The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1917-08-17
Supporters Believe Il Will
Really Bring Gown Prices.
WOULD Be GREAT TRIUMPH
For Seven Years the Cost Of Living
Has Been a Political Issue and Has
Steadily Risen-if Relief Comes Now
II Will Surprise Many Pessimistio
Supporters of the Hoover Plan.
BY ARTHUR w. DUNN.

BY ARTHUR W. DUNN.
Washington, Aug. 17.-tSpecial r.
Ever since the year 1910, when the po-
litical campaign was fought on the
high cost of living, there has been a
demand hat the rise I'm prices be curb
ed and the ost to the people reduced.
Another campaign was made In 1912
on that issue, and yet prices have o II
tinued to advance until at present they
have reached a level such as was not
known even during the civil war.
It is expected the food control bin Is
going to meet the conditions of which
there has been continuous complaint
for seven years. The people have been
looking to congress for Legislation to
control the forces which have advanced
prices TO such an alarming extent. III
that measure, owe which there has
been so much contention, should prove
effective 1t will he a great triumph for
the men who conceived IL.
There Are M~isgivinos.
But there was an underlying note OF
apprehension and distrust even among
the friends OF the food control bin
when 1t was In Its final stages. Men
said that too much must not be expect
ed from it: that II might prove a disap-
pointment; that the economic laws of
the world could not be changed by an
act of legislation.
That sort of talk I'm the halls of con
gress by men who voted for and ad-
vocated the bin was rather discourag
ing to the people. who have looked for
ward so long for legislative relief from
the prevailing high prices. Ii IL TO be
hoped that the optimism of those who
were the real power behind the food
bin rather than the pessimism of half
hearted supporters will follow.
A Bill of Compromises.
The revenue bin IL not satisfactory TO
any one. Like all measures of the kind,
1t Is a bill of compromises, and no one
yet was ever satisfied with a compro-
mise. But the bill must be passed I'm
some form; there must be revenue leg
islation: the war must be paid for. and
as much taxation as the present gen
Grafton can stand must be piled ON. III
the people do not like this bin just let
them wait for the next one.
"invisibls influence"
Senator Wadsworth OF New York
took a shot at the invisible influence"
OF which we hear considerable talk
from time to time. He referred par
ticularly to the first food bin. the bill
which provided heavy penalties for
speculation in food, and asked what
invisible influence" held IL up so long.
more than "A month, while the other
food bill was being considered. And
no one told him. And no one can tell
him much about the "insidious lobby"
quite conspicuous a few years age.
"Billv and "Jim Ham,"
When Senator Lewis speaks of Sena-
tor Stone on the floor of the senate he
Is the eminent and able senator from
Missouri" When Senator Stone speaks
is the distinguished and versatile SEN
ator from Illinois"
But when they meet I'm the cloakroom
or In the corridor and engage I'm earnest
conversation one In "BilT' and the other
is Jim Ham," And there is not the pa
down TO brass tacks" and express
opinions which are not heard often dur
ing the debates I'm the senate.
Will Buy and Sell.
Herbert Hoover, the food administra-
tor. was criticised I'm the debates on
the food bill because he bought and
sold food while handling the relief
fund for Belgium. It was shown that
by SO doing he kept prices down. 1t
appears that the $150,O00.O00 appropri-
such another purpose. Large quaint
ties of food will be bought In order to
steady the market. to prevent vast for
tunes being made by spectators In
food products. 1t will be interesting If
Hoover should break the backs Of men
who undertake to corner the food sup
ply. and with $15O.O00.O00 he could
come near doing III.
Flying Machines.
"A fiier for a fivver. no matter what
year" is the way 1t may be, according
to n keen observer of events. He said
that I'm case the war should end sooner
than anticipated, within the ext six
or eight months, there would be more
flying machines to dispose OF than
could be used. Everybody could have
one at his own price. III the war lasts
flying may become popular.
Senate Not Disturbed.
The senate is not the least disturbed
because the house is taking a vacation,
The senate has been used to that meth
cd on the part of the house, 1t began
when Tom Reed was speaker. He ar