New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-11
10 Stabilize, Not Disturb"
His Message to Amer
lean Public
Gives Pledge to
Stop Prohteering
Work Begins at Once
Toward Organizing Saw
ing Campaign

vlsHINGTON, Aug. 1o.-Ihe Amer
,.,, government to-day assumed con-
.,,l ~ the country's food supply with
n, signing by President Wilson OF the
,I-,r;,trstion food survey and regula-
tory bills. =,
rornal announcement Of Herbert
H,cv.r's appointment as food admin
,-...,o- vss made at the White House
,,or after the measures were approved,
and tonight Mr.. Hoover set forth the
,;u. Of the food administration in a
,t,,sment declaring its purpose will
\. 10 stabilize and not to disturb con-
ditons.
Every effort will be made to correct
mir. abuses made possible by abnor-
NAL times, Mr. Hoover said, but drastic
MEASURES will not be attempted until
ni,se.n the purposes of the Admins
r,tion cannot be accomplished through
constructive cooperation with food pro-
sue,ns and distributing industries.
The very existence Of corrective
mowers, Mr.. Hoover declares, will tend
TO check speculation and price imitation.
Ready To Go Ahead
Both the food administration and the
Agricultural Department have been
ready since long before the bills were
passed to 90 ahead with the work. The
food administration has assembled a
staff and already is enlisting the coun-
trys women for a household saving
campaign. Meanwhile the Federal
Trade Commission, authorized some
time ago to conduct an investigation
into food prices with special reference
70 snti-trust law violations, is gather
inr information which it will turn over
10 the two agencies and TO the Depart
msnt Of Justice.
The first move of .he food admins
trstion will be to bring about changes
in the system Of distribution of wheat
and the manufacture and sale of -four
and bread. II will take up next the
production Of meat and dairy foods.
The Trade Commission has investiga-
tors now in the -four mills and in tho
meat packing houses.
Hoover's Statement
Hoover's statement outlining the gov
rnment's purposes in administering the
food legislation follows:
The hopes of the food administra-
ton are threefold. FIRST, to so guide
the trade in the fundamental food
commodities as to eliminate vicious
speulstion. extortion and wasteful prac-
tees and to stabilize prices in the ex-
ssrtisl staples. SECOND, to guard our
exports so that against the worlds
shortage, we retain sufficient supplies
tor our own people and TO cooperate
With the Allies 70 prevent imitation Of
priees, and THIRD, that we stimulate
IL every manner within our power the
saving Of our food, in order that we may
Increase exports TO our Allies to
point which will enable them to prop
erly provision their armies and TO feed
their peoples during the coming winter.
The food administration is called
hto being 70 stabilize and not TO dis
turo conditions and to defend honest
enterprise against illegitimate compe-
uton. II has been devised 70 correct
he sbnormalities and abuses that have
srspt into trade by reason of the world
disturbance and 70 restore business as
hr as may be to reasonable basis.
Force Won't Be Needed
The business men of this country,
an convinced, as result of many
hehcreds OF conferences with repre-
snntyes Of the great forces Of food
,,sppiy realize their own patriotic OBJ
lsstion and the solemnity of the situa-
Noh' and will fairly and generously CO.
Vpe'ats In meeting the national emer-
fehey do not believe that drastic
.oiee seed be applied 70 maintain eco
syynh distribution and sane use OF sup
Yno oy the great majority of Ameri-
az people, and I have learned a deep
ss aoiding faith in the intelligence
0s
'e aid we anticipate and depend
~ remedy the evils developed by
var; which he admits and deplores
esepiy az ourselves. But if there
nose who expect 10 exploit this
s.n of sacrifice, IL there are men or
,,nitations seheming 20 increase the
L.'ss o. this country, we shall not
..ts .'ssts 70 apply 20 the full the drastic,
sYe powers that Congress has con-
''a upon US in this instrument.
will Stop Gambling
In enforcing the measures Of tb.
sH - not our intention 20 proceed
t,,te post Of punitive measures. but
A.. ~ coordination with the vari-
,s..ioes iH.oes 10 effect such constructive
,,.tlSns a. will render gambling,
,DIuoh ard other wasteful practices
kseIe and will stabilize prices.
ksa. genee IN profteering in this
r.s ot national danger is far from the
81 81 tas will Of the vast majority
si,s.s business people, and I am con-
4 Inat while we must have ready
), rs the corrective powers given
r,... tasll by thege powers free the
ss.. mslofity from necessity 20 com.
L. sItn Operators whose sole effort
hs,r, hna'e prices and bring into dis
nf majority Of honest traders.
"A fopofe 70 proceed as rapidly
V'sibie with constructive regula-
continued on Losf Pace