Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-08-11
]. S. TO SET
COUNTY PRICES
FOOD ADMINISTRATION ASKED
TO DETERMINE FAIR VALUE
OF FOODS SOLD.
ATTORNEY GENERAL PALMER
ASKS FOR ASSISTANCE
Fair Price Committees 10 Be Formed
in Every County in Every State in
Observation-Disclosures Of Food Hoard
ers Proeeedins-Farners Anxious to
Assist in Solving Cost Problem.

Washington, Aug. ll,-Food admin
istrators in every state will begin to-
day the formation Of fair price COM
mittees" at the request of Attorney
General Palmer.
He telegraphed the food administra-
tors this request. marking another step
in the governments fight against the
high cost Of living. His telegram is IN
accordance with the desires expressed
by the president in his message TO
congress.
There will be a price committee in
every county. under the governments
plan.
once fair prices are arrived at and
posted by the food administrators, all
of the strength OF the department OF
justice will be used 10 maintain OBJ
servance Of these prices.
Any violations will be reported 10
the ne1rest United States district
attorney. who will be authorized to
proceed at once against the prOfiteer
After Food hoarders.
Meantime investigators have re-
ported large quantities of foodstuffs
stored in various parts Of the Coun-
try. and United States attorneys are
investigating to determine whether
prosecutions shall he begun in ac-
cordanCe with Attorney General Pal
mer's instructions.
The general instructions issued by
the attorney general also cover the
destruction of foodstuffs by holders
who purpose by this method TO keep
prices up.
Reports are being received that
foodstuffs are thus being destroyed
and the full machinery OF the law
will be invoked TO reach the persons
guilty.
Special laws 10 deal with this form
OF profiteering may be enacted.
Representatives OF farmers organ
iztions in twenty-four wheat and
corn growing states are 20 confer
in Washington tomorrow 10 discuss
the high cost OF living and TO make
plans for united action in overcom-
ing it.
Farmers Anxious to Aid.
According to John G. Brown, presi-
dent Of the Indiana Federation Of
Farmers Associations, the farmers
are anxious to help solve the prob
lem. They expect TO present their
side Of the question TO the president
and TO stay in Washington until a
solution is in sight.
Attorney General Palner's telegram.
TO the state food administrators reads:
an order TO secure accurate infor-
nation relative 10 charges Of profiteer-
ing by dealers in necessary commodi-
ties. Il is the desire Of the government
TO ascertain whether or not such deal
ers are making more than fair mar
gin Of profit
Housewives Aid Asked
viii YOU assist in your state by re-
questing those persons who nave been
county food administrators under your
jurisdiction 70 appoint Fair price COM
mittees. including one retailer Of gro
ceries. one of dry goods a representa-
tive Of the producers. Of organ ized la
Dor, of housewives, two or three rep
resentetives Of the public generally,
also a wholesaler when practicable?
Please request them to pursue ap-
Fortunately the same inquiries with
reference TO food products and
ordinary necessities Of dry goods and
clothing that were pursued by your
fair price committees under the food
administration act.
This committee will be an extra
legal body without power TO summon
witnesses or NIX prices. It Is re-
quested. however, to ascertain the
cost prices. determine fair margin
Of profit and II retail prices are in
excess Of what the committee regards
g fair price to have published its list
- k.s,
view. You are requested TO report TO
the department OF Justice general
review Of the situation IN your state.
Asks Hoardins Evidence.
Any evidence Of boarding or other
violations Of the food control act
which may be developed in the work
Of such committees should be turned
o-o- 70 the United States attorney
who will be instructed to employ all
his resources as well as those Of the
bureau Of investigation to cooperate
with You and your committees in
| seeking out and Furnishing all vio-
lators Of the law.
There is a pressing necessity for
| the restoration Of normal conditions
and it is believed that thru the same
! organization which you had as federal
| food administrator you and your
| county administrators together or
with their appOintees, can render a
valuable service to the country at this
| time. and your cooperation and theirs.
without compensation, will be greatly
| appreciated.
| THE widest publicity of this move
|
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