The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-23
FOOD TRAINS ARE
Continued from First Psge)

ton in sight tonight Only the "dyna-
mite" campaign Of the interstate COM
merCe commission to move freight
cars doomed up as an actual step To
relieve the people, and the railroad
heads in Washington declared that
the ear shortage could not be held
responsible for the shortage of food
and fuel in the great cities.
There was a growing feeling in
Washington tonight that drastic ac-
ton by President Wilson would he
forced unless unforeseen relief FOR the
cities Is forthcoming What steps he
might take were rot apparent but
there were suggestions OF a nation
wide boycott on high priced foods
prompted by an official proclamation,
The demand for an embargo on the
expectation of foodstuffs to Europe,
which has been apparent in congress
for months, again showed signs or
strength. 1t was stated. however. that
the president will not consent to any
embargo proposal at this time, and
that the administration feels that food
conditions in this country are in no
way due TO the exports 20 Europe.
Prices SIN Soar.
Meantime throughout the country
prices continue 10 soar. From all the
great cities today came reports of
enormous increases in the prices de-
manded for vegetables and other
staple products. No government
agency would undertake to assign
reason for the increases, but they
were accepted as Indicating a serious
condition. From various sources
came various charges as to the cause
of the climb. Eastern dealers declar-
ed that their local supplies were ex-
4 l.. - x.t1 ~taex
vented them from replenishing. West
ern commission men declared that an
actual shortage OF food crops was to
blame. Railroad men asserted that
food spectators We're boosting prices
and trying to throw the blame on the
railroads through the car shortage.
American Railway association
officials declared today that food
trains arc moving freely to the
great cities. The interstate conn
mercc commission also received
reports indicating the clearing
away of freight congestion.
I. w. VS. MAY Have Aided
The department OF Justice through
it's special agents, today started
widespread probe of the riotous con-
dtions in the great cities. II was
stated here that organizations affllt-
ated with the Industrial Workers OF
the World have been active in press
ing their propaganda in present con-
5tons. The leader; are under ohser-
walton. and department OF justice Of
fCials say that they are apDrehensive
that serious rioting and bomb out
RACES will ensue unless drastic
remedial steps are taken at once
Starving women and children, driven
to desperation by lack of food. ana
Historically racing through the cities
seeking food. cannot be handled with
shotrun and h'ack Jack methods. II
was declared tonight. Some means of
relief must be found. administration
leaders said. that will promptly and
"ttoaoiously relieve the cause OF the
rioting
Secret service men and special
agents Of the department of justice
have been ordered to investigate and
report at once on rumors that foreign
intrigue has been In some way re-
sponsihle for the food riots. Govern
ment agents were dispatched 30 Phila-
delphia, New York, Jersey City and
/ Chicago to look into this phase OF the
question.