Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-07
PART OF
WILSON ROLE
AS PRICE FOE
Orders Chicago Trial as
First Step in Drive
Speaks Tomorrow.

Washington, Aug. THE
governments ease against the
five big packers will b. placed
before the grand Jury which
meets at Chicago three weeks
hence. This means that Crimi-
nal prosecution will be inst-
tuted.
Charles F. Clyne, federal district
attorney at Chicago, said today
that besides asking indictments uu-
der the criminal sections of the
Sherman antitrust law, civil suits
would be brought under that stat
ute and that in addition the pack
ers would be prosecuted under the
food control act on charges Of
boarding.
Confines Speech to Prices.
President Wilson's address to
congress tomorrow, win be couln-
ed to matters pertaining directly TO
the high cost of living, is the be
lief of White house officials.
Secretary Tumulty said today he
thought it unlikely that the presi-
dent would take up railroad wages
and rates.
The president was informed to
day by Speaker Gillette that the
house would be glad to have "a
Joint session for tomorrow az 4
o'clock to receive his recommenda-
tions. Republican Leader Mondelg
urged the president yesterday to
postpone his appearance until
Tuesday.
The governments new anti
trust suits against the FIVE
great meat packing concerns
is being brought by direction
or residerTt--epgflson as one
of the first results Of his study Of
the cost Of living problem.
IT became known today that the
president came to his decision aft
er a careful study Of Investigations
Of the federal trade commission
and the hearings before congress
sional committee considering bills
TO control the packing industry.
with members of the
federal commission and Attorney
Palmer followed
No final decision has been reach
ed as to whether the suits will be
brought in the civil or criminal
courts, OF in both. The prosecution
Is to be considered from both an
giles,
Market Control Charged.
It seems assured that the gov
arnment viii charge the packers
with being an Illegal trust on the
ground that they control the buy
ng of cattle. Whether there viii
be double charge that they con-
.rol both buying of cattle and SELL
ng of finished meat products has
lot been so clearly defined, but the
government has evidence which the
Of justice contends viii
prove that the packers control tho
prices paid TO producers.
Twelve principal live stock mar
lets, the governments evidence ia
iaid TO indicate, are covered by the
packers division Of purchase ar
While fluctuations are
shown in the individual markets,
competition in buying
he governments experts have re-
ported that a consideration OF the
Iealings for n year shows ench OF
he percentage of supply, the Fed
raj Trade commission charges
hem with agreeing upon.
Maintain Regular Percentage.
Each OF the big packers, the gov
rnments investigators have re-
,orted. maintain relative percent
ges fairly constantly from week
o week, more constantly from
month to month, and almost eX-
city from year to year.
On. a demonstration OF these
harges as a fact. Attorney General
aalmer Is expected 20 rely in the
main TO prove that the "big five'
aintain an agreement which dom
mates the purchase of cattle.
While the attorney general t7
his case. special agents
4 the department of justice Will
ontinue their hunts for proiteers
nd hoardcrs
Gathers In All Evidence.
Meanwhile the department viii
vail itself OF all tho evidence gath
red in private investigations OF
hespacking industry and also prob
bly, Will have representatives az
he hearing Of. Senator konyon'a
i'll to regulate the industry,
There was today no further indi-
alton OF what President Wilson
rould recommend TO congress-
ghen he addresses Il IN joint ses-
ion tomorrow afternoon.
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