Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1917-02-15
PLAN FOOD
COST PROBE

eral trade commission today
it would begin immediately an inyesti-
CATION Of the high cost of foods IN the
United States with special reference to
alleged violations of the antitrust laws.
h department of agriculture will
assist In the investigation. Alleged ma
nipulat'cns, eo1lrol and conspiracies in
distribution OF food will be gone into
particularly.
The Presidents Letter.
President Wilson'S letter. directing
the inquiry is as follows:
An adequate supply OF food prod
ucts Is a matter of concern to the ma
ton at all times. 1t is oC peculiar Inn
poTtance at present. Our domestic food
supply is normally very large and has
become increasingly varied. In some re-
spects it has steadily expanded and has
kept pace with the increasing popula-
ton. Unfortunately, this is not true,
however, of n large number OF impor-
tant staple products. including certain
cereals and particularly meats.
While the population of The nation
has increased 2 G,000,0 900 since 1900, the
production of the two leading cereals,
corn end wheat, while tending to in
crease. has shoWn only a slight ad-
vance. and that of meat products in
' tiiS odtiS tcIlNN HIS SHOWN an increase
of only $500, 600 pounds. a decrease
OF 29 pounds pes capita
Some H~eadway Made.
Much car be done and is being done
to change this situation through i'm
proved methods of production and
through the control or eradication of
plant and animal disease. But there
are problems also of distribution, and,
III some respects the problems present.
ed IN this field are the more difficult.
Much work has been done, and, consid-
erins the limited nature of the powers
under which it has been conducted. not
a little Roadway has been made, partic-
ulariy in obtaining and diffusing useful
information.
Nevertheless, IT. is not yet clear in
many directions Just what the nature
OF the difficulty is or what measures
should he adopted to effect funda-
mental improvements. Many necessary
facts arc Tot available and it is ques-
tionable whether any single agency of
the government at present possesses
tlle requisite power and equipment to
secure the information needed to enable
both public and private INSTRUMENTAL
ties to render their fullest services to
the public.
ut is obvious that there will be no
sufficient incentive to, enlarge produc-
ton if there does not exist an unob-
structed economical system OF distribu-
ton. Upjustif!able fluctuations in price
are not merely denoralizing: they in
evitably deter adequate production.
Trust Charges Made.
ut has been alleged before commit
tees of congress and elsewhere that the
curse of trade in important food
products is not free. but is restricted
and controlled by aryicidial and illegal
means. 1t is OF the highest public con
rr1.y, 5r .n-, To- d. -E - ~.
of the allegations. No business can be,
transacted effectively in an atmosphere
of suspicion. IL the allegations are wei:
grounded, it is necessary that the ma
ture and extent of the evils and abuses
be accurately determined, so that prop.
er remedies. legislative or administra-
tive may be applied. If they are not
true. it is equally essential that the
public be informed to that effect, so
that unrest and dissatisfaction may be
allayed.
"In any event, because of the grave
public interest which the food supply
effects the efficient maintenance Of the
duties imposed on agencies of the gov
requires that all the important
facts be ascertained. re this end the
powers OF such agencies should be
adequate. if in any respect they are now
deficient.
Storage Men Hit.
Pursuant to the authority conferred
upon me by the act creating the fed
eral commission, therefore, I direct the
commission within the scope of its pow
ers to Investigate and report the facts
relating to the production, ownership,
manufacture, storage and distribution
of foodstuffs n the products, or by
products arising from or in connection
with their preparation and manufac-
tnre: TO ascertain the facts bearing on
alleged violations of the antitrust acts
and particularly upon the questions
whether there are manipulational
trusts, combinations, conspiracies OF re-
straints of trade out of harmony with
the law or the public interest.
Il am aware that the commission has
additional authority in this field
to prevent certain persons. partnerships
or corporations from using unfair
methods Of competition in ommerce.
] presume that you may see fit to exer-
else that authority. upon your own
INITIATIVE without direction from me.
The department of agriculture has
been engaged for several years in
studying problems of distribution.
have noted thai it has been proposed
in the congress to add to III funds Of
the department and give it larger pow
ers to conduct its Investigations. AS
its activities will touch phases of the
problem l am calling to your attention
which may not be covered by your in
q'liry and may furnish information of
great importance for the purpose CON
templated, ! shall direct that depart
ment to cooperate with you in this en-
terprise.
inquiries About Funds.
For the adequate prosecution OF the
inquiry by both your commission and
the department of agriculture it is es-
sential that sufficient funds be avail
able. ] accordingly request that you
furnish me at the earliest possible mo-
ment an estimate for an appropriation
If one is needed to supplement existing
appropriations to enable you success
fully to carry out the Investigation.
"A copy of this letter is being sent
to the secretary OF agriculture with the
direction that his department cooperate
with YOU and with ~theSrequest tha he
furnish an estimate for the funds need
cd by his department.
TIL secretary of agriculture. the
trade commission announced. was
asked today for a conference to arr
range preliminary plans for the inves-
tigation and TO make estimates for it's
costs.