AGRICULTURAL RELIEF

55H

quite fully demonstrated, and you would be in better position then
to come back and say “We have proved by two years actual experi-
ence that none of these provisions is effective in bringing about the
thing we want. We now insist upon our original proposition, namely,
the incorporation of the equalization fee in the bill?”

Mr. Gray. Answering your question in two parts, if the farm
oroups then would be in better position to come back and advocate
the equalization plan, Congress, on the other hand, would be in a
worse position, because the members of that body and the opponents
of this farm relief plan, would say “We have not had long enough time
vet to try out the other sections. Wait awhile until we try them
out.” There is the danger, Congressman Ketcham, in passing a
bill which does not go to the heart of the question. We will always
be met by the argument, “We have not had time enough to try
these loaning provisions out, or whatever is incorporated in the bill.
Wait awhile. Under different conditions, different climatic con-
ditions, different seasonal conditions, political conditions. or other-
wise, it will work.”

I will answer your question then by saying that the farm groups
would be in better position to come back in two years and advocate
the equalization plan, but we would meet with insuperable obstacles
on account of the advocacy for further delay.

Mr. JoxEs. There are one or two other questions-1 wanted to
ask.

It is vour position, then, and the position of those whom you
represent, that it would be better to report a bill out with the
equalization fee in 1t?

Mr. Gray. That is our position.

Mr. Joves. And take chances on the results? That is the posi-
tion?

Mr. Gray. Thrt es our position.

Mr. Jones. Jf alt “he indications are that the President would veto
it after we put it ‘nro him, do you think it would be worth while to
report any bill at all? Do vou think it might not be better just to
let it ride until—- -

Mr. Gray (interposing). May I answer that question in this way?
Are these farm groups and all others who appear here before this
committee and who have appeared before many another committee of
Congress, dealing with the legislative or the executive branch of the
Government?

Mr. Frommer. That is a good question.

Mr. Jones. I appreciate the force of that, but before you get a law
vou must deal with both. In order to get legislation we must have
the approval of the Executive, unless we have an overwhelming
majority which, from all indications, we do not have. The Congress
has taken the action during the last session of the same Congress.
Not the same Congress, but the last session of Congress, and there
has been no change in the Executive, during the same administration,
I will sav. Now we have taken the action, and do you think it would
be worth while to go through the same action again? 1 am not
asking this in any critical sort of way at all, but do you think we
should go through the same action again with the same man at the
head of the administration. Do you think it would be worth while
to go throuch the process of marching up the hill again with the