Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-06-29
What 10 earnest 10 not always
true, on the contrary, error is often
more earnest than truth-Disraeli.
SECTlONALISM

SECTlONALlSM
Steel rails, kept free from rust by
constant traffic; national highways
of cement and macadam alive with
motor cars, which make of the
whole country one vast neighbor-
hood; aerial mail from coast to
coast, knitting the bonds quickly as
we'll as closely; radio messages con-
tributing to common thought re-
specting the doings in this America
seem to make for consideration Of
common interests, for minimizing
sectionalism, for recognition Of the
close interdependence of our ac-
tivities, of our efforts to progress.
Notwithstanding all these powerful
Influences exerting themselves as
never before we find in our national
Congress sectional blocs seeking
each to get some advantage over
the other, 1t would seem. The
wheat growers would have us believe
that all farming in this country must
go to the dogs unless they be assur-
ed a profit on all the acres they may
be able to devote to wheat growing
and their surplus, coming into COM
petition with the wheat Of Russia,
be made to net them profit at the
expense of the taxpayers. The West
talks about the "leeches" of the
East; the South would think Of
itself as O section in opposition to
other parts of the country. The vote
on the Haugen bill indicated line
of division between East and West.
rather than between political parties.
between radicals and con-
servatism
The President now asks Congress
to pass a measure which, while TAX
ing into consideration the fact that
agriculture right now is not ad-
vantageously situated, should af-
ford relief to farmers East, West,
South and North. The Tess bill is
not sectional, 1t is not in the nature
of subsidy to wheat growers, to
corn growers, to cotton growers
alone, but to help farmers needing
aid in securing the advantages of CO.
operation, in which farmers are as a
rule deficient.
The subsidy hunters of the mid
west scorn aid in cooperation; what
they want Is to sell at a profit all
the wheat and corn they can raise.
Congress Is impatient to get home;
it has been very busy. is tired, is
mindful of how little at best Con-
gress may do really to help the
farmer. If they go home now their
constituents-some of them-will be
told the President defeated the
Haugen bill, whereas If they pass the
measure, which the President ap-
proves, they expect to be told. I'VE
asked for bread and you gave us a
stone, we asked for subsidy and you
offer US loan. We want the Gov
eminent to see that we have a
market and a profitable price and
all you now offer Ia a chance to bor-
row money on which to take q
chance and work out our salvation
ourselves.
Contributing to this feeling of
sectionalism is the propaganda for
reducing the tariff. This tells the
farmer the tariff helps the other
producers and neglects the farmers,
would have him ignore the value he
receives from profitable market
right at his doors for his dairy prod
ucts. his pork and beef. lamb,
poultry, eggs, for his cotton and
wool. for his fruits and vegetables,
would have him overlook the home
demand increasing as our Industrial
ism increases. The importers see an
opportunity to encourage this spirit
OF sectionalism now flaming up. and
are not neglecting 1t.
One recalls the ardor and mis-
guidedness which have accompanied
the outbreaks Of sectionalism in this
country. state rights, slavery. paper
money, free silver; one sees with
some degree of apprehension leaders
OF the caliber Of Brookhart taking
the places of those who have demon
strated wisdom bought with ex-
perience. Trouble is indicated. I'm
sound theories have not prevailed
but at times they. have seriously
threatened and been restrained only
with great effort and soma aacr,f,ce