davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27
J. S. Trade Board
To Begin Inquiry
On Cost Of Steel
Lumber Also To Be Taken
Up-Price Fixing for Sta
pies May Result-Volun-
tary Plan for Pooling Inter-
ests Suggested to Producers
From Ihs Tribune Bureau

Washington, June 26 The Federal
Trade Commission will begin immedi-
ately an investigation of the cost OF
steel and lumber production. 1t was
officially announced to-day. Later, 1t
was intimated, there will be cost IN
vestigations of the production OF all
staple and raw materials essential TO
the prosecution of the war. These IN
vestigations are preliminary TO the hx-
ing of maximum prices on certain raw
materials.
One of the most difficult problems
confronting the government is that Of
determining the price the government
is 10 pay for steel to be used in the
shipbuilding and munitions pro-
grammes. The cost of production varies
so greatly between the larger plants
and the smaller that a price permit
ting handsome profits 10 the larger
companies would drive many of the
smaller concerns out of business.
May Commander Pig Iron
II is considered probable that the
final solution of the steel problem Will
be the Communicating OF all pig iron
by the government. With the cost or
production of steel determined by the
Trade Commission, the government will
then be in a position, through control
of the raw product, TO fix a steel price
which will insure maximum production
without imposing unfair burdens on
any producer.
Another phase of the situation which
il forcing the government to consider
price control is the strong likelihood
that some producers, whilo negotiating
reasonable contracts with the govern
men. would force the ultimate burden
ON priyate consumers. These private
consumers then would be compelled 70
7 accent unfair burdens or go out OF
business. and this. in turn. would react
most unfavorably upon the genera
business Of the country, IT IS pointed
out. Moreover, a great many OF these
small consumers of steel and otner
staple raw materials arc engaged IN
manufacturing operations OF great I'M
portance 10 various phases OF the war
programme. The continued operation
Of these plants is therefore vital 10
the success of the war. ., .
|, is. however. the hope OF high ON
cials that the producers OF steer ana
other staple raw materials may be en-
listed in a voluntary scheme OF pooling
interests. eaualizing costs OF produc-
ton. and distributing profits on an
equitable basis.
Producers May Agree to Pool
/ Moreover, it is likely that before any
drastic stepc are taken by the Presi,
dent the raw material producers will
be given an opportunity to subscribe
to such a voluntary programme. Of
fcials are plainly disturbed by the
! prospect of drastic price control meas
/ ures. However, it is likely that the
I food control measure as finally passed
will include sweeping powers con
ferrod on tire President to take the
most drastic regulatory steps 70 con-
I troll steel and other raw material pro-
duction, if that becomes necessary.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27
May Take Over Liquors

Another section adopted would au-
thorize the President 70 take over any
or all distilled spirits now in bond,
upon payment Of reasonable and Just
price 10 distillers. for redistillation into
alcohol for war. industrial or other
non-beverage purposes.
The thirty-day provision is designed
TO give that time to the President to
decide whether further manufacture Of
beer, wines and light beverages shall be
permitted, and for consumers and man
ufacturers 20 prepare for what the
President may decide.
Should the President not exert his
authority so as 70 exempt malt, fer
mented and vinous beverages from the
sweeping prohibitory provisions and
should commander distilled spirits in
bond, "bone-dry" national prohibition
of both manufacture and consumption
would result, entalling a loss of Fed
eral revenue estimated between four
and FIVE hundred million OF dollars and
new taxation measures, as well as local
revenue reductions.
Besides the prohibition substitutes,
other radical changes made in the
House bill included:
Extension of government control in
addition TO food, feed and fuels to
iron and steel and their products,
petroleum and its products, farm i'm.
plements and machinery, fertilizers
and hemp. sisal and jute.
Limiting government commander
ing of mines, factories and other plants
10 production necessary for military
purposes or public uses of the COM
mon defence"
Limiting Federal licensing 70 prod.
uc,s and agencies OF interstate and
| foreign commerce.
Limiting the power Of the govern.
ment TO commander foods. feeds and
fuels 20 supplies for the army, navy
or other military purposes 'or public
uses OF the common defence" but All
thorizing their purchase for and sale
10 civilians by the government at rea
sonable prices TO be fixed.
Extending the governments power.
! TO maintain minimum guaranteed prices
70 producers 10 the storage or sale anc
purchase Of foods and fuels for resale
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27
Ex.Czar;s favorite
Sues Government
For Holding Palace

Pe,rograd, June 26.-Mademoiselle
Kshesinska. K the dancer and favorite Of
the former Car, has sued the Provi-
sional Government for two million
rubles. owing to its failure TO eject the
followers Of Nkolai Lenine, the radi-
cal Socialist leader, from her palace,
which they occupied during the reyo-
luton; and the refusal OF the military
authorities to send troops TO evlct the
Leninites.
The legal period for the evacuation
Of the villa expired to-day. but the
Leninites declined to leave.
A dispatch from Petrograd May 20
said that after a long process in the
courts. the keys Of the palace had been
delivered 70 Mademoiselle ksheslnski:
At that time Kshesinska complained
that furs 70 the value OF 227 900 rub!es
were missing fron the palace.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27
There and Back

From the letter Of an American
nurse in London:
Tonight, riding down the Strand, we
passed a string OF ambulances. all
brightly lighted and each containing
four men, some so bandaged 1t was
quite impossible 20 distinguish any
thing but a muddled heap Of han
dages. On the opposite side of the
read men in full kit were marching
toward the station 70 90 out, trudglng
along, singing, as they always do. It's
lust a great circle, marching them out
and carrying them back
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27
Prussian Hunger
Riots Were Quelled
By Machine Guns

Gothenburg, Sweden. June 26.-Ac-
cording to further details given the
newspaper "Tijd" by a resident in
Gothenburg who saw them. the recent
hunger riots in Stettin were of a most
serious nature. Several persons were
killed.
The riots began June rs. The mob
was composed largely of women, al
though some men took part in the dis-
orders. The outbreak had its origin IN
rumors that foodstufs had been eX-
ported. The mob plundered shops and
broke windows. The police in the out.
lying parts of the city fought to quell
the riots. One girl was reported 20
have been stabbed with a sword. In
the central part Of the city the soldiers
used machine guns and bayonets, and
several persons are reported TO have
been killed near the Hansa bridge.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27
Many Reports Olympia
Not in Great Danger

Washington. June 26.-Reports to the
Navy Department tonight indicated
that while the Olympia was seriously
damaged by grounding. she was resting
easily in shoal water and in no further
danger. The department announced the
accident in this statement:
Monday p. m. L. S. S. Olympia
struck south of Cerberus Shoal Buoy In
Block Island Sound Port engine an1
firerooms flooded after ship lifted ter
degrees. Ship was then in shoal water
for observation and is now resting
easily in four and one-half fathoms or
edge of shoal."
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27

here, all our securities are here. we
could not get money out OF the coun-
try if we wanted to, and we use neither
cable nor wireless.
81 do not see that there is any
thing improper in our insuring SHIPS
and cargoes going 10 the Allies. Thus
we know the ship, its cargo and It's
destination, but we do not have TO be
told the sailing date. Those who IN
sure with Us know all about US. They
also know that the market for marine
insurance Is narrow and the demand
broad. American companies cannot
take all Of the business offered. IL
thev cannot get insurance here they
must get it in England or the CONT
nent, and they prefer 10 have II here.
whore they know their losses, If any.
can and will be paid rather than place
their business abroad. That is why we
are allowed TO do business"
The Federal Governments Business
Jesse Phillips. State Superintendent
Of Insurance, indorsed what Mr.. Wolf
had TO say about the manner IN which
the business was conducted.
"The companies are needed" he said,
"and do not see that any danger can
come from them. Mr.. Hermann, for
example, is most circumspect in his ac-
tions' | know that he goes out of his
way 20 avoid doing anything that might
in any way lay himself open to criti-
cism. SO far as the business is con-
cerned, it can help Germany in no way.
II is checked up constantly, we know
uhere it's money is at all times and we
know that none Of IL ia being used TO
aid Germany. This is also true of the
Alliance company. II IS under con-
stant check"
"But." said the interviewer, there
are many who think it highly improper
that enemy aliens should be IN posi-.
lions where information Of the utmost
value 10 Germany is open TO them.
"That is not for this department TO
pass upon" he replied; That IS =
question for the Federal government.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27
Martial Law
Is Declared
By Alfonso
Army Called to Quell Dis
orders Spreading in
Spain
Pro-Republican
Movement Grows
Even Military Forces In
fected by the Agitation
Against Monarchy
BY ARTHUR S. DRAPER

lfJ 'dDle 10 lne IrlnuneI
London, June 26.-King Alfonso is in
tight place. Having declared martial
law in Spain, he must now depend upon
his army to maintain order. But the
army is far from being loyal, and any
thing is likely to happen to the coun-
try now.
Although there is much talk about
pro-German influences melting the peo-
pie to disorder, and undoubtedly some
of 1t is true. the chaotic situation is
due largely to domestic affairs. The
army officers are supposed 70 be friend
ly toward Germany. but the real cause
Of their antagonism toward the King
is his failure to grant their demands.
The snti-dynastic and pro-repubican
movement which has sprung up in Rus
sia has spread westward and is beating
hard against the walls of the Spanish
monarchy. Socialism is injecting the
ranks of the army, and if the present
situation continues King Alfonso will
have the greatest trouble getting his
DEGREES enforced.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27
". S. Troops at Front
Mentioned inCommons

London. June 2s.-Asked by Joseph
kln2. Liberal member for North Somer-
go, IN 'he House Of Commons to-day
whether "the American soldiers now on
ne Western front are under the su-
Drefoe command Of the French gen
eraliss'mo Or General Haig or the
American general" Henry William
Forster. financial Secretary Of War.
replied.
The American government ~ill
1oDbtlesf make suitable announcement
aa - ne dIspoaal of their forces when
tnty consider it OpportUne % do 50"
Continuing ~ question the Secretary,
~. King atksd:
Does hat imply that he doesn't
NOV wnat the answer is?"
no; y foea not imply that Ir.
,oys.er answered ~ msans ! do not
mink It desirable 20 ssy."
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27
Germans inN. Y.
Selling Insurance
Against U-Boats
Enemy Underwriting
Kept in Full Touch with
American Shipping

German insurance companies are do
ing in this country perhaps the weirdest
business in all the history OF under
writing.
Owned in Germany. managed in New
York by German citizens, they are in
suring armed American merchantmen
and their cargoes against destruction
at sea by German Uboats.
To do so. they must have full infor-
nation as TO the nature of the cargoes
and the ports for which the vessels are
sailing, and information also as to the
time of sailing, and the probable route
TO be taken is, Of course, accessible TO
them.
The enemy companies doing business
in New York are:
The Mannheim Insurance Company,
of Mannheim, Germany.
The Nord- -Deutsche Insurance Com
panv. Of Hamburg, Germany.
The Alliance Insurance Company, of
Berlin.
r. Hermann & Co., OF 81 Wall
Street are the managers OF the two
first named. J. Raymond Smith, an
American citizen. looks after the af-
fairs Of tnc .hird from Offices az Is
William Street.
a., tho Presidents Permission
These enemy companies arc doing
business by direct permission OF Presi-
dent Wilson. In a special proclama-
ZION on April S. the day war was de-
clared. the President said;
Now. therefore. !, Woodrow VII
eo, President of the United states
~ America. by virtue Of the powers
vested in me as such, hereby declare
and proclaim that such branch estao-
Ushnents of German insurance COM
NAMES now engaged in the transac-
tion of business in the United States,
pursuant 20 the laws OF the seVeIal
states. are hereby authorized and per.
mitted 20 continue the transaction OF
their business in accordance with the
laws of such states in the same man
ner and TO the same extent as though
a state Of war did not now exist.
Consequently, the business OF these
enemy companies has not for moment
been interrupted. nor has any channel
Of information relative 70 the move
ment OF merchant ships or ships OF
war been closed TO them. All that IS
required of them is that they shall
send no money 20 Germany. Inasmuch
as IL is physical impossibility for
them TO transmit money, this limits
tion IL more theoretical than real in It's
effect.
The Practice Defended
That there is nothing improper in
German marine insurance companies
being allowed 20 do business as usual
Is asserted by Paul Wolf. He. together
with Franz Hermann and Charles A.
Orr. constitutes the firm Off Hermann
q Go. Mr.. Wolf like the head Of his
house, is an unnaturalized German,
who has resided in the United States
many years.
"The President" said he, ought TO
be good enough American fo- any
body, and he sees no reason why we
should be interfered with. In truth, we
have had no dealings with the home
Office in two years. All Of the assets
of this branch are In this country, all
Of the moneys we take in are kept
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27

only eight hours a day, while major
ity Of industries are IN operation TWEEN
tv-four hours a day. Capacity OF the
mines is about 30 per cent more tnan
rresent production, but he doubted II
they would be able TO reach maximum
production for lack Of railroad trans
portation.
"What is the average increase IN the
price Of coal to the consumer asked
Senator Pomerene. :.
at has been very large ne replied.
"I would say that it has been from 10
TO 100 per cent, but that Is only an
estimate" =,
How do you justify the increase?'
Goal operators are just as human as
ANYBODY else, and they have taken ad-
vantage Of the conditions and the peo-
pie"
Trying to Recoup Losses
Mr.. Moderwell said that during the
last fifteen years operators between the
Alleghanies and the Rocky Mountains
had not made more Of proht than
per cent on an investment OF sl,oOo,'
600 600. Now. while the demand Tor
coal is good, they are just trying to re-
coup some Of the losses OF the previous
year. ,.
81 don't believe the operators should
try 70 recoup losses OF previous years
in times such as these replied Senator
Cummins.
number of members OF the COM
uittee questioned him regarding the
likelihood Of reduction in the cost or
II see no prospects Of decrease" he
"The cost of production viii more
than likely increase, won't it?' asked
Senator CGmmlns.
Yes he replied.
Mr.. Noderwell said that for years the
railroads have bought coal at prices
less than actual cost, making 1t neces-
sary for operators 20 make up their
loss on the small consumers.
Commissioner Fort Of the Federal
Trade Commission warned the opera
tors il was certain the government
would take over the mines unless they
did something soon TO lower prices.
Secretary Daniels said that "if the
war goes on long ro man can say he
owns a gallon Of oil or ton of coal;
il. must be commandeered for the
United States"
James Lewis. Of Springfield, H., rep
resenting the United Mine Workers OF
America. said the miners union did not
believe that the time had come for the
government 20 take control Of the coal
Industry He said the miners believe
questions OF wages and working condi-
tions can best be worked out through
representatives of the miners and oper-
ators. rather than by the government
arbitrarily fixing wages and other con-
dltIona
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27
Iron and Steel Put
Under Control of the
President, as Well as
Oil and Its Products
and Farming Machin-
cry Close Vote on
New Measure Is Now
Predicted When 1t
Comes Up on Satur-
day for Final Passage

Washington, June 26.-The Admins
tration food control bill passed by the
House was rewritten to-day by a Sem
ate Agricultural subcommittee so as
70 give to President Wilson the power
and responsibility of deciding whether
the nation shall be "bone dry" during
the war and to place iron and steel and
many other products in addition to
food and fuel under government con-
troll.
These and other changes are so salts
factory to many Senators who have
been opposing the original draft OF the
legislation that both advocates and
opponents tonight predicted passage in
the Senate by Saturday.
As a substitute for the House pro-
hibition sections, which without quail
fcatlon forbid the manufacture of
foodstuffs into liquor, the sub-commit-
tee adopted provisions which would
prohibit manufacture, during the war,
OF all intoxicating beverages. and en-
power the President TO commander
existing supplies of distilled spirits,
but would authorize the Executive in
his discretion 10 permit manufacture
of matted, fermented and vinous bev-
erages, and fix their alcoholic content.
As rewritten the subcommittee
draft will be considered tomorrow by
the Agriculture Committee, and proba-
bly, will be reported at once for Senate
discussion without material change.
Gore for New Bill
Senator's Gore, Smith, Of Georgia, and
others prominent in the bitter fight
against the legislation have announced
their support for the redraftcd measure.
Other signs Of waning opposition and
prompt Senate action came in to.day's
debate on the Senate floor, opposition
Senators leading recent discussion
yielding to Senators Knute Nelson, Re-
publican, and Thomas, Democrat, for
speeches strongly supporting the con.
troll legislation. Future debate prom
ised to centre upon the prohibition
question, with leaders predicting an ex-
tremely close final vote.
For the House prohibition plan, the
subcommittee substitute provides:
That from and after thirty days
from the date of the approval Of
this act 1t shall be unlawful for any
person, rrm or corporation to use in
the manufacture of any intoxicating
liquors for beverage purposes any
perlshable or non-perishable feeds,
foods or food materials.
whenever the President shall find
It necessary TO conserve the perisha-
bic products named he is empowered
10 permit the use Of such products
IN the manufacture of vnous liquors.
Whenever in the judgment OF the
President the public interest would
be conserved thereby he is empow-
cred TO permit the limited use OF the
materials mentioned in the manu-
facture Of malt or fermented liquors
and TO prescribe the alcoholic con-
tent thereof
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27
Dewey's Flagship Olympia
Aground Off Block Island
Machinist's Mate Is Killed Trying to Get Out
Portion of Crew Is Taken OFF and Sent
to Naval Station at Newport

Mrs. Sarah Babb, who lives in Reading,
Penn.
Newport, r. l., June 26.-The crew OF
the cruiser Olympia, which went on the
rocks off the Block Island to-day, aban-
doned the ship on orders and were
brought TO the naval station here.
Other warships were standing by her.
She was reported to be badly damaged.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27
Wilson Can Make Nation Dry
Underth Senate's Food Bill;
CoalMenA Agree to Put Prices
Under Government Control

Operators, Warned by
Lane That u. S. Is
Prepared to Take
Over Mines, Agree to
Fix Lower Scale -
Admit Public Has
Been OverchargedU Up
to 100 Per Cent
"Making Up for Lean
Years." Their Excuse
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27
W a T II + r

Fair to-day. probably preeedeo oy
showers in the morning; to-moi-
row fair: not much change IN
the temperature. Fresh south
10 southwest winds.
Full Report on Page
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-27

italian Battles and Other Var
Ne1rs on Pare !
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-15
DIVIDENDS DECLARED

American Gas and Electric, regular quar-
terly OF III per cent on preferred stock, payable
May / to stock OF record April 1s and regular
April ) 10 stock OF record March 30
Otis Elevator Company, regular quarterly
OF 81 so on preferred stock and 81. 20 on com
mon stock. payable April 10 to stock OF record
March S1.
Peoples Natural Gas and Pipeage Company.
usual OF per cent, payable March "a.
Ridge Avenue Passenger Railway Company.
regular quarterly distribution OF rental as a
dividend OF S8 per share, payable April 2. as
reslstered March 10. Books close March 10. and
Victor Taiklng Machine Company, regular
quarterly OF per cent on common and IN per
cent on preferred. both payable April IA to
Bell Telephone Company OF Canada, quarterly
9 per cent, payable April IA to stock OF record
March 81.
April 2 TO stock of record March 2S.
Central Coal and Coke Company. regular
quarterly 20 per share on the preferred
stock. payable April IA as registered March 81
Republic Trust Company. regular quarterly OF
NJ per cent. payable April to stock Of rec
Federal Rubber Company. regular quarterly
of IN per cent on first preferred stock payable
April 1 to stock Of record March H.