Arizona republican., 1919-08-21
FEDERAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST H|GH LIVING
 COSTS BEARS FRUIT
Evidence Forthcoming From Many Sections That Low CT Prices Prevail-Cannot Change Immutable Econ omic Laws, However
lRepublIcan A. ?. Leased wireJ

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20--Attorney General Palmer said today there was evidence that the government cam paign to reduce the cost of living al- ready was bearing fruit. A prominent vegetable packer of Maryland wrote MT Palmer that prices in many lines were beginning to ease off as it be- came evident the department of jus tice meant business.
 We want to make clear, however, the attorney general said, that noth- ing we can do can change the im- mutable economic laws on which prices depend. If we can increase the supply by greater production and les sen demand by greater saving on the part of the people, then the cost of living should come down. We can help that along by forcing hoarders to put on the market food held out for an advance in prices and further by hold ing LID to public scorn or by prosecu; tion if congress gives us the criminal amendment to the food control law, those who are guilty trying to exact a greater profit than is justice We are going to make the market-tEat is the law of supply and demand-operate normally instead of artifically.
 The attorney general and Judge Ames, his assistant drew distinctions, which they said the public should recog- nize between hoarded food and stored food The former is held out of the market in greater quantities than re- uuired for the owners business for the purpose of forcing up the market. The latter is surplus being husbanded from ta har tn 4hp season
 It was made clear, though. that all food proved to be hoarded would be put on the market.
 Reports to the attorney general from food administrators indicated that fair price boards rapidly were be- ing set up in many states.
 The department of justice announced that eleven cases had been brought under the food control act for the seiz- ure of food in Columbus, Georgia, St. Louis, Detroit. Chattanooga, and Kan sas City
 Cost of living questions continued to be discussed by congress today.
 MT Palmer appearing before the house agriculture committee in con- nection with it's consideration of legis- lation to extend the powers of food control act. opposed the proposal to give the president authority to fix wholesale and retail prices of neces- sities.
 Following MT Palmer's appearance the committee held an executive ses- sion, at which it was understood an agreement was reached in general na- ture of the amendment. The pro- posed section permitting the president to fix prices it was understood, would be eliminated as well as exemptions which would have been allowed cer- tain retailers Exemption would ba continued for farmers. Extension of the laws powers over other necessi- ties and imposition of penalty of two years imprisonment and s5,000 fine will be provided. The committee prob ably will report the amendment to- morrow.
 The attorney general will meet to- morrow with the senate agriculture subcommittee to iron out differences which have developed among members as to amendment of the food control act
 Canned sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squash. syrup, asparagus and assorted jams were added to the list of food stuffs to be sold by the war department through parcel post.