Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-10-10

] be, the economic disturbances incident
to the war.
Issuance Of the Presidents proclama-
ton has been delayed, the announcement
said that the food administration might
complete conferences with representa-
tives OF traders and producers and con-
sumers. Already about go conferences
have been held at which were planned
regulations and constructive methods OF
control
1T has been the desire of the food ad-
ministra ton the announcement contin-
ued ito secure the cooperation OF all
patriotic men in the various trades so as
! to eliminate speculation. boarding. I'M
reasonable profits. wasteful practices,
ETC.. n the great distribution system OF
| the country
! Licensing Provision
The licensing provision in the food
bill is limited in operation to the chan
nels Of trade which lie between the farm
er on the one hand and the retailer on
the other, except as ii extends to those
few retailers who do an annual business
of more than 100000.
! The food administration has selected
about % basic commodities and their pro-
ducts as forming the prime basis Of life
and mas limited its licensing control to
these commodities and also, insofar as
practicable, eliminated the smallest units
Of business in these staples.
ct is the purpose of the food admin
istration to effect consideration in the
commercial use of these commodities.
and to keep them flowing toward the
consumers in direct lines through the
/ channels of trade in as economical
manner as possible. The administra-
ton does not wish to disturb the nor
NAL and necessary activity of business
and no business factor who is perform
ing useful function will he expected
to surrender that function.
Duties Of Admin stration
The administration is however,
charged with several duties.
The producer must have a free out
let and ready market.
There must be no manipulation or
speculation in foods.
There must be no boarding in
foods.
\, Unfair or unreasonable profits must
he eliminated.
discriminatory and deceptive and
| wasteiul practices which in any way
restrict supply or distribution must be
stopped.
These are the provisions Of the food
law. The licensing system which was
authorized by the law provides more
effective machinery for its enforce
ment 1t must not be thought that
these operations become Illegal only
upon the issue OF licenses. They have
been illegal since the 10Th Of August,
when the law was passed. AMI numer-
Gus cases coming to the attention of
the food administration have been cor
rected The licensing has the effect OF
giving definition 70 the provisions OF
the bill and the practices which the
trades should respectively follow IN
connection herewith.
! The proclamation will require all Of
those handling the commodities con-
cerned to apply for licenses before
Nov T. upon forms which will I've sup
piled on application to the food ad-
minstraticn.
applicants will receive licenses without
cost. and the regulations governing those
dealing with the commodities licensed will
be issued in due course.
Must Make Reports
After Nov no unlicensed persons
will be permitted to trade in the commod-
tiles enumerated in the proclamation.
Those who receive licenses will be requr-
oJ n ti,,,a 70 a ~ n
the food administration on their activities
in prescribed form. These reports will
be carefully saceguarded so that private
information given to the government in
confidence will not be divulged to compel
itors. Men experienced in the produce
ton and merchandising Of the licensed
commodities will aid in administering the
law, and a legal department has been
organized to facilitate its enforcement.
While authority is vested in the
food administration to suspend any Ii
cense and TO impose penalties for vio-
laticn Of the food law or special regu-
latiors, il is the purpose of the food
administration to accomplish these
ends of public service and war service
SO far as possible not by coercion but
by patriotic cooperation. 1t has been
the expressed feeling of the whole Of
the many conferences held in Wash
ington that the licensing system oper-
ating alike in every part of the coun-
try will, in fact, be protection to the
great majority Of producers and dis
tributors, as we'll as to the public
against the operations of those few
who unpatriotically seek to exploit
necessaries Of life"
MAKE PIC GAINS