"Naturally, it is the big companies and large farms that hold more land."
"Exactly!"
Niall walked into the crowd. The large agricultural companies in America were extremely powerful. In fact, in some Central and South American countries in later years, their economic lifelines were controlled by these big agricultural companies.
Although there were also factors like the indirect control of the U.S. government over small countries in Central and South America, it was undeniable that these big agricultural companies had infiltrated every aspect of American agriculture. When the government made agricultural policies, they would often consult with these companies and then consider the direction of the 18 million farmers' votes before making decisions.
This made Frederick's suggestion problematic!
If the U.S. government bought up the surplus economic crops on the market and destroyed them, the big agricultural companies would only be protecting their capital. The small farmers might think they were doing okay just by protecting their capital, but how greedy are capitalists?
Need more examples of capitalist greed?
After all, if the U.S. government is spending money, why not directly use the money spent on buying the surplus crops as subsidies and give it to the big agricultural companies? That way, the big agricultural companies could simply leave their land fallow without the cost of cultivation, and they would make as much money as they could from the subsidies.
This approach would obviously align more with the interests of big agricultural companies than just protecting their capital. Even Roosevelt, historically, was a representative of the bourgeoisie, not of small farmers. He had to protect the interests of capitalists to maintain the power of the U.S. federal government.
"I see now!" Frederick was convinced. Everything Niall said made sense, and he couldn't help but applaud.
Even the young master of the Schaeffer family agreed with Niall, so there was no reason to question it anymore. The surrounding farmers all began to clap, which made Niall a bit embarrassed, so he kept nodding and acknowledging them.
Young Niall had first gained admiration in the courtroom for his eloquent arguments and wit, which earned him the respect of the local farmers. Now, his detailed analysis had earned him unanimous approval from everyone present. Niall probably hadn't realized it, but he had gradually established a reputation among the Irish community in Brook County.
The wedding continued, and the discussion grew even livelier. People started planning to go to town in a few days to change the land usage and wait for the new subsidies the government would announce.
"Ah, when it comes to reading, I really can't compete with you!" Frederick had a new appreciation for Niall.
"I just listen to the broadcasts every day. Among the politicians' nonsense, there are always a few valuable words," Niall said, now feeling quite smug.
"But we don't have much land. My old man is planning to notify a few people." Frederick was more interested in expanding the family's hotel business.
Many German immigrants who came to America didn't have much capital, and they still had to be farmers. They could only cultivate small plots of land and work as self-sustained farmers, struggling to make ends meet.
Barend, who had high social standing not only in the German community in Brook County but also in the northern part of West Virginia, had significant connections. Without capital, he couldn't open a hotel.
As an influential figure, Barend naturally wanted to do something for the German community. The issue of changing the land usage that Niall had mentioned didn't cost the farmers much; it was just a trip. If, in two or three years, the new agricultural law was passed and substantial subsidies were granted, it would be a win for Barend as well.
"Actually, it's not urgent. President Hoover just took office. With his advantage in Congress, he won't be impeached, and the law might not be enacted until the next president takes office," Niall spoke frankly.
"I understand, just preparing," Frederick wasn't too concerned. He pulled Niall aside.
"What's up?"
"It seems that things are about to be decided in Chicago."
"Go on."
"I never expected Al Capone to be caught and arrested for tax evasion. Charlie Luciano was arrested for running prostitution, and a total of 69 people were taken into custody."
"What about your guy Meyer Lansky?" Niall wasn't surprised by the arrests of these gangsters. As for their charges, they were nothing to be shocked about.
In the U.S. judicial system, opinions varied. A murder could be deemed not guilty, but you could be sentenced to fifty years for some random crime. Like in the O.J. Simpson case—acquitted for murder but later sentenced to thirty-plus years for illegal possession of firearms. You could still end up in prison for life.
"He took over a lot of territory and invited me to meet him," Frederick said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Congratulations!"
This was a congratulation indeed. Frederick was on his way to becoming someone big, and soon Niall could brag, "I know a millionaire, we grew up peeing and playing in the mud together."
While they were talking, far away in New York State, a man who could be described as a man of indomitable spirit despite his disability was actively using the densely packed railroads of New York to make his campaign speeches.
New York's economy had been severely affected by the Great Depression, with many towns experiencing mass unemployment. On the roads, people were walking in search of job opportunities or to get relief supplies.
Even more extreme, some people started fires in the forests and then ran to the police station to report them, hoping that the government would increase the number of firefighters and forest rangers to gain work and income.
The Republican Dewey, who was running for the southern district prosecutor of New York, coincidentally encountered a disabled man, also campaigning for governor of New York.
Roosevelt!
Neither of them knew how fierce their competition would become in the future. They even had a friendly dinner together. On the topic of Dewey's plans to combat crime and crack down on the mafia, Roosevelt was very supportive. This common ground was important, and after Roosevelt became president, Dewey ran for governor of New York, where the people of New York rejected the Democratic candidate and chose Dewey, a Republican who was genuinely doing something.
This was a rare occurrence, especially with the Republican Party's reputation at an all-time low. Sometimes, an individual politician's personal popularity and reputation can significantly influence the entire party's election prospects.
The next day, they went their separate ways. One became governor of New York, the other became the southern district prosecutor of New York. Both made a name for themselves in politics and began to pursue their ambitions.