Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1917-06-19
EIH Apy klalooS lrolio'sllt
BILL ON BREAKERS
Serious Opposition Encoun-
tered Among Senators;
House, too, Divided.
CONSTITUrlONALlTY DOUBTED
Gore Among Obstructionists of
Administration Measure;
Wilson Determined.

WASHINGTON, June 1S.-Opcning
congress on the second administration
food bill-for government control of
foodstuffs and other neCessaries dis
closed further opposition particularly
by group OF senators which threat
cued To prevent its enactment by July
/ as urgently requested by President
Wilson.
Passage of the bill by the house
late this week is expected by admins
tration leaders. Advocates, as well as
| opponents, in the senate say debate
will be protracted there for several
weeks and unless the president adopts
some extraordinary steps to hasten
action the law hardly can be enacted
in time to set up the food adminstra-
ton before harvest begins.
Eilibustcr Feared.
Administration supporters expressed
fear tonight of senate filibustcr.
They are prepared If necessary to in
yoke for the first time the scnate's
new antifilibuster ruloS.
In an effort to aliay senate opposi-
tion, it was arranged today to have
an Informal conference tomorrow be-
tween senators and Herbert 9. Hoover,
! food administrator with immediate
| charge of exercising the powers
sought At the suggestion of Senator
Randsell. Mr.. Hoover was itV1teu 20
/ appear at public meeting of the agri-
culture committee tomorrow morning
before the senate convenes and eX-
plain the legislation. a general in
vitauon TO all senators to attend and
question Mr.. Hoover was extended.
Constitutionality Questioned.
In the initial discussion of the bill
administration spokesman urged mo-
bilization of Americas food power in
the war, demanded radical steps and
vesting of new and wide powers in
the president. The opposition pro-
tested that Il dictatorship and inter
ference with business and individual
rights were proposed, and questioned
the constitutionality Of the legislation.
Would Expose Crooks"
To bring food crooks out into the
sunlight" but not to injure honest
business men is the aim Of tho food
bill, chairman Lever Of the agrlcul-
ture committee declared today in
'opening debate on the measure in the
house. a wave of applause greeted
his statement. adding strength to his
prediction that the bill will pass the
house by large majority, perhaps by
the end OF the Wek.
Opponents of the bill. under the
leadership Of Representative Haugen
of Iowa, former Speaker Cannon of
Illinois and Representative Moore oi
Pennsylvania. were ready to lead an
attack.
Anticipating attacks on giving the
president extraordinary powers, Mr..
Lever contended the situation war
ranted them.
I'VE must either confer the So
called autocratic powrs upon the con-
stitutional head of our government or
be prepared to have them assumed
by the German kaiser" he said. mo
war was ever won by debating So
ciety. The time Is upon us for get
ting down to brass tacks. Germany
took control of her situation within
five days after the declaration OF war.
Without an agency of control which
would stimulate production, eliminate
waste and conserve the food" he de-
clared. this country cannot fudnish
the bulk of food to the allies.
This bill" Mr.. Lever said, In gem
eral explanation, "aims to facilitate
and clear the channels of distribution,
prevent boarding or wilful destruction
of necessities in order to enhance the
price or restrict the supply; eliminate
Injurious speculation, regulate eX-
changes and board of trades i'm order
to prohibit undue fluctuation OF
prices, unjust market manipulation or
unfair or misleading market quota
tions; reduce waste including tns
power to regulate or completely to
prohibit the use of cereals in tho
manufacture of alcoholic beverages;
stimulate production by assuring the
farmer free and open market for
his products unrestricted by manipu-
lation and uncontrolled by gambling
operations.
1--WE intend In this bill TO drive
from the established agencies of dis
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