The Topeka state journal., 1919-12-12
Hopkins Would Stage Bout Be-
tween Willard and Robertson.
Declares Former Prize Fighter
PrOfiteering in Wood.
BREAKS LEVER LAW. CHARGE
Hackney Urges Washington to
Investigate Oil Prices.
Increased From $1.45 to 81 a
Barrel Here, He Asserts.

The department of justice was to-
day asked to investigate Jess Wizards
wood prices and the increase in the
pride of fuel oil.
Richard J. Hopkins, attorney gen.
eral, posed as matchmaker for fin
ish fight between the federal govern
1nent and Jess Willard, former world
heavyweight champion and alleged
wood profiteer. Hopkins wrote to
Fred s Robertson. United states dis
trict attorney urging no-limit fight
on Willard. Rules as laid down by
the Lever act would govern the con-
test.
Under the Lever act hitting in the
clinches is barred Hopkins alleged
that the former square ring fighter
has smashed the public several times
in dealing on the wood question. Re
Gently large quantities of wood have
been taken from the Willard farm
for the relief of innocent coal strike
victims. But Hopkins asserted that
the white hope" dictated prices
which were in violation of the federal
proflteering law. Now the state at
toIney general wants Willard prose-
cuted by the government.
Above Commissions Prices.
The letter sent to the district at
torney points out that Willard has
asked $3.50 a cord for wood from
his farm It was mentioned that the
fair price committee decided that land
owners should receive $1.50 to 81 a
cord for wood. Most of the sales, tho,
haNe been on basis of SO to $3.50 a
cord to the land owner. Willard 8
figures are declared by Hopkins to be
exOrbitant and in violation of the fed
eral statutes.
1t is the desire of Hopkins as fight
tel. foetT
tween the United States district attor-
ney's office and Willard. Judge John
c. Pollock would doubtless referee the
bout. Hopkins's action followed an
investigation at the willard farm by
Maurice MCNEIL, assistant attorney
general it was said.
Mcneil said today, after his investi-
cation, that he estimated y. illard's in
come from the wood at least 500 an
acre. He expressed conviction that
the coal committee is doing the best
possible under the circumstances. Tests
made by hin. Thursday afternoon sat
lsfied Mcneil that cord of wood
weighs on an average approximately
1000 pounds, he asserted. In addition
20 the initial price. Willard gets the
stumps and saw-logs. Mcneil said.
Hackney Reports Oil Increases.
Ed T. Hackney. of the state fair
price committee, also made a report
TO the department of justice, Wash
ington, D. C, concerning the hike in
fuel oil prices. which it is claimed has
caused an increase of 26 cents bar
rel in the local price of flour.
Within the last few weeks the price
of fuel oil upon which several mills
and steam plants now depend. has been
raised from $1.45 to $500 a barrel.
Complaint was made by w. H. KEN
per. OF the local fair-price committee.
to Hackney. who complained to the de-
partment of justice. Kemper said he
could see no reason for the advance
in price of fuel oil to Topeka mills.
Some local oil companies. are impli-
Gated, he said. Firms which held con-
tracts for oil are being supplied on a
basis of less than $1.41 barrel, said
Kemper.