The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1917-06-22

Washington, June 19-Food specula-
tors have been taking S50,000,000 a
month for the last five months-a total
of quarter of billion dollars-from
the American people, Herbert C. Hoo
yer today told senators in explaining
the purpose of the food control bill
now before congress.
Disclaiming entirely that the bill
sets up a food dictatorship, Mr.. Hoo
yer told the senator's the purposes were
entirely to organize the resources of
the country and the people themselves
into a food administration, to limit
middlemens commissions and prevent
eXtortion.
"With righteous manufacturers and
distributors prices" he said, "the price
of flour should not be over SO a barrel.
Yet it averages $14. In the last five
months $25O,OOO,OOO has been extract
ed from the American consumer in ex-
cess of normal profits Of manufactur-
ers and distributors"
Not single national trade associa-
ton, Mr. Hoover told the senator's, is
opposed to the food control bill. The
prospective faod administration went tn
she eisRitol e l'(y today q explain the
tnat full understanding bf the oB-
jects and purposes may allay some Of
the opposition.
Mr.. Hoover outlined broadly the
question of prospective food supplies.
"The real question" he said in pre-
pared statement, 'is twhetherthe short
age will continue next year and what
will be the needs of the allies and
America. Despite the reduced con-
sumption of the allies they will require
larger amount of cereals next year
than ever before. The allies are more
isolated in food sources.
"The allies are dependent upon
North America for the vast majority
of their food imports. We should b,
able to supply 60 per cent of what they
require. The oher 40 per cont must
be made up by further den!a, o. their
part and saving on ours. VI .holt q /
adequate food supply 70 European
population will continue to fight and
we shall find ourselves enc aains-
Germany.
"The Russian revolution as q food
riot and even yet that ally Is tampora-
rily paralyzed. Responsibility rests on
our government for failure OF democ-
racy through shortage Of food"
Turning to domestic conditions Mr..
Hoover said this country has been eX-
periencing unprecedented prices and
rampant speculation citing how
middlemen and other persons in the
distribution process have been purchas
ing increased supplies to avoid individ-
ual shortages.
"The average prices to the consum-
ers in countries where food admins
tration is now in effect are lower thar
those now prevailing in the United
States" he said. "In England the
price Of bread is even twenty-five pei
cent below the price we pay"
Mr.. Hoover denies that the bill es
tablishes food dictatorship. He char
acterized the purposes of the food ad
ministration as to mobilize the people
in order to carry out the advice givel
them by the government officials anC
, to decentralize the functions of tht
administration in order to centralizt
/ the functions of the food administra
tion into the various states.
A commission to take charge of pro
duction and distribution of flour, su
gar and possibly few other principa
commodities, Mr.. Hoover said is being
contemplated
Provisions for the government t.
buy anG sell commodities will be nee
essary for use only as to a very few
/ prime commodities" he said. "The
, aim is to stabilize prices and thu,
/ eliminate speculation The balance
wheel for stabilizing prices is gone
We need an artificial balance wheel.
"By setting up a wheat commission
we can buy wheat, regulate its storag,
and transportation and handle it unit
, exported or sold in this country. 1
: we do not do this wheat prices may re
lapse on account of our not being ablt
4 to store and carry it, with speculator
e securing the sole benefit and farmer
: bearing the loss.
eve can contract tomorrow with tn