Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1917-10-30
HOOVER Will CUTOFF
THE FOOD PROFITEERS
Plans Summary Treatment
for Retailers Seeking
Inordinate Gains
WON'T RECEIVE GOODS
FROM WHOLESALERS

WASHINGTON, Oct. sO.-Herbert
Hoover has disclosed his plan OF con-
trolling the retail dealer in foodstuds.
Although retailers, except those doing
an annual business Of 100000, are not
seublect 10 the licensing system of the
food administrator. Mr.. Hoover has de-
cided that no retailer OF other dealer
who in violation OF the food-control act
puts excessive prices on necessary foods
will be able to obtain supplies.
Under this requisition, no manufac-
turer, wholesaler or other handler of
food will be allowed to sell 70 any re-
taller anywhere in the United States
who makes unreasonable profits or buys
large quantities OF foods for purposes
of speculation.
This is one Of the most sweeping OF
he many safeguards against HIGH prices
which viii be Incorporated in the liceH-
ing system, becoming edectixe November
for which the complete rules and
regulations viii be announced within
lew days. The food administration has
determined to curb war profits of whole
sale dealers in food BIZ forcing them to
base prices on actual costs. instead Of
market quotations on basic commodities
The step taken today is intended to con-
vey to retailers the information that
their hopes for big profits are due for a
sad collapse.
The food administration stated that
although smaller retailers of food. of
whom there are several hundred thou
sand in the country, while exempt from
the licensing provisions are nevertheless
subject to other provisions of the food
control act.
''Every retailer Of whatever size. as
well as every other handler of food Is
forbidden under Sec Of the law TO make
any unreasonable charge; TO hoard.
TO monopolize waste or destroy food;
or 10 conspire with anyone 90 restrict
the production, distribution OF supply. or
exact excessive prices on any necessities"
10 was stated "Ihere are no penalties
provided under this section of the act.
but the food administration hopes that
the above arrangement Of restricting
supplies TO yiolators of the law viii be
Of some effect. for the retailers will find
himself unable TO buy goods from any
wholesaler or manufacturer
The organization OF the Federal food
administration I'm each State will be
on the watch and send 90 the food adj
minisiration at Washington the names
Of retailers asking excessive prices. 70
was announced by the food adminsira-
ton, which added that 20 does not in
tend 10 disturb ANY legitimate opera
tons and will Initiate these measures
against only hardened and persistent
violaiors Of the law"
10 takes the position that the great
majority Of food sellers, retail as well
as wholesale, are patriotic and honest
and are making every effort TO sell TO
the consumer at the lowest possible
prices. Such dealers will, in fact. be
protected from illegtmate competition.
Speculation in canned goods will be
checked by the special regulations gov
erning Gamers. The sale Of futures in
canned peas, corn, tomatoes. salmon
and sardines before February 4 is 90
be prohibited, and It IS stated that this
date may later be changed. depending
upon tile needs Of the military forces
and the Allies.
In addition, the custom which some
Gamers have followed OF overseeing
their estimated output will be discon-
tinued under the following rules:
The licensee shall not sell for
future delivery any canned peas,
corn or canned tomatoes in excess
OF - per cent. Of the normal yield
Of such acreage as the licensee has
already under contract or legal
contract: the licensee shall not sell
for future delivery canned salmon
or canned sardines in excess OF IS
per cent. Of his estimated pack,
cOnservatively figured with regard
to his capacity and the supply Of
fish which can reasonably be OK
pected by him.
Under another rule the Gamer this
year will be required to adjust his
grades and sizes TO the more usefu
types Of cans. As in other industries
Gamers are required 10 sell at reason