The Elbert County tribune., 1919-08-16

We see, but should also seek to COM
prehend the whole OF the scene amidst
some OF the fearful forecasts l hear ut
tered about me. but the condition of the
world is uDquestionably very grave and
We should face 1t comprehendIngly. The
situation of our own country Is excep-
tionateiy fortunate. We OF all peoples
can AFFORD to keep our heads and to de-
termine upon moderate and sensible
courses OF action which will insurc
against the passions and dstempers which
are working such deep unhappiness for
some OF the distressed nations the
other side of the sea.
But may be involved In their dis
tresses unless we help and help with en-
ergy and intelligence
Disregarding the surplus stock In the
hands OF the government, there was a
greater supply of foodstuffs in this coun-
try on June OF this year than at the
same date last year. In the combined to-
tai OF a number of the most important
foods in dry and cold storage the excess
is quite 10 per cert. And yet prices have
risen.
The supply OF fresh eggs on hand in
June of this year. for example, was
greater by nearly 10 per cent than the
supply hand at the same time last
year. and yet the wholesale price OF eggs
was 10 cents a dozen. as against 30 cents
year ago. The stock OF frozen fowls
had Increased more than 29s per cent, and
yet the prices had risen also from 34ia
cents per pound to 371 cents. The supply
of creamery butter had increased 129 per
cent and the price from Al to So cents per
pound. The supply of salt beef had been
augmented per cent and the price had
gone up from s34 a barrel to s3G a barrel.
Canned corn had Increased in stock near
ly 92 per cent and had remained sub
stantially the same In price.
Few Price Drops Not Enough.
In
clined. but In nothing like the proportion
In which the supply had Increased. For
example, the stock OF canned tomatoes
had Increased 1902 per cent. and yet the
price had declined only % cents per
dozen cans. In some cases there had
been the usual result of an Increase of
price following decrease of supply but
In almost every instance the increase of
price had been disproportionate to the
decrease in stock.
Law Department Active.
The attorney general has been making
a careful study OF the situation as
whole and of the laws that can be ap-
piled to better It and is convinced that,
under the stimulation and temptation of
exceptional circumstances. combinations
of producers and combinations of traders
have been formed for the control of sup
plies and of prices which clearly in
restraint OF trade, and against these pros
ecutions viii be promptly Instituted and
actively pushed which will In all likeli-
hood have prompt corrective effect.
There is reason to believe that the prices
of lea ather, of coal. of lumber and of tex
uleg have been materially affected by
forms of concert and cooperation among
the producers and marketers of these and
other universally necessary commodities
which 1t will be possible to redress No
watchful or energetic effort will be
spared to accomplish this necessary re-
qtIl I hat her Will he
cases in which prosecution will be neces-
sary. Public action will no doubt cause
many who have perhaps unwittingly
adopted Illegal methods to abandon them
promptly and of their own motion.
Publicity viii Do Much.
And publicity can accomplish a great
deal The purchaser can often take care
OF himself IL he knows the facts and in
fuences he is dealing with. and purchas-
ers are not disinclined to do anything. ell
ther singly or collectively. that may be
necessary for their self-protection.
The department of commerce. the
department of agriculture, the depart
ment oi labor and the federal trade
commission can do great deal toward
supplying the public systematically
and at short intervals. with informa-
ton regarding the actual supply of
particular commodities that is in ex-
istence and available with regard to
with regard to the methods of price fix
ing which are being used by dealers in
certain foodstufrs and other necessities.
Retailers In Part to Blame.
There can be little doubt that retail
ers are in part-sometimes in large
part-responsible for exorbitant prices:
and it is quite practicable for the gov
ernment through the agencies I have
mentioned to supply the public with
f..rl t..fx
which retailers buy and as to the costs
of transportation they pay in order
that II may be known just what mar
gin of profit they are demanding. Opin-
ion and concerted action on the part of
purchasers can probably do the rest.
Congress Must Supply Funds.
That is. these agencies may perform this
| Indispensable service provided the
| gress will supply them with the neces-
sary funds to prosecute their inquiries
and keep their price lists up to date.
| Hitherto the appropriation committees of
| the house have not always, / fear. seen
| the full value OF these Inquiries. and the
| departments and commissions have been
| very much straitened for means to rem
| der this service. That adequate funds be
| provided by appropriation for this pur-
| pose and provided promptly pos
| sible, is of the means of greatly
ameliorating the present distressing con-
ultiOnS OF nVellnOod tnat come TO urge.
| in this attempt to concert with you the
| best ways to serve the country in this
| emergency.
1t is one of the absolutely necessary
means. underlying many others. and can
be supplied at once.
There are many otner ways. Existing
| law is Inadequate There are many per-
| fectly legitimate methods by which the
| government can exercise restraint and
| guidance.
| tt, fba fire nj, tJ,nt
| the present foodstun control act should
| be extended both as to the period of time
| during which 1t shall remain In operation
and as to the commodities to which 1t
| shall apply.
| Its provision against boarding should be
made to apply not only TO food but also
| to feed stuffs to fuel. to clothing. and to
| many other commodities which are in