The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-01-16
Concurrent Resolution l
Launched in the House.
Investigation by Five Members
From Two Houses.
HUNT FOR FOOD COMBINATIONS
Direct Slap at Packers, Cream
cries and Cold StOrages.
Committee May Subpoena Wit
nesses, Take Testimony.

Plans for q legislative investigation
of the high cost of living were launch
ed in the house today in concurrent
resolution offered by w. W. Harvey OF
Clark county. The Harvey measure
called for a joint legislative investiga-
ton by five members-three from the
house and two from the senate HIS
resolution is directed specifically at
the packers, creameries and cold stor-
age houses, with permission for the
committee to look elsewhere for food
price combinations.
Harveys resolution demands a
sweeping investigation of the cost OF
foodstuffs. He provides in his meas
ure that the joint committee shaii
make speedy investigation of condi-
tions and take testimony. Under the
measure as offered by the Clark coun-
ty representative, the committee is
given authority to subpoena witnesses
and require attendance. Police power
of the state, with authority to direct
sheriffs in any county in Kansas 60
summon witnesses and compel cor
poration representatives to prC>uce
books and records is given under the
resolution.
| Must Make Quick Time.
Members of the joint committee are
required under the resolution to re-
|
than the thirtieth day of the present
legislative session. That means re-
port back to the house and senate not
later than February 10. Immediate
provision is made for an appropria-
ton of $500 for necessary travenng
and incidental expenses of the com
mittee Legislative members declared
today however that additional FUNDS
would be provided from the state
treasury If the preliminary report in
80 -r-a MT
a more drastic investigation of the ex-
pense of living.
The packers, butter makers and
cold storage men will be first in ilne
in the investigation by the legislature
Members of the house and senate com
mittee will doubtless visit Kansas City
Wichita and Hutchinson late this
week Testimony will also be taken
in Topeka and other towns.
After Meat Packers.
Harvey declared today that he
would urge a thoro investigation OF
the cost of foodstuffs to the ultimate
consumer as compared with prices re-
ceived by the producer. Harvey has
also made his resolution sufficiently
broad that the committee may investi-
gate cost of other necessities other
than foodstuffs. The committee under
the resolution is appointed ito inves-
tigate the meat packers trust, the
creamery and cold storage business
and all other trade conditions &c
which their attention may be specifi-
ca1ly called. with special reference tC
the anagement and conduct of sucf
business and any combinations there
in or manipulations thereof which
tend unnecessarily to increase the cos
of foodstuffs and other necessaries OF
life"
No pay other than that received by
the members for their services in The
r5-I1 H. l.xy h
committee. Actual and necessary eX
penses will be paid under the resolu
ton.
Governor Capper in his message tC
the legislature urged a probe of living
costs. Under the Harvey resolution
the legislature will not only investi
gate, but will take immediate actor
and report conditions that action may
be taken both in directing suits BY
the attorney generals office and IL
cry for prosecution OF manipulators O.
food prices.
Governor Back of 1t.
Governor Capper and the state ad
ministration will get behind the Har
vey resolution The attitude of tn
state administration was clearly de
fined today in statement by the gov
ernor, following the introduction o
the house measure.
"I think the legislature may wei
and properly investigate conditions
within this state" said the governor
They are on the right track. While
it is true that the federal government
is making an investigation of foot
prices, 1 believe that effective worl
may be done here in Kansas by sucl
an investigation and by a committe
as called for in the resolution. SOM
where between what the producer get
and what the consumer has to pay
. there is a lot of money being made
, This committee may be able to furnish
some light on the matter"