The Oskaloosa herald., 1914-08-20
u. S. SUMMONS
PRICE BOOSTERS
TO GRAND JURY
Department of Justice Wars on
High Food Prices.
M'REYNoLDS ORDERS ACTION
Dealers In New York Lower Prices
When Officials Begin InvestIga-
tlon-Mayor Names Body
TO Probe Situation.

Washington, Aug. 15.-The depart
ment OF justice announced that tht
first action had been taken to sum
mon before a federal grand jury per
sons alleged to have increased the re
tall prices of food by reason Of wal
conditions in Europe. District At
torney Clarence Wilson for the Dis
trict of Columbia issued the first sum
mons under the general order sent out
by Attorney General McReynolds.
Secretary OF Commerce Redheld sent
kilograms to the departments field
agents in New York, Boston, San
Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Atlanta
and New Orleans, instructing them to
report whether the advance in food
prices is general or confined to par
ticular commodities, and II so, to
name them. Information also is sought
as to whether the rise has been sud
den or gradual, and whether the rea-
sons given for the advance are real.
Directed to Report Advance.
Agents of the department are d.
rected to report II there is any ad-
vance due to speculation, either on the
porary delay In ocean transit.
Consider whether a fair stock ex.
lists or is available of any commodity
that may have been advanced" the
telegram read, and whether the facts
show a purpose to use the war situa-
ton to secure extra profit by increased
prices. Study to learn II any combina-
ton exists for the advance OF prices
under the existing conditions.
War on unscrupulous Dealers.
New York, May 15-Natiou-wide
indignation against the advance in
prices of foods on account Of the war
was reflected in this city when the
war on INSCRIPTIONS dealers opened
In earnest in three different quarters.
AS result. dealers began reduc-
laTly apparent in the cost OF meats.
The price of lamb was reduced three
cents a pound, sheep two cents, and
beef one-half to one cent pound.
A committee OF 1877 business and
professional men, appointed by Mayor
Mitchell, met in the council chamber
of the city hall to take up the situa-
ton. This committee will work in
with the bureau of weights
and measures, and will also cooper
ate with the staff Of District Attorney
Whitman.
Summons Meat Packers.
Assistant District Attorney de Ford
called representatives of the largest
meat packing establishments before
him to explain the sudden advance.
The packers were notified to go to the
criminal court building, accompanied
by their attorneys.
The federal investigation, ordered
by President Wilson, was taken up
by Assistant United States Attorney
Rufus Wood. working under the direc-
ton of Secretary Redfield.
The committee OF business men ap-
pointed by Mayor Mitchell, organized
by electing George w. Perkins chair
man and authorizing the appointment
of a subcommittee to investigate all
phases of the food situation.
The governments investigation will
be to determine whether the large
producers and distributors have vio-
lated the Sherman law by entering
into an agreement to control prices |
concerted action.
The investigation will be directed
to shipments of meats, -four, butter, |
eggs, canned goods and other staple |
articles Of food made in interstate
commerce.
Similarly the district attorneys Of |
fee will seek to determine whether |
the anti-monopoly law in force in this !
state has been violated, and IL so, !
criminal proceedings will be insti. |
tuted.