantial financial assistance which
the Government can afford in market
ing overseas our surplus farm prod
uCe.
I'm the past the machinery of Gov
eminent and diplomacy abroad has
been used for war. America is a Ma
ton of peace and business Should
not the machinery of Government and
diplomacy henceforward be employed
exclusively in pr M o ing those
cauSeS2"