Arizona republican., 1918-03-09
SENATORS CENSURE
 HOOVER, GARFIELD,
 FUR METHODS USED
Republican A. p. Leased Wlre]


 WASHINGTON, March s. Stric- lures on government price fixing and the activities of the food administra- tion monopolized today's session of the senate.
 Led by Senator Reed of Missouri, democrat d group of senators of both parties made the attack. Charges that a general policy of fixing prices for farm products. not authorized by the food control law, is being instituted, were made by Senators Reed and Bor- ah. who said the licensing power of the law was being so used that it's actual result is an unauthorized price fixing program.
 In four hour speech teeming with bitter criticism. Senator Reed also de- nounced the fuel administration, as- serting that Administrator Garfield had not told the truth regarding re- suits of coalless days order, which he described as lockout" on eastern 1 industries.
 In the midst of the debate the senate adopted a resolution by Senator Sauls- bury of Delaware president pro tenn pore, asking the food administration for it's authority in issuing an official bulletin requesting bids at fixed prices on tomatoes for the army and navy.
 Have Some Effect They Say
 Senator Wolcott, democrat, of Dela- ware, said Mir Hoover had denied adoption of farm produce fixing plan, disclaiming authority, but he and other senators insisted that acts of the food administration, particularly under it's wholesale and retail dealers licensing power. was having that effect in actual practice.
 We would not have had so many meatless days if there had not been so many brainless days" Senator Reed declared. "A few more acts of the food administration and we will have bread tickets. 1 believe the efficiency of the United States has been reduced twenty per cent By ignoring interfer- ence with business methods
 In securing the so-called voluntary agreement with refiners on sugar prices, Senator Lodge of Massachu- sets, rcSublican. remarked the food admlniStration managed to fix prices"
 Crircizes pr. Garfield
 In criticizing the fuel administration Senator Reed commented upon Dr, Garfleld's statement that as the result of the fuelless days 4S0 ships were re- leased from American ports.
 T am sorry that Dr. Garfield gave out that statement, because it is not true" he said adding that shipping board figures showed that fifty-six less ships were relased than under norma conditions.
 They stopped water power in Maine to get coal to bunker ships in New York harbor." he said. Tn order tc understand the logic of that you havt got to be a plain idiot"
 Turning to what he called ineffi. ciency in the war department, the Nils. sourf senator said General Pershinf had notified the department not tC send any more shoddy uniforms fol American soldiers in France.
 The priority order by which coa was diverted for lake shipment to tn, northwest last summer was assailed b, Senator Reed. who said he desired tt congratulate Senator Kellogg of Minn esota for the business acumem dis played by the people of Minnesota il getting coal to the exclusion of othe states. Senator Kellogg interrupted t, say that only enough coal to meet tn, needs of the communities was sent t, 7 Minnesota.
 Uncertainty is Dangerous Senator Reed declared that "yo, , can't do business in this country unles l you remove artificial uncertainty" an, { urged that the mine operator, tn } farmer and other business interest } of the country be told by the govern ment that this "usurpation" of powe , shall cease and whoever does usur1 f power is detriment to public welfare
 The time may come when you ma have to draw on that great reservoi of patience" he said, referring to tn
 Willingness of the people to do any
 thing to win the war. Let us not pu undue burdens on it. I don't see an indications that give promise of a early end of the war in terms satis : factory to us"
 Senator Thomas of Colorado. demo
 crat, said an order affecting the coa mines of Colorado effective March 1 and which reduces the price of coz from 70 cents to s1.20 ton on a grades except one produced in tha I state, will result in reduction in cos production in that state. He declare
 that many mines will be forced to shu down if the order becomes operative c the government must operate them.