The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-05-18
SENATORS DENGUNCE
FOOD SPECULATf0x
Gore Resolution Calls for Appoint
ment of Controller With Dicta-
toriaI Powers.

Washington, May 14.-Speculation
IN food supplies was vehemently de-
nounced today on the floor OF the
senate and in a remarkable debate
there was shown plainly an over
whelming sentiment for putting a
stop to gambling in the necessities
of life
An amendment to the espionage
till proposed by Senator Thomas OF
Colorado, to suspend during the war
all exchanges, boards Of trade and
chambers Of commerce that permit
speculation in foodstuffs was beaten
only because it was thought the pro-
vision had no place in the bill and
that it should be offered in connec-
ton with food control legislation
pending in congress.
ManipulatOrs Scored.
Senator after senator scored the
men who have manipulated grain
rrices and the terms pirates" and
robbers" were freely used. Those
who opposed the Thomas amendment
as irrelevant to the legislation before
the senate joined with their col
league in declaring speculation must
be ended. A few objected, however,
CT the ground that legitimate COM
nerce might be choked by stopping
all dealings in futures.
The rapid rise in grain prices on
tie Chicago exchange started by the
agriculture departments forecast Of
an unusually light winter wheat yield
has caused the administration to re-
double its effort in behalf Of food con-
troll legislation already introduced In
10th houses of congress.
For Food Controller.
The measures pending were supple
nented today by a resolution intro
duced by Senator Gore, chairman OF
the agricultural committee, calling for
the appointment by the president of
q controller general Of supplies.
There have been increasing indica-
tions since the return Of Herbert C..
Hoover with food reports from
abroad that the administration intends
to centralize the food situation IN
one man. Appointment Of food
controller would be made possible
BY passage of the food bills already
before congress, but the Gore resolu-
ton would make his duties more spe-
cifc and would grant him wider pow
eIs.
Controllers Duties.
Under the Gore resolution the pres
iGent would be- authorized to. trans
fer to the food controller powers
vested in other departments and bu-
reaus. The food controller would be
empowered to act With the allied
governments in an international
agreement for control Of food sup
plies. His control would extend to
fuel and to other necessities of life.
His salary would be that OF cabinet
member and his duties would be
prescribed by congress or by the
president.
The Office would be created for the
duration OF the war and for nine
months after the conclusion OF
peace.
Fits Governments Plans.
Conferring on a food controllers
powers to deal directly with the al
hes in the exchange of supplies, pro-
Losed in the Gore resolution, fits d.
rectly into the governments plans
for a centralized buying arrangement
under an internatioal commission.
Government officials believe one OF
the most effective ways Of preventing
rising food prices is to poll buying
interests and stop competitive pur-
chasing by the allies. In this way
It is believed markets will stabilize
themselves. and that minimum price
fixing in force producers will exert
themselves to increase the food out
put.
Maximum price fixing plans, as
explained today by Secretary Hous-
ton. do not contemplate maximum
price on staples generally. but appli-
cetion of the principle only when it
appears a food corner is in sight.
aPirates" and 1Robbers."
pirates" and robbers" were terms
..1;,l ~ eonotoro fo food SDecU-