Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-06-15
Mr.. HOUSTON EXPLAINS
FOOD CONTROL PROGRAM
Secretary, in Statement, Aims to Dis
pei Confusion Regarding Pro-
duction and Conservation.


Scores of measures bearing on 1000
have been introduced in Congress.
,, Public officials believe much CONFUSION
exists in the public mind regarding tho
administration program IN looo Pio
duction and conservation.
With the view of making ciear anu
succinct statement of the major pro-
posals regarding the proposed food pro-
gram. Secretary OF Agriculture Hous-
ton has just issued statement Wnlcn
summarizes the proposals for fooo pro
! duction and control. This entire pro-
gram is contained in two bills now be-
fore Congress-
The two bills known as the food
production bill Oh. r. 41sS) and the
food control bill Oh r. 4630) are de-
ministration emergency powers and
funds adequate to accomplish the nee
essary ends" the Secretary explains.
Production Bills Provisions.
The production bill provides for the
extension of the normal activities or
the department with a view further to
serve the supply of foodstuffs. The bill
Is framed as a war measure. 1t au-
thorizes the Secretary Of Agriculture
to make survey Of the food supply OF
accurate information regarding its
quantity, location and ownership. as
we'll as knowledge of the instrumental
tiles or agencies that own. control,
ucts.
The bill also authorizes the Secre-
tary of Agriculture. in case of special
need In restricted areas, to purchase.
grow or otherwise procure seeds for
the production Of food or feed crops. to
store them and to furnish them to
farmers on credit or other terms at
cost.
Provision Is made for the enlarge
ment OF the cooperative agricultural
extension forces. The remaining pro-
visions of the bill have in view the fol-
lowing objects:
Il. To stimulate the production of
live stock; to promote the conserya ton
and utilization of meat, poultry, dairy
and other animal products. and to make
larger attacks upon animal diseases
p To extend the activities of the de-
partment dealing with destructive plant
diseases and insect pests.
g. To conserve perishable crops by
stimulating better handling and stor-
age. drying. canning and the like
T. To develop and extend the market
news service for fruits and vegetables,
as well as other important activities OF
the office OF markets and rural organi-
cation.
80. To provide facilities to deal eff
N.
"6. To extend and develop the work
Of the bureau of crop estimates. the
bureau of chemistry and the publication
and International work of the depart
ment"
1t will be seen that all these items re-
late to the extension or further de-
velopment of the normal peace-time ac-
Invites of the department. The gov
where it was found disastrous to super
impose wartime activities In food con-
troll upon the already overwhelmed de-
partment of agriculture.
The Control Bill.
THE second bill. known as the food
control bill" Secretary Houston con-
tinues. aims to facilitate and clear the
channels Of distribution. prevent hoard
ing. assure fair prices. restrain in
furious speculation, prohibit evil prac-
tees on exchanges protect the public
against corners and extortion. and re-
duce waste. 1t deals with the neces-
shoes. clothing. fuel and articles re-
quired for their production It is
strictly a wartime emergency meas
ure. 1t confers. for the duration of the
war. wide powers upon the President in
the directions indicated, to be exercised
only after he has found that state
OF affairs warranting action exists"
II was In regard to these latter meas-
ures that the President May 20 issued
a statement in which he discussed the
powers that have been requested and
stated he had invited Herbert C. Hoover
to accept the administration of the
measure when passed
The two bills" concludes Secretary
Houston. should operate in close har-
mony and supplement- each other The
department of Agriculture, with its
large. efficient and established ma
chinery. will cooperate with the food
Administration to be created under Mr..
Hoover in close and effective agree
ment.
With the increase Of production at
tanned through the operation of the
nrst OF these bills. and the regulation
OF manufacture. distribution. conserva-
ton and utilization attained under the
second measure. our people will be
spared many Of the hardships of war.
par.lcularly In Its influence upon the
high cost of living, and the success.
ful prosecution Of the war will be
greatly advanced"