Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-05-17
Criminal gxtortisn by Gamblers.


have cared to go. although realizing
the possibilities from the source sug-
gested. The Post. Independent In pol
itics, fatty tells the administration
that something in control of the food
conspiracies must be done and done
quickly or the people will rise in sum-
mary action and without the restric-
tons OF law.
Every thinking man has noted that
the spirit of revolution is abroad in
Europe and is withheld only by the
strong hand Of military powers. In
Russia a condition almost of anarchy
follows the overthrow of the govern
ment. There the people for genera
tons have beer driven, it is doubtful
IL they can be led. 1t may be that
Germany is i'm danger Of the same con-
ditions. All over Europe the revolu
tionary contagion is spreading. In
Japan the pathway of government is
more and more thorn grown. The
ioveling processes foretold in the
Scriptures seem to be working Some
times we are amazed and dazed by the
rapidly OF their progress.
Hatred Of government permitted and
licensed methods Of greed grow apace.
Confiscation IS an ugly expression, but
the masses now understand it's full
meaning, and even the most loyal of
people can he driven to desperate
remedies. Even dawdling and pol
itics-plsying Congress and mind ito
let should see the sure effect Of toll
GRANGE OF the present criminal extor-
ton by the food gamblers. cornerers
and price-fixers. Read what our
Washington exchange says
Congress is perfecting a bill taxing
the people $4,000, 100000 for war ex-
penses. 1t is having some difficulty.
because the PEOPLE arc already heay-
lily taxed.
The pirates controlling the neces-
stiles of life have beaten Congress to
It, They have already imposed heav-
Ter taxes than Congress ever dreamed
- imposing
Congress hesitates to impose a tax
Upon necessaries. but the food pirates
have not hesitated.
III Congress were to attempt 10 i'm.
pose tax Of ) cents a loaf on broad
10 per cent on potatoes, % to 100 per
cent on meat and poultry, % to 100 per
cent on canned goods, and so on. the
people would be outraged Yet these
taxes have already been imposed and
collected by an authority that seems to
lie higher than Congress.
What is the use of asking the COM
mon people to buy liberty bonds IL
tney are already bled white by food
tonspirators? Why should Congress
permit the people to be robbed first
ind then tax them afterward?
congress pledged the resources Of
tho country for the successful prose-
oution OF the war These resources
are rapidly disappearing into the
pockets OF pirates. Thus Germany is
aided by persons living within the
United States. Some of them arc
Germans. II these persons are not
traitors what are they? Are thew MT
making the liberty loan doubtful? Are
they not impairing the taxable
strength OF the nation? Are thew not
moro dangerous enemies than German
submarines?
The war cannot be fought success
fully IL the people are unable to buy
bonds and pay taxes. The moment
has come for Congress to grapple with
the food pirates and break their
t'rangle-hold upon the people
Criminal conspiracies of gigantic
scope and remorseless greed are now
operating to defeat the American
people in war. These criminals can
he smoked out and punished. Their
system Of extortion can be smashed
The people can be liberated Their
incomes can be relieved from the rob-
her tax, and then they will willingly
buy bonds and pay taxes to maintain
the government
The opportunity to smash the food
pirates Is before Congress How long
will II be left to Congress? The people
Of the United States are determined to
win this war. The food pirates stand
in tho way. viii they be removed by
Congress. in accordance with law, or
must the people take the direct course
Of riot and summary execution? One
or the other remedy will be applied
soon.
Congress should forthwith empower
the President to take over the food
supply Of the United States and ad-
minister IL for the benefit Of the
people. the allies and the prosecution
OF the war. The situation here is
werse than II was in England when
the government found 1t necessary to
administer the national food supply.
Retail prices are higher here than
they are In London. The people Of
Englsn1 are better able to pay q gov
sr~u>>a< <av than fha ueonle NJ Amer-