The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1933-12-15


question since it has been an issue, and
they will argue about it 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, it APP
pears there are troubles just beginning
for a good many communities; they
will continue for 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 a perma-
nent solution Of the local option prob
lem.
Although 1884 as a crop season for
cotton is quite some distance off, the
Department of Agri-
ToCut 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,OO0,O0O acres. That is
about 35 per cent below the average
acreage of years 1928 to 1882, inclusive,
and the agriculture adjustment admin
istrative considers it will be reduc-
ton Of sufficient size to maintain
prices on a higher level than the av-
erage for the last four years. In ad-
dition, the farmers who withhold land
from production will be paid maxi
mum Of $18 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,
I 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 a measurement. AS the program
goes on, however, and as marketing
conditions adjust themselves to the
new setup, the success or failure of
the plan will become evident.
cannot say that have found a
single unbiased judge who will risk
guess that the cotton adjustment pro-
gram, or the corn-hog, or the wheat
program 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
or 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 a fair test
Judgment OF lne enect OF tne
processing taxes. We
cannot fail to recognize that distribu-
ton of $10O,000,000 among the grow
ers of a certain crop affords that much
return to them, money to spend. On
the other hand, the processing tax is
being paid by nearly everyone who
buys cotton textiles, and the effect
eventually will be felt. What the ex-
tent will be. / can discern no way of
forecasting. Suffice it to say that
fraction of cent per yard may be the
cause of change in the volume Of
sales of a given cloth. But such a
change ordinarily will take place only
under normal competitive conditions.
We have not had such conditions since
the agricultural adjustment admins
tration began to operate. So 1t Is my
conclusion, since the country has en-
parked upon the policy, hasty judg-
ment ought to be avoided and the re-
turn of delicate balances in the econ
cmic structure awaited before the al
lotment plans have been wholly dis
carded or completely adopted.
Speaker Rainey, the white-haired
leader of the house of representatives,
is on record with declaration that
the forthcoming session of congress
will be rather mild. The veteran leg
islator maintains there is not going to
be an unusual roaring. He believes
congress will enact the newest ideas
of the administration into law and
go home-unless some one offers bet
ter plans. The speaker, of course, be-
ing a stalwart follower of President
Roosevelt, thinks there are no better
plans than those Mr.. Roosevelt will
propose.
But a few inquiries has convinced
me the speaker has not taken note Of
the things going on around him. He
did fairly good job at controlling the
house last spring and summer, but
much water has gone over the dam
.;roo tbot time and II ia made tO an