The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1917-01-19
WHITMAN WITH
MOOSE In FIGHT
Governor Comes Out Firmly
to Perkins Against
Old Guard.
FOOD CAMPAIGN WON TOO
Reorganization of Food, Mar
ket and Agricultural Boards
Seems Assured.
FOOD CAMPAIGN WON TOO

AbbANf, Jan. lb.-ttOV. Wultrian Ctihe
out fiatly at midnight. after q conference
with George w. Perkins at the Execu-
tive Mansion. and told Mr.. Perkins that
he agreed with the stand Mr.. Perkins
had taken to get the Progressive forces
into line all over the country in support
of Mr.. Perkins's move against the ac-
ton by the Old Guard in the executive
committee of tho Republican National
Committee.
Gov. Whitman also told Mr.. Perkins
that lie was going to draft Mr.. Perkins
to head the new State Department OF
Foods, Markets and Agriculture.
Gov. Whitman has taken the bit in
his teeth and notified the legislative
leaders that there must be big re-
organization and consolidation of the
present food and markets and agricul-
tural departments and that the new de-
partment must be given the broadest
powers and ample appropriations to meet
the problem Of the high cost Of living.
First Discusses Food.
Mr.. Perkins reached Albany early this
evening. and after q conference with
Senator wicks, the chairman Of the
legislative committees on foods and mar
kets legislation, Charles r. Lowell. mas
ter of the State Grange, and Robert C.
Cummings. the Legislative bill drafter.
went TO the Executive Mansion at IL
o'clock for a conference with Gov Whit
man. Mr.. Perkins said the real object
of his visit was the food and markets
proposition.
rs Gov. Whitman with you In your
fight against the Old Guard?" Mr.. Per.
kins was asked before the interview.
Gov. Whitman is always right on
such a political question" answered Mr..
Perkins.
After his talk with Gov whitman Mr..
Perkins was moro emphatic regarding
Gov. whitmans position on this aues-
clared that ne supported Mr.. Perkins's
attitude unequivocally.
Before talking with Gov. whitman Mr..
Perkins said he was not looking for any
appointment from Gov. Whitman. He
was concerned chiefly in the welfare OF
the new State department which the
Wicks committee was arranging. and he
| was pleased. he said. over the harmony
existing between the various interests to
| be affected by this legislation.
CONFIDENT Of Victory.
Mr.. Perkins said he did not come here
he took occasion to present the attitude
/ OF the Progressives demanding recognl
tion from the Republican National Com
| mittee. Mr.. Perkins said he had beer
receiving letters and kilograms from Pro
| gressives all over the country and one
which pleased him especially was from
! Gov. johnson OF California, saying the
! efforts of the New York Progressives
| TO get what they were entitled to from
the National Committee had his fullest
| sympathy.
Mr. Perkins said he felt the Progress
sives would not lose In their fight fol
| recognition. He is keeping in touch
with every move that Is being mad,
and the influence Is going to be mater
tally felt where It will do the best good
Mr.. Perkins said
| It was suggested to Mr.. Perkins tina
| in view OF the present political differ
! ences Of tho Progressives with the Re
publican National Committee. perhaps
the foods and markets legislation wa
not the real cause Of his visit to Albany
IL was pointed out that Mr.. Perkins
having substantial influence with Gov
Whitman, could. with propriety. ask tn
Governor to lend his influence In havinJ
Chairman Wilcox call the commtte
together and zee that the Progressive
were given recognition in keeping will
their work in the last national an,
State campaigns. as Gov. Whitman an,
Chairman Wilcox are old personal an,
political friends.
New Legialation Decided Ca,
Mr.. Perkins was informed by tn
trainers Of the new foods and marke
legislation that II had been practically
settled that the present State Depart
ment OF Agriculture. the State Depart
ment of Weights and Measures. and tn
pure foods and cold storage bureaus o
the State Department Of Health woul
be taken over in their entirety by tn
new State Department of Foods an
Agriculture. The latter will be organize
along lines similar to that of the Stat
Industrial Commission. which took owe
the State Labor Department.
The number of commissioners is on
Of the problems yet to be determined
There probably will be six or eight con
mlssioners to serve at salaries of $500
or $4,000 year. Mr.. Perkins has ir
sisted from the outset that John ]. Di
lon. the present head of the Foods an
Markets Department, be retained. II
will become a member Of the Commis ssio,
as will Charles w. Wilson. State Ayr
cultural Commissioner. John It. Farrell
the State Superintendent OF Weights an
Measures, Is Democratic appointee {
!. Gov. Glynn. All employees of the d,
. partments to be taken over will remain
. with but few exceptions.
Mr.. Perkins was invited by Gov. VIII
man to stay at the mansion all nigh
but he told the Governor he intended
return to New York on the sleeper lea'
, ing here at IL :45 A. NJ.