The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1914-08-13
Resolution in House Calls
for Action by Federal
Government
WAR MADE PRETEXT
OF GENERAL INCREASE
Scared at Outbreak, Prices
in Chicago Go
Down n

Washington, Aug l3.-In resolution
introduced in the House yesterday Rep
resentative Howard of Georgia called
upon the department of justice to adj
wise what steps are being taken to prose-
cute alleged combinations among deal
ers to advance the price of foodstuffs,
The House resolution also asked the de-
partment OF commerce to advise regard
ing the quantity OF foodstuffs exported
for the months preceding the European
war and the quantity exported since the
beginning of the war
The preamble of the House resolution
rectes that the European war is being
used by dealers as an excuse for boost
ing prices and that such claims are
false.
Representative Kahn Of California yes
terday said that he would offer a bill
making it penal offense for any two
persons, firms or corporations to enter
into an agreement to raise the price on
articles of food.
Democratic Leader Underwood of the
House stated emphatically that he, per-
sonally favors any inquiry to be I'M
der the auspices Of the department of
commerce rather than by House com
mittee. He said "Action could be OBJ
tanned quicker through the department"
Pennsylvania's representatives led the
movement for federal inquiry Repre-.
}bat Tint
cago grain exchange should be investi-
gated primarily TO ascertain il grain
gamblers and spectators rather than
legitimate supply and demand" We're re-
sponsible for the soaring Of grain prices
in the face of bumper crops and also de
spite the fact that prospects for war"
expectations are unfavorable.
A meeting of the House interstate
commerce committee was planned to-
day to consider resolutions of Repre-
sentatiyes Kelly, Farr, Moore and Dono-
hue of Pennsylvania, proposing eurhs
upon illegitimate speculation and inquiry
into the general and, as they contend,
arbitrary and unwarranted increase in
prices of practically all foods.
ut is outrageous to increase prices
of domestic foodstuffs at this time, said
Representative Donohue.
Chicago, Aug. l3.--Federal, state and
city officials yesterday declared war on
war. time food prices.
United States District Attorney James
H. Wilkerson, who is spending his vacs
ton at Pentwood. Mich sent word here I
yesterday that he would return to Chi I
cago Friday and begin an immediate
probe to learn why meat packers and
wholesale food houses suddenly boosted I
prices skvward He intimated that a
federal investigation may be asked.
States Attorney Maclay Hoyne an
nounced the beginning of an inquiry to
learn whether any individuals or cor
porations have been guilty of conspiracy
under the state law providing fines and
prison terms in forcing food prices high
err under wartime excuses. Alderman
James H. Lawley. chairman of the mu
nicipal markets commission, yesterday
announced that he is drafting an ordi-
nance for price regula f1on and called for
a conference of federal, state and city
officials.
Edward Levy. former president of the
Illinois Master Butchers association, de-
clared yesterday that when Chicago
butchers meet tonight to protest against
the action of the meat packers he viii
advocate government regulation Of food
prices.