The Washington times., 1919-08-03
j. S. TO SMOKE OUT
FOOD PROFITEERS
CONTINUED from First Page.)

NSOANAhdCN AAOAA AASN o6Nsy
be collected will be at the call of the
Justice Department, officials say. If
Attorney General Palmer wants to
use it in the Federal actions.
Three Government departments now
are collecting data on the cost Of pro-
ductior and wholesale and retail
prices. The Agriculture Department
has comparative data showing for
years back the exact prices paid for
all farm products, together with the
resulting wholesale prices.
Retail prices are being collected in
all big cities by the Labor Depart.
ment.
A comparison of the price data of
the two departments will show ex-
actly where the biggest increase was
laid on the commodity to be sold.
The Federal Trade Commission also
has elaborate data showing produc-
ton costs for hundreds of commodi-
ties from bread to steel.
Foreign prices OF most farm prod
ucts also are in possession of the Ag-
riculture Department, which obtains
them from the international Institute
of Agriculture at Rome.
VIII Be Sent to Congress.
Most of this data will be showersd
on Congress when hearings on innu-
merable living cost bills commence
1t totals tons now. Tons more will be
added.
Enough printed volumes dealing
with the high cost of living already
are available here, it was estimated
today, to make a path 90.010 miles
long il placed edge to edge on the
ground.
Congress is waiting for President
Wilson to recommend a course OF
action. These recommendations, ac-
cording to the letter from the White
House yesterday, will be before Con-
gress within a fortnight
Meanwhile the Senate yesterday
moved indirectly at the money prob
lem, which is declared to be at the
bottom OF the era of high prices, when
it adopted the Myers resolution order
ing the Senate Banking and Currency
Committee to investigate the advis-
ability of steps to deflate the cur
rency. Senator Myers believes that IL
the volume of money, which has
in the last few years, can be
cut prices will come down.
Revival of food administration by
the Government will be proposed
lutSudy al a AICCNlIB VI NdOluCl IlcIIl-
bers called by Attorney General Pal
mer to curb profiteering and cut liv-
ing costs.
The proposal will be advanced in
the recommendations of a special sub
committee named by Palmer early this
week.
Other proposals Of the subcommit-
tee are concerned with plans to
Stamp production costs on necessi-
ties.
Pool and fix the price of coal.
License food dealers and pro-
ducers.
Reduce the currency in circulation.
Cut substantially the price of wheat
now fixed at S2.26 per bushel by Gov
eminent guarantee.
The special subcommittee Is COM
posed of w. B. Colver. Federal Trade
Rail Director Hines,
and Assistant Secretary LeffngweIl
Of the Treasury.
Congressional Action Needed.
Congressional action would be
necessary to revive the food admins
.ration, it is presumed. especially as
'ar as appropriations are concerned.
The administration became prac-
ically extinct July as a result OF the
OF all its funds. The only
sections still actively at work arc the
United States Grain Corporation and
he Sugar Equalization Board Both
nave their own funds.
The proposal to reduce the price Of
wheat is based on the theory that il
Influences the price of many other !
This proposal would !
ubject the Government to a loss since |
{ would have to sell the wheat below |
. 26 a bushel, the price guaranteed |
@ farmers. The loss would be met |
rom an appropriation OF 81 900 OOO, 900 |
which Congress made to enable the |
to make good its guaran- |
eed price.