Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-26

production Of corn. barry. oats. rice.
milk and butter. eggs and other food
products this year were greater or at
least equal to the average fo- the last
Eve years, and that production had in
creased.
Il think" Mr.. Houston said. "the
high prices are due to a combination Of
circumstances"
"a combinatio Of circumstances and
people, suggested Senator Kenyon.
Maybe" replied the secretary.
Secretary Houston said he had heard
there had been already storage OF
quantities of food by people alarmed over
the situation but he did not believe this
was general. In his opinion the farmer
is quite safe in increasing production and
Is sure to find high prices continuing
even IL peace we're to come now. But he
said the farmer should be guaranteed
minimum price for these things the gov
eminent told him he should grow to help
the nation.
THE sentiment throughout the coun-
try is fine." said he. Undoubtedly the
farmers are willing to respond to the
best of their ability. There are some
difficulties in their way but the farmers
are just as patriotic as the rest of US. 1t
Is natural. however. that when they are
asked to pay increased prices for seed and
fertilizer that they should ask Where
do we get orr"
MINIMUM PRICE SUGGESTED.
II suggest that we should have legisla-
ton to fix a minimum price. I don't be.
lieve Congress should attempt to fix
prices Of things that would be subject
to shift. and the power should be con-
ferred on the executive Perhaps in GER
tain extreme emergencies there should be
the power to fix maximum prices. There
might be cases Of speculation that could
be controlled that way. I suggest that
yos confer the power on the council Of
national defense to act at the direction
Of the President in fixing maximum and
minimum prices"
| Mr.. Houston said he did not believe
the power to fix prices would have to be
exercised and no did not think the govern
ment should 60 into the wholesale busi-
ness.
The secretary said he had no accurate
estimate Of the grain going into alco-
hol except that its value last year was
$145, 000. 900.
John H. McSparran. master Of the
Pennsylvania Grange, said the govern
ment should fix minimum prices for the
farmer: that there should be statutory
prohibition and that the railroads should
be compelled to change their methods
Of handling grain.
| ENROLMENT OF BOYS.
The department Of labor's boy mobiliza-
ton plan contemplates the establishment
Of enrolling stations in every city in the
country. Boys from Is to Is years Of age
would be organized in squads under
proper supervision. and with adequate
equipment would camp on farms wher-
ever their services were needed during
J the season.
[ 1T is planned to enroll boys who can
be used to advantage wherever there may
be shortage Of labor. especially in agrt-
culture" said a labor department an.
nouncement. There is now a great need
for help in the preparation Of fruit and
vegetables for canning. and also for plant
ing operations in several northern States
including the whole Of New England. II
Is expected that Director Halls first work
will be to care for enlisting the efforts OF
boys to help the Gamers and the New
England farmers.