davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
CHEAPER ABROAD.
Secretary Wilson on Prices of
american Farm Products.

Washington, Jan. 24-'I am gathering
proof which will show that American
farm products are being sold cheaper
abroad than they are in this country" de-
clared Secretary Wilson to-day at the
hearing on the high cost of living by
subcommittee of the House Committee on
the District of Columbia Mr. Wilson
gave figures to show that the producer is
getting a little more than formerly for
his food products, while the ultimate con-
sumner is paying an excessive price
Until comparatively recently the Amer
lean people enjoyed the cheapest food in
the world" continued the Secretary. But
nowadays not enough people know how to
farm profitably, know how to get enough
cut of days work, know how TO make an
acre respond. The lure of the factory has
called the farmer from the plough The
" orst farming in this country is done east
of the Allegheny Mountains, and agricult-
uraI land is cheapest in that locality in
consequence. The boys have left the farm,
and the scarcity OF labor is now the great
est concern of the agriculturist"
He declared that Washington was one
of the most expensive cities in the land,
and that retailers in this city demanded
40 per cent profit while in cities like New
York and Philadelphia they were content
with from II to 20 per cent.
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
READY FOR EVIDENCE.
WMtn,an Discusses Possibility
of Neat Investigation.

District Attorney Whitman said last night
that, although he had made no plans o
investigate the high cost of meat, he was
prepared TO submit to the grand jury any
evidence on the subject that would prove
a conspiracy to make consumers pay eXor-
bitant prices.
The mere fact that a wholesaler had
refused to supply retailer with his full
order. although the price might have been
advanced by such action, does not consti-
tute a violation of the law said Mr.. Whit
man in reply to a bombardment of ques-
tions by the newspaper men.
IF a retail dealer ordered fifty carcases
and the wholesaler, having thousands of
tons of meat in cold storage, refused to
supply more than twenty-five, would that
be a violation Of the law?" he was asked
Not unless you could prove intent TO ex-
tort a higher price than if the whole num-
Der ordered were supplied. replied the Dis
trict Attorney. The fact that one con-
cern refused to supply mans order in
full does not prove this intent"
Suppose the one concern was made up
of a number of others?"
You would have 10 prove that" he an
swered, and TO show conspiracy"
Asked if the grand jury that is expected
to begin an investigation to-day of the. in
crease in the price of milk would also take
up the matter of high meat prices, Mr..
Whitman said:
That will depend entirely upon Justice
Goff's charge to the jury. OF course, if any
evidence is presented to me indicating a
conspiracy or intent to make consumers
pay extortionate prices. it will be my duty
to present such evidence to the grand
jury"
The District Attorney agreed with the
suggestion that in an investigation affect
ing one food supply, like milk. evidence
might be obtained indicating violation of
the same law In connection with another
food supply, such as meat. He made it
clear, however, that he had not stated that
an investigation of high meat prices had
as yet been planned.
I'VE have discussed cold storage here. it
is true" he said. but that matter could
be discussed in connection with a proposed
investigation of milk.
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
NEAT PRICES SLUMP.
First 4ction an Big Markets
FOLIozcing BOYcott.

Chicago, Jan. 2-The widespread agita-
ton against the high price of meat made
Itself felt here to-day, when pork declined
70 cents a barrel from Saturdays closing
figures Other products also declined, but
10 Z lesser degree. The slump in Chicago
vas echoed in other cities.
Lard and ribs also declined. the final
figures being from Ziz 10 90 cents lower.
Large receipts of grain from the West
caused an appreciable drop in wheat. corn
and oats. fall in the price of butter
Was reported from several points.
The spread Of the boycott was reported
from various minor points to-day. IT was
ssid in Richmond. Va, that within week
tty thousand Virginia families would be
Nedged 10 the movement.
In Omaha some local butchers asserted
hat they could buy meat cheaper from the
farmers than from the packers Prices of
livestock dropped and the market was
weak The manager of Armour & Co. is
sued figures 10 show that meat prices were
10 higher than last year. and in some cases
cheaper The boycott gained strength. OBJ
tanning some adherents even among the en-
Poyes Of the packing houses.
Nine business men of Des Moines, Iowa,
heaced by Postmaster j. /. Myerly, Colo
nel Il B. Hedge, vice-president of the
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
PROGRESS ON CANAL.
At End of 1909 914 Miles
Under Contract.

Albany, Jan. 24-Frank Nj. Williams,
State Engineer and Surveyor, presented his
annual report to the Legislature this even
ing. The barge canal occupies chief
place in the report. OF this work he says:
That the building of the barge canal has
made rapid strides during the last year
n;ust be evident to all who have watched
its progress. In this short time almost as
much construction work has been accom-
rlshed as during the whole period up to a
year ago, while the plans completed equal
so per cent of the amount Of similar work
done in any previous two years
At the end of 1909 there are 3142 miles of
canal under contract at prices aggregating
S54, 1SS, ,S29. Additional plans for 67.7 miles
are completed, while the plans for miles
the plans for the remaining 20.5 miles are
well under way. Thus rs per cent of the
total length is under contract and 1t is
expected that the whole of 1t will be let
by April l. 1910. with the exception of some
minor structures.
After giving details of amount of work
under contract and already constructed
which were practically covered in the re-
port of the State Superintendent of Public
Works. which was published to-day, the
report says:
With three-quarters of the work under
contract, it seems assured that all the
construction contemplated by the barge
canal act will be entirely completed within
the original appropriation. The 1905 esti-
canal now under contract amounted to
$50 791, ,5S7, while the contract price for this
work. as revised by alterations to date, is
$5413S,329 This is saving Of $3.50 2oS.
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
MURRAY OVERRIDDEN
Beef Trust Resolution Re
fered to Committee.
GBy Telegraph to The Tribune. J

Albany, Jan. 24-The Assembly organiza-
ton tonight squelched Assemblyman An
drew F. Murray, OF New York, who at
tempted TO bring before the lower house of
the Legislature for discussion his resolu-
ton calling on the Attorneys General of
the state and United States to in
quire into the alleged monopoly con-
Quoted by the Beef Trust, with a vieN
of prosecuting any violations of the anti
trust laws. He had no sooner expressed
his desire 10 call up the resolution than
Mr.. Merritt, the majority leader, asked a
ruling on a point of order. "As this resolu-
ton requires expenditure OF state
money he said, L contend that it should
have been referred to the Ways and Means
Committee.
Mr.. Murray protested that no appropra-
ton was called for by the measure and that
it was most important at this time because
of the high prices of meat and violations
of the antitrust laws, which he said were
being perpetrated. Mr.. Merritt replied that
although an appropriation was not asked
for directly an inquiry by the Attorney
General would make necessary a large
expenditure of money. He called on the
Speaker for q ruling. Speaker Wadsworth
upheld the point of order and the resolu-
ton was referred TO the Ways and Means
lowed 10 address himself to the resolution.
Il intend to send ii with my statement to
the Attorneys General of the state and
United States myself he said, after the
session adjourned. That's probably the
only way it will ever get TO them,' he
added calling attention to the fact that
Speaker Wadsworth's father was defeated
by Peter Porter on a Cow ticket because
of his opposition to President Roosevelts
Beef Trust investigation.
In statement which he had prepared TO
give when calling up his resolution, Mr..
Murray said of the Beef Trust:
This monopoly has doubtless violated
the federal antitrust law. and is like
wise amenable TO a prosecution under the
criminal provision of the antimonopoly
law of the state. That the Beef Trust has
arbitrarily raised and fixed the prices Of
meat for the purpose of increasing its
profits is apparent from the fact that dur
ing the year of 1903 meat was dearer than
at any time prior thereto. and the profits
of the trust during the year were greater
than at any time in its history"
Mr.. Frisbie minority leader called up his
resolution that the Legislature urge the
New York State Representatives in Con-
gress TO vote for the Sulzer bill providing
for the raising of the Maine.
mblyman Bennett offered amend
nent that instead Of urging support of
the SuIzer bill it call for the carrying out
of the recommendation of President Taft
that the Maine be raised This amendment
passed by party vote of y 10 As, and the
resolution, shorn of its Democratic lustre,
WAS passed by a party vote
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
FINDS NEW FRAUDS.
Mosquato Nets at Nezo Orleans
Interest the Treasure.

In an investigation by a federal grand
jury at New Orleans it was said yesterday
customs frauds were taken up that were
found to lead 10 violations at this port. A
former special Treasury agent. T. Aubrey
Ryrne, who has Office in this city, was
down there as a witness, as the investiga-
tion concerned cases which he had looked
up when In the service. The grand jury
has not yet acted. 1t was said that federal
officials of high rank would be involved
Mr.. Byrne said last evening: IT admit
that was subpenaed by the federal grand
jury holding its sessions in New Orleans,
ard for nine days. from January 6. was
in attendance before them. Until the jury
reaches it's conclusions 1 feel bound to re-
frain from making statements respecting
the matter on which was interrogated
II was in charge of the special agents
force at New Orleans from September 16,
1907, until March TO- 1905, and as my chief
duty was the prevention and detection of
frauds on the revenue. 1 will admit that
I had my hands full. My assignment to
New Orleans was unsought; in fact, I did
everything possible 10 prevent assuming
duty at that port, but Assistant Secretary
Reynolds insisted. and in an official letter
stated to me that I must consider such a
detail compliment as a man of my ex-
pertence and ability was needed at that
port.
When the federal grand jury in New
Orleans has completed its deliberations it
will be time then for making any statement
IL choose to make such. The inquisitorial
body referred TO has called great many
witnesses. and IL is to be fairly assumed
will act upon facts which have been dis
closed and which show that gross frauds
ported to the department by me. it's duly
authorized agent"
The frauds Mr.. Byrne speaks of were said
TO be In the importation OF mosquito net
ting, Of which New Orleans imports 20 per
cent of the total sent 10 this country. The
other so per cent comes into this port. II
was said that the frauds amounted TO many
hundreds of thousands of dollars loss TO the
Treasury Department.
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
GLEN ISLAND SOLD
OLD FAMILY ESTATE.
Ignatius Roth. the Buyer,
Plans Its Development.

Ignatius Roth bought yesterday Glen ISL
and. together with the ferry plying between
New Rochelle and the island and a large
plot in the township of Pelham. near the
New York Athletic Club property. He is
one Of the largest importers of billiard.
military and many other kinds of cloth.
his place of business being at No. Az
Broome street.
The property was held at little more
than $6oo.oe0. 1t changed hands at a little
less than that sum. 1t was sold by Joseph
p Day for Caroline Starin Carroll. of Tar
rytown. one of the trustees of the estate of
the late John H Starin; Harriet NJ. Spra-
ker. another executor and trustee, and
General Howard Carroll. an executor.
Douglas V. Eskell. of Mr.. Days office,
helped TO perfect the negotiations.
In regard to the plans of the new owner
respecting Glen Island Mr.. Day said that
Mr.. Roth had several projects under con-
slderation- One was to make it one of the
most popular amusement resorts in this
country He further said:
Mr.. Roth may transform the island into
an all-year estate for a wealthy man or for
a great club community. or into one of the
most beautiful suburban communities near
this city. On the other hand. Mr.. Roth
may ocClue 10 tease tQe property 10 d uc-
slrable tenant There will be no difficulty
at all in developing it in any of the many
ways suggested. as there are ample funds
back Of the proposition"
BY this sale the entire island amounting
TO more than sixty acres Of upland and
thirty or forty acres of tidal lands and
water rights, and all the improvements on
the Island pass into the hands of the new
owner, except for a few personal effects
and keepsakes. Mr.. Roth acquires the
DOCKS and ferries, the museum, the Ger
man castle, the huge restaurant the DOR
mltory, the bridges, the menagerie. and
even the famous clam reservoir under the
restaurant, where clans and oysters were
Kept alive until they were ordered by the
diners. There are also on the island
three-quarter mile racetrack, a bathing
beach and innumerable refreshment booths,
candy pagodas, number of band stands,
etc.
The island was first used as country
home by John H Starin. Later it became
a Famous summer amusement place, and
was visited frequently by thousands of per-
sons, who made the trip on one of the
Starln Line of steamboats, or via New Ro-
chelle by trolley and across the little ferry.
1t was conducted as a family summer re-
sort until about four years ago.
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
ALASKAN BILL UP.
Dir. BeUeridge Explains It.
The Hartman Land Grants.
rFrom The Tribune Bureau.1

lF rom me lflDuuc blreduI
Washington, Jan. 24.-The administration
bill relating to the government of Alaska
was made the unfinished business" In the
Senate to-day. No serious opposition 70
this legislation is in sight. and Senator
Beveridge. who is in charge Of the bill. viii
make an effort to have a vote taken at an
early date.
Mr. Beveridge explained the bill II pro-
vides for the appointment by the President
of governor and an executive council. the
members OF which shall live in Alaska
during their term. and shall have legts-
lative powers sufficient TO give Alaska local
laws adapted to its growth and develop
ment. The council Is TO consist OF a gov
ernor, an attorney general and commits
sioner of the interior and mines. They are
to serve for four years, and may or may
not be citizens OF Alaska at the time OF
their appointment. In addition, the Presi-
dent is TO appoint two citizens OF Alaska
from each OF the four judicial districts TO
membership IN the executive council. max
ing the total membership eleven The coun-
Gil is to meet once a year. the sessions 70
last not more than sixty days
The Senate adopted resolution calling
on the Attorney General for information
as TO what he has been doing toward carry
structing him TO take legal proceedings to
recover lands granted to the Hartman In
terests in Oregon and Washington. There
was no opposition TO this resolution. which
was introduced by Senator Chamberlain
Just before its adoption Senator TiIiman
said that he had sent letter to the De-
partment of Justice a week ago asking for
the desired information. but had received
no reply. Mr.. Tillman said that Hartman
interests held two million acres OF timber
land in the Northwest, in violation OF che
grants, which they refuse 20 sell He was
glad, he said. that Mr.. Chamberlain was
stirring up the Department of Justice. for
at the pace of present legal proceedings
all the timber would be cut before the
question OF the ownership of the lands was
settled The South Carolinian raised a
laugh when he reminded the Senate that
il was in connection with these lands that
he had come into some prominence few
years ago. Roosevelt tried to create tho
impression that I was playing the rascal
Mr. Tillman said
The bill requiring all motor boats to carry
life preservers was passed The penalty
for each omission was increased to 500
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
HEIR DENNETTAG4N
Land Commissioner Denies
More of Hitchcock's Charges.

Washington. Jan. 24-Fred bennett, Com
missioner of the General Land once. an
swered another OF the charges made by
Representative Hitchcock. of Nebraska.
when the hearings conducted by the House
Committee on Expenditures in the Interior
Department were resumed to-day Mr.
bennett said the paper fasteners used by
the Land Office were the invention OF his
chief of accounts, Irving C. Rittenhouse
but the latter made no profit on them. He
was careful to ascertain that IL was no
violation of law before the purchase was
made. and required Mr.. Rittenhouse 10
waive his royalty
Mr.. bennett denied that "a certain brick
chimney" which he identified as new
one just built at the General Land once
building, had been paid for out of the
million-dollar appropriation for public do
main protection. declaring II was con-
structed under separate appropriations
When Mr.. bennett resented the sugges-
tion that Mr.. Hitchcock was persona non
giata at the Land Office and could not get
information there he wanted, Mr.. Hitch
cock said he based his statement on the
Presidents recent order against subordi-
mates giving information. Because of this
and the peculiar position he occupied in
having presented charges. he had not ap-
pllcu 1Ol
Commissioner bennett agreed to furnish
a detailed statement OF all expenditures
from the million-dollar fund. and also TO
furnish list of transfers and promotions
of employees. He denied that salaries were
generally increased when employees were
transferred to the Schwartz rolls"
He said that little more than 5000
worth of furniture. including carpets and
rugs, had been bought for use in the Cen
eral Land Office under the rnillion-dollar
fund. but it was of the cheapest kind OF
material and bought under the regular
contract system
Condensation of the testimony at the last
hearing led to the omission of an i'm
portant statement by Commissioner Dem
nett regarding the charge that private teie-
grams were paid for out of the funds OF
the department This Is what he said -
shown by the stenographer's record:
| have no knowledge OF any such teIe-
grams being sent. with the exception Of
TWO kilograms which were sent 10 the Com
missioner OF the General Land Once at a
@hes Sriss wers 5me ss, stating certain remarks
kilograms. after having been received
We're taken TO the chief Of field service and
tne western Union was notified that they
must not be charged to the public land
appropriation: that they related TO private
matters; that no bill would be authorized
which was submitted for those kilograms
IL appears from the record that this state
ment was substantiated by Mr. Newburgh-
assistant chief of the accounts division.
the purport OF the testimony OF both beinr
that the telesrams referred to as transmit
ting newspaper articles were not paid for
by the department at all
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
BIENNIAL SESSIONS.
Assemblyman Dana Has Res
.olution-Spedker Pleased.

Albany, Jan. 24.-The proposition for BIZ
ennial instead of annual sessions of the
Legislature was brought up again tonight
by a concurrent resolution introduced by
Assemblyman Charles H Dana, of New
York. The measure would lengthen the
term of Assemblymen to two years and of
Senators to four years.
Il believe that if we had biennial ses-
sions," said Mr.. Dana, more thought
would be given to legislation and fewer
freak bills would be proposed
He said that he had noticed that Speaker
Wadsworth and Timothy L. Woodruff in
public speeches had advocated biennial ses-
sions.
II am glad that this proposition has
again been brought up, said Speaker
Wadsworth. after the session. Il believe
in the biennial session and Mr.. Dana's
resolution will keep the matter under dis
cussion l, however. think that it is too
radical proposition to be put into the
constitution until after a constitutional
convention. as it will require many other
changes in the state government. One
thing it would have to provide for is the
lengthening Of the term of Office of the
Governor"
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
BUTTER TUMBLES AT ELGIN.
Buyers Applaud When Board An
nounces Action.

Elgin. ILL.,. Jan. 24.-The price of cream
cry butter dropped to 80 cents pound
on the Engin Board of Trade to-day 1t
has fallen from So cents in a week. and
coming in the midst of the agitation
against the high prices of food caused
much speculation.
1t admitted by the butter board
members that the drop was due largely
to the agitation against high prices and
to the tendency in many cities to abstain
from high priced foodstuffs Word
reached Elgin. it was said that some
cities had threatened a butter boycott
Before the board met, it was generally
believed that reduction in price would
occur. When the quotation committee
reported the 30-cent price it was greeted
with applause by buyers.
ST. Louis, Jan. 24.-Butter prices dropped
10 cents a pound here to-day following the
slump at Elgin st. Louis butter dealers
say thousands of families here have ceased
to use butter for cooking. Creameres were
caught with overproduction.
Cincinnati. Jan. 24.-Creamery extra but
ter dropped three cents to So y cents on the
Cincinnati Produce Exchange to-day For
twenty-five years the Cincinnati board has
depended on the Elgin board for quota
tions. To-day the price was changed with
out waiting for the Elgin quotations, which.
however showed an unexpected drop when
they arrived.
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
SARATOGA COMMISSION NAMED
Governor Appoints Messrs. Peabody.
Tracy and Godfrey.

Albany, Jan. A.-Governor Hughes sent
TO the Senate tonight the following nomf
nations for commissioners of the Saratoga
Springs State Reservation: George Foster
Peabody, of Lake George; Benjamin r
Tracy. OF New York, ex-Secretary of the
Navy. and Frank N Godfrey. of OIean
master of the State Grange Mr.. Peabody
succeeds the late Spencer Trask and Mr.
Tracy takes the place made vacant by the
resignation of Edward NJ. Shepard.
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
TAKES UP COST OF LIVING.
Indorses Federal Investiga-
tion Into Food Question.
[By Telegraph TO The Tribune

BY Telegraph TO The Tribune.
Trenton n. J.. Jan. 24.-The Assembly
tonight adopted concurrent resolution
indorsng the action of the federal admin
istration in making an investigation TO
determine whether any combination of
food interests exists. The preamble refers
to the increased cost OF meat and other
foods and points out that the matter has
become a serious one for the citizens OF
the state and that a searching inquiry
is necessary. The resolution. as adopted
follows:
Whereas, The greatly increased cost of
meat and other food has become a mat
ter OF much seriousness to the citizens
OF this state and the cause would seem 10
justify an earnest and searching investi-
CATION; therefore be il
Resolved, That the House OF Assembly
Uhe Senate concurring) do heartily ap-
prove of the action Of the administrat ton
at Washington in Investigating any com
blnation or food interests. and that we do
heartily lndorse any further action on
the part OF the federal government look
ing TO a correction OF the present condi-
tioD
New-York tribune., 1910-01-25
WANTS THIRTEEN MONTHS.
IFroua The Tribune Bur.au1

ltrou The Tribune Bureau.I
Washington. Jan. "a Represent att~~
Hayes. of California. declares that there "a
strong movement on foot 10 have thir-
teen months in the year. instead of twelve.
and he has introduced resolution calling
on the Secretary OF State TO inform Com
gress just what strength the scheme has
developed The idea is to have twenty
eight days In each month This would
leave one odd day. which 1t is proposed 10
call Annoday. the day before New Years