Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-31

The farm problem and the attitude
OF the major political parties toward It
continue to be o subject Of absorbing
campaign interest and speculation.
Discussing both candidates, the Chi
cago Tribune Republican, refers TO
the fact that MIR. Hoover has dared TO
declare himself in opposition to the
equalization fee, though no one knows
better than Mr.. Hoover that without the
corn belt his chances of victory are
slim" and the Tribune remarks; THE
| issue Is not an easy one for a man in
Gov, Smiths position TO meet with
frankness To win, the governor has to
| carry Eastern States, with their crowded
cities. and he must pick UP some agri-
cultural States as well. He might win
agricultural States II he Endorsed the
McNary bill unequivocaily. but he would
then give an opening 10 the Repubt-
cans to campaign against him In the
cities, with the argument that he advo-
Gates measure which will raise the
price of bread"
THE existence of the agricultural
problem and the urgent need for a
solution" as observed by the Fort
Worth Star-Telegram independent
Democratic). have been recognized by
| men and organizations which speak
with authority. For example, the bust
ness mems farm commission, appointed
Jointly by the National Conference
Board and the Chamber of Commerce
OF the United States, organizations
which certainly cannot be charged with
undue sympathy for the farmer, has
Issued a report which recognizes the
serious evils in the situation" The
Star-Telegram protests against farm
journals which may be influenced by
politics In the campaign. and especially
against che whose editor has denied the
existence OF a farm problem.
Criticizing the Republican picture of
Gov, Smith "as mere New Yorker"
the New York Times independently
suggests. The complacency OF the
governors political opponents must have
been pretty we'll shattered by his prompt
and explicit reply TO the telegram from
the corn belt asking what he proposed
| to do In regard TO the plight Of agricul~
ture IT Is not q bad thing In
a political fight TO exhibit initiative and
| audaclty, In them Gov Smith has
| never been lacking during hts public
activities In New York, and now he has
given the country a toretaste OF what
he will be doing IA the combat deepens :"
The Los Angeles Express tRepubli-
| cam, however. rejects Tammany's AS
siimed concern" for the welfare Of the
! farmers,and the Springfield Illinois State
Journal tIlepuhlican) says of Gov,
Smiths proposal 10 call conference;
"Of course, there IL nothing TO that
offer. Conferences long since ceased to
| interest"
what MIR Hoover must guard
| against" advises the st, Paul Dispatch
independently, lis vote of protest in
the rural communities swinging To
Smith without reflection or care about
the main advantage. To prevent this
he must have something specific and
satisfactory to offer 10 agriculture +"
The st, Joseph News-press lindepend-
ent) suggests that TO the platform
makers Of both parties the crop foe was
TOO hot TO handle candidly II may be
that when the candidates and party
spokesman take the hustings the ques~
ton will he clarified but the platforms,
! despite the Interpretation from Des
Mnines, leave II vague"
| Il II -
Supporters Of Mr. Hoover are very
confident of his intention and ability
| tn handle the problem, He under
stands the farm problem as we'll IS
| daeA any man. and far better than his
Democratic opponent" says the Albany
Evening News independent Republi-