The people's voice., 1957-06-14

w Wv
ture continues to be a major problem
confronting the nation, and since
haven't reported on developments
during the past several weeks, | would
like to present three matters to you
at this time. One concerns the Wheat
Referendum for farmers, scheduled
June 20. l am urging all wheat farm
ers to vote Eyes" in this referendum.
In my opinion, the issue boils down
to the question of whether or not
farmers want to return to uncon-
trolled production and free market
price for their products at a time
when there are not even enough buy
ers to absorb our production under
strict acreage controls. Farmers need
some measure of price production
under strict acreage controls. Farm
ers need some measure of price pro-
lection, such as business enjoys, or
they suffer disastrous economic con-
sequences. Failure of the referendum
would have depressing effect on all
farm prices. This referendum is in
reality major battle which may well
determine the course of Congress in
its future deliberations on farm pol
icy.
So far, there have only been four
major congressional measures con-
cerning agriculture which has become
public laws during this session of
Congress. One of them was the Durum
Wheat Acreage Incentive Bill which
I helped push through the House of
Representatives; another provides for
deferred grazing and protein feed
program in drought areas; another
fixes price-support for 1857 crop of
extra-long-staple cotton at 1856 fig
ure, and the other facilitates control
and eradication of plant pests. The
measure concerning deferred graz
ing is Public Law IS 25 and was
signed into law April 25, becoming
effective May 25. If dry weather con-
tinues in the northern tier of coun-
ties in Montana, this program could |
prevent serious over-grazing. The |
Secretary of Agriculture must desig-
nate counties to receive such aid.
Aid for Small Business-The House
Banking and Currency Committee, of
which am member, moved to help
small business this week. We finished
hearings on the Small Business Ad-
and recommended out a
dill making SBA permanent agency.
n that bill, we took the most positive
teps of which l am aware to combat
he high interest eight money" poll
". We reduced the interest rate on
Lgency money loaned from go to
70. Now, if we can just get the
gency to shift out of low gear and l
tart really making some small busi-
ess loans in Montana, it will give a
much needed boost to our states l
economy.
Postal Pay-The House Civil Serv-
,e Committee has agreed to hold q
earrings beginning this Thursday on
egislation to raise pay of postal j
This matter of low pay for f
ostal workers is one which, l feel, T
hould have been considered long ago g
nd action taken to correct the situa- q
Ion V
n
Civil Rights-The Civil Rights Bill Q
inally came to the floor Of the House c
nd will take up almost all Of the
,gislative time for these two weeks. n
he result of deliberations will be- r
ome known soon. The bill brings the G.
:. S. Attorney General and a United p
tates Commission into the attempt Il
secure the voting and other civil r.
ghts of persons now being discrimi- a
ated against because of race, creed
color. Representative of the south F.
n states are proposing amendment F.
provide trial by jury for those ac-
sed of contempt of court under the er
v. Attorney General Brownell has pf
oported the bill in it's present form, tn
! there is general feeling that the 10