The Mahnomen Pioneer

FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Successful Convention in St. Paul Closed Thursday of Last Week

The largest convention ever held by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation came to a close in St. Paul Thursday afternoon, Jan. 17, with the re-election of all officers and the adoption of resolutions calling for complete revision of the state's tax system. Officers re-elected were: A. J. Olson, Renville, president; Ole A. Flaat, Fisher, first vice president and H. M. Sword, Deer River, second vice president. J. L. Morton, of Hancock, was re-elected to the executive board and Mrs. Lewis Minion, Bingham Lake, was elected to the board succeeding Mrs. E. V. Ripley, Menahga.

About 2000 farmers attended the 4-day session.

Among the 34 resolutions adopted was endorsement of the principle of tax limitation and establishment of the gross income tax, without exemption, as a means of bringing about real reduction in property taxes. Extension of the state mortgage moratorium law another two years is urged, as is a bill directing the State Rural Credits Bureau to give more liberal terms in its dealings with the farmers whose mortgages it holds.

Giving the Minnesota Highway patrol police powers, so that it can be made an agency of service to farmers in curbing farm thievery was asked. Another resolution calls for protection of the state prison industries, in order that it may continue to sell machinery and twine to farmers at reasonable rates, and without outside interference.

In the field of national legislation the Farm Bureau urges reduction of interest rates on farm mortgages, through federal action, to not more than 3 per cent, including both interest and amortization, with issuance of new currency to refinance the program. Federal farm mortgage moratorium legislation also was endorsed. President Roosevelt was urged to raise the price of gold to the full limit authorized by congress, as a means of putting sufficient money into circulation so that business will not be hampered through lack of the circulating medium.

The Farm Bureau's resolution on the AAA reaffirms the federation's support, but asks that greater emphasis be placed on soil conservation and range improvement, and that the processing tax be removed from dairy products.

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FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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phasis be placed on the necessity for increasing farm prices, through control over processors of farm products. Federal assistance in establishing farm storage loans, similar to the present corn loan, was urged. Continuation of the Bang's disease eradication program was urged and opposition was voiced to any further land reclamation projects.

The Farm Bureau voiced its vigorous opposition to any move that would interfere with the present system of township government and endorsed the present township assessors system.

The state legislature is asked to pass a law protecting automobile drivers from unjust claims from non-paying passengers, demand being made for a law that would protect the driver from lawsuits for injuries unless it was found that the operator had been guilty of wanton and wilful negligence.

The Farm Bureau also pledged itself to bring pressure to bear on the federal drouth relief administration in order that drouth stricken farmers may receive adequate aid. Other resolutions deal with the farm credit administration, reciprocal trade agreements, co-operative power and electric light associations, agricultural appropriations, alcohol research, emergency crop loans, excise tax on butter substitutes, grading of farm produce, roadside markets, more liberal federal support of rural schools, dog tax, farm tree re-planting, seed grading regulations, and proper weighing and grading regulations as a means of protecting the livestock industry.

One of the resolutions of immediate importance to car owners was the demand that auto license taxes be not increased on small or class "A" cars, but that if it is necessary, the tax on large cars be placed on the old basis.