Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-03-14

The federal government will pay only one-third Of
the compensation bill to cotton farmers in the event
non-cotton zones are established in the effort TO Grad
icate the pink bollworm, according to information re-
ceived by George b. Terrell, Texas commissioner of ag-
ricuIture, from Representative Buchanan Of the Austin
district, member Of the house appropriations committee.
In a communication to Representative Buchanan.
Commissioner Terrell had expressed the view that since
the farmers of West Texas were not responsible for the
pink boIlworm being there, and that it came in from
Mexico, the federal government should not only Grad
icate the pest but should compensate farmers in the
event non-cotton zones are established. Senator Earle
3. Mayfield has offered a bill providing that the gov
eminent stand the entire expense Of eradication and
compensation in the fight against agricultural or live
stock pests, making the bill far-reaching in its effects
and placing the entire cost upon the federal govern
ment.
IN his letter TO Commissioner Terrell, Representa-
five Buchanan stated that full federal compensation
was without precedent. In the three outbreaks OF the
foot and mouth disease the federal government paid
one-half Of the appraised value Of the animals condemn
ed to death. In the fight against tuberculosis In cattle
the government pays only one-third the appraised
value Of the animal condemned to death. with a limit
az SOS for an ordinary mixed breed and $50 for a purs
breed. He also pointed out that the government has
Maid hut one-third Of the compensation TO growers on
account Of establishment Of ncn-cottOn zones by state
authorities in other pink bollworm outbreaks.
Commissioner Terrell predicated his request upon
HE IEuCFAl aFpAofAA0Nf%h Va @NfWt"N~
Aorer campaign. but Representative Buchanan held this
~ not analogous and does not constitute q precedent
pc asserts the large fund was appropriated and de-
voted TO q cleanup campaign IN the infested sections
without the establishment OF corn-free zones, and no
farmer was deprived Of the right 70 plant corn. Farm
ers were paid for their labor in the cleanup work. ous
not authorized compensation.
Representative Buchanan summed up the situation
with the following statement: Il do not believe yo1
would be justified in acting on any other basis than
that the federal government will pay one-third Of the
compensation to farmers for being denied the privi-
iere Of planting cotton on their land in eotton-free
zones. This much you can rely upon as far as COM
rensstion is concerned. The statement does not refer
70 the cleanup eradication campaign Of the pink
boilworm. ! feel that the federal government will make
al appropriation necessary for the pink boliworm's
complete eradication"
Having definitely ascertained what action the fed
ersl government will take, it is nov up to the state Of
Texas 70 take action. That regulatory measures viii
Be Intellectual in curbing the pest and that cotton-free
zones are necessary, il generally admitted. II may cost
authorities in other pink bollworm outbreaks.
safe the growers, but regardless Of what it may cost,
Il must Be done, and done without delay.