Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1917-05-04

WASHINGTON May 3.-AbsolIte au-
thority to regulate in its discretion the
production, distribution and prices OF
food and other necessities during the
war was asked by congress today by
the administration
In q sweeping bill introduced with
administration approval by Chairman
Lever OF the house agricultural COM
president, under the war clause or the
constitution, to take these measures
whenever in his opinion the national
emergency shall requirei
The Regulations.
To fir maximum and minimum prices
for food, clothing, fuel and other nee
essfties, and the articles required for
their production;
To prescribe regulations to govern
the production of these commodities
producing factories, mines or other
establishments:
TO compel holders of necessities to
release them in amounts insuring
equitable distribution:
To regulate exchanges in such
way as to eliminate market manipula-
fIon;
To compel railroads to give prefer
ence to movements Of necessities;
To levy such importation duties as
he finds necessary to prevent exces-
sive dumping of products. and
To impose limitations or prohibi-
tions upon the use of grain in the
manufacture of liquor
Control of Distribution.
In addition, the secretary Of agri-
culture would be empowered to estab-
ish standard food grades, to license
and control the manufacture. stor-
age and distribution Of foods, to pre-
scribe the percentage of -four to be
1nflled from wheat and to regulate the
mixing of wheat -four with other -four
In the making of bread and other food.
tonight Mr. Lever
Declared there was nothing in the
measure to disturb legitimate business
activities because at is hoped that the
mere comforting of the more extreme
new powers viii be sufficient without
its becoming necessary to exercise
them
The BIN is supplemental to the ad-
rninIstration food measure introduced
in the house earlier in the week, pro-
.vfding for a survey Of the country's
food resources and comforting certain
powers to prevent rood speculation
This measure was ordered favGSably
reported from the agriculture commit
tee today, after the committee had
reduced the appropriation carried from
and had eliminated q section author
izing the secretary of agriculture to
order the immediate sale of any food
IN such condition that unless prompt
" disposed OF It will become unfit for
use. The section will be incorporated
in a coming third measure which is
10 confer broad powers on the COun-
ell OF National Defense.
Action on Bills Expected Next Week.
Mr.. Lever expects to get both of
next week. The first already Is pend
ing in the senate and the supplement
measure probably Will be presented
there tomorrow.
Tine new bin," said Mr. Lever in
his statement. deals with all the nee
essarfes Of life, including foods, feeds,
shoes. clothing. fuel and articles re-
quired in their production. The meas
ent emergency. It is limited to the
period Of the war and a sufficient time
thereafter for readjustment. 1t is
based on the war clauses of the con-
the country, irrespective of state lines.
To Stimulate Production
The purposes are to stimulate pro-
suction. to reduce waste, to clear the
channels of distribution. to prevent
boarding. to assure fair profits, to ell
riinate Injurious speculation, to pro-
hfbIt evil practices on exchanges, and
to protect the public against extor-
ton
feet preference movements by COM
mon carriers in order to assure an
adequate and continuous supply of
necessaries. He may also prescribe
limitations, regulations or prohibitions
slctfon Of alcohol and Of alcoholic or
non-alcoho11e beverages. and may re-
Quire reduction of the alcoholic con-
tent Of beverages.
FACTORIES, plants, mines or other
establishments engaged in producing
necessaries may be requisitioned and
operated by the government If 1t be
essential.
FzTr-Rekurns for Producers.
s-Taz president is empowered mini
.rrlT as--zces. assuring fair and just
ra - producers or owners, when
sTsr s1 emergency, he finds such
action tssenffal in order to encourage
greater Production F. In such case, the
government viii guarantee producers
of necessaries within the Emitted States
who act in reliance upon the guaran-
tee, that they will receive not less than
the minimum price prescribed for their
products.
Anti-Dumping Clause.
The bill also contains an anti
dumping clause.
This vests power I'm the president to
find what rates of duty on the impor-
ifation OF necessaries. for which mini
malm prices have been prescribed, are