Evening star., 1936-06-24


farming interests, how may ade-
quately portray the new hope. the re-
stored confidence, the economic resur-
rection Of the American farmer.
In 1920, 1924, 1928 and 1892 the
hollow and hackneyed promise was
made by Republican platforms and
candidates to restore agriculture to
economic equality with industry. The
promise was never fulfilled or intended
for fulfllment. 1t has been repeated
again in their platform in 1896, with
no more thought of It's accomplish
ment now than in the past.
Burden Piled on Farmer
In Hoover Regime.
During the "the four long years" of
Mr.. Hoover the burdens were piled still
higher on the farmers back, while
$500, ,000, 900 were taken from the
Treasury and poured out into a fan
tastic exhibition Of agricultural pan
tomimicry.
1t Is interesting and revealing to re-
vert to the recent past and revive some
of the platform and convention utter
ances Of the Republican group which
now complains against our successful
program of farm rehabilitation.
In 1916, Warren G. Harding, tenn
porary chairman of the Republican
convention which nominated Charles
e. Hughes for President, said:
"The Democratic party Is always
concerned about the American con-
sumner. Our Republican achievement
is the making Of Nation Of prosper
GUS producers. Far better at high coStt
of living and ability to buy than a
lowering cost attended by destruction
Of purchasing capacity" (Applause)
In the Republican platform Of 1920,
we find the following declaration:
THE farmer Is the backbone Of the
Nation. National greatness and eco
nomic independence demand q popula-
ton distributed between industry and
the farm. and sharing on equal terms
the prosperity which 1t holds Is wholly
dependent on the efforts of both.
Neither can prosper at the expense
of the other without inviting Joint dis
aster."
Their platform in 1924 contained
this declaration:
I'm dealing with agriculture the Re-
publican party recognizes that We are
faced with a fundamental national
problem and that the prosperity and
welfare of the Nation as q whole Is de-
pendent upon the prosperity and well
fare Of our agricultural population.
I'VE pledge the party to take what
ever steps are necessary to bring back
a balanced condition between agricul-
ture, industry and labor"
In his address to the Republican
Convention Of 1928, as temporary
chairman, Simeon D. Fess made the
following statement on agriculture:
The purpose of the administration
in further aid is to avoid the Govern
ment taking over from the farmer his
own control Of the great industry, but
to aid him in that control This aid is
justified because of the inherent nature
regulated production and uncertain
consumption. Could agricultural pro-
duction be held within the limits of
consumption the problem would be
solved. Or could consumption be in
definitely increased the problem would
be solved. The former can be tempered
but not fully controlled While the lat
ter may be increased, but within
limitations Where the Government
can assist in regulating production and
increasing consumption it should CO.
operate with the farmer for such pur-
poses"
G. o. p. Plan in Platform
Of 1928 Is Cited.
In the Republican platform OF 1928
We find this plan:
The agricultural problem is ma
tional in scope, and as such is recog-
nized by the Republican party, which
pledges its strength and energy to the
solution of the same"
The market promises every assist
ance in the reorganization of financial
lines and where diversification is need
ed. governmental assistance during the
period OF transition.
The Republican party pledges itself
to the enactment of legislation Great
ing Federal farm board clothed with
necessary powers (among other things)
to prevent and control surpluses
through orderly distribution.
The Republican party pledges itself
to the development and enactment of
measures which will place the agricul-
tural interests of America on q basis
of economic equality with other indus
tries to secure its prosperity and sue
cess"
In 1882 the Republican platform
contained this declaration:
THE fundamental problem of
American agriculture is in the control
Of production to such volume as will
balance supply with demand. In the
solution Of this problem the co-opera-
tive organization of farmers to plan
production, and the tariff to hold the
home market for American farmers,
are vital elements. A third element,
equally VITAL Is the control of acreage
Of land under cultivation, as an aid to
the efforts of the farmer to balance
production"
In 1928 the Democratic platform
contained the following declaration
on agriculture:
1.-The Democratic party recognizes
that the problems of production diff
fer as between agriculture and in
dustry. Industrial production Is
largely under human control, while
agricultural production, because Of
lack Of coordination among $500 900
individual farm units, and because OF
the influence of weather, pests and
other causes, is largely beyond human
control.
Producers Of crops whose total
volume exceeds the needs OF the
domestic market must continue at q
disadvantage until the Government
shall intervene as seriously and as
effectively in behalf Of the farmer as
1t has intervened in behalf Of labor