The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1934-07-28

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A Workable Moratorium
It was an Intelligent and workable
moratorium which Acting Governor
Ole H. Olson proclaimed in North
Dakota Wednesday, . much better
one than that under which the state
has labored during the last year.
It Is better because it permits and
encourages the adjustment Of differ
ences between creditor and debtor,
makes provision for eliminating the
inequalities which existed under the
old moratorium.
Few If any persons in this state
have opposed the idea Of . mora
forum. But it has been apparent.
too, that this was merely q negative
step. It is something to prevent the
eviction Of the farmer or other citi-
zen from his home, but It Is not
enough. If the only effect Of mora
torium is to perpetuate the misery
of the debtor it is fruitless, for It u
obvious that such drastic remedies
cannot be applied forever and unless
the situation Of the debtor Is I'm
proved by some method the time
eventually will come when disaster
finally overtakes him.
Thus it Is that cooperation be-
tween the agencies Of the state and
the national government, all direct
ed toward revision Of the situation 80
debt ridden North Dakotaus may
start all over again, IS more construc-
tive than q mere executive thou
shalt not"
Provision for adjustment Of griev-
ances through action In the district
courts takes care Of one legitimate
source OF protest against the LANCER
moratorium. Farmers who were
hardest pressed were not always the
first to take advantage Of this pro-
lection. II reports in circulation are
true. many persons who could pay hid
behind the moratorium unfairly.
Creditors were left without . means
OF redress other than direct appeal
to the governor who, In the nature
Of things, could not take the time
to investigate all phases OF such mat
tiers.
Thus. under LANCER, we had an In
discriminate application or lifting Of
the moratorium, usually on the rep
reservations Of only one side In the
controversy. It was q kangaroo
court method Of making adjustments.
It gave the former governor oppor-
tunity to win political support by ap-
plying or lifting the moratorium up
on request, but 1t also served to be-
cloud . situation which certainly
needed Qualification.
Acting Governor Olson, recognizing
the limitations imposed BY time up
on one man, sets up . different and
fairer system. II Judge Of the dis
trict court, having examined Ill Of
the facts, feels the moratorium should
apply, 1t will remain in force. II the
facts show an attempt to take unfair
advantage Of q relief intended only
for the hard-pressed and needy. the
Judge can recommend that It's opera
ton be suspended in an individual
case and. presumably, this action
will be taken.
Thus we get away from government
by executive flat g much q It Is
possible to do 50 under existing con-
ditions. The authority vested In the
governorship i being used construc-
lively rather than In an effort to en-
nance the importance and powers Of
that office.
Debtors will be adequately protect
ed but sound Judgment viii Be sub
stituted for snap judgment. Mean
while impetus Is given the movement
for debt adjustment which must be
had II were are to have real progress
in the future.