South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-05-20
Wilson Declares Powers Asked
For Are No Greater Than
Other Governments Have
Taken.
HOPES CASES few WHERE
Law WILL GO TO LIMIT
Program Seeks Full Inquiry
Into Existing Stocks and to
Prevent UnWarranted
HOarding.

WASHINGTON. May 19.-Pres't
Wilson outlined the administration
food control program in a state
ment tonight and declared the
powers asked for the government
are no greater than those other
governments at war have been com
| PEELED 10 take. There is no intention,
he said, to restrain or interfere with
normal processes of productions.
| The statement also makes formal
/ announcement that Herbert s.
Hoover has been asked TO become
food administrator and that he has
accepted on condition that neither
he nor his immediate assistants shall
receive any pay for their services.
Power Absolutely Necessary.
| Although it is absolutely neces-
sary that unquestionable powers be
placed in my hands" says the presi-
dents statement. "I am confident
that the exercise OF those powers
will be necessary only in the few
cases where some small and selfish
minority proves unwilling to put the
Anation's interests above personal
advantage
| The statement in full follows:
1T is very desirable. in order to
prevent misunderstanding or alarms
| and to assure cooperation in a vital
matter. that the country should I'M
derstand exactly the scope and pur-
pose of the very great powers which
! l have thought il necessary in the
circumstances TO ask the congress
to put in my hands with regard TO
our food supplies. Those powers are
very great indeed. but they are no
greater than II has proved neces-
sary 10 lodge I'm the other govern
ments which are conducting this mo-
mentous war, and their object is
stimulation and conservation, not
arbitrary restraint or injurious in
reference with the normal process
IS of production. They are intended
10 benefit and assist the farmer and
all those who play a legitimate part
in the preparation. distributing and
marketing of foodstuffs.
Line of Distinction.
1T is proposed TO draw a sharp
lline of distinction between the nor
NAL activities of the government
represented in the department of ag-
riculture In reference 20 food pro-
lduction. conservation, and market
ling on the one hand and the emer-
gency activities necessitated by the
war i'm reference % the regulation of
food distribution and consumption on
1.-THE other. All measures intended di-
reCtly 10 extend the normal activi-
tiles Of the department of agriculture
lin reference to the production. con-
servatiOn. and the marketing Of farm
crops will he administered as in nor
NAL times. through that department,
and the powers asked for over dis
tribution and consumption, over ex-
ports. imports prices. purchase and
requisition OF commodities. storing
and the like which may require reg
lulation during the war will be plac-
ed i'm the hands of commissioner OF
food administration appointed by the
president and directly responsible to
him.
Objects Sought.
The objects sought TO be served
by the legislation asked for are full
inquiry INTO TIE tNloNAnE dNdAAaDAN
stocks Of foodstuffs and into the cost
, and practices OF the various food
5 producing and distributing trades
, the prevention of all unwarranted
boarding of every kind and OF the
5 control Of foodstuffs by persons who
3 are not in any legitimate sense pro
/ ducers. dealers or traders; the re-
= QUESTIONING when necessary for the
: public use Of food supplies and oil
the equipment necessary for hand
, ling them properly; the licensing OF
wholesome and legitimate mixture:
and milling percentages: and the
prohibition Of the unnecessary OF
wastefr, pea p. foods.
To ..-..rs, Farmers Profit.
Authority Is asked also 20 estab'
J lish prices. but not in order 20 limit
/ the profits of the farmers. but only
Ito guarantee 10 them when neces
- sary a minimum price which will in
sure them a profit where they are
asked 70 attempt new crops, and q
secure the consumer against extor
ton BY breaking up corners. and at
CONTINUED ON PAGE TWo)