anaheim-gazette 1928-02-16

THE ANTI-WAR PACT The much discussed and laudable effort to secure a treaty to outlaw war between American and France and eventually including the rest of the world, seems to have met with almost insurmountable difficulties. That success has not crowned the efforts of the diplomats will of course be regretted by all those who would like to see more constructive steps taken towards making the likelihood of another World war more remote. Up to this time, it seems clear that the diplomacy of the American Secretary of State, Mr. Kellogg, has proved more astute and more logical than that of the French diplomat, Mr. Briand. Significantly the internationalist newspapers in the United States which delight in criticising American foreign policies at the slightest opportunity, are strangely silent so far as any attempts to "analyze" the present situation are concerned. This, in itself, is proof that up to this time the American diplomats have the better of it. Were it otherwise, these internationalist influences would be busy spreading the report that America had committed another blunder and had once more blocked the path to permanent world peace. As a matter of fact, Secretary Kellogg made some constructive suggestions which would at least make war in the future less probable. Mr. Briand came back with the old bromide about outlawing only "aggressive" wars and said that France could go no further because of other commitments. It was difficult for the internationalists even in America after this admission to assert that it is Uncle Sam and not France who is holding up the parade much as they would like to do so. It is true that France has other commitments which prevent her agreeing to the kind of a pact outlined by Secretary Kellogg. And she has these commitments under the consent of the League. As a matter of fact, Secretary Kellogg made some constructive suggestions which would at least make war in the future less probable. Mr. Briand came back with the old bromide about outlawing only "aggressive" wars and said that France could go no further because of other commitments. It was difficult for the internationalists even in America after this admission to assert that it is Uncle Sam and not France who is holding up the parade much as they would like to do so. It is true that France has other commitments which prevent her agreeing to the kind of a pact outlined by Secretary Kellogg. And she has these commitments under the covenant of the League of Nations. Because of her adherence to the league, France has promised to go to war for the league under certain conditions. These conditions included the refusal of some recalcitrant nation to obey the order of the league. And if the league tells France to fight, then France must fight, and the war will not be an aggressive one, no matter who starts it, because the league says it is not aggressive. If the league says it is a good war, then it is a good war, and there is no appeal. Nothing has so exposed the hypocrisy of the friends of the league in asserting that it is an organization designed solely for peace, as this latest "fall down" of the negotiations between France and America. France cannot join us in an agreement eliminating all war because she is bound under her contract with the league to go to war when the league orders. Therefore, instead of an organization at all times for peace, the league is a political organization intended to function when and where the ruling forces of the league—which are the great European powers—want it to function. There is no getting away from the facts. M. Briand has given eloquent testimony to this in the recent diplomatic negotiations with Mr. Kellogg. THAT FARM SURPLUS THE deflation of the farmer started in 1921, and since that time it has been the assertion of all so-called farm experts that the troubles of the tiller of the soil have been due to his surplus. The experts have asserted that he ought to cut production in order to increase the price, yet it is a well known fact that the less the individual farmer raises the less money he is going to get for his crop. The farmer has ignored this advance to cut production and in doing this, according to some writers who have studied the subject, he has shown sound judgment. William Johnson, in an interesting article in Farm Life, declares that a great deal of the overloading of our farm markets is due to importations. Mr. Thompson quotes Secretary of Commerce Hoover in the assertion that each year we are importing from foreign countries a billion dollars worth of products which we might as well be raising for ourselves. And it may be said in passing that a billion dollars added to the farm receipts each year would be decidedly important to the farmer. Continuing, Mr. Thompson says: "Let's open our minds to the full meaning of this situation. What it signifies is that in just the last few years 2,000,000 American farm folks have been thrown out of their homes, forced off the land into the town and cities, to make a market here in this country for peanut oil and low grade eggs from China, for cocoan hides from Argentina, cheese from Italy and Switzerland, wool from Australia, silk from Japan, and flax, fruit, vegetables, rice, nuts and many other products from up and down the wide earth. "It isn't only that we have imported $1,000,000,000 worth of such things which have taken the place of products from our own farms. But the competition of these imports in our home markets has lowered the price there of every farm product from alfalfa to oranges. It has forced us to export heavily to foreign markets." "Let's open our minds to the full meaning of this situation. What it signifies is that in just the last few years 2,000,000 American farm folks have been thrown out of their homes, forced off the land into the town and cities, to make a market here in this country for peanut oil and low grade eggs from China, for cocoanuts from Argentina, cheese from Italy and Switzerland, wool from Australia, silk from Japan, and flax, fruit, vegetables, rice, nuts and many other products from up and down the wide earth. "It isn't only that we have imported $1,000,000,000 worth of such things which have taken the place of products from our own farms. But the competition of these imports in our home markets has lowered the price there of every farm product from alfalfa to oranges. It has forced us to export heavily to foreign markets, which has cheapened our entire farm output. "Doubtless, the total loss thus inflicted on American farmers, would have kept the families on the land that have been squeezed off, besides adding to the prosperity of those who have survived this competition. "We import, for instance, hundreds of millions of pounds of vegetable oils every year. Add our big cheese imports to the portion of these oils that is made into butter substitutes, and it means the displacement of about 800,000 cows that might be making a home market for alfalfa, corn and other feeds." It is rather encouraging to note that many of our statesmen who make a practice of studying farm conditions now fully realize the importance which our tariff laws have for the farmers. Instead of lower tariffs, they are asking for increased duties on products which compete with the things raised on our American farms. If tinkering with the tariff is ever to help the farmers, it will not be in lowering schedules, but increasing the rates on imported agricultural products. NO ROOM FOR PESSIMISM WE HAVE not reduced our tariff and we have not cancelled the debts. Most of the countries who owe us money are now paying us something on account, and a certain large and important class of our people; namely, the agriculturists, are asking for an increase rather than a decrease in certain of our tariff rates which affect some of our agricultural imports. In spite of our failing to do, through congress, the things advocated by the internationalists our foreign trade continues to flourish. Moreover, Europe is not going to the dogs because of this and neither are we. Most European nations are more nearly prosperous now than they have been at any time since the close of the World war, and there seems to be no immediate danger of economic depression in our own country." OT His Eye on this Young Crasher By Albert T. Reid NATIONAL CONVENTIONS HEY THEER, KID — BATE IF BEFOOR OI GIVES YE A KICK IN TH'PANTS THE FARMER'S PROSPECTS FLOOD PREVENTION COSTS One of the best: signs for continued There can be no question of the sin- here before the new laws went into effect. In other words, this country has over 20,000,000 aliens within its THE FARMER'S PROSPECTS One of the best signs for continued prosperity in the year 1928 is the slow but steady improvement noted from the agricultural regions of the country. Reports gathered by the Department of Agriculture and by independent sources indicate that 1928 will be a better year, so far as farming is concerned, than was 1927. According to the department, the agricultural credit situation in most parts of the country is better than it was a year ago. The credit supply in financial centers continues abundant and rates on loans have shown a continued decline. It is predicted that there will be a slightly larger supply of farm labor available this year than last, but there will be little change in wages and the price of farm machinery. The purchasing power of the farmers is said to be much greater now than a year ago and this, it is predicted, will have a favorable effect on general business conditions. One middle western newspaper well sums up the situation as follows: "It is estimated that crop farmers have an income from their 1927 harvests that is from $500,000,000 to $600,000,000 dollars larger than the returns received from the 1926 crops." "In South Dakota alone an improvement of $200,000,000 is indicated. Montana gains are equally impressive." "When the farmer goes to market in 1928, therefore, to purchase the goods of producers of products not agricultural, he will be in a better position than that held for a long time to purchase articles other than those not classed as absolute necessities. That is the real effect which an improved farm buying power will have." In conclusion it remains only to say that the United States continues to be the most prosperous nation in the world, and the country with the highest standard of living. These are facts which the average American thoroughly appreciates and he will be slow to countenance any departure from the sound principles of government which have brought this situation about. FLOOD PREVENTION COSTS There can be no question of the sincerity of the sympathy of the people of the United States for their fellow citizens who suffered by reason of the ravages of the Mississippi floods. But there is great and serious danger of this sympathy being dissipated if the southern leaders in congress persist in their demand that the federal treasury meet the full 100 per cent of the cost for the correction of this danger. The President, and his advisors have suggested an allotment of costs so that 80 per cent will be borne by the federal government and 20 per cent by the local communities. This ratio certainly does not seem to impose a particular hardship on the territory in question. By dividing the costs it can be said now that the work will be done more effectively and more economically. Where the federal treasury meets the bill, there is an unfortunate and yet undeniable temptation to spend to the limit, and there is a consequent slackening of the local desire to control and direct. Where, however, it is divided, and the local communities are called upon to meet one-fifth of the cost, there need be no fear of lack of local self-appointed auditors and inspectors whose activities may be annoying at times, but whose very persistence will still have a salutary effect in keeping the total of the bills down and the character of the work up. IMMIGRATION PROBLEM During the first two hundred and fifty years following the historic trip of Columbus, there were some 8000 immigrants who sought new life and adventure in what is now these United States. When famine hit Ireland and political unrest swept through Germany during the middle of the last century, there were three million and more immigrants landed on our shores. Then the picture changed. From 1890 to the beginning of the World war, 17,000,000 aliens entered the United States; and from 1918 to 1924, 5,000,000 more flocked here before the new laws went into effect. In other words, this country has over 20,000,000 aliens within its borders who have brought with them their customs, religious, political and moral beliefs. On January 1, 1928, it is reported there were 1,500,000 applications on file in our European consulate offices for admission into the United States. In 1924, the law went into effect which limited immigration to 160,000 persons per year. Considerable dissension has followed the enforcement of the 1924 law, due in great measure to alleged instances of families having been needlessly divided. Another ground of agitation centers about the so-called National Origins provisions upon the basis of which countries are allotted their quota of immigrants. The National Origins provisions provide for a division of the quotas according to the national origin of the whole population of our country. As the operation of this provision is based upon the 1870 census, it grants an advantage to such countries as Germany and the Irish Free State, as those two countries were at the peak of immigration to this country along about 1870. The attempt to place Latin-American countries, including Mexico, on a pro rata basis is raising considerable protest throughout the West. A concerted effort is being made to restrict Mexican immigration. If to do so will seriously hamper agricultural interests, now is the time for growers to voice their sentiments and give to their political representatives a true and complete survey of the situation as it affects the California farmer. TRAINING ARMY RESERVES The new war department appropriation bill provides for 125,141 students in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps; and the government provides for an allowance of $30 for the first year, and $6 following year for uniform equipment; and 30 cents a day for commutation, except at summer camps, when they are allowed 70 cents a day. principles of government which have brought this situation about. allens entered the United States; and from 1918 to 1924, 5,000,000 more flocked Pop! 3-23 HAT THA M HILL IS ALL THIS RGENCY ABOUT? WHEN THE RADIO BATTERIES DIE HOW COME YA DON'T TOUR THEM? HM-M, IVE GOTTA UP A GOOD ANSWER THAT ONE OR I'M FOR AN EVENING'S DISCUSSION OBSERVATIONS THE INTREPID TOREADOR A PRESIDENT of a southern republic, for the edification of several distinguished visitors, went into a bull ring there a short while ago and, it is said, performed a number of dangerous "passes," or waves of the crimson cloak, before charging bulls. Now it has so happened that some men in high places have been known to pass the bull, but this caballero stepped skillfully in avoiding the horns of the animals. MAKE HAY WHILE SUN SHINES Just so long as bankers send messenger boys with bags of money from one bank to another, bandits will flourish. It's a good deal like telegraphing ahead that the money is coming. TOO MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE A MOVIE actor owes his divorced wife $5000 back alimony, and the other day was cited into court to show cause why he should not be adjudged in contempt. The husband replied that his second wife needs all the money he can earn, and his funds are short. He has been granted 30 days' extension, and of his footsteps he had better watch out. LOOSING THE VELVET Over in Paris, a law has been passed whereby a person who finds valuable articles is awarded 5 per cent of their value. Now if a law was passed in this country like that, which would apply to profits in overissued oil stock sales, it might cut down the percentage quite a lot. WON OUT BY A SCRATCH A HUSBAND in Reno was granted a divorce when he showed that his wife, who was handy with her fists, and egotistical, also took the dogs to bed with them, and the judge thought that was too much of a crowd. A MAN-SIZED JOB President Coolidge, so far as he is personally concerned, has definitely eliminated himself from the presidential race. He said to the Republican national committee: "And now you WON OUT BY A SCRATCH A HUSBAND in Reno was granted a divorce when he showed that his wife, who was handy with her fists, and egotistical, also took the dogs to bed with them, and the judge thought that was too much of a crowd. A MAN-SIZED JOB PRESIDENT COOLIDGE, so far as he is personally concerned, has definitely eliminated himself from the presidential race. He said to the Republican national committee: "And now you are to proceed to the 'serious' task of naming a new candidate." With 10,000,000 men under arms in Europe, ready to fight at the drop of the hat, world's peace hangs in the balance. The United States is a part of the works. There are lots of people who believe President Coolidge will be drafted—whatever that means—to serve the people for another term. As the old saying goes, it's poor policy to swap horses in the middle of the stream. President Coolidge has the confidence of the American people. ACH, LOUIE, VAT A HEADACHE FROM figures compiled, it is shown that drunkenness increased during 1926 as fast as it did in 1925, and faster than it did in 1924. It is reported that in so-called "dry" states conditions are much worse today compared with 1924. Conditions in so-called "wet" states, it is said, are not so bad in comparison. SERIOUS PROBLEM WHAT is the cause of all this crime? There are several major reasons. One, perhaps the main, is the desire of men and women to live without honest work. The increase of the use of narcotics, no doubt, is the direct cause of many of the murders and holdups. Employment perhaps would relieve the situation. Maybe capital can offer a remedy. BUT THE EGG IS BAD. JUST THE SAME IN REPORTING holdups nowadays, the papers stress the fact whether the "swag" obtained is of a large or small amount. If it is small, the job is rated as poor, but if the holdup gents get away with a large sum of money, the report draws a "streamer," with all the trimmings. “SNOW” USERS LEADING ALARMING conditions prevail among drug addicts, and it is reported that the violators of anti-narcotic laws greatly outnumber prohibition offenders. In a southern penitentiary it is said there are 950 prisoners who violated the anti-narcotic laws, as against 365 against the "dry" law. Other penitentiaries show comparative numbers. LOOKING FOR THE END OF THAT RAINBOW NUMBER of boys have been put through their paces with a view to getting into the movies. The boys are on the tip-toes of expectancy; but their chief characteristics so far is to scowl and smile. UNFOLDING HIS BANK ROLL ABOUT two years ago a man went in for a flyer at a bunch of 1919 bonds issued by one of the foreign countries. The agent was to fluent and convincing that the local Wall street broker LOOKING FOR THE END OF THAT RAINBOW NUMBER of boys have been put through their paces with a view to getting into the movies. The boys are on the tip-toes of expectancy; but their chief characteristics so far is to scowl and smile. UNFOLDING HIS BANK ROLL ABOUT two years ago a man went in for a flyer at a bunch of 1919 bonds issued by one of the foreign countries. The agent was to fluent and convincing that the local Wall street broker loosened up for $135 worth of U. S. A. money. The value of the bonds in the foreign country's currency ran up into six big figures. The other day the local man received word that the bonds had been revalued, and he received $7.69 for his entire holdings. IN TIMES OF PEACE PREPARE FOR WAR? THE secretary of the navy has submitted a naval construction bill to the budget bureau, calling for $2,000,000,000 within the next twenty years for new naval replacement of battleships. A billion of this amount is asked for expenditure within the next five years. In view of the fact that several European countries are sitting upon powder magazines, this is very significant. World's peace hangs in the balance, and the good Lord only knows what is going to happen. GETTING THE AIR THE other day a quartet of undesirable gents (who it is said came from an eastern city near the lakes) were politely but firmly escorted to a train by a big policeman in a wonderful town up the boulevard and told to go hence and never come back. It seems the men have a "past" and by their absence society is safer. But one of the gents says he owns $2,000,000 and was just looking around, and may decide to buy a bungalow and settle down and be good. If he gets a lawyer, he might enter an oral demurrer, and work up a speaking acquaintance with a real estate agent. NOW YOU TELL ONE ONCE in a while you will hear some smart Alec say—should he ever get into the clutches of the law—that he would rather be sent, for instance, to this prison or that.