Speech #760229538

Mr. President. since all the farmers of this country. together with the Secretary of AgricultureI am not authorized to quote the President. but I am sure he would look with favor upon this kind of legislation. this kind of reliefand since all the farm organizations of the country are begging the Congress to give this relief because of the seriousness and tragic conditions which face the farmers I cannot understand how anyone can oppose it. Yes. we voted $50.000.000 for refugees. for foreigners who live across the sea. Here we have a chance to vote money for the relief of people in this country who are in about as bad condition as are those to whom we are extending relief on the other side of the sea. or who are at least in a serious condition. How can we face our constituents and say "I voted for. and there was adopted unanimously. an appropriation of $50.000.000 to take care of the unfortunates of Europe. a responsibility which cannot be charged to us. and yet we failed to take care of 9.000.000 illfed children in America. many of whom throughout the United States are sleeping without mattresses. and of the farmers who will be destitute and in bankruptcy because -of the loss of their market as the result of this damnable war in Europe." I insist that of all the appropriations we are making we can accomplish more good for the unfortunates of this country by such an appropriation as I propose. small as it is in comparison to the appropriation carried by the bill we are about to pass.