Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-13
Hoover on the Farm Problem.


Democratic leaders. commenting on
Mr.. Hcover's address accepting the Re-
publican nomination for President.
take the view that in his discussion OF
the farm problem the candidate failed
10 develop = concrete plan for farm
aid. There are none so blind as those
who will not see. There are certain
leaders Of farm organizations who
fought for the McNary- Hsugen bill and
the equalization fee who slen them
selves with the Democratic opponents
Of Mr.. Hoover in this matter. They
too. will not see.
But to the great body Of American
farmers Mr. Hoover's sane, practical
and sympathetic discussion Of the farm
problem has come With much satisfac-
ton. They will observe his definite
proposal for the establishment Of a
Federal Farm Board, composed ot
farmers, with wide powers 10 deal with
the surplus crop problem. with CO.
operatives and with questions Of agri-
cultural finance. They will under
stand his proposition that the farmers
market in the United States must be
protected by adequate tariff duties
against a food of food products from
abroad. They will welcome. too, his
Recommendation that the inland water
ways Of the country be used to give
them lower freight rates The myth
that his opponents have sought 50
long 70 raise that Mr.. Hoover is actually
an enemy Of the farmer will disappear
entirely with the farmers understand
ing of what Mr. Hoover is actually
seeking TO accomplish for the men. the
women sn6 the children of the farms
Senator Pittman of Nevada. who
headed the platform committee at the
Democratic national convention. COM
menting upon Mr. Hoover's farm plan.
says:
He stands firmly upon the Repub-
lican platform for farm relief. He Of
fers nothing new. He makes no ex-
PLANTATION why the Republican admin
istration has not provided remedy"
II Senator Pittman should search the
records Of the last Congress he would
hnd ample explanation why the Re-
puhlicans, in apparens control Of both
houses OF Congress, failed to enact farm
relief legislation He would find that
farm legislation could have been writ
ten and placed on the statute books
but for the determination Of a group
Of Republicans from the Middle Yves:
intent upon having the equalization
fee. and but for the determination OF
certain Democrats not 10 permit farm
legislation TO 60 through Congress
which could be signed by President
Coolidge He would find that political
ends rather than the desire for farm
legislation had governed. Some of the
Republicans who stood for the equaliza-
ton fee plan or nothing were more in
tent upon keeping the farm issue alive
IN order to bring about the nomination
of 0 Midwestern candidate for Presi-
dent than intent upon getting needed
relief for the farmers themselves. The
Democrats saw advantage to themselves
in keeping the farm issue for the ma
tional campaign. rather than in So
luton Of the problem before the pres
identisI race should begin.
The history of the last session of
Congress. 50 far as the farmers are
concerned. is the history Of selfish poll
ticianx. George N Peek, for example,
a farm leader SO called. who has an
nounced his support Of Gov. Smith,
was denounced on the floor Of the Sen
ate months ago by Senator Brookhart
Of Iowa because Mr.. Peek had told him
that he was interested in the nomina-
ton of Vice President Dawes rather
than in the immediate enactment Of
farm legislation. Nor did Mr.. Peek
ever reply directly TO this accusation
Mr.. Peek and others allied with him
used their influence 10 block legislation
that would have aided the farmers and
81 the same time would have received
the approval Of President Coolidge
The criticism that the administration
failed 70 obtain farm legislation tn the
last session OF Congress comes with bad
grace from the Democrats. II Presi-
dent Coolidge mad finally approved the
McHary- Raugen bill they would have
been greatly discounted. Furthermore
they PROBABLY would nov be on the
stump denouncing this very measure
ss unconstitutional and g hardship On
the farmer
CIV Smith. himself, tne Democratic
nominee has turned his back fatty on
the equalization fee plan. which va
the heart 81 me farm bin which tic
Democrats voted for In the Senate and
House The latest proposition from
Democratic headquarters IL that the So
luton Of the farm problem shall b.
handed by Prof Selgman. an econ
onaist, G! Columbia University. Mes
YorE. At tire request Of Mr Raskob
the Democratic campaign manager
Prot. seliemsn is now working on 'he
farm problem. II will be interesting U
ese what his labors bring forth
-
Bold Forgeiies.