Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1917-05-23


cost of food in this country at the
present time and each one can be
regulated in such a way that both the
producer and the retailer can secure
a legitimate profit without overcharg-
ing the consumer as Is the case at
present." said S. c. Dinsmore, COM
missioner OF the department of pure
food and drugs. who returned Satur.
day night from Washington where he
spent several days at q meeting Of
the federal trades commission.
Every state in the union was rep
resented at the meeting which was
called In order that the government
might secure first hand information
on the food conditions in the country
and TO secure any evidence of unfair
practice by dealers or jobbers in the
country which would tend to cause
the high prices of food products.
The Three Factors
The three factors entering into the
high cost of foods. declared Mr.. Dins.
more, are: First, the boarding by the
consumer: second, the inability of
producers TO secure railroad cars 10
transport their products; third. food
speculation by people who are not
producers but are merely gamblers" !"
1t was pointed out by several dele.
gates at the meeting" he said, that
the boarding of foods by private in
dividuals was "A common practice in
many parts of the country. Instances
were cited where families had pur-
chased supplies OF staple products to
last three or four years. The result is
a shortage in staples in retail stores
and a consequent rise In prices.
Railroad Car Shortage
THE second class, the inability OF
producers to secure railroad trans
portation for products, has had a
great effect on prices. Hundreds oI
flour mills and wheat elevators are
bursting with grain now but cars can
not be secured TO transport the prod.
uct. In many Instances, II was point.
ed out, where grain elevators in nor.
NAL times used fifty cars daily, they
are only able 10 get five weekly, and
as the wheat is needed badly. The
elevator men can sell what they can
ship for almost any price they ask
IL was recommended at the meeting
that the government take IA hand in
! the shipping and force the railroads
/ to supply cars to the elevators by
making them unload cars that are
now being used as warehouses.
Food Spectators Bad
THE third reason for the higi
prices-the food speculators-is prob
ably the most important reason RnG
the worst TO deal with. These food
gamblers are not producers and they
do no service Tor the producer or con
sumer. They are nothing but gamblers
and some means of curbing theil
speculations Is being considered.
THE loss of wheat In transit be
cause OF poor cars reaches man.
thousand bushels year and IL wa
suggested al the meeting that tn
government take steps TO force tn
railroads to build more cars to b
used exclusively for hauling grain
thus assuring good service withou
loss and plenty of cars TO handle tn
products.
Fuel Shortage
The fuel situation, especially il
the east, Is a serious problem. Wher,
big manufacturing plants depend OF
coal for their fuel they are now facinl
u heavy burden. Where they paid
. few months ago seventy-ive cents
ton for coal at the mine they are nov
forced to pay 1926 and the coal con
panies admit that the price Is @,
. ccssive and not necessary for the OF
, Grafton Of the mines. This will als
, be regulated.
p Speaking of regulation, however
brings out the fact that the govern
ment or any department Of II has al
solutcly no power at present TO reg,
late any kind Of prices on any proc
uct. There Is n resolution now befor
. congress that will give the secretar
D Of agriculture unlimited power in TIL
!. particular and as the result n max
mum and minimum price for foo
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