The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-05-16
Killing Speculation Solution,
Says Board of Trade Head.
Restriction ON Grain Dealing
on Until Crop Is Harvested.
NO FAMINE IN ANYTHING
Declares experts, Figures and
Figurers Are Liars"
RumOr Grain Men Delegates
Ask Curb on Allies Buyers.

Chicago. May 16.-The restriction
in wheat speculation may continue I'M
til the entire July crop is marketed
This was intimated today by Joseph P.
Griffin, president of the Chicago
Board of Trade.
The action of representatives of the
six largest grain exchanges of the
country, in conference here late yes
terday. in setting maximum prlce
for July and September wheat until
further notice" was accepted by big
dealers and millers as having killed
the spectators and dealt hysteria a
death blow" Restrictions on May
corn and oats also was extended indef-
initely.
Griffin Says Experts Lie.
In a formal statement Griffin re-
ferred to the boards action as de
claring mart i law in grain trading
THE problem has been solved; the
cure found" he said. There is not
any famine in anything; we have
enough wheat and can spare some to
the allies.
"Our so-called experts have intim-
idated governments all over the world
Most of the figures and figurers are
liars.
Farmers are loosening up, they've
got the grain--if we could only get bet
ter service from the railroads.
For four months we have been
pleading with the government to order
preference in the moving of food
stuffs So far neither the authorities
nor the railroads have responded. Coal
and steel are the things that move
profit not foodstuffs has been given
preference.
Martial Law" on Change.
newspapers, grocers. college pro-
fessors and school teachers can help
most by shutting up"
There were various rumOrS afloat
concerning he real mission of the
committee of three sent TO Washington
last night by the 81 grain men who
attended the conference. One persist
ent report was tina, the committee
com. osed of John II. Macmillan of
Minneapolis. F. c. Andrews of st.
Louis and c. p. Pierce of Chicago
would ask the government to curb
grain buying by tie allies. 1t was Of
ficIally announced, however, that the
committee was to confer and cooper
ate with government officials and the
committee of grain exchanges in aid
ing the Council of National Defense"
Considerable speculation was in evil
dence in regard to the report made to
administration authorities by Robert
w. Childs. special attorney general in
charge of food Investigations, who
went to Washington early this week,
following conferences with local fed
lies and big grain dealers.
Big Bakery Closes Plant.
High flour prices resulting from the
Unprecedented wheat situation, are
having their effect on bread. The
Sloan Baking company, one of the
largest concerns in the city, closed its
plant today, announcing it was losing
money on the present 10 and 5 cent
loaves.
Delegates from all states are arriv-
ing for the special convention of the
National Association of Master Bak-
ers, which will hold a two-day ses-
sion. 1t is believed they will go on
record for federal control of wheat
and flour supplies.
Rice Jumps Suddenly.
Rice, urged by experts as a chief
substitute for potatoes, has taken a
sudden flight to $S.25 a barrel, whole
sale. Last week it was selling for
S5.25. GrocerS are retailing it for IL
cents a pound. Government purchase
of large quantities to substitute for
potatoes and beans in the army is held
responsible.
Butter and eggs are cheaper.
More than $50 acres of school land
are under cultivation in Chicago by
$4,000 pupils.