Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-15
SENATORS FLAY
FOOD PIRATES s.
IN HOT DEBATE
Lamp Post Hangings Are
Suggested for Robbers"
BY Kenyon
RESIDENT DEMANDS
CONTROLLER OF FOOD
DRASTIC RULE KILLED.

O0A0 ~ MULE NIIeeO.
Washington, o. c., May 14.-The
amendment to the administration
espionage bill proposed by Senator
Thomas to suspend stock ex-
changes and boards Of trade DEAL
Ing In futures In foodstuffs during
the war, was rejected today by
the senate, 4s to "a.
Washington, D. c., May 1.-THE un.
restrained wrath Of the senate was
poured down upon food gamblers and
spectators today in one of the most
remarkable scenes in the history OF
the chamber.
Pirates" and robbers" we're terms
frequently applied to those who profit
by speculations in food in the hour of
the nations need The likelihood OF
food spectators being hanged to lamp
posts was hinted at.
The storm broke when Senator
Thomas Of Colorado. democrat. propos-
ed as an amendment to the administra.
ton espionage bill provision to sus.
oend for the duration Of the war, all
boards OF trade, stock exchanges or
chambers of commerce which permit
speculation in futures in food.
ADJEcTlvEs FLY FAST.
Senators who opposed, 1t did so on
the ground that the object should be ac-
complished In another way, and some
thought II would stifle commerce. The
great majority Of opinion. expressed in
terms which for force and range Of
adjectives had seldom been heard in
the senate chamber, favored some
drastic action to stop food gambling
and speculation which makes for arti
with'a pinch OF hunger. -
erAt.ssaid he thcNght i3g tiAn xacsy
work injury to many and should not
be passed without deliberation.
III this be adopted" said he, "you
hands OF those who fear at present
that tome members OF the administra-
The country"
II think" said Senator Reed. demo.
crat, OF Missouri, that means ought
etufYs within the limits of the powers
0I COuSI cSS
"RossERs," kENyoN's WORD.
Food spectators were denounced as
srobbers" by Senator Kenyon OF Iowa,
who recommended however, that the
IOod speculation measures be held
pver to be considered with the food
BILL
IF congress cant stop this robbery
he said -"and that is mild term for
It. the people will flnd some way II
}hey have to make use Of the lamp
post"
Senator Kirby of Arkansas support.
ing the Thomas amendment, denounc-
ID food spectators as parasites"
eoUTHERNER FOR MODERATION.
Senator Smith of South Carolina,
prged that action be withheld until the
lood bill was taken up. He said the
Thomas amendment would paralyze
Fixed commercial channels and might
10 more harm than good.
I'VE should regulate these pirates"
be said, but not destroy the usual
market places. which have legitimate
bse."
WOULD eALk "DRY" RULE.
Administration leaders in the SEN
0tC ldIO PiduS " cillIlllldlc lue
espionage bill the amendment approx
fd Saturday forbidding during the war
he use OF grains or cereals in the man.
bfacture of intoxicating liquors. They
bxpect to offer as a substitute, before
Z The Anal vote. a section OF one OF the
Administration food control bills now
before the house.
Senator Simmons. In charge of the
elan, expected to obtain sufficient votes
, % assure its adoption The substitute
Eould provide that when the president
shall find that Limitation. regulation
sr prohibition OF the use of foods. food
materials or feeds in the manufacture
bf alcohol or Of alcoholic or non-alco-
lolic beverages is essential in order to
Insure an adequate and continuous
mpply Of food, he may prescribe regu-
htions for such prohibition or limita-
ton.
Fooo CONTROLLER FOR AMERICA
The United States is to have food
controller with autocratic power over
distribution and consumption Of all
ood products, both at home and for
Export to the allies.
Back OF this controller, but not with
Nctatorial powers over him, will be a
bod commission 1t will have author.
sy over the necessary machinery car
Hing into effect the orders Of the con-
ROLLER. and the right Of suggestion.
President Wilson is to name the
bod controller and the members OF
he commission. II Is certain almost
hat Herbert c. Hoover is to be the
bntroller. Secretaries Houston OF agri. |
hllture; Wilson. labor. and Lane, in.
erior. will be members Of the commits. |
ION, which is to have in its member. !,
CONTINUED on Page s)