Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1917-05-20
WILSON OUTLINES AIMS
Says U. S. VIII Ban Spec
ulators and Swat Mis-
ers of Supplies.
JUST EMERGENCY, EXPLAINS
Executive Points Out That
Powers Sought Are Not to
Be Used After War.

WASHINGTON. May l9.-President
Wilson outlined the Administrations
food control program in statement
tonight and declared the powers asked
for the government are no greater
than those other governments at war
have been compelled to take There
Is no intention, he said TO restrain or
interfere with normal processes of
production.
The statement also makes formal
announcement that Herbert c.
Hoover has been asked to become
food administrator and that he has
accepted on condition that neither
he nor his immediate assistants shall
receive any pay for their services.
Hit Selfish Minority
"Altho it is absolutely necessary
that unqueslonable powers be placed
In my hands" said the presidents
statement, 81 am confident that the
exercises of these powers will be nee
| eShaIS only ia the few cases where
some small and selfish minority
proves unwilling to put the nations
interest above personal advantage"
The statement in full follows:
What Is to BE Done.
1T Is very desirable, in order 10
prevent Observation-Disclosures or alarms
ana to assure cooperation in vital
matter, that the country should un-
derstand exactly the scope and pur-
pose of very great powers which 1
have thot necessary in the circum-
stances TO ask congress to put in my
hands with regard to our food sup
plies. Those powers are very great,
indeed, but they are no greater than
II has proved necessary 10 lodge in
the other governments which are con-
Quoting this momentous war. and
their object is stimulation and con-
servation. not arbitrary restrain or
injurious interference with the nor
NAL processes of production
They are intended to assist the
farmer and all those who play
legitimate part in the preparation.
distribution and marketing OF food
stuffs.
Emergency Measure.
"lt is proposed to draw sharp line
| of distinction between the normal
activities OF the government repre-
sented in the department of agricul-
|
conservation and marketing on tho
one hand and the emergency activities
necessitated by the war in reference
to the regulation of food distribution
and consumption on the other. All
measures intended directly to extend
the normal activities OF the depart
ment OF agriculture in reference to
the production, conservation and mar
ketiug of farm crops will be adminis-
in nj
department and the powers asked for
over distribution and consumption,
over exports, over imports, prices,
purchase and requisition of commodi-
ties. storing and the like which may
-equire regulation during the war will
be placed IN the hands of commits
sioner OF food administration ap-
pointed by the president and directly
responsible TO him.
Rap Illegal Control
"The objects sought to be
served oy the legislation asked
for are fun inquiry into the ex-
isting available stocks of food
stuffs and into the costs and prac-
tees Of the various food produce
ton and distributing trades, the
prevention of all unwarranted
boarding Of every kind and of the
control OF food stuffs by persons
who are not in any legitimate
sense producers, dealers or trad
ers. the requisitioning when nee
essary for public use of food sup
plies and OF equipment necessary
for handling them properly: the
licensing OF wholesome and legit-
mate mixtures and milling per-
ccntages and the prohibition of
the unne cessary or wasteful use
OF foods.
Fix Minimum Prices.
Authority is asked also to estab-
lish prices-but not In order 20 limit
the profits Of the farmers. but only
to guarantee to them when necessary
minimum price which will insure
them a profit where they are asked
to attempt new crops and to secure
the consumer against eXtortiOn by
breaking up corners and attempts at
speculation when they occur by fixing
temporarily a reasonable price at
which middlemen must sell.
"I have asked Mr.. Herbet Hoover
to undertake this all-important task
of food administration. He has eX-
pressed his Willingness to 10 so on
condition that he is to receive no pay
ment for his services and that tho
whole Of the force under him. eN-
elusive Of clerical assistance, shall be
employed so far as possible upon the
same volunteer basis He has ek-
pressed his confidence that this diff
ficult matter Of food administration
can be successfully accomplished thru
the volunteer cooperation and direc-
ton Of legitimate distributors OF food
4.