Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-07
High Gss' Probe
 in Earnest
MOST COMPREHENSIVE EVER
 UNDERTAKEN
12 SPEECHES IN HOUSE
Recent Pinch In Coal Supply to Re. ceive Attention as We'll as the Soar ing Cost of Foedstuffs.

Washington, Dec. 6.-The federal in- vestigation of the high cost of living began today to take definite form with indications that it owuid be one of the and would extend to every section of the United States. Not only is a sweeping inquiry into the causes of the soaring cost of foodstuffs conuem- plated, but the recent pinch in the coal supply and its resultant price ad- vances also probably will be made the subject of broad investigation.
 From President Wilson down. off, cials began to cope in earnest with the problems presented by the situa- ton. The president took under con- sideration preliminary reports, which, with others yet to come, will form the basis for recommendations he may make to congress.
 Dozen Speeches in House.
 A dozen speeches on the subject were made in the house and several resolutions proposing inquiries were introduced. These were referred to committees without discussion, most foreign commerce committee, of which Representative Adamson, who is op- posed to enbargoes, is the chairman.
 Department of justice officials held today conferences with members of the federal trade commission and Dis
  charge of the departments investiga- ton, who is here to formulate a de- finite plan of conducting the nation wide inquiry.
 Fifty Picked Investigators.
 About fifty picked investigators of the departments bureau of investiga- tion were reported to be at work throughout the country gathering data which will determine the attorney ppnerarS of
 The interstate commerce commis- sion probably will be called upon te aid by furnishing data relative to the shipments of foodstuffs and MT. An derson will confer with commission officials before his departure. Grand Chicago or both, of the reasons fol rising prices are said to be still un. der consideration.
 Forming Program. With the programme still in pro- cess of formation, there were increas- ing indications that officials were considering the situation from three i--Deterrnination of the actna causes of the rapid rise in foodstuffs and coal. whether it was due to nat. l ura1 economic laws, to the unwarrant ed action of individual leaders ant producers in advancing prices. ol
  I among groups of dealers or producer. | to boost prices.
 2-Vigorous prosecution of person l or firms. if any. who, by violation O | existing laws, in making agreement! l to raise prices of otherwise, have con 1 tributed to the upward trend O. l prices.
 1 3-Enactment of legislation to rem edy the present situation and to pre- vent it's recurrence.
 1 Effort to Corner Coal Market. i Complaints have reached the depart ment that coal products were ad vanced recently because, in larg measure, of the activities of certail | independent dealers, not heretofore il the business, who are reported to hay l contracted with the chief coal com paniea for virtually their entire unsol, l output for the winter. It was charge, l that these dealers. scenting fat prof l it's, had tried to corner the availabl supply and thus forced up prices. These and other complaints unde l investigation will be considered witt a view to prosecution, if warranted under federal laws. which require tha l the supplies in question must hay been in or for interstate commerce