FARMERS’ REVOLT IN U.S.A.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19627, 23 October 1933, Page 7

FARMERS’ REVOLT IN U.S.A.

DEMAND FOR STATE RELIEF DEEP SIGNIFICANCE OF MOVEMENT United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received October 22, 6.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, October 21. What appears to a formidable agrarian strike movement in the westtern sections, caused the Agricultural Administration to redouble efforts today to bring relief to the distressed areas. The extension of crop loans to wheat farmers, Government control of meat marketing, and the speedier distribution of bonus cheques for acreage reduction, are suggested as likely expedients to meet the situation. Some observers feel, however, that such limited relief will not satisfy the demands of the more radical farm leaders, and there is sure to be increasing agitation. Government price fixing is suggested. Brokers on the Chicago Board ol Trade will be licensed by the Government and not permitted to deal in grains at less than a specified price, around a dollar a bushel. The great significance of the farmers’ uprising, according to Western senators, is that it is the forerunner of a formidable movement in the Mississippi Valley, for the inflation of the currency. The farmers of the West are suffering from the inability to get their mortgages re-financed by the Government, while the returns from their crops have been reduced as the result of sharp advances in the cost of things, which they must purchase. The probable demands in Congress for the farmers will, besides inflation, include a modification of the Farm Mortgage Act legislation, to place farm prices on parity with Industrial prices, and the revision of the N.R.A. to shift the benefits to rural communities. STRIKE REGARDED SERIOUSLY. FEVERISH PLANS TO ASSIST FARMERS. Cnlted Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Received October 22, 7.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, October 21. The Western agrarian revolt overshadows the Soviet recognition, in official circles to-day, as a programme of further crop loans to farmers, it Is understood will be the plan favoured by the Admnlistratlon to counteract the movement. Strike Officially Called. Reports from the trouble centres in the Western States, merely confirm that the strike was officially called as scheduled, but there is no indication yet as to the extent of the farmers’ co-operation or the actual stoppage of food supplies. Forecast of President’s Policy. President Rooeevelt delivered an informal address at Washington College, oh the occasion of being presented with an honorary degree. He derided the talk of “dictatorship,” and pleaded for the spirit of co-operation to meet the national problems. He did not mention the farm situation, but to-morrow night he will deliver a nationwide broadcast, n which, it is possble he will announce extension loans to wheat, and maize planters, similar to those given the cotton farmers. Such a policy, according to observers here, is recommended by the secretary for agriculture (Mr Wallace), who is still opposed to Inflation, although it is becoming increasingly clear that that is mainly what the farmers want. One of the most significant developments to-day was the information from Des Moines, that M. Milo Reno, the strike leader, that he will seek the collaboration of the industrial workers for his stoppage programme. He said he would confer with the railway and labour union officials, intimating that he would seek their help in stopping the transportaton of food supplies. Every effort, he says, “will be made to enlist the support of all other groups of society, in our behalf.” Milk May Lead Strike. As previously, Indications are that the milk producers will act as the spearhead of the strike movement, as the non-delivery of their products would be Immediately felt In the urban centres. Some milk deliveries have already been stopped In Omaha (Nebraska). The producers' organisations of Pennsylvania and New York have been asked to Join. As yet, no responsible state officials have been actively participating In the strike, but several, Including Governor Bryan, have expressed their approval of It. INDUSTRIAL UNREST INCREASES. STRIKE SOLUTION BECOMES SERIOUS. United Press Association—By Electric Tel egraph—Copyright (Received October 22, 7.30 pun.) WASHINGTON, October 21. The weekly Federal Reserve report declares that the strike situation is more serious. Perhaps the most dangerous current in the strike problem is that of the New Jersey silk workers, which has

already been the scene of much violence. A conference called by labour to negotiate their differences ended in failure with the strike leaders threatening to call a nationwide silk strike. SERIOUS SITUATION SILK WORKERS INDULGE IN RIOTING. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright WASHINGTON, October 20. The silk strikers and manufacturers seeking a revision of the silk and rayon codes, arrived here in such large numbers that the N.R.A. officials abandoned the idea of a closed conference and instead a general meeting was held. Senator Wagner said he felt that the only solution of the strikers affecting some 65,000 employees in the silk industry, was the readjustment of the wages minimums, and he would recommend this. Grave Developments. At Paterson (New Jersey) serious rioting among the striking silk workers resulted In the shooting of two strikers and the injuring of eight others In a fierce battle with 60 policemen. The mob attempted to hurl a mill official under the wheels of a speeding freight train. Much property was damaged. The first disturbance occurred nearby Clifton, where 800 strikers moved against the Cretonne Print Works, seized the traffio manager and stormed the mill with stones.