Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1917-04-26
UNITED STATES To
TAKE FULL CHARGE
Of FOOD SITUATION
Commissioners Gel Down to
Business Of Dividing
the Work
$5O,OOO,OOO FOR ITALY
WILL AID OTHER ALLIES
Selecting Parts America Can
Do Best---MOney and
Food
By George Martin.


Washington, April 26-That some one
American-possibly Herbert Hoover or
Secretary Of Labor Wilson-within the
next few months will become food die
tator of the world was indicated by de-
velopments at the international war
conference of the allies here today.
More and more the war council IS pro-
ceedings are crystalizing into monu-
mental campaign to feed the allies. Fin
ance and shipping problems are coming
to be considered comparatively collater-
al, though, Of course, vital
1t was taken for granted today that
it will be the policy of the allies, aft
er America has made her preliminary
contributions to her fighting sister ma
tions in men, money, GOOD, shipping and
other things, to entrust the United
States with absolute control of certain
phases of the war.
That food will be one of the prob.
lens left entirely in American hands is
believed certain.
| This will mean that one man or small
group of men, will be named by Presi
dent Wilson absolutely to dominate the
production and distribution Of. all foot
in the United States, England, France
italy, Russia, Cuba and the other al
lied countries.
A Food Commission.
1t is deemed probable that this steI
will involve the formation of an inter
ally food commission, comprising a di
rector general of food for each nation
with the American dictator as the head
of the commission
This, it was officially pointed out
has been the allies method of handling
all its problems. England dominates
war finance. Other phases, which it il
desired shall not be discussed as they
are not generally known are under tht
respective direction of some one or 9th
er of the other allies.
| Domination of war divisions othel
than food may be allotted to the Unit
cd States, but food will be the mos
important.
The real crux of the conferences go
ing on here today is the international re
organization of the war since the Unit
ed States is in, much on the same prin
ciples that an army of field fighters il
organized; one branch handling tn,
commissary department; another mobili
zation and transportation, another tn,
: collection and distribution of munition
and so on.
Visit the President.
Premier Viviani, Marshal Joffre an,
Admiral Chocheprat, called on Presden
Wilson at the White House during tn
morning.
They were met by the president
aide and taken to the green paTlol
whence they were conducted to the blu
room and warmly greeted by the presi
dent.
The Frenchmen were with the pres
dent only Few minutes. No confer
ence such as occurred between the pres
dent and Balfour, of British commission
took place. After greeting had bee
Exchanged, Viviani, left for the capito
to call on Vice-P President Marshall; an
Marshal JOffre left on foot for the wa
I, department to talk with American arm
: officers.
n Short and stout, Joffre made a pit
turesque figure in his red trousers, blac
D patent leather boots, blue cloak and re
f cap heavily braided with gold. AS b
b left the White House grounds, a bi
i crowd which had gathered outside I'll
s gate, welcomed him noisily and he $
r ingly saluted.
Q Departments Busy.
The long flight Of steps into tn
state, war and navy building, he too
/, on the run, two steps at time-a re;
e feat for man of his build and 65 year
S The crowd laughed and applauded {
J. the young officers under Joffre wei
4 compelled to speed up.
Y Meanwhile all government depar
ments began actual work putting ii
: plans of the allied conferees into e
G feet.
G An army Of laborers is rapidly bein
n mobihzed by Secretary of Labor Wi
: son to. start building the 1000 fai
wooden ships to bridge the Atlantic an
: supply our European allies with foo
l. despite the submarine menace.
e Congressional committees and Seer
It tary Of Agriculture Houston speeded l
national food production, conservatic
e and transportation arrangements
l. that steady stream of foodstuffs an
e all supplies may be kept pouring in
l. the holds of these vessels from the N
IS tion' IS producing centers.
Plans Materializing.
Out of tine ruek of informal parle,