Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-04-24
PLAN ON SUPPLY
Continued from Page on.)

ne food suar:y OF the country at the
Y:csen. tina aaG ..eeded legislation to
,Iogide II.
Asds from. tho wheat aid potato crops
tLera had acea 20 indicated shortage O:
seep'e foods. tho secretary said.
figures "eie given showing that the
lrcGi.ction of corn, harley. oats, rec, milk
4a3 butter, csCs and other food products
l...a year were greater or at least equal
70 the averages Tor ths last five years,
,...i that prou;;cticn had increased.
think" Nv Houston said, "the high
..lces are due 20 y coordination of cir
,unsiapces.
a combination OF circumstances and
reopie?" suggested Senator Kenyon.
May be-" replied the secretary.
Secretary Houston said he had heard
there had been already storage Of
Quantities Of food by people alarmed
yer the situation, but he did not be-
lieve this was general. In his opinion,
The farmer is quite safe in increasing
production and is sure to find high
rrlces continuing even If peace were to
rome now. But he said the farmer
should be guaranteed a minimum price
for these things the government told
lin he should grow to help the nation.
The sentiment throughout the coun-
,ry is fine said he. Undoubtedly the
sanners are willing to respond to the
Lest Of their ability. There are some
ANTIQUITIES in their way, but the farm
ers are as Just and PATRIOTIC as the rest
If us. 1t is natural. however, that when
tbtV q skpd n cod nripoS
fol seed and fertilizer they should ask
where do we set of?'
II suggest that we should have leg
station to fix minimum price. don't
elieVe Congress should attempt to fix
prices Of things that would be sub
Jet to shift and the power should be
Conferred on the executive. Perhaps in
extreme emere encies there should DO
the power to fix maximum prices. There
ml4ht be cases of speculation that
0pull be controlled that way. l suggest
ta9j you confer the power on the Coun-
I'll ef National Defense to act at the
direction Of the President in fixing
10. Timum and minimum prices
n. houston said he did not believe the
yoHer to fix prices would have to be exer-
.i.ei 4tl he did not think the govern
u : ia sHbuiu ~ lllO tue hHOlGSdle puSl-
ness
The seeretary said he had no accurate
estimate of the grain going into alcohol
except that it's Talue last year was sli5,
rp,~1
IohG II. Mcsparran, master of the
Pennsylvania Grange, said the govern
.nent should fix minimum prices for the
farmers; that there should be statutory
prohibition, and that the railroads should
lie compelled to change their methods of
handling grain.
The department Of labor's boy mobiliza-
;ton plan contempiates the establishment
IF enrolling stations in every city = the
country. Boys from Is to 10 years Of age
would be organized in squads under
roper supervision and with adequate
equipment would camp on farms wher-
ever thei. services were needed during
the season.
1T is planned to enroll boys who can
fe used to advantage wherever there
day be a shortage of labor, especial
" in agriculture said a labor depart
ment announcement. There is great
Iced for help In the preparation Of
fruit and vegetables for canning ana
also for planting operations In several
northern states. including tho whole of
New England. 1t is expected that Dr.
rector Halls first work will be to care
fer enlisting the efforts of boys 70 help
the Gamers and the New England
farmers.
Boys under age fer enlistment but
BILE to he Of service will BIO welcome
"a Join the reserves. It is intended that
nothing shall be done that will in any
manner tend to break Gown accepted
standards OF child legislation AMI child
'ifc",