The Washington times., 1917-02-28
SEES CAUSE OF
COSTLY POTATO
Washington Food Probe Board
Says Tubers Are Going to
Other Cities.

Beginning it's investigation Of food
conditions in Washington, the COM
mittee appointed by the Commission
ers announced today that the first fact
ascertained is that the shortage in po-
tatoes is due to the shipment OF
tubers, formerly consigned to the
local market, to other cities.
Following a meeting OF the COM
mittee which consists of George NJ.
Roberts, Superintendent of Weights,
Measures and Markets; Charles F.
Nesbit, Superintendent of Insurance,
and DR.. W. c. Woodward, Health Offi-
Ger. in the office of Mr.. Roberts. chair
man, today. the following statement
was issued:
Due To Changed Methods.
1--WE have information which leads
us to believe that there is a large
supply of potatoes in Maine and we
are informed that one shipment of po-
tatoes from Maine reached Washing
ton yesterday.
"a part Of the apparent shortage Of
potatoes that has prevailed in Wash
changed methods of marketing near
by crops of potatoes. Crops that
formerly came into the Washington
markets have, during recent months,
been purchased in the country by
buyers representing produce firms in
other cities and the crops shipped di-
rectly from the farms to these cities.
Another element that has been
operative recently in creating short
age has been the severe weather
which has interfered with the bring
ing of potatoes from nearby farms
to the Washington markets, farmers
being unwilling to risk the danger OF
the loss of potatoes through freezing
while irf transit or awaiting sale.
should Restore Normal Market.
"The arrival of potatoes from
rive should restore the market to
normal.
"The committee has been informed
that there has been recently appar-
emily undue and excessive delay in
the movement of freight between Gin
cinnati and Washington, and it has in
some instances involved delay in the
arrival of expected food substances.
This aspect of the situation will be
considered later.
Assurances of cooperation in the
transportation of food supplies were
received by the Commissioners today
from the Baltimore and Ohio railroad.
The following kilograms, addressed
to Commissioner Newman from A W.
Thompson, of the Baltimore Offices,
was referred to the committee.
b. & o. Offers Aid.
reports to newspaper reports rela-
tive to shortage foodstuffs. Baltimore
and Ohio stands ready and willing to
give preferential. movement to food
stuffs loaded and delivered and
shipped over its lines to your city Is
there anything we can do at this time,
and have you any suggestions to
make2"
Following a telegram OF thanks, a
letter will be sent to the Baltimore &
Ohio Railroad telling of the commit
tees plans for transportation.
No action ha syet been taken on
the suggestion of the Interstate Com
merce Commission that an inventory
of all the food in the hands of deal
ers and in storage be taken.
To Take Up Details.
This andsother details of the inves-
tigation will receive the attention of
the committee at later-sessions. An
other conference will be held tomor-
row.
The committee today reiterated it's
invitation to all persons in the Ris-
trict to furnish information regard
ing food conditions.
Later public hearings will be held.
The committee declined to comment
on the cofnSidence that the begin
ing OF its investigation was accom-
panied a sudden lowering of food
prices in Washington yesterday.