The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1937-09-16
UNITED STATES SENATOR

state to dictate this column, it is
becoming more and more evident
that the effort to draft new farm
legislation when Congress convenes
will be marked by sharp contro-
versy over whether there shall be
direct subsidies to agriculture or
production control. Each of the two
plans has many supporters. Inc
action of the agriculture commits
sioners from ten Southern states in
approving the subsidy idea is sign
ificant.
Those opposed to production con-
troll contend and with merit to their
contentious, that weather and pest
conditions cannot be controlled and
enter strongly into the situation.
They argue that if there is produc-
ton control, drought or heavy rain
fall, pests or some other emergency
can wipe out all the gains made
through crops shortages. More
over, it is always difficult to get
all farmers to agree to production
control.
In industry, it is claimed, when
some industrial plants are faced
with a showdown in production,
others speed-up and take advantage
of what situation. The same hold
true for agriculture and in many
cases production control does not
work evenly.
The tour of members of the Sen
ate Committee on Agriculture
through the farm belts will I'M
doubtedly develop much informa-
ton as to what the farmers want.
One suggestion already made, in
connection with cotton, is that the
prices be pegged with regard to do
nestle consumption and that the
surplus be dumped" into the world
markets. It is rightly claimed that
to carry through such a plan would
require tariff changes to prevent an
influx of cheap goods from abroad
made from the dumped" American
cotton.
Many veteran Senators who have
spent years with the problems of
agriculture always in their mind,
are strongly opposed to production
control
In fact, the disagreement over
production control as proposed in
Administration measures introduced
at the last session of Congress had
to do with preventing the enact
ment of new farm program. But
in the end the law will probably be
framed on the basis of what the far
mers themselves and the leaders of
farm organizations want. To ascer-
tain this is the purpose of the field
studies of the Senate Committee.
Many Congressional leaders reco-
gnize that with a short session gen.
orally favored, due to the 1888 cleo
tons, it would be extremely diff
cult to start in on what is generally
described as tariff tinkering" This
fact alone, some contend, may help
swing support toward production
control for the present, with more
permanent legislation to be drafted
later.
Tariff changes-edspite the fact
that there is good need for better
protection TO tribe farmer have al
ways been one of the most contro-
ersial legislative questions. Thus
to open tariff debate in the next
session, along with the prospects of
new tax legislation, might throw
Congress into muddle worse than
that of the last session.
However, one thing now seems
certain. When Congress convenes,
whether in special or regular ses-
sion, farm program will be ready.
1t is not inconceivable that a COM
promise of some fashion will be
reached between those who oppose
production control and those who
favor this method of meeting the
farm situation. Some dissatisfac-
ton over the innocent loan on cot
ton may have an influence on any
new farm bill.
From the standpoint of the farmer,
these controversies are hopeful
signs. They mean that there is real
interest in the farm problem and
that it is daily winning more atten-
ton. And there is agreement that
the farmer cannot have any assur-
ance of economic stability as condi-
tons are today.