New Britain herald., 1927-02-25
VET0ES
 FARM RELIEF BILL Action Virtually Kills All Hope Of Legislation This Term DISCRIMINATING, HE SAYS
Chairman McNary, When Advised of Coolidge's Action, Said He Would Make No Attempt to Over ride Executive Veto.

Washington, Feb. 25.-tP- The McNary- Haugen farm relief bill was vetoed today by President Coolidge killing the last hope of general farm legislation at this session of con- gress.
 The president found the bill ob- jectionable for many reasons and he attached to his veto message an opinion by the attorney general holding that measure also was un- constitutional on several counts.
 Price Fixing Fallacy
 It was asserted by the chief exc cutive that the bills equalization fee on cotton, corn, wheat, rice, hogs and tobacco amounted to discrimin- ation price-flxing, and was "an economic fallacy," which would not benefit the farmer, but would raise the cost of living and operate to the injury of the general welfare.
 He objected also to the powers to be given the proposed farm board under the bill asserting that without appeal the board could set unreason- able prices, with legal sanction that would preclude prosecution un- der the antitrust laws. He added that the adverse features Of the plan alone were enough to wreck it.
 He declared also that members of the board would be under constant pressure from their constituents to push prices as high as possible"
 ITO expect moderation under these circumstances is to disregard ex- perience." he said, "and credit hu- man nature with qualities it does not possess"
 Pointing out that the department of justice had been employed in breaking up combinations aimed at raising the cost of living, the mes sage continued
 Price Raising Results
 This bill. if it accomplishes its purpose will raise the price of the specified agricultural commodities to the highest possible point and in do- ing so the board will operate without any restraint imposed by the anti trust laws. The granting of any such run counter to our traditions, the philosophy of our government, the spirit of our institutions and all principles Of equity.
 The adverse difficulties involved are sufficient to wreck the plan"
 Unconstitutional As Well.
 Attorney General Sargent found the bill in conflict with the consti- tuition for these reasons:
 Because it would limit the presi- dent in selecting members of the farm board, requiring that he name men recommended by a nominating committee.
 Because it would delegate price, fixing authority to the board with out laying down any rule under which the prices shall be determin- ed.
 Because the fixing of prices has itself never been found by the courts to be within the powers of the fed eral government
 Because 1t compels citizens to contribute the equalization fee to a certain process from which they may or may not profit, amounting to the taking of property without due process of law.
 When they learned of the veto congressional farm bloc leaders free ly conceded they had not the votes to re-pass the measure by the two- thirds majority that would be re- quired. Senator McNary of Oregon, co-author of the bill, said he would not even make the attempt.
 Measure Is Killed.
 Chairman McNary of the senate agriculture committee, said he would make no effort to override President Coolidges veto of the Nc ary-Haugen bill.