Evening star., 1954-10-16
Eisenhower Bids for Farm Vote in Indianapolis Talk

lawmakers. professors. The final
result was a comprehensive pro-
gram passed by the SD Con-
gress, under Republican leader
ship.
So, at last, we have a program
which attacks our farm problem
on both crucial fronts-markets
and production. We have a farm
program geared not to war, but
to peace--a program that will
lncourage consumption-expand
markets--and realistically adjust
farm production to markets. It
will begin the movement toward
that full parity in the market
place which two years ago at
Kasson I set as a goal.
BY removing from the normal
trade channels large part Of
the stocks now owned by the
Government, we have reduced
their depressing effect on farm
prices and price support levels
The program provides for price
supports. They are, of course.
absolutely essential. They are,
however, only one of many steps
essential to a prosperous agricul-
ture-steps that should have
been taken long ago.
Is Progressive Steps.
Let's review some of the bold.
progressive steps taken by the
83d Congress under Republican
leadership.
First. it passed a new law to
use a billion dollars worth of
our farm commodities to expand
our foreign markets.
Second, this same Congress
overcame 80 years Of Illustration
and authorized the st. Lawrence
Seaway which will bring to mil
lions of farmers low-cost trans
portation and reader access to
foreign markets.
Third, this same Congress ex-
tended social security to SIS mil
lion farmers and farm workers.
For years they had been indi-
rectly helping to pay the costs
Of the social security system.
Now, for the first time, our
farmers will receive its benefits.
Fourth, this same Congress
permitted farmers to deduct for
tax purposes up to 25 per cent
Of their income each year for
the costs of many soil conserva-
ton practices such as terracing
and the building of drainage
bitches and ponds.
Fifth, this same Congress ac-
celerated the depreciation pc
riod for newly constructed grain
storage facilities and hberalized
depreciation for new farm equip
ment.
Sixth, this same Congress
launched a program that pro-
vided storage for more than 500
million bushels Of grain.
Seventh, this same Congress
provided effective incentives to
wool growers.
Eighth, this same Congress
gave independence to the Farm
Credit Administration and pro-
vided for its eventual control by
farmers themselves.
Ninth, this same Congress in
creased Federal funds for agri-
cultural research.
More Electrification.
Tenth, the administration and
this same Congress vigorously
advanced the farm electrifica-
ton program. Loans to electric
and telephone borrowers during
the 1854 fiscal year totaled $242
million, the highest since 1851.
With this help, telephone bor-
rowers provided more modern
service. more new lines, and con-
nected more subscribers than
during the four previous years
combined
Eleventh, this same Congress
passed a law to develop the up
stream protection of watersheds
by assuring Federal technical
and financial help to local
groups. These important pro-
grams will not be planned by an
all-knowing bureaucracy in far
off Washington. They will be
planned only at the instance of
local people, with the co-opera-
ton and participation of State
and local governments.
Twelfth, this same Republican,
led Congress made loans avail
able to develop water improve
ments on farms and ranches