Evening star., 1914-08-14

Hurriedly the governments net OF
Investigation is bc:-E thrown about
the sources o. hish food prices, net
that may turn into iron bars for any
who may he found responsible for
forcing the ultimate consumer TO per-
spire in order to make ends meet, while
the spectators are blaming high food
prices on the European war.
Affairs got down to real business in
Washington this afternoon, when Dis
trict Attorney Wilson, following in
structions from the Attorney General,
started an investigation before the
grand jury to determine who are re-
sponsible for the increases in prices
of foodstuffs.
A number of Washington commission
merchants and buyers for hotels are
on the lists of witnesses to be sum
moned to tell what they know of the
fixing of prices. if any.
The Department of Commerce also
stepped into the investigation this
morning, when the field agents of the
bureau of foreign and domestic COM
merce were given urgent instructions
10 examine into increases of the prices
OF foodstuns and commodities and the
cause.
Instructions Are Sweeping.
The instructions were sweeping. and
mean. according to officials of the depart
ment, that the agents for the next few
days will lay aside all other work and
find out who are responsible for the in.
creases.
they are instructed to forward them i'm
medtateiy to Washington. The instruc-
tons to the Department Of Commerce
agents went out in the face of a letter
from Secretary Redfield to Chairman
Adamson of the House interstate and
foreign commerce committee, saying that
the department could do no Investigate ting
along this line without an additional
$4,000 appropriation.
Began This Afternoon.
The Washington investigation by the
grand jury. under the direction Of Dis
trict Attorney Wilson. began at O'Clock
this afternoon. So far as reports at the
Department of Justice indicate the Dis
trict grand jury was the first to start
such an investigation since the Attorney
Generals instructions went out. After
consultation with Attorney General Nc
Reynolds. United States Attorney Wilson
decided to begin at once the inquiry into
the alleged shortage of food.
With the aid of Assistant United State,
Attorney Hawkea Mr. Wilson caused
wholesalers. retailers and buyers of food
stuffs in large quantities to appear be-
fore the grand jury.
Scope Of Inquiry Wide.
The scope of the inquiry. according to
Mr.. Wilson. will include the quantity OF
the supplies coming into Washington, the
contents Of the cold storage plants To-
Gated here. the demands on the market
whether the prices are uniform or nearly
30 and whether any person or persons fix
the price at or about which foodstuff is
70 be sold to the consumer.
Instructions to Field Agents.
study to learn" stands out prominent
ly in the instructions sent to the field
agents of the bureau of foreign and
+ domestic commerce located at New
York, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle
Chicago Atlanta and New Orleans.
you are instructed" says the tele-
gram. TO inquire Immediately and
carefully whether there has been a
recent rise in retail prices in your city
and vicinity, and If so on what articles
and to what extent. Special attention
should be given to foodstuffs and
articles of clothing and other neces-
II II exists. is general or confined &c
particular commodities, and if SO wha,
ones. Find if IL has been sudden OF
gradual II any articles have fallen ir
price state the facts concerning them
Learn what reasons are given for any
advance that may have occurred anG
inquire particularly as to whether
| such reasons are the actual ones
| Give special care to determining Il
| there has been any advance due to specu
lation. either on the general war situa
tion or on the temporary delay in oceal
transit. Consider whether fair stool
exists or is available of any commodit,
that may have been advanced and wheth
er the facts show purpose to use tn,
war situation to secure undue extra prof
It's by increased prices. Study to learn 1
any combination exists for the advance o
prices under existing conditions
To Report Promptly.
when the facts shall have been de
termtned shfilciently to give a clear tde,
| Of the general situation. report then
promptly to the chief Of tho bureau o
foreign and domestic commerce and con
tinue the inquiry subject to his instruc
tons"
officials in the various department,
this morning would not attempt TO an
Continued On sesonA RASal =