Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-06-05
Eeating the Food Brig andS.


The passage of the food control bill is de-
cisive step toward solving especially urgent
war problem To the rank and file of bread win
ners the most interesting part of the measure Is
the section making it felony to hoard great
quantities of foodstuffs, fuel other necessares
for the purpose of price manipulation.
This provision is designed to reach such Grim
inals as the Chicago brigand who boosted last
winter that he had millions of dozens of eggs in
cold storage and intended to hold them until the
market reached figure tnat would make his for
tune sure. That of thing, at any time, Is
worse than highway robbery, but at this juncture
OF the country's needs it amounts to pillage and
treason combined.
1t is almost uncomfortable that avarice would
go so far as to hoard those commodities without
which our people well allies will
suffer. basic supplies which the maintenance
of our army and navy and. indeed, the winning of
the war depend. Yet, the Government has I'M
eartbed plain evidence of plots to corner certain
necessaries with view to fixing extortionate
prices.
In some instances the hand of Prussian in
fuence has been traced. just it has appeared in
the plans interfere with the selective draft reg
istration. Spies and agents of the German Gov
hoping to utilize the ignorant and foolish and
debased. But of the peril from corners
and speculation lies among those inveterate gam
blers and buccaneers who can see in this world
war no higher meaning than chance to fill their
flesh pots.
The provision against boarding is reinforced
by the amendment throwing certain restrictions
around trading in futures. In that connection it
is stipulated that if time during the present
are found to be raising the price of wheat other
food cereals unreasonably and the injury of
the public. the President may request a discon-
tinuance, for a time specified by him, of dealings
in such futures Further:
I'm such request is not promptly
complied with. then he is hereby empowered
to order such dealings in futures, as last
aforesaid, to be entirely suspended and dis
continued for such limited time as he may
direct, and If such order is not promptly COM
piled with, he may, by proclamation, declare
such exchange closed and thereafter it shall
be unlawful to utilize permit to be utilized
such building room a grain exchange
for any person being trader in grain on
such exchange to engage in the business
heretofore conducted on at such closed
exchange. Any person violating any of the
provisions Of this act shall be punished by a
fine of not less than $500 or by Imprisonment
for not more than year, by both such
fine and imprisonment"
These provisions together with the authorization
OF food survey will safeguard the rightful inter
ests OF the producer we'll those of the con-
sumner. 1t is we'll known that the farmer does not
share in extortionate prices which food gamblers
impose. His profits would be much surer and, for
the most part much larger If efficient and equita-
BILE methods of distribution were established
throughout the nation
To establish such methods, thereby assuring
both justice and economy in the of the food
supply, is the purpose of the Administrators
food control bills. The House measure which
. passed the Senate Saturday with amendments that
will be adjusted in conference is the first of several
proposed laws The others will be taken up in
due time But with boarding and harmful spec
ulation prohibited and with thoroughgoing sur
vey of food resources under way, the more urgent
needs of the situation will be we'll in hand