Evening star., 1933-12-28

An analysis CT comment on recent
statements of Secretary Wallace, in
Guiding his annual report, ahows that
observers are inclined to agree with
the agricultural chief that the farm
surplus problem is national rather than
sectional in character. 1t is pointed
out that in selecting a method for the
elimination of excess farm products. the
Nation may also be making a choice
between nationalism and international
trade. with the possibility of a very
definitely planned compromise between
the two.
Unique as it is in our history" says
the Portland Oregon Journal, Ito find
craftsmanship in the Department of
Agriculture. it has been found. Secretary
Wallace rises to craftsmanship in the
last of his addresses in his swing
through the Middle West Mr. Wallace
performs this miracle by his clear show
ing that the farm problem is our
national problem. 1t cannot be solved
at home. 1t hinges on national policies
definite decision that must be made and
adhered to over course of years.
America has two rOadS-and q further
two. We can take any Of the three
highways but the important thing is
that we understand which one We are
taking and follow 1t 'steadfaStly and
firmly Whatever one we take. some
body is going to be hurt. The thing to
decide beforehand is which one will be
productive of the greatest good" thinks
this paper.
The Oakland Tribune is Of the
opinion that 1.-The Secretary enters an
argument which has divided some of
the other Administration advisers when
he says that the Nation faces a choice
between modifying its tariff policy so
as to permit large quantity Of i'm
ports to enter this country-on the
theory we cannot sell unless we also
buy-or it must accept a considerable
and permanent loss of foreign markets"
"Mr. Wallace affirms," according to
the Chicago Daily News, that regula-
ton of profits is logical corollary of
regulation of production and producers
prices. If that be true. the conclusion
is that the regulation Of production and
prices should be abandoned at the first
opportunity as un-American and un-
sound. Former Justice Oliver w.
Holmes once said that the life Of the
law is not logic, but experience The
same Is true Of craftsmanship. When
logic leads to absurd deductions. the
course Of wisdom Is to re-examine the
premises"
1.-THE Administrators plan, apparent
ly," says the Springfield (Mass) Union
sis to transfer much population from
city to country by one means ana an.
other. But to make each rural recruit
half farmer will not help to provide
a market for agricultural products.
This must be found through keeping
the large centerS strong and prosperous
and enabling them to buy from the
farmers in requisite quantity at fair
prices"
ures and policies that are radical,
measured by past standards" concludes
the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, but
it comedies that "he shows good deal
Of frank common sense in dealing with
such matters as imitation, in recognizing
the unpopularity Of some measures he
deems necessary, and in insisting that
the agricultural problem needs funda-
mental treatment extending over a
period Of years"
While convinced that the acreage
reduction program is sound and de-
sirable," declares the Providence Journal.
Secretary Wallace expresses the opin-
ion that agricultural acreage cannot be
readily restricted to the point capable
of serving only domestic needs. To at
tempt to confine it to that degree would
require 'superhuman efforts That con-
clusion leads Mr.. Wallace to another
sensible deduction. If we must sell some
portion Of our farm products abroad,
why not encourage commercial policy
that will stimulate foreign purchases Of
our agricultural commodtties3 In short,
how can we expect to create markets
for our farmers unless we buy more
freely In foreign countries? The curious