The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-11-26

an embargo on the shipment of food
stuffs.
IF the European market is closed,
wheat will decrease in value from so
to 81 bushel. cotton from 20 to 10
cents pound. and all other products
of the soil at a similar ratio"
Mr.. Fitzgeraids stature. in the es-
timation of the housewives, grows
like a MONDAY shadow.
THE FARMER FROWNS
But the producers of the west and
south are a trifle displeased with the
altruistic programme of the Tam
many member of Congress
"If you are going to reduce the
price of our production" inquire these
farmers, why not secure through
your embargo reduction in the price
of shoes and clothing?"
Mr.. Fitzgerald does not answer.
Perhaps he has not given that phase
of the situation sufficient thought
At any rate, it begins to appear that
the east, which manufactures, will OPP
pose complete embargo, although the
Coob HOOlQ ne WHllnk TO reduce Inc
price of food products.
The south and west will oppose q
food embargo although they might not
oppose move to reduce the price of
boots and shoes.
AS a result it is the best opinion
that there will be no embargo of any
nature whatsoever
rsxYr- yxrrx
II comes from the White House that
the President does not smile very
broadly. when the FTtza eraid plan IA
In the flrst place the President ia
said to appreciate the fact that an.
embargo would seriously interfere
with the plan of England and France
to secure an early termination of the
European debacle-would, in other
words, be in measure unneutral, and
might. as a result of certain retalia-
ton. involve the United States in war
And In the second place IL the bat
tie in Congress degenerates into a
selfish struggle between the produc-
ing south and west and the manufac-
turing east. it is reasonable TO sup
pose that the President would un-
sheath his sword in the cause of his
friends.
In consequence, the plan of Mr..
Fitzgerald looks hopeless.
THE RETORT COURTEOUS
The New Yorker has quite a scintil-
lating wit.
AS a result it may safely be pre-
dicted that when defeated in his
scheme to establish a foodstuff en-
barge he will inquire:
And now what are you going to do
about it?"
The south and west will have no an
swer.
There has been a hint that the de-
partment of justice might put into oper-
alton a most thorough and painstaking
investigation" But. according to his
tory, other such Investigations have been
productive of no good.
They have been $50 thorough and so
painstaking'' that before their completion
the people have grown accustomed to
their suffering. And history, 1t is indi-
Gated, will repeat itself.
The only remedy. In the opinion of
conservative members OF Congress, is to
practice economy. and grin and bear It,"
WAR TO BLAME
The situation. in which the people pay
more for their bread than ever before in
this country--not even excluding the post
bellum or "carpetbagger" days-is trace
able to that producer Of all current In
EQUITY, the European war.
The debacle has opened a market in
which any price demanded is readily paid
for all available goods. So abnormal is
the demand that there is no surplus.
AS result home consumers must pay
for food and for. shoes as much as the
war-made and ravenous European pays
In the congested centers OF the east,
there is indescribable MISUNDERSTANDING
which will increase with the cold Of
winter. 1t is problem for Congress.
it is admitted, but Congress win prob
ably decline to solve it.
THE SEVERAL REASONS
There are many reasons why. In the
first place, because OF the effect of an
embargo. no concerted action is possible
The south and west would oppose an
embargo which would reduce the price
of their products. The east would OPP
pose an embargo which would cut off
their manufactured goods from their
market.
And again. so delicately is international
mechanism adjusted that any pertinent
movement of Congress might disarrango
1t The United States does not desire
war AS consequence. 1t appears that
the people, In respect to the highest
cost of living" and the misery it entails,
must grin and bear it,
In his prepared message to Congress,
the President 1t Is said, does not mem
ton the distressful situation. lie has
orally affirmed that the middle man. Is
to blame He did not offer a sugges-
ton as to how this middle man" might
be made to desist, or be adequately pun
ial>eI