The sun., 1918-03-23
$3.50 WHEAT TO
FORCE RATI0NS
Gore Measure Also Likely to
Cause Great Hardships
to Allies.
THESE CAN'T PAY MORE
Bill May Start Bitter Fight
Between President and
Congress.
THESE CAN'T PAY MORE
Sper1dl Despatch 10 THR SLY.


WAsHINsroS, March 2e.-Another
Eress and one which may start a bitter
fight between the legislative and execu-
tive branches OF the Government is in
prospect as a result Of the Senate's ac-
ton in voting overwhelmingly for $3.50
wheat
The Presiden; fixed the price at $2.20
after study of the whole situation by the
Food Administration and the Depart
ment Of Agriculture. In a sense the
Food Administration represented the
consumers OF the country and the De-
partment of Agriculture the farmers or
producers.
Food Administration officials are CON
WINGED that $3.50 wheat would upset the
entire economic fabric SO tar as the food
situation is concerned not only T.. mis-
country but In France and England. and
the neutrals We must feed as we'll. II is
feared the price OF bread would be in
creased to an extent that might bring
grave unrest in the cities and industrial
centres.
Food Administrator Hoover had a
lengthy conference with the President in
the White House this afternoon. While
he was non-committal after this confer
enCe 1t Is known he discussed tho wheat
situation and the effect Of $50 price.
1t Is believed in some official quarters
here that an immediate rationing system
will have TO he started II the amendment
for $3.50 wheat is finally passed.
Just what the Presidents attitude
would be If She bill came up to him for
signature Is problematical. Il is sig
nifcant that the Senate vote was sum.
ciently large to pass II over a veto.
Pressure brought by the Executive would
have to meet the influence OF the farmer
vote.
a2.O6 Il 1871 p. e. Increase.
officials OF the Food Administration
declined to discuss the Senate's action on
the Gore amendment or to indicate to
what extent its passage will affect the
plans Of the Food Administration for
controlling the breadstuffs of the coun-
try this year. The farmers are receiv-
ing an average price of se.06 hushel
for wheat now, which. compared with
the average price, OF Sc cents received
during the three years prior to the war.
is an increase of 131 per cent.
Last summer when food control was
under discussion and agents of the Allies
were purchasing in this country vast
quantities Of grain fell into the hands OF
speculative interests. The grain cor
poration was organized under the au-
spices of the Food Administration to
prevent all OF the wheat crop either be-
ing taken out OF the country or put be-
yond the pocketbook OF American con-
sumers.
Allies Can't Pay More.
The wheat sent abroad since has been
so divided as to prevent suffering on
either side of the ocean. Bread is a
war monopoly in England and the Gov
ernment In the last year has spent $780,
900. 900 more for wheat than 1t has sold
il for to the consumers.
This subsidy. however. cannot be in
creased with ease and the statement Is
made here that wheat at s2.2O represents
approximately the maximum buving
ability OF the people OF the allied coun.
tries abroad. To raise the price may
precpitate serious economic conditions
in these countries.
Several conferences are scheduled to-
morrow, but IL Is not known whether a
formal statement will be issued by Food
Administration officials.