AGRICULTURAL RELIEF

69

Now, gentlemen, much has been said about surrendering to the
President. I yield to no man in my respect for our Presidents, regard-
less of their political affiliations. We are charged with the respon-
sibility to perform certain duties, and we are here to perform those
duties.

One suggestion is, to pass the buck, and thus prolong the agony for
two years. Why should the agony be prolonged? I believe that
this committee and the present Congress are capable of determining
what should be done in the matter.

The question is, are we for preserving advantageous domestic
markets for the farmers, as provided in the bill, and to prevent sur-
pluses of agricultural commodities from unduly depressing the price
obtained for such commodities, and for protecting the producers
against undue and excessive fluctuations in the markets for their
commodities?

Shall we, as Republicans, carry out our party platform pledges “to
establish a balanced condition between agriculture, industry, and
labor”’? Shall the pledge made in the Democratic platform ‘to
establish an export corporation or commission, in order that the price
of the exportable surplus may not establish the price of the whole
crop’ be repudiated and renewed pledges made, and thus permit the
acknowledged adverse conditions to continue, or shall party platform
pledges be upheld by the enactment of effective legislation as urgently
requested by the numerous farmers and representatives of farm
groups, who have been knocking at the doors of Congress for so many
years?

Mr. AswerL. If we pass a bill with this equalization fee in it will
we be prolonging the agony?

The CuairMaN. If a lot of obstacles are placed in the way.

Mr. AsweLL. Now let me ask you this question. If we pass any
bill with this provision in it do you believe it could become a law?

The CrairMAN. It can if it receives favorable action on the part of
Congress and the President or by a two-third majority of the two

ouses. .

Mr. FuLmeR. I understand the cotton people will come before us
in the morning.

The CrairMAN. There is another gentleman here from Illinois who
would like to return home, and it was agreed this morning that he
might be heard to-day for a few minutes, if that be agreeable to the
committee. What is the pleasure of the committee. :

The request is for unanimous consent that we hear Doctor Kilgore
the first thing in the morning. Without objection it is so ordered,
and we will adjourn until 10 o'clock.

(At 12 o’clock noon, the hearing was adjournea
to-morrow, Friday, January 20 1928 °