The Duluth rip-saw. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1917-19??, 1919-02-08

David J. Erickson proposes to
put a crimp in the Food Hogs.
Mr.. Erickson is representative Of
the Fifty-ninth Legislative district.
This is his second term in the halls
of state legislation. He has deeply
studied the problems arising from
relations between the producer,
middleman and consumer. AS one
lengthy stride to secure justice for
both producer and consumer and
to control the greedy capers of
Food Hogs, such as root and
grunt on Michigan St., the virile
young lawyer has introduced bin
in the house for an act to establish
state department of foods and
markets, providing for the ad-
ministration Of the department
and defining the duties and pow
ers of the same.
The bill has been introduced
intSathe- senates by Ssn. Gandruda
chairman Of The. senate committee
On markets aiid marketing. The
chairman Of the similar committee
J IA The house is very much inter
ested in legislation along the lines
Of Representative Erickson's bill.
The Duluth representative believes
it possible to pass the bill at this
session of the Legislature. The bill
is as follows, viz:
Establishment of Department OF
Foods and Markets and
Commissioner.
Section 1. There is hereby estab-
lished a department of foods and mar
kets. The head of such department
shall be known as the Commissioner
of foods and market. He shall be ap-
pointed by the Governor for term OF
four years, and shall be entitled to re-
ceiye an annual salary of four thou
sand dollars. The Commissioner
may employ such clerks and other
employees as he may need, and Fix
their compensation. The term com
missioner" as used In this article
means the Commissioner Of foods and
markets.
General Powers and Duties.
Section 2.-The Commissioner OF
Foods and Markets shall:
A, Investigate the cost Of food
production and marketing in all It's
phases:
B. Aid and assist in the organtza-
ttpn of cooperative societies among
producers and consumers for the pur-
pose of securing more direct business
relations between them, Of promoting
and conserving the interests Of pro-
ducers, and reduce the cost OF living
to consumers;
C.. Hear complaints and sugges-
tions; take testimony Of witnesses
and obtain evidence, and, for lne ex-
ercise of such powers may Issue sub
poenas and compel the attendance OF
witnesses and the production OF evil
dence;
D. Advise and assist in the loca-
ton and establishment of local mar
kets whenever he determines that
public necessity or the welfare OF the
community requires such market,
provided he shall be satisfied that
such markets will be successfully op-
Grated by a cooperative company.
E. Have power to make rules and
regulations for the grading, packing,
handling, storage and sale Of all food
stuffs within the state, not contrary
to law, and to enforce such rules and
regulations by actions or proceedings
in any court of competent jurisdic-
ton; .a.. ....
F. Make an annual report to the
Governor on or before the first day
of December of each year, in which
he shall summarize the work done
by the department during the pre-
ceding calendar year. together with q
statement of plans for the develop
ment OF the work of the department
for the current year, detailed
budget Of the financial requirements
Of the department;
G. Have such other powers and
perform such other duties as are
prescribed by this act.
Auction Markets. r
Section 8. The commissioner shall