New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1918-04-01
1t May Include Price Fix
ing and Operation of
Packing Plants
Commission Named
Work Out Scheme
Hoover, in Urging Action,
Says Present Situation
Is Intolerable

WASHINGTON, March 31.-Deter-
mi,atior Of a national policy govern
ing meat production, sale and dlstrlbu-
ton during the war, which may include
virtual price fixing and definite control
or actual Federal operation of the big
hacking houses, has been intrusted by
President Wilson to a special commits
sion of five prominent government Of
fcials.
This step, announced tonight, was
taken at the recommendation OF Food
Administrator Hoover, who ADVISED the
President that he found himself power
less to protect properly all branches OF
the cattle industry, and that the gov
ernment's present course is "almost IN
4olerable in criticism from both pre-
ducer and consumer" Mr.. Hoover asked
that the President extend to meat the
policy initiated in steel, copper and
other commodities which are sold AT
nr;ces fixed on the basis Of conferences
Commission to Determine Policy
The Food Administrator suggested
and President Wilson now has approved
the plan. that national policy be de-
termined by the following officers, act
irg personally or through authorized
delegates: The Secretary OF Agrlcult-
ure. representing the viewpoint "t
the producer; the chairman OF the red
eral Trade Commission, representing
the influence of trade conditions; the
chairman of the United States Tariff
Board, representing economic thought;
the Secretary of Labor, representing
the viewpoint of the civilian consumer,
and the Food Administrator, who has
to carry out any policy adopted
Dir. Hoover submitted his proposal
to the President in a letter outlining
at length the trials of his organization
in seeking to stimulate production and
at the same time to prevent the rob-
berry of the average citizen by profteer-
ing. He declared some change in the
governments present course was nee
essary for the protection of the pro
ducer and civilian consumer and to in
sure the Increased production required
10 meet the growing needs of the army
and the Allies.
May Take Over Plants
This change in policy may take the
form Of more definite and systematic
direction of the large packers as to
the course they are to pursue from
month to month";" wrote the admins
traitor, "or may even take the form OF
operation of the packing establish.
Hents by the government"
Since the United States entered the
var Allied purchases Of meat for botf
s.sian and military purposes have
aeen consolidated, and 1t IS becoming
hesessary for this government to co
e!cinate them with orders for the
Aaerlcan army and navy to preven
eenfet in execution. The result, Mr.
Hoover said, is practical domination O
gssees. which vas recognized in pori
eSt September by rough assurance tt
snne producers Of minimum O.
t.a.aJ for their product. Present IN
aieations are that beef purchases vii
De Increased soon to the point wher'
sneJ may affect prices materially.
Seeks to Keep Prices Down
!. fontIng out that increased quaint
uss ~. needed for export must be obtained
sHher by greater production or BY re
ooeIion in civilian consumption, ant
PROBABLY by both, Mr.. Hoover expressed
~ opinion that reduced consumption
sh os had most equitably by voluntar,
ssfinee and moderate restraints such al
ssHess dayg. and cmphaticalIy disap
ssosed any attempt 10 lessen consump
'sn scy ny increasing prices to the public
,:ouen conservation IN obtained by The
,s.ha'ion VI that section Of the com
sH'T WITH the leazt purchasing
>xtsf ne wrote the President. "Ir
esssI si "orfs, conservation by prices be
r. )" cohftrvatlon for the rich and no
IT, .'s poor, whereas an extension O
nissas sShserTation policy now in force
ssy. the burden On thoge who cal
savs ..pfh x plenty, not upon thos. wht
ss ~. 'rom nourighment.
~ypsafs ~ me also Of the utnoa
tain .s importance that We shall main
Mr.. iougn the country complct'
ssmn.s ~ Voluntary reduction In the con
~pIion Of ali commodlties II we ar.
e;ths, e;th'y.'e tne neeessary surpluseg
t1risi :" money, man power or ma
I .mscsssar2 10 winning the war.
sbise.,, ..,rs"x'zs fully the well foundes
but' b',ss"n ms 70 any theory Of ce.6zjng
!elt.sn "s.s tfe purchase. nj mar neens
rxasssx 70 giyen commodity nav.
sasaso sas.a y such volume that tbc rnr' nur
AtMSss,s s"ese commodities affect tn.
tAis Dss's s,,s. consumption the operation O,
.'S"@s'ng powsr becomes q con
A0nfinued nm Let D.