The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-09-20


seems to know why this enterprising
and friendly little city of 10000 popu-
lation has been selected in which to
apply the Holiday plan of the North
west farmers. 1t is one Of the great
primary markets for grain and live
stock, together with Omaha, a few
miles away. The Democratic party
naturally is attempting to capitalize
this condition just as the Republicans
would do were the situation reversed
and as they did during the Wilson re-
gime.
Favor Roosevelt Plan
Roosevelt's siX-point farm plan fits
in with the Holiday scheme in part
only, but his offers of assistance come
SO much closer to farmer demands
than Republican aloofness that all
signs point to thunderous reception
as Roosevelt sweeps through Nebraska
and into this city, around which
the farmers have drawn a blockade.
This gesture has cut down trade and
production to an alarming extent.
Businessmen. tired of picketed high
ways and other demonstrations, have
appealed for state aid to put down
the revolt. Gov. Turner refuses to or
der out the national guard and doubt
less wisely, for a false step now might
give rise to serious conditions.
Coming from Yankton to Iowa over
Highway No. II. we ran into the pick
eters outside of Sioux City, Ia. They
hailed our North Dakota license in
good humor. A large American flag
fluttered over big sign which read:
"Stop-Farmers' Holiday" About 20
farmers in blue denim stood about,
alert for trucks carrying grain or live
stock. Perishable products passed
without resistance.
City Seeks Friendship
At this writing many farmers are
on trial in the police courts of Sioux
City for alleged acts of violence. Most
of them are being turned loose. This
city is striving hard to keep the
friendship of the farmers and the adj
vice of the hot-heads is not being fol-
lowed. The process is irritating to
the residents. however, who say why
pick on us? What have we done to
deserve all this? The farmers believe
that Sioux City and Omaha are good
places to try out the latest agricul-
tural defensive wrinkle.
The Holiday movement Is growing,
although leaders are seeking to dis
courage picketing and acts of vio-
lence. The Sioux City fracas, how
ever, has attracted Communist lead
ers to this city with offers of aid to
the farmers. Their interference is
resented by the farmers who use the
stars and stripes, not the red flag, at
their headquarters.
Communists stormed the mayors
office here Friday with excessive de-
mands. They waved their hands Wild
ly and defied the proposed decree of
martial law.
Let him send Them" cried one
Communist, land we'll see whether
the guns will be turned on the picxets
or the state capitol. Go down to
those picket lines and help hold the
blockade"
Only a few paid any attention to
the Communist demonstration on the
city hall steps. This city is taking the
farmers revolt coolly and the situa-
ton seems we'll in hand but 1t has
many elements Of danger unless it is
skillfully directed. Authorities be-
lieve that plans are in the making
which will lift the blockade shortly,
unless faux pas is committed.
II X X
Over in Nebraska, the farmers have
taken up the Holiday movement most
vigorously. Trade lanes at this writ
ing are not picxeted in Nebraska.
Farm leaders are seeking to avoid
such move by persuading their fell
lows not to market any staple farm
product.
When 900 farmers, representing II
Nebraska counties met last Thursday
at Fremont and organized Nebraska
division of the Farmers Holiday as
ISOLATION, they voted Ito do Just as
near right as we know how, but to go
through"
Their program briefly is:
Cost of production for farm prod
ucts plus an amount which will in
sure a decent standard of living.
Moratorium on mortgages and in
terest for poor farmers until prosper
ity returns.
Cancellation of federal feed and
seed loans.
Tax exemption for heavily mort
gagged farms.
Moratorium on farm rents until
prices exceed cost Of production and
give fair return to agriculture.
No farm evictionS.
Emergency farm relief congress at
Washington next December where
farmers can get same consideration
as bankers, railroads and insurance
companies already have had.
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