The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-08-08
PRESIDENT URGES


enforced because of divisions of opin-
ion among the powers associated
against Germany. it is idle to look for
permanent relief"
Surplus stocks of food and cloth
ing in the hands of the government.
the president said, would be sold and
boards OF food in private hands would
be forced out under the existing provi-
sions OF the food control law.
Dealers eager to reap a harvest of
rising prices who had accumulated
boards. the president said would now
''see the disadvantage as well as the
danger of holding off from the new
process Of distribution"
Security Law to Help.
The normal operation of the laws
of supply and demand, the president
said, had been set at naught in the
cases of many necessary commodities.
He cited the figures of the federal
trade commission showing rising
prices in the face of greater stocks of
food than were on hand in the coun-
try a year ago.
The pending bill to regulate securi-
ties issue, the president referred to as
a measure which would do much to
stop speculation and to prevent the
fraudulent methods of promotion by
which our people are annually fleeced
of many millions of hard earned
money"
Besides asking for the remedies he
proposed, the president called on con-
gress and the public to deal with the
subject deliberately. He appealed to
merchants and others to deal fairly
with the people and to housewives to
exercise "a greater vigilance. a more
thoughtful economy"
Rap at Labor Leaders.
Leaders of organized labor the
president said, he was sure will pres
81
! and like the great mass of their asso-
ciates, think and act like Americans"
The president warned congress,
/ however, that no complete and i'm
mediate remedy was to be found in
| legislation or immediate action. Proc
esses of supply and demand would not
| operate of themselves while the coun-
try was neither at peace nor war.
Where there is no peace OF mind.
there can be no endeavor," said he.
! Politically, socially, economically,
the world is on the operating table.
| and it has not been possible to admin
! lister any anesthetic."
/ There can be no confidence in in
! dustry, no calculable basis for credits.
no confident buying nor systematic
| selling, no certain prospect of employ
| ment, no normal restoration of busI-
ness, no hopeful attempt at recon
| struction or the proper reassembling
Of the dislocated elements of enter
prises until peace has been established
and. so far as may be, guaranteed"
This. the president said in connec-
ton with his reminder that the peace
! treaty should speedily be ratified.
i Speaking of retail prices, the presi-
dent said:
Retailers Partly to Blame.
There can be no little doubt that
retailers are in part-sometimes in
large part-responsibl for exorbitant
prices"
1t was practicable, the president
said, to supply the publicity with in
formation on which it might judge
what profits should be. Congress
should provide necessary funds for
y, these agencies. the president said.
The world, of course, the president
reminded congress. must pay for the
vast wastage OF the war and take the
results of food fields turned to battle
grounds. At the same time 1t must
help Europe back to her normal state
we, and we alone, hold the world
steady" Said the president. "It is in
this supreme crisis-this crisis for all
mankind, that America must prove
her mettlef
Washington. Aug. S.-The house to.
day adopted a resolution for Join
session OF congress at four O'Clock thi,
afternoon to hear President Wilson.
, recommendations as to means lookinl
to the reduction o: the high cost O.
living.
A point Of no quorum had beer
made by Representative Blanton
Democrat, Texas. when the chair re
, fused to recognize him for the intro
duction of a measure. but a roll cal
developed that quorum was in at
tendance.
! Congress Ready To Act.
IF the president will made con
crete proposals. congress is ready Il
| get right to work with them. sift then
down and pass whatever laws err
needed" said Senator Gronna. chair
man of the agricultural committee.
Touch on Strikes.
The message was about five thou