DROUGHT DAMAGE

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20002, 9 August 1930, Page 15

DROUGHT DAMAGE

POSITION IN AMERICA. ENORMOUS LOSSES FEARED. (UNITED r.UESS ASSOCIATION—B? ELECTRIO TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.) WASHINGTON, August 7. While preparations to extend relief to the drought-suffering nation are proceeding under the direction of the President, reports indicate the possibility of damage approaching the billion dollars mark unless rains confe soou., The Federal Farm Board announced a plan to organise.. local co-operative .agencies in. the drought-stricken areas to lend, the farmers money to buy feed lor their. liv.e-stock. Officials of tho Weather Bureau at Washington estimate that the crop losses have already reached one billion dollars. They predict an indefinite continuance, with an increase of prices and a shortnge of, food. Forest fires are assuming' dangerous proportions in manv sections, those on several wide territories are beyond control. New York, Philadelphia, and other cities "are faced with a milk shortage. President Hoover is planning to give up his vacation in order to aid tlie situation as far as possible. The Administration is considering the free transportation of cattle from the stricken areas to fresh pasturage, and the entire official coterie at Washington is deeply concerned over the crisis which it is feared may reach great proportions.