Imperial Valley press., 1913-11-29
WORLDWIDE INQUIRY ON
LIVING COST is DEMANDED

Washington, Nov. Z9-ReDuDlcan
representatives in the house have
started campaign against the Demo-
Gratis on their failure to reduce the
high cost of living, promised with the
passage of the Decomratic tariff bill.
Representative Britton Of Chicago
asks the house judiciary committee to
investigate why the navy department
is buying meat from Argentine in
shipments cheaper than quoted meat
prices from domestic sellers.
Representative Macdonald of Michi
gan demands an investigation by the
commissioner of corporations into pri-
vate ownership or control of natural
resources of the country to ascertain
how far such control and ownership
affects the cost of living.
Representative Austin of Tennessee
read resolution repeating pledges of
the Baltimore platform to reduce costs
of commodities through Democratic
tariff, and demanding, in view of the
failure to reduce the cost of necessary
commodities, an apology to the Re-
publican party, which was accused of
responsibility for the high prices be-
cause of its protective tariff.
Mr. Austin asks the house to name
a special committee of ten to investi-
gate the reasons "for the palpable
failure of the Underwood-Wilson tar
iff to fulfill the promises of the Demo-
cratic party and reduce the cost of
living"
To offset the Republican attack,
Representative German of Illinois
wants authority given President Will
son to invite foreign governments to
participate in an international confer
ence to consider the question of in
creased cost of living, to determine
its extent, cause and effect and sug-
gest a remedy. An appropriation of
$4,000 is asked.
Austin's bill charging the Democrat
ic tariff law with being failure was
read, despite interruption by Repre-
sentative johnson of Kentucky, acting
floor leader Hardwick of Georgia de-
manded that it be read in the face OF
Democratic protest and Republican
laughter.
The resolution was sent to the ways
and means committee. The resolution
declares that the recent action by the
attorney general is virtual admis-
sion that the high cost of living in
the United States did not result from
the tariff laws enacted by the Republi'
can party" and calls for investigation
of "the palpable failure of the Under
wood Wilson tariff law to fulfill the
promises of the Democratic party and
reduce the cost of living" and "ar
apology to the Republican party and
to the American people whose votes
established President Wilson's so
called new freedom
In this demand Congressman Brit
ton said that there is no competition
in the open market, and the American
public must pay the price demanded
by the "beef trust"
"For nine months" said Mr.. Brit
ton, "the Democrats have been il
complete control of national affairs
for two months we have had in opera.
ton tariff bill which is the nearest
approach to free trade the Democrats
have yet dared to offer the people oi
the United States, and yet from elec.
tion day to the present hour prices or
foods needed by the average working.
mans family have been steadily ad
vancing, and are now higher than al
any time during the past 25 years
and are still soaring.
Cattle are on the free list. II the