Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-06-22
AMERICA IS MENACED
BY DRAIN Of NEUTRALS
ON SUPPLY OF WHEAT
Startling Admission Made That
Wheat viii Be Exhausted
by Spring. Unless Action Is
Taken at Once

WASHINGTON, June 2O-In a Wig
orous attack upon the administration
food control bill in the senate Today,
Senator Gore, Democrat, chairman II
the senate agl iculture committee. de-
clared 1t strikes at the farmer, will
cause losses to producers this year of
$250,OO0.O00 In wheat, 100000 in
corn and result in famine next year
through reduced production
Neutral countries are draining the
United States Of its wheat supply, and
unless some food control is instituted
by July l, American wheat will be ex-
hausted by spring.
With this startling admission, the adj
ministratlon today pressed on its eff
forts to force congress into prompt ac-
tion on the Lever food control bill.
SOUTHERN GRAIN MOVING.
1t was pointed out that the early
southern grain is already beginning to
move and that by July most of it will
be on the way. Meantime, neutrals are
buying on a gigantic scale. while the
allies are waiting on congress before
setting up a FOOD department and joint
purchasing agency here. But, 1t is
pointed out the allies, armed with plen-
ty of Tnoney-American money-can
scarcely be expected to delay buying
grain If neutrals continue 1t. Hence.
experts see the prospect of their rush
ing into the market soon to beat the
neutrals to the prize
Unless the measure is passed by July
l, congress must at least officially
recognize a food control department
and give Herbert Hoover a sufficient
operating appropriation, or he will re-
gard his usefulness at an end, 1t is
said.
1t would be impossible for him to
direct food control without official status
and money 1t is declared.
Hoover, himself, Is in New York to-
day looking into the grain export sit
uation. The uncertain temper of con-
gress on the food bill. however is max
ing it very difficult for him to make
any great Roadway in his present work
The only weapon in sight for use In
the food conservation battle is the en-
barge clause in the espionage bill which
President Wilson probably Will sign
today.
A general export program has been
formulated by the cabinet and partial
or total embargoes on coal and wheat
to neutrals is being considered.
President Wilson is expected to sign
today or tomorrow the measure for
board of export control. This board
would have arbitrary power over ship
ments of foodstuffs to neutrals, being
designed mainly to prevent neutrals
from getting an overabundance for
themselves or a portion for secret ex-
port to Germany through neutral coun-
tries contiguous to GERMANY.
This measure, probably checking such
export quite effectively. is powerless,
however, to prevent spectators friendly
to Germany from buying up vast guam
titles of grains for storage or for ex-
tortionate prices later.
The food control bill, however, CEN
Trailing the power of distribution would
put an end to boarding either by Amer
lean, neutral or pro-German buyers.
1t is probable Hoover will lay new
and startling facts regarding the danger
threa tening this country's food supply
when he confers with senators again
Friday morning. Some administration
leaders were somewhat discouraged fol-
lowing the vigorous oss-eXamina ton
of Hoover by Senators Reed and Gore
yesterday.
in which prosecutors had the accused
on the grill. Throughout the hearing
Reed referred to Hoover as "the wit
ness"
He and Gore indicated they will
fight the bill to the finish.
In expectation of a possible flibus-
ter both Republican and Democratic
leaders are prepared to pursue a dras-
tic short arm" course If necessary.
Senator Chamberlain brought the bill
up again IN the senate today and said
he would keep 1t there until acted on.
Night sessions may be resorted to. and
If a filibuster is attempted, cloture
will be invoked.
The battle in the upper house is
swinging around to a point Of omi-
nous bitterness. Unnecessary delays
are expected to bring fire from the
White House on recalcitrants.
Meanwhile, friends of the bill today
welcomed the enlistment of Senator
Johnson, California, who has lined up
his batteries on the side of food con-
troll and will blaze at the enemy this
week.
Three days of listless debate, mostly
havorable-was expected to be ended
in the house this afternoon. Chairman
Lever. of the agriculture committee,
expected to be able to get the bill open
ed for actual consideration late today
or at the beginning Of tomorrow's ses-
sion.
The house IL expected to pass the
bill by Saturday night. Little formid-
able opposition has shown itself so far.
Pressure by the president-as well as
by house leaders-apparently has done
much to reconcile recalcitrant house
members to the provisions of the
measure.