Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-05-04
The Measures Possible

!sUdtIon approval
The Measures Possible
II is proposed TO empower the Pres
ideht. under the war clause of the
constitution 20 take these measures
Whenever in his opinion the national
emergency shall require:
~ HA maximum and minimum prices
Tor food. clothing. fuel and other neces
sites ana the articles required fer their
PRODUCTION.
10 prescribe regulations to govern the
PRODUCTION of these commodities and. If
"e cssary. to rcquisition the producing
factor. es mines or other establishments.
To compel holders of necessities to re-
ease them in amounts insuring eauita able
alstrl utiun.
To regulate exchanges in such a way
as 70 eliminate market manipulate ton.
10 Compel railroads to give preference
TO the movement OF necessities.
To levy such importation duties as he
mas necessary TO prevent excessive
dumping of foreign products: and
To impose limitations or prohibitions
upon the use of grain in the manufacture
oI liquor.
In addition, the secretary Of agriculture
would be empowered to establish standard
good grades, to license and control the
manufacture, storage and distribution Of
foods. TO prescribe the percentage of flour
TO be mlled from wheat and to regulate
The mixing Of wheat flour with other flour
IN the making of bread and other food.
Levers Statement
In a statement tonight Mr.. Lever
declared there was nothing IN the
measure to disturb legitimate business
activities because 1T is hoped that
the mere comforting Of the more ex-
tromc new powers will be sumclent
without it's becoming necessary 10 eA-
crcisc them" 1t is known that ON
Gals of the executive branches Oh tie
government hold the same VleW' pe-
heving that with such enect1Ve "eap-
ons in their possession they VIII en-
counter no difficulty in lining up OH
the side of the public interest without
legal action all recalcitrant private
agencies.
The bill is supplemental to the ad-
miuistration food measure introduced
Nid!ng for a survey OF the couius
food resources and conferrinS powers
Ia prevent food speculation. TINS meas
urc was ordered favorably reporteu
from the agricultural committee To-Day
1fta, thc committee had reduced the
approximation carried from $2o,ooo'ooo "
approximately $40 ZOO. 900 and had elm
mated a section authorizing the secre-
tarN If agriculture to order the Hiinie
date sale of any food i'll such cohui-
ton that unless promptly disposed Oh
it will become unfit for use. The sec
ton will be incorporated in comihs
third measure which is TO CONFER nioa"
powers on the council of natlohal oe-
Tense
Mr.. Lever expects to get botn Tie
Mills M for action in the House next
week Tho first already is pending In
the Senate and the supplemental meas
IRE probably will be presented thefe
tomorrow.
The new bill" said Mr.. Lever IN
his statement, deals with all the nee
cssaries of life. including FOODS. 1eeos'
shoes. clothing. fuel and articles re-
CURED in their production. The meas
IRE is intended only to meet the pres
ent emergency. 1t is limited to the Pc
'lod of the war and a suinclehl 'ii''s
hereafter for REIMBURSEMENT. II Is paseu
IN the war clauses of the CONSTITUTION
md is applicable throughout the couh-
try irrespective of state lines.
The purposes are to stimulate pro-
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