Omaha daily bee., 1917-02-11
PRESIDENT ORDERS
HIGH PRICE INQUIRY
Federal Trade Commission and
Department Of Agriculture
Will Conduct It.
PRODUCTION ENDANGERED

Washington, Feb. l0.--At the diree-
ton OF President Wilson, the Federal
Trade commission and the Depart
ment of Agriculture will begin an
immediate investigation into the
causes OF advancing food prices in
the United States, with special ref
erence to alleged violations OF the
anti-trust acts. An emergency appro-
priation will be asked of congress for
the inquiry.
The Trade commission made known
TODAY that il had held conference
with Agriculture department officials
to work out preliminary plans for the
investigation, and at the same time 1t
made public President Wilson's re-
quest for the inquiry. An adequate
food supply, matter of concern to
the nation at all times, is of peculiar
importance at the present, the presi-
dent declared. Despite much that has
been done toward obtaining definite
information concerning the supply
and demand OF foods, il is not yet
clear. he said. what measures are nee
essary to fundamental improvements.
1T is obvious the letter asserts,
that there will be no sufficient in
centive to enlarge production il there
does not exist an unobstructcd and
economical system OF distribution.
Unjustihable Quotations in prices are
not merely demoralizing, they in
evitably deter adequate production. II
has been alleged that the course OF
trade in important food products is
not free, but is restricted and con-
trolled by artificial and illegal means,
1t Is OF the highest public concern to
ascertain the truth or falsity Of these
allegations"
Letter Of President.
IAN adequate supply Of food prod
ucts Is a matter OF concern to the
nation at all times. II is Of peculiar
importance at present. Our domestic
food supply is normally very large and
has become increasingly varied. In
some respects it has steadily ex-
banded and has kept pace with the
increasing population. Unfortunately,
this is not true, however, OF large
number Of staple products, including
certain cereals. and particularly
meats.
while the population OF the nation
has increased 100000 since 1900,
the production OF the two leading
cereals, corn and wheat. while tend
ing to increase, has shown only a
slight advance, and that OF the meat
products in the same period has
shown an increase Of only 3,500000
pounds, a decrease OF twenty-nine
pounds per capita.
Problem Of Distribution.
much can be done and is being
done TO change this situation through
improved methods OF production and
through the control or eradication OF
plant and animal disease. But there
are problems also OF distribution, and,
in some respects, the problems pre-
scented in this field are the more dif-
fcult. Only recently have official
agencies been created to deal sys-
tematicaIly with this side OF the diff
iculty. Much work has been done,
and, considering the limited nature of
the powers under which it has been
conducted. no little Roadway has been
made. particularly in obtaining and
diffusing useful information.
Nevertheless it is not yet clear in
many directions just what the nature
OF the difficulty is or what measures
should be adopted to effect funda-
mental improvements. Many neccs-
sary facts are not available and It is
questionable whether any single
agency OF the government at present
possesses the requisite power and
equipment to secure the information
needed to enable both public and pri-
vate instrumentalities to render their
fullest service to the people.
Production Halted.
at is obvious that there will be nc
sufficient incentive to enlarge produc-
ton IL there does not exist an unon-
structed economical system Of dis
tribution. Unjustihable fluctuations in
price are not merely demoralizing
they inevitably deter adequate pro.
duction.
1T has been alleged before com
mittees of congress and elsewhere
that the course OF trade in important
food products is not free, but is re.
stricted and controlled BY artificial
and illegal means. II is Of the highest
public concern to ascertain the truth
or faisity Of the allegations. No bust
ness can be transacted effectively IL
an atmosphere OF suspicion. II tn,
allegations are we'll grounded, il !.
necessary that the nature and extern
81 the evils and abuses be accuratel,
determined, so that proper remedies
legislative or administrative, may b,
applied. II they are not true il il
equally essential that the public b,
informed, so that unrest and dissatis
faction may be allayed.
in any event, because OF the gray,
public interest which the food sup
ply effects. the efficient Performance,
Of the duties imposed upon agencie
Of the government requires that al
pertinent facts be ascertained. T,
this end the powers Of such agencie
should be made adequate, if in an,
respect they are now deficient.
Directs Inquiry.
Department to Aid.
Pursuant to the authority con
ferrcd upon me by the act creatin,
the federal commission, therefore,