AGRICULTURAL RELIEF
453
It is the belief of the grain trade that no one legislative measure will com-
pletely remedy the situation which exists to-day in agriculture. It is our belief,
however, that a program of diversification of crops would greatly aid the farmer
in his difficulties and that this could be helped by proper tariff protection on these
agricultural commodities which we now import into this country, thereby per-
mitting a reduction of acreage on grains which are producing a surplus. The
grain exchanges have also gone on record as opposing any further reclamation
schemes, the object of which is to accomplish an extension of agricultural area,
and we believe that aggressive opposition to such projects on the part of your
committee would be effective aid to agriculture. The condition of the farmer has
improved to some extent recently and the grain trade feels that this is a matter
on which the farmer should be highly complimented, noting the fact that the
improvement has largely been due to his own intelligent efforts in crop diversifica-
tion and more efficient production.
We believe that the continuation of such efforts, combined with the remedies
suggested above, constitute logical and effective means of ultimate improvement.
The exchanges wish to go on record against any of the type of revolving fund
bills now before your committee, believing that such legislation would aggravate
present difficulties by increasing production and that they would, in the long
run, prove to be detrimental to the farmer. The exchanges further wish to pro-
test against any tvpe of legislation that places the Government, either directly
or indirectly, in the grain business.
... The grain trade will be very glad to jhave representative and well-posted
members appear before your body and elaborate our views fully, if you so desire.
May we close with a renewal of our expression of urgent interest in the agricul-
tural problems and the offer of our service in helping to find an intelligent solution?
Repsectfully submitted.
Grain ExcHANGE COMMITTEE,
~. W. LonspaALE, Chairman.
SieBEL C. Harris, Secretary.
(Submitted on behalf of Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, Kansas City
Board of Trade, Omaha Grain Exchange, St. Louis Merchants Exchange, Buffalo
Corn Exchange, Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce, Toledo Produce Exchange,
New York Produce Exchange, Baltimore Chamber of Commerce. Boston Grain
and Flour Exchange, and Duluth Board of Trade.)
Mr. KincuELoE. Mr. Chairman, I have to attend another com-
mittee this morning, but before I leave I should like to know whether
it is contemplated to close the hearings to-day on this farm legislation.
Mr. ANprESEN. Mr. Kincheloe, I am about to make a motion, if
you will withhold your request for a moment.
Mr. KincHELOE. I have nothing to withhold. I am just asking
for information. I should like to know before I leave whether the
hearings on this farm legislation will be closed to-day.
Mr. ANDRESEN. Mr. Chairman, last Tuesday I stated that I was
going to make a motion to-day to terminate these hearings. Before
making that motion I wish to inquire of the chairman if the various
farm organizations that have appeared here before our committee
haye advised that they have reached an agreement on farm legis-
ation.
The Cuairman. No; that is, if you are speaking of
understand that all of them have agreed except the
Mr. ANDRESEN (interposing). Except the grange?
The CrAIRMAN. Yes.
Mr. ANpRESEN. Then, Mr. Chairman, I wish to move at this time
that the committee conclude its hearings on Tuesday, February 21,
at noon, and go into executive session for the purpose of considering
farm legislation, on Thursday morning, the 23d of February.
(After informal discussion.)
Mr. ANDRESEN. In view of the fact that there are several wit-
nesses. as well as Members of Coneress. who desire to be heard on
