Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1929-01-31
TEXAS DAILY PRESS LEAGUE
Forripu Advertising Representatives
Tariff and Reciprocity

The agricultural interests Of the county MI MAKE
q determined cffort during the special session OF con-
gross 70 securc adequate tariff rates on farm prod
ucts. IN this movement they will have the support
n sueh democratic leaders as Congressman John Gar
rer and Senator Shepard OF Texas, and the vote line
m On the agricultural schedules will depend to a great
extent upon tho reciprocal spirit manifested by the
farm leaders and the congressional leaders upon whom
the agricultural interests depend to wage their battle.
At a recent meeting Of the Texas Farm Bureau
Federation in Dallas, the leaders went on record as
opposing a tariff on lumber and lumber products.
Illinois and Iowa farm organizations have demanded
that practically all manufactures used on the farm be
placed on the free list, and advocate general reduction
on everything but farm products.
II this spirit is manifested by the agricultural in
te,ests, they viii encounter serious opposition in Sc
curing tariff rates which will assure them protection
against foreign competition. It is true that the pres
emit tariff gives manufacturers and related industries
. decided advantage, but the farmer should not expect
those industries TO relinquish their protection with
out a fight.
President-elect Hoover has indicated that he de-
sires a tariff established upon a basis which will cx-
tend to every industry adequate protection. Il is i'm
POSSIBLE TO work out a tariff that will be absolutely
equitable to all interests, and the farmers might as
well recognize that fact. They cannot advance the
cause of agriculture at the expense of other indus
tries, and If they are to succeed in their effort they
must 20 into consideration Of the tariff bill as a Who'll,
with a firm determination to assist in establishing
equitable rates for all industries. They must keep in
mind that to discriminate against any industry viii
react TO tho disadvantage Of agriculture; that national
prosperity is essential, and that regardless Of how
high congress may erect the tariff wall around agri-
culture, it will prove valueless unless prosperity 10
ether industries is maintained.
Agriculture has been the football for the tariff
makers for the last half century. The industry has
been practically ignored in connection with formula
ton OF tariff bills. The farmer cannot be criticized
for being highly incensed over the treatment accorded
him, but it will avail him nothing 70 attempt to place
other industries in the same position agriculture now
occupies.
Farm leaders and those political leaders who are IN
sympathy with the effort to solve the problems Of az
riculture should demand that the tariff rates BE-
formulated upon an equitable basis. They cannot af-
ford to attack any industry or to remove from any
industry the protection that is necessary for its con
tinued prosperity. Apparently the industrial leaders
now realize the mistake Of ignoring agriculture in
former tariff bills, and there is every indication that
they will cooperate in placing agriculture upon 4
more profitable basis. But this cooperation will not
be extended r the farm leaders refuse to extend sim
liar cooperation to other industries.
The industries OF the country are interdcpcndcnt.
Farm leaders should carefully consider this fact be-
for attacking tariff rates which are essential to the
continued prosperity Of any industry