Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-04-20
RECOMMENDS THAT U. R.
REGULATE COSTS TO
CONSUMER
SOUNDS A Warning
CONSUMPTION BILL WILL BE UP
FOR ACTION IN SENATE TO-DAY
-GoVERNMENT WATCHES RUS.
STA WITH ANXIETY.

Washington, April 20-Secretary of
Agriculture Houston replying this af.
ternoon to resolution asking for a
comprehensive food conservation plan.
recommended to the Senate that the
government be authorized to fix food
prices during the war period.
Legislation to carry out his recon-.
mendation probably will be laid before
the Senate within several days.
Senate to Hear conscription Bill.
Washington, April 20--Conscription
will be before the Senate before the
day closes
This became apparent when the SEN
ate convened today and Senator
Chamberlain of Oregon, Chairman Of
the military affairs committee in
charge of the administrations draft
measure obtain consent OF Senator
Overman, of North Carolina, in charge
of the espionage bill, to lay this meas
ure aside for the draft bill
Worried About Russia.
Washington. D. c., April 20-The
Russian situation is causing concern
to officials here. Failure of the pro-
visional government to reconcile the
| differences between itself and the
radicals is interfering with the reor-
ganization of the Russian armies. In
addition the Socialistic element is
known to be intriguing against the
provisional government and utilizing
all Of its efforts in advocacy OF max.
ing separate peace with Germany.
While 1t is generally believed that
eventually solid government will be
formed in Russia, they are not losing
sight of the fact that the present situ-
alton is filled with dangerous possibil-
tiles. Ambassador Francis Is keeping
in the closest touch with the situation
and all of his reports are transmitted
directly to the President. Meanwhile
Petrograd advces Indicate that Ger.
many shortly will attempt drive d.
rectly against the Russian capital.
Because of the possibilities of the
Russian situation officials are waiting
with the greatest interest the assemb-
ling here of the International war con-
ference which is to dispose of many
of the problems which are facing the
government In connection with active
participation in the war. 1t is hoped
that as soon as the commission gets
down to business just when still is a
secret known only to the State Depart.
ment--it will be impossible to get an
outline Of the general questions that
Will be discussed The cabinet meet.
Ing today was scheduled to consider
certain questions affecting the confer
ence
The economic problem so far as this
country Is concerned was occupying
the attention Of the administration to-
day, The announcement by Howard r.
Coffin that there is real danger from
hysterical and il.advised economy and
7 interference with normal perpouits
: came as distinct surprise to most
! officials here Coupled as 1t was with
= the statement that already many fac
+, tories in the central west are being
. closed brought distinct warning
' home to ofcials generally and 1t Is ex'
! pected that steps will be taken to
remedy as much as possible this con
dition Of affairs
T. In this connection 1t was stated to
day that the administration has re
, ceived assurances from Congressional
y leaders that the legislation which Is
= deemed necessary to give the govern
G ment firm control Of the food situa
j. ton will be passed without very ser
J. ious fight
d Fight Ties Up Senate.
Washington, April 20-The battle IL
u the Senate over the censorship provi
c sions Of the administration espionage
bill has produced a complete blockade
S Of all other war measures now await
ing congressional action Included II
the measures halted in the general tie
up are the general s,ad selectlye draf
bill. the bill doubling the enlisted
Il. strength of the Navy, embargo bill
n and the bill TO commander craft fo
In pprupene