Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-05-30

BACKS THE LEVER BILL
ct is my aim TO carry out the provisions
Of the Lever food bill, when it is passed
by Congress. The measure has the in
dorsement Of the President It was framed
after the President had conferred many
times with Secretary Houston. several mem
bers Of Congress and myself
oThe bill places the right to control neces-
stiles of all kinds in the hands Of the Presi-
dent II also gives him the right to fix
prices of foods. If he so desires.
Mr.. Levers measure also authorizes the
President to fix rules for the control Of
exchanges and boards Of trade throughout
the country The President would have the
right to stop the operations of these eX.
changes # he believed such action would
serve the best interests of the country"
What does the measure specify as neces-
saries?' Mr.. Hoover was asked
Food. clothing, shoes and fuel are the
leadinr; items under this head" he replied
"There is nothing drastic in the bill
Food dealers and grain exchanges need
have no fear if they operate within the
law Standards of quality and value will
be adopted. Dealers must obey these pro-
visions. Then we can proceed with the
task Of feeding and clothing the millions
here and abroad.
WOULD STOP BOARDING
AN important feature Of the Lever bill
is the section that authorizes the Presi-
dent to prevent the boarding by growers
and dealers Of food supplies, the monopo-
lization or the taking Of excessive profits
The Government would have the right to
take control of manufacturing establish
ments and operate them if the situation
demanded it to assure the distribution Of
supplies at equitable prices.
~ check on waste is provided, and this
is a wise plan.
at would be unlawful, sunder the Lever
bill, to commit or even permit waste that
is prcventable II also would be a viola
ton Of law to restrict or attempt to re-
strict the supply or distribution of foods
or to sell goods at excessive rates of profit
provision is made for the changing. II
desired, Of milling grades or the mixing of
various grains in the making Of -four.
"rhc bill is strictly a war measure. 1t
is far reaching and Is operative through
out the country"
Mr.. Hoover has opened offices in the new
building of the Department OF the Interior
He's burner Of the midnight oil That's
how he made his millions in mining-work-
ing while the other fellow slept.
He has brought his office force from Lon
don. These are young men who worked in
| behalf of the Belgians, They served abroad
without pay. They win get no pay here
Hoover. when he agreed to accept the
/ office OF Food Administrator, stipulated that
no salary be attached TO the position lie
| may, however. find himself drawing a
| salary before many weeks. There is some
| sentiment in Administration circles for
| making the Food Administrator a member
/ Of The Presidents Cabinet
| While Washington is hummng with war
| industry, Hoover pushes along Congress
is working on the bill that will make him
| Food Administrator.
! Hoover is "A good listener His callers
| begin arriving early and the stream con-
/ unues all day Many come TO tell him how
TO run his office, others, the curious, want
to see the man who fed the millions Of
| Belgium who induced the Emperor of Ger
| many to permit the work Of the relief COM
mission to continue even when some Of the
! <aser's close advisers wanted IL stopped
Hoover didn't bat an eye" when some
| one cried out in the Senate. Who IS
! Hoover?' He wasn't Jared when DR..
| Harvey w. Wiley, former head of the
| Government Food Bureau. said Hoover is
a mining engineer and has not been, taught
| food values" -
Hoover isn't worrying about critics. He's
! thinking Of food. He says he will bring food
| within reach Of the average pocketboolt,
| That's his wartime task. lie SAYS he will
succeed. His friends believe he will