Evening star., 1932-12-07
9lOFARMERS HERE
TO SEEK RELIEF
Spokesman Call on Curtis
and Garner, Asking
Legislation.

Nearly 300 "dirt" farmers from widely
scattered sections of the country, who
marched" on the National Capital to
demand immediate relief measures, con-
vened their Farmers National Relief
Conference this morning while spokes-
men appeared at the Capitol to arrange
for presentation of legislative petitions.
An organization meeting Of the dele
gates was held at II O'Clock at the hall
of the Typographical Union at 423 G
street. Anthony Rosenberg, Newman
Grove, Nebr., was elected temporary
chairman.
Meanwhile. two men in working
clothes. called on Speaker Garner at his
Office In the House side OF the Capltol
to ask permission to present q petition
Friday. They we're assured their reso-
lutions would be received ana con-
sidered.
Late yesterday q similar delegation
from the farm Inarchers called on wee
President Curtis and was given q like
reception.
when Karl Dahlsten Of Newman
Grove, Nebr., and George Keith Of Buhl,
Idaho. called on Speaker Garner today,
he told them:
"Yes, I'm here from about 7:3o every
morning until or each evening. I'll
be glad to receive any communication
you have and present 1t to the Agrt-
culture Committee. If that's where it
should Co."
As they posed for a picture, Garner
shook hands with Dahlsten, who was
clad in red sweater and corduroy
pants.
"You boys haven't worked on farm
much more than have" said the
Speaker. "Of course, quit when I was
1s, but followed the plow many miles
before then"
The meeting here today Of delegates
to the Farmers National Relief Confer
ence is an outgrowth Of the farmers
strikes in Iowa last Summer. when
Transportation of farm products to q
number Of cities was blocked by MILL
tant groups of farmers In an effort to
boost prices.
The farmers decided upon q conclave
of their own at the time the Governors
of the Middle West States met at Sioux
City, Iowa, September 9.
Leaders Of the conference here believe
the delegates, each Of whom represents
at least Is farmers back home, can
agree on the general principles OF pro-
posed Government action. When such
a program has been adopted by the
convention, it Is announced by leaders
of the conference, their demands VIII
be laid before congressional leaders.
The farmers then expect to return TO
their homes.
Lem Harris, q Pennsylvania farmer,
who has q home in New York CITY,
today said he expected the BODY OF
"dirt" farmers would agree on pro-
gram Of demands which would INCLUDE
a moratorium on debts, including re-
lief from taxation, while other means
are being undertaken to boost farm
product prices to point above produc-
ton costs.
Rosenberg, q farmer OF Madison
County. Nebr., who is vice president
of the Nebraska State Holiday Associa-
ton, told his fellow delegates, prior to
the opening of the convention, how the
farmers of his State acted in efforts to
prevent eviction of impoverished farm
ers from their homes for non-rayment
Of debts.
He said they went In large numbers
to bankers and sheriffs and insisted
that the mcneyless farmers be allowed
to stay on their land until they could
raise funds for the payment Of interest
and mortgage.
I Delegates to the conference were ar
irving in trucks and automobiles during
yesterday and last night. They are
being financed by the farmers they rep
resent In their home communities. They
are housed here at homes Of friends Of
the movement and at the washington
Tourist Camp.
Through arrangements made some
days ago with Capt. F. w. Hoover Of
the Welfare and RecreAtional Associa-
ton, who has supervision over the tour
ist camp reservations were made there
for the housing Of $50 delegates to the
conference.
Leaders of the movement say 1t will
not be necessary for members of the
party to call on washington for food.
Registration headquarters for the del
egates was opened yesterday in an Office
building at 612 r street.