The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1933-12-14

ways have fought over the prohibition
question since 1t has been an issue, and
they will argue about 1t now In many
areas that otherwise are noted for
their peaceful atmosphere where poll
tics are taken usually In smaller doses.
There seems to be assurance here
of continuing problem resulting from
one community being wet and its next
door neighbor being dry, or vice versa.
Such condition is conducive to en-
forcement difficulties. and there are OBJ
vious enmities as consequence. SO,
from the Washington viewpoint, 1t ap-
pears there are troubles just beginning
for a good many communities they
will continue for a long time, and so
far as present prospects indicate the
future, 1t will require much more ex-
perience and much more wisdom than
we now have to bring about perma-
nent solution OF the local option prob
lem.
Although 1884 as q. crop season for
cotton Is quite some distance off. the
Department OF Agri-
T0Cuf Cotton culture has begun
ACREAGE seeking agreements
with the cotton
farmers respecting the reduction OF
acreage. Secretary Wallace said he
hoped to restrict cotton acreage In
1884 to 25,000,O0O acres. That is
about 81 per cent below the average
acreage of years 1923 to 1892 inclusive,
and the agriculture adjustment admin
istratlve considers 1t will be q reduc-
tien OF sufficient size to maintain
prices on higher level than the av-
erage for the last four years. In adj
dition, the farmers who withhold land
from production will be paid a maxi
mum Of SIS per acre In benefit pay
ments by the Department OF Agricul-
ture. This money will come from the
processing tax, just as was done In the
1888 crop reduction program.
Mere announcement that the pro-
gram of restricted production is to
continue through 1884 would seem to
be proof that the parity plan for pay
ments and the federal control over
production has been successful. Such,
however, Is not the case. Moreover,
! believe Secretary Wallace does not
feel that the 1888 program has proved
more than demonstration of the pro.
cedure OF how to do the Job. These
farm aid programs obviously take
time. One year cannot possibly serve
as measurement. As the program
goes on, however. and as marketing
conditions adjust themselves to the
new setnp, the success or failure of
the plan viii become evident.
cannot say that have found a
single unbiased judge who will risk a
guess that the cotton adjustment pro-
gram, or the corn-hog, or the wheat
has been either a success or
a failure. Their candid opinions war
rant me In writing only that there
must be more time elapse before any
one can say definitely that the farm.
allotment schemes should be continued
DR. should be withdrawn.
One reason why there ought not be
snap judgment taken Is because no one
has had a chance to
No Snap arrive at fair test
.yudor,cnf OF the effect of the
processing taxes. W.
,annot fall to recognize that distribu-
ion Of s100,000,0O0 among the grow
IT'S of certain crop affords that much
'eturn to them, money to spend. On
he other hand, the processing tax is
,eing paid by nearly everyone who
,uys cotton textiles, and the effect |
will be felt. What the ex.
ent will be. can discern no way OF |
orecasting. Suffice 1t to say that |
ractlon of cent per yard may be the |
.ause OF change In the volume of |
ales Of given cloth. But such |
hange ordinarily will take place only
Inder normal competitive conditions. |
We have not had such conditions since
he agricultural adjustment admins
ration began to operate. So 1t Is my
onclusion, since the country has EN-.
arked upon the policy, hasty judy
aent ought to be avoided and the re-
urn OF delicate balances In the econ.
mic structure awaited before the al
1tment plans have been wholly dis
arded or completely adopted.
Speaker Rainey, the white-haIred
sader of the house of representatives
!, on record with a declaration that
ne forthcoming session of congress
ill be rather mild. The veteran leg
;lator maintains there is not going to
G an unusual roaring. He believes
Dngress will enact the newest ideas
{ the administration into law and
0 home-unless some one offers bet
n plans. The speaker, Of course, be-
lg stalwart follower Of President
eosevelt, thinks there are no better
lans than those Mr.. Roosevelt will
ropose.
But few inquiries has convinced
e the speaker has not taken note of
lie things going on around him. He
ID a fairly good Job at controlling the
0use last spring and summer, but