Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-26
FOOD CONTROL MEASURE
IS SENT TO CONFERENCE
Opposition Of Leader Mann Collapses
When Thirty-One Republicans
Desert Him.
SPECIAL RULE FORCES ACTION
House Confcrecs Given Blanket In
structions to Disagree to All Sen.
ate Amendments-Proh Pro.
visions to Be Greatly Strengthened.

WASHINGTON, July 25.-The admin
istration food control bill was sent to
conferences by the House to-day with
blanket instructions to disagree to all
Senate amendments. The conferees
will hold their first meeting tomorrow
morning, but 1t probably will be at least
a week before a report is ready.
Blocked in sending the measure to con-
ference yesterday by the efforts of Re-
publican Leader Mann for a separate
vote on the amendment creating a con-
gressional war expenditures commit
tee. the Democrats brought in a spe-
cial role to force action o-day. Thirty
one Republicans joined In supporting
a motion shutting OFF debate. and with
that Mr.. Mann's opposition collapsed
completely.
The principal trouble in conference
doubtless will center around the SEN
ate amendments for the war expendi-
lures congressional committee, for a
food control board Of three members,
for a 50 minimum price for wheat. and
to permit continuance OF the use Of food
stufrs in the manufacture of light wines
and beer.
LEADERS ARE CERTAIN
THEY CAN ELIMINATE 1T
In view of President Wilson's an
nounced opposition to the war expen-
ditures committee. which he maintains
would embarrass him in the conduct
OF the war, administration leaders are
certain that they can eliminate 1t. Tho
proposal to have three food commits
sioners instead Of one probably will
lead to very stubborn fight, since tho
Presidents desire that 1t be stricken
out to give Herbert Hpover free hand
has many opponents In both branches.
Indications are that the Senate pro-
hibition provisions may be greatly
strengthened. AT least f1ve of the
seven Senate conferees are said to favor
personally a "bone-dry' country, and
Chairman Leever. of the House con-
ferees. has promised the prohibition
representatives that he will endeavor
to retain the bone dry" plan for which
the House voted.
compromise plan receiving much
discussion would give the President
power to limit the use of foodstuffs in
light wines and beer when he believes
1T necessary, and provide for the re-
distillation OF all spirits, both in and
out Of bond. Senate provisions now in
the bill would not touch wine and beer
and contemplate only the rehabilitation
OF bonded liquors.
WILL MAKE HARD FIGHT
AGAINST 81 MINIMUM
Whether the s2-a-bushel minimum
price for wheat will remain in the
bill is entirely problematical. The
House conferees will make hard fight
against 1t.
The personnel OF the conference COM
mittee is virtually the same as that
named for the food survey bill, and
reports Of both probably will be re-
turned at about the same time.
The conferees on the control bill are
| Senators Gore. Chamberlain, Smith (of
South Carolina). Smith (of Georgia).
| Kenyon. Warren and Page. and Repro
sentatives Lever. South Carolina; Lee
Georgia.: Chandler. Mississippi: Hefin.
| Alabama; Haugen. Iowa: Mclaughlin
Michigan. and Anderson. Minnesota.