Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-12-13
TO BE SUMMONED TO APPEAR
BEFORE FEDERAL FOOD IN
vEsTIGAToRs.
SCOPE OF INQUIRY
WiDENED CONSIDERABLY
Grand Jury to Enter Into All Phases Of
High Cost Of Living-Five Hundred
Retail Grocers Of Chicago Also to Be
Summoned - Opposition to Trading
Stamps.

Chicago Dec 1S.-One hundred farm :
ers from Wisconsin, Indiana and Hi
! nois will be summoned by the govern
ment In the grand jurys inquiry into
the high cost of living, according TO
District Attorney Clyne. Five hundred
retail grocers Of Chicago also will be
summoned.
This determination of the district at
torney followed expression by the Jur-
ors of desire,.to investigate thorough
ly every phase of the food question.
Heads of the grocery department OF
various big stores were the witnesses
yesterday.
The inquiry began with investigation
of the methods of the wholesaler, man
ufacturers and warehouse men. Its
scope widened thru the wish of MEM
bers OF the jury to enter into all phases
of the cost of living problems.
Opposition to Trading Stamp.
1t was announced that number OF
the wholesalers oppose the movement,
Sponsored by Frank B. Connolly. of San
Francisco. vice president of the retail
dealers organization. looking toward
islation for the abolition of the trad
ing stamp. coupons and premiums for
pushing thesale of foodstuffs. Mr.. Con-
molly argued it is the housewife who
must pay for such premiums but added
that the executive committee would
discuss the matter from its every angle.
The committee is composed of repre-
sentative grocers from New York, st.
81
San Francisco and Chicago.
. A campaign to enlist the aid Of the
consumers of the United States in ef-
forts to reduce the prices of foodstuffs
has been begun by the executive board
of the National Association of Retail
Grocers. A partial embargo on ship
ments of food to foreign ports to be
urged upon President Wilson was sug-
gested BY Frank b. Connolly Of San
Francisco. vice president Of the organ
ization, as the most effective way OF
remedsing conditions in this country.
Acting upon the suggestion of Sol
Westerfield. of Chicago, a member of
the grocers' board, who asserted that
eventually the consumer pays for the
coupon and trading stamps. the Chi
cago Housewives League adopted reso-
lutions indorsing action to obtain Iegis-
lation which will prevent their USE,
Petition to Wilson.
The executive committee OF the Ma
ton Retail Grocers' Association di-
rected petition to President Wilson
today asking him to do his utmost to
bring the European belligerents togeth-
err the opinion being expressed that in
no way could the price Of foodstuffs be
reduced more effectively than by the
contamination of the peace move
Definite action by the United States
in bringing the warning nations togeth-
er would make unnecessary the organ
iZation's proposal to place an embargo
on wheat, flour, milk and potatoes"
said Sol Westerfeld, former president
OF the association Peace would mean
the end of the present high cost of liv-
Ing, because 1t would make an end OF
War price conditions"
A contradictory sentiment was ex-
pressed by William S. whitcomb.
spokesman for the Chicago butter and
egg baord. Whether the Sar continues
or peace comes right away there will be
little change in the price of eggs or
butter said he. The war has had little
to do with these prices. They are high
because there IS shortage of both in
this country irrespective of European
demands n
The peace resolutions declared that