Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-10
HELP FOR FARMERS
/. IS AIM OF PARLEYS
Business Men Join Governs
ment Officials in Planning
New Methods.
BY J. C. ROYLE.

Farmers are being sharply reclaSSi-.
fed by governmental agencies, legis-
lators and business men. Time was
when there we're two kinds of farmers
the poor" farmers, of whom the
members of Congress spoke with
tremolo in their voices. and rich"
farmers, like the former Senator
Chauncey M. Depew, who used to COM
plain that milk from his cows cost as
much as his campagne.
Today there are still two classes of
farmers, but now they are poor farmers,
who, through improper methods of
production or marketing, have not made
adequate profits, and good farmers, who
have been successful in securing salts
factory returns.
Despite the agitation over the condi-
ton of the farmers in 1929, figures Of
the Department of Commerce make it
evident that the agriculturists got ap-
proximately $85, 100000 more for their
crops last year than they did in 1928,
which was accounted an excellent year.
1t Is evident, however, that man. @we
still in the poor-farmer class. Hence
Government officials, legislators and
business men in general are working
sincerely and theoretically to reduce
their number and increase the quota of
good farmers.
Farmer Problem Important.
Business men. who are fiocking here
In increasing numbers declare that
never again will the fact be overlooked
that the problem of the farmer involves
the entire business structure. Producers,
manufacturers and retailers must have
some one with money to sell to, and a
CONDITION which affects 100000 peo-
pie, as does the farm situation, is a fac
Tor which must bear heavily on every
other section of commercial and In
dustrial effort.
Warnings have been issued against
overproduction and the farmers are
urged TO restrict acreage in most crops.
The Federal Farm Board is taking a
leading part in this move. Opponents
OF this policy point out it never has
been successful, for the farmers have
never followed the advice.
Inc Farm Board also is meeting oppo-
Slt1on in its efforts toward control of
marketing procedure. The firms al
ready engaged in this line naturally
are d1sinclined to let the business pass
out OF their hands. The spectators
ana the farmers all expect the Farm
board 20 take some action or make
some statement which will advance
prices. Economists point out that. after
all, the laws of world supply and de-
mand control price and not the Farm
Board. The tax specialists all want
to fix up the farmers tax problem by
means OF legislation, and the bank spe-
clalistS want to fix up his finances the
same way.
The business men who hope to sell
tne farmer their goods, while willing
70 admit the farmer must have helm in
financing the production and moving of
MS crop, feel that what the agricul-
Lurlst really needs is more outlets for
ms products They are trying to de-
wise ways to give them to him Chem
ISIS OF a score of big manufacturing
corporations are working out formulas
Ior producing new commodities from
farm products.
Corn Sugar.
Corn sugar has become a factor IN
the sugar markets of the world. The
paper produced from corn stalks. ex-
perts declare, will shortly become com
merclally profitable The Chemicals
furnished by materials grown on the
farms are finding wider markets.
Inc manufacturers count on the
spread of the network of power wires
over the farm country to help devotion
new outlets for farm products Thev
ueciare that in 10 years few farms viii
De unwlred for electricity and that the
power thus placed within the economic
reach OF the farmer will cut his costs
ana increase his profits.