New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-22
Forecasts of Food
Riots in Many Cities
Reach Washington
LFrom Tho Tribune Eur,aul

Washington, Feb. 21.-Reports have
been received at the Department of
Agriculture within the last forty-eight
hours, il is asserted, predicting food
riots in Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago,
Kansas City, Cincinnati and other great
commercial centres where the popula-
tions are partly of the foreign element.
For weeks advices have been pouring
into government channels complaining
of the increasing cost of foodstuffs and
praying for relief. The American peo-
pie, in a land of peace and abundance,
are paying twice as much for potatoes
as do the people of war-ridden Great
Britain. The humble cabbage, which a
year ago could be bought at 81 ton,
now brings $3.50 ton in car lots.
Federal officials, following the wives
riots in New York, are much alarmed,
and are seeking to find some means by
which the situation may be mastered,
That some action must be taken by
the government 10 control the ever in
creasing cost of articles Of food is rec
ognized by the President. his advisers
and members OF Congress. There are
several Federal agencies clothed with
authority not only to investigate the
subject, but to adopt radical measures.
even to grand jury indictments, to stop
practices of eXtortion.
First. there is the Department Of
Justice, which can bring criminal ac-
ton against monopoles of foodstuffs;
the Federal Trade Commission. a body
especially created by Congress to deal
with prices Of all kinds, and the Of
fee of Markets and Rural Organiza-
tion, Department of Agriculture,
which is receiving million-dollar ap-
preparation. and which was originally
designed to investigate marketing
methods and prices. While there have
been informal Investigations by these
three agencies, no results have been
accomplished.
President Indignant
President Wilson Is indignant at
the action of the House Appropria-
tions Committee in striking from the
sundry civil bill the item Of 100000
asked for, with which 70 make an in
vestigation into the high cost of liv-
ing The President Will fight for the
appropriation, it is declared. He prob
ably will write a letter to some mem
Der Of the House explaining his rea-
sons for wanting the appropriation
and urging Congress 10 support it.
Representative Borland. OF Mis-
sour, will move TO insert this item in
the appropriation bill when il comes
I'd for consideration in the House.
Presidential influence may prevent it
from going out on a point Of order. If
that disposition is made Of the mat
ter it will be taken care OF in the
Senate. where Senators already have
grown Iestive under complaints that
are coming from their constituents.
The Agricultural Appropriation bill
now carries an item of $4,000 for an
Investigation into increased prices and
their causes. to be made by the experts
of that department. The Administra-
ton. however, is convinced that this
viii not begin TO permit the executive
department TO deal with this matter as
IL should. To conduct an inquiry in
the comprehensive way IN which the
Federal Trade Commission heretofore
has handled these matters. the Presi-
dent is convinced fully 100000 will be
required.
In the letter the President is TO write
he will explain that it is his purpose
upon the findings Of the commission to
formulate a programme Of relief from
the present high prices. The President
is not convinced even that legislation
will be required. Relief may come
through administrative measures.
Inquiry Plans Completed
The Federal Trade Commission has
completed plans for its investigation
into the high cost OF living, and will be
ready 10 begin work just as soon as
Congress appropristes the money.
The plans are drawn on the basis OF
a 100000 appropriation, the investlga-
ton 20 be concluded within six or eight
months. n Congress does not provide
this amount OF money. the commission
i will have 70 change it's present plans.
I These call for a most comprehensive
/ investigation Of the whole subject. The
I inquiry will not be begun, the commits
( sion announced to-day, until the appro-
I priation is made.
Francis j. Heney, retained as counsel
! by the Trade Commission in the news
I print investigation, will probably be
| placed in charge Of the food investiga-
] ton.