COOLIDGE VETOES BILL, DEFYING THE OPPOSITION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18091, 26 February 1927, Page 1

COOLIDGE VETOES BILL, DEFYING THE OPPOSITION.

THREATS OF DIRE CONSEQUENCES FAIL TO MAKE HIM WAVER.

By Telegraph.—Frees Assn.—Copyright Aus. and K.Z. Cable Association. (Received Februarv 26. 11.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, February 25. President Coolidge vetoed the M'Nary-Haugen Agricultural Bill, defying the threats of

the farm leaders of dire political reprisals. He refused to affix his signature to the measure, which he and the members of the Cabinet have consistently opposed. The Bill’s passage by Congress placed the President in the

difficult position of having to offend one of two powerful groups, namely, the Western farmers and the Eastern financiers, the latter being practically united in their opposion to the measure.

President Coolidge, in a lengthy veto of the message held that the Act was unconsitutional and attached the opinion of the Attorney-General to this effect. The closing paragraph of the message suggested the passage of other farm legislation now before Congress, and again recommended the passage of some Conservative measure.

The Bill involved the appriation of 250,000,000 dollars to assist agricultural co-operative organisations through the Federal Farm Board, which will regulate the marketing of surplus products and will benefit the producers of cereals, stock, cotton and tobacco. The Bill has evoked the bitterest opposition.