Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-04-25
FARMERS ENDORSE
FOOD CONTROL PLAN
Heads of Five Big Bodies Prom,
Use Houston to Support
Government Program
HEARING ON IN CONGRESS-

Washington, April 24.-Congress
today took up the food problem in
public hearings by the senate agricul-
ture committee at which Secretary
Houston set forth the administra-
tons food control program.
At the same time the Federal Trade
commission directed by President
Wilson to investigate with the de-
partment of agriculture, the causes
of high food prices, asked all state
governors to send representatives 10
Washington April 80, for a confer
encc on state cooperation in the in
quiry.
Before appearing at the committee
nearing Secretary Houston put his
plans before the heads OF five big
farmers organizations and received
assurances of support The farmers
representatives promised even to en-
dorse legislation giving the govern
ment power to FIX maximum and min
lmum prices in an emergency.
Will Mobilize Million Boys.
AS its part in the governments
plans, the department OF labor an
nounced that it had undertaken the
mobilization of million boys as
active farm workers, 10 be known as
the United States boys working re-
serve. Its operations will be direct
ed from Washington by VIM. Edwin
Hall, of New York, president of the
boys club federation.
Two announcements bearing on the
food situation were definition of
the duties to be performed by Herbert
1. Hoover as chairman of the food
commission of the council of national
defense, and the statement that VIM.
J. Bryan would tour the west to help
spread the agricultural departments
appeal for increased food produc-
ton.
MIR. Hoover; it was stated, will ad-
wise as to the best means of assist
ing the allies to meet their food needs
and will assist state agencies and COM
nunlties in meeting their food prob
lens.
Unable to Estimate Supply. +
Appearing with Secretary Houston
before the senate committee, were
the representatives of the farmers
organizations. Mr.. Houston ampli-
ned his letter to the senate last week
and answered many questions. He
said the department OF agriculture
lacked machinery to obtain an accu-
rate estimate of the food supply and
needed legislation to provide it.
Aside from the wheat and potato
crop there had been no indicated
shortage of staple foodstuffs, the Sec
rotary, said.
The nation needs for its normal
domestic requirements about 100000
600 bushels of wheat wear, he ex-
planned, including 100000 bushels
for seeding purposes.
That amount was about this years
crop. Last year the nation had
"carry-over' of about 170,O00.0OO
bushels of wheat, From July /, last,
until March |. last. the amount OK
ported was about l50,000,000 bushels.
With all these facts in mind the sec
rotary said it was hard to determine
the cause for $232 wheat.
Production Increase.
Probably" he said. there is part
ly an economic justification. partly
there is apprehension that the low
prices paid few years ago will be
paid again. As to what extent prices
may be controlled, | have no facts
to base an opinion"
Figures were given showing that
the production of corn, barley, oats,
rice, milk, butter, eggs and other
food products this year were greater
or at least equal 10 the average for
the last five years, and that produc-
ton had increased
IL think" Mr.. Houston said. "thc
high prices are due to combination
of circumstances.
"A combination of circumstances
and people, suggested Senator Ken
yon.