New Britain herald., 1917-08-09
FOOD BILLS PASS
 SENATE WITH RUSH
Little Opposition to Control and
 None to Survey

Washington, Aug. 9.--All is in read mess today for putting the food con- trol and food survey bills into effect as soon as they become law with Pres ident Wilson's signature. He will sign the bills tomorrow after the presiding officers of the Senate and House aff1x their signatures to the measure. This could not be done today because nei- ther house was in session.
 Final congressional action came late yesterday when the Senate in rapid action approved tho conference re- been approved by the house.
 The conference report on the food control bill was adopted by a vote of 66 to and that on the survey bill by a unanimous vote. Those opposing the control bill were Senators Hard wick, Hollis and Reed, democrats. and Senators France. Gronna, LaFollette and Penrose.
 The first step in putting the news legislation into operation probably will be the appointment by the presi- dent of Herbert c. Hoover as food ad- ministrator.
 The food control bill establishes, during the war, broad government control over foods, feeds, fuel. fuel oils. natural gas. fertilizer and its in- gredients, tools. utensils and equip ment required for the actual produc- ton of all such. products, designated "necessaries''.
 the bill authorizes the President to enter into any voluntary arrange ments, create or use any agency or Q apanrino fn sar~xHoos son without compensation, to cooper ate with any agency or person, to util- ize any department or agency of the government, and to coordinate their activities.
 In pursuance of such authorization, President Wilson plans to appoint Herbert c. Hoover food administrator. Control of other necessaries named may be accomplished through other agencies. The House provision for an individual food administrator was en- acted only after the President had prevailed upon the Senate and House conferees to eliminate a Senate amendment, inserted by two over whelming votes of 63 to 19 and 60 to 23. proposing a Board of Food of three subject to Senate confirmation. r Comprehensive powers are given in the bill, passed as war measure to assure adequate supply and equitable 1 distribution of the named necessaries, to facilitate their government; to pre-> ! vent, locally and generally, scarcity. 1 monopoly, hoarding, injurious specu- | lation,i manipulation or private con- trol affecting supply. distribution and movement.
 Other provisions of the bill fix minimum price for wheat beginning next year at not less than $2 per standard bushel; provide for coal and coke price, fixing, communicating and government operation of factories and mines producing necessaries; for gov etnment purchase, sale and requ1s1- ton of various necessaries, and for federal licensing of agencies produc- ing and handling them.
 The bill appropriates for fund of s15O,O00OOO to be used in it's admin istration and $10,00O,000 for federal purchase and sale at cost of fertilizer.
 The prohibition provisions, com- promise for "bone dry prohibition proposed by the House, prohibit man ufac cture and importation of distilled nquors for beverages during the war. authorize the President to suspend manufacture of malt, fermented and
  holic content and "authorizes and dt- rects" the President, in his discretion, to commander distilled beverages m bond or stock when necessary for re- distillation into alcohol for military or other public defense purposes or to conserve foodstuffs.
 ConRressional leaders understand the president does not intend to com mandeer distilled spirits or to curtall \ their consumption unless military eAl- gencies require. The so-called Smoot amendment, directing federal pur- chase of distilled beverages in bona at cost plus 10 per cent. profit, was eliminated.
 In lieu of house provisions author izin1 the food administration to fix minimum prices for all necessarie>' the law provides that the food ad- minlstration shall fix minimum price for wheat alone. Until May ], 1909, the bill provides that the basic price shall not be less than $2 per bushel, based upon No. spring northern at all primary markets.
 Sweeping powers to control coal prices also are provided. The billy authorizes the president. through the federal trade commission or other agency to fix coal and coke prices, at the mines and among wholesalers and retailers. to regulate method Of sale, shipment and distribution among dealers and consumers, and to requ1- sition and operate mines or other coaling facilities.
 A system of federal licensing of all agencies related to the production, transportation and distribution of the designated necessaries also is provid- ed and rigid provisions against hoard ing, speculation and monopolization established under heavy penalties Farmers are exempted from the