Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-02-03
Republican Leaders De-
mand Quick Verdict OF
Cost of Living.
HOUSE BILL TOO SLOW
Present Situation Admitted to
Be Most Embarrassing Met
in Years.

Washington. Feb. 3.-Frankly admit
ting the fear that a prolonged investi-
cation Of the increased cost Of living
by the house ways and means commit
tee, or otherwise it might last through
out the summer. and work to the dis
advantage of republicans in the cleo
tions next fall. the senate finance COM
mittee yesterday formulated a program
for quick, sharp inquiry.
The question was considered by the
republicans on the committee. and
Lodge introduced in the senate a reso-
luton providing for the appointment
OF committee of five senators TO do
the work.
Embarrassing Problem.
No problem. it is said. has proven SO
embarrassing 10 the republican party
during its long control of congress.
The majority of the members of the
finance committee gave consideration
to the demands from every section of
the country that something must be
done TO restore normal prices on the
necessaries of life. Several senator's
declared the high prices would be at
tributed to the tariff and unless some
thing was done to refute this the re-
publican party would be compelled to
bear the brunt of the attack.
Payne Plan Too slow.
ExaminatiSR-Of the house resolution
introduced by Chairman Payne Tues
day resulted in characterizing Il as a
'dragnet." II was stated that such an
inquiry would not be con cluded in time
TO be of any assistance TO the repub-
leans in their campaign for reelec-
ton.
Lodge finally agreed that he would
undertake to conduct rigid investiga-
ton and report to the present session
OF congress If he was chosen head of
the committee. a resolution was ac-
cordingly drafted and introduced. pro-
viding for a committee Of FIVE sena-
tors.
May Prosecute In Massnchusettn
Boston, Feb. 3.-Investigation into
the high prices OF meats has been
begun by District Attorney Pelletier
of Suffolk county. and II sufficient evi-
dence is obtained II is said that action
will be taken against certain packers
who are suspected of manipulating e
prices.
Are 36.OOO,OOO Eggs I'm One Place.
New York. Feb. 3.-There are &C..
100000 eggs-enough to provide eight
eggs apiece for every man. woman
and child in greater New York City
in one cold storage warehouse I'm Jer-
sey City. according to the Information
placed before the Hudson county (N.
j. grand jury yesterday in its investl-
cation of the big packing and other
concerns which maintain extensive
warehouses. The eggs have been
there since last March. IL was learned.
with 100000 pounds of poultry. stored
since April last.
Witnesses from Swift G. Co.'S cold
storage plant in Jersey City were be-
fore the grand jury yesterday. but lie
tie information was elected
The investigation is directed against
the cold storage concerns as a basis
for determining the cause Of the high
cost of meats and other necessities.
Prosecutor Garven said that II he can
find sufficient evidence he will advise
the grand jury to indict those respon-
sible for holding meat. eggs and other
foodstuffs in storage.
Says There II no Mystery.
Madison. Wis, Feb. S.-At a meet
ing of the Wisconsin state board Of
agriculture yesterday, b. X. Dickinson.
secretary of the Illinois state board OF
agriculture, spoke on the high cost II
living
1T Is amusing" he said. ito see our
at Washington asking for
an investigation OF the high cost Of
living while It is regulated by supply
and demand few years ago wheat
sold at from 40 to co cents a bushel
and corn from 12h TO 90 cents
bushe1. Such a condition was calcu-
lated to drive the best blood Of the
to the cities to seek RELIEF
from such financial oppression. Tho
trouble does not all rest with the mo
nopolies. for the farmer is receiving
s. to 50 per 100 pounds for hogs and
meat Is selling at the same ratio"