212 
AGRICULTURAL RELIEF 
We know that over a period of years there is always a short year. 
The buyers know that, and they buy heavily of these cheap crops, 
store that tobacco away and wait for a short year and make big 
money. That is why tobacco is so high this year. We have one of 
the shortest crops that was ever grown—probably the shortest crop 
that was ever grown, and the buyers are paying to-day, with no organi- 
zation, one of the highest prices we have ever had for tobacco. But 
why are they doing it? Because they know perfectly well that by 
paying high prices it will cause the farmer to put out the whole face 
of the earth in tobacco this year, and there will be a tremendous 
supply of tobacco next year, and then those buyers can buy tobacco 
at any price, and get back many times all the extra amount they paid. 
this year, with interest compounded. Itis an old trick but 1t always 
happens, and buyers are going to be able to keep on doing it without 
a cooperative association to stabilize that market. 
Mr. Kercaam. The thing you are interested in, of course, primarily 
is the matter of an adequate price, is it not? 
lr. MorGaN. Yes. sir: a fair, just price. 1 do not believe in high 
prices—— 
Mr. Kercuam. No. 
Mr. Morgan (continuing). Because that stimulates the growing of 
tobacco in other places, and just simply pyramids itself and hurts 
usin the long run. We want a fair, living price for tobacco, that is all. 
Mr. Ketcham. Just another question in that connection: I under- 
stood you to say to this committee that 50 per cent of your folks could 
be signed up? 
Mr. MorGAN. Yes, sir. 
Mr. Kercram. And about 50 per cent would remain outside? 
r. MorGaN. Yes, sir. 
Mr. Kercuam. Virtually, then, you are asking this committee to 
apply the screws to the other 50 per cent, really compelling them to 
come in and bear this burden. Now, the point I want you to see 
and that we are face to face with is, will that action, if taken by this 
cominittee, suit the 50 per cent who prefer to stay on the outside; 
and particularly, viewed from the standpoint of local control and the 
mdividual choice that a man may have as to when and to whom and 
under what conditions he shall market his crop? I just wanted you 
to see that other side. 
Nr. Moraax. I think from the experience 1 have had in talking 
people that they will welcome the equalization fee, even the non- 
opens, because they realize that whereas they are contributing 
slightly to the carrying of the surplus, it is benefiting them in the 
price they receive for their crop as a whole. 
Mr. Kercnam. Some of us are taking this viewpoint, if the same 
ie can be achieved, namely, in the reaching of a price that 
will be satisfactory, why the necessity of burdening your people with 
the compulsion idea that is involved in th lization 1 if pri 
1s the ultimate object of the levyi © equalization 18s Be 
association of all e levying of the equalization fee and the 
the same end thot people to get it. We are trying to achieve 
cauhanon 1 'p the compulsion idea that is volved in the 
c ee and in the appointment of a great horde of folks to 
go around and say to people, “N . . 
equalization fee , ow, you come across with this 
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