Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-08-05
Attorney General Pamer
Presents Report o..
Possible Steps.
MAY MAKE WHEAT
FREE ON MARKET
Wilson Plans to Discard Price Fixing
But to Guarantee Farmers Against
Losses-increased Production Held
to be Important Factor in Price Re-
ductions-Strikes Interfering With
Desired Production.

"aSnlnSlO Aus. J.-%Nt'obiiNs
eral Palmer expects to present to
President Wilson today a report con-
cerning possible steps to be taken by
government agencies to reduce living
costs.
julius Barnes. president of the
United States grain corporation has
been called to the White House to-
day and it is understood the president
will consult with him as to plans for
making wheat a free market with the
government making a guarantee Of
the wheat price placed by the gov
ernment. Conferences with republican
senators on the peace treaty nave
been abandoned until the high cost of
living problem is solved.
Wilson Fears Strikes.
Administration officials feel that one
way to decrease the cost Of living is
to increase production. and President
Wilson is said to feel that strikes will
interfere with any solution of the
problem.
Whether the president will go be-
fore congress with plans to relieve
the situation will depend, Mr.. Tumulty
said, upon the report made by Mr..
Palmer.
The conference Of Mr.. Palmer and
labor officials was expected to con-
tinue until just before the regular
cabinet meeting. Mr.. Palmer's report
was to be submitted at the cabinet
meeting and will be discussed later.
! According to figures gathered for
Mr.. Hoover by experts. England's an
nual production of coal has fallen
from 2OO.OoO.OOo tons in 1913 to 1S3,-
900 600 tons. the present production.
cermany's decline is slightly greater.
Europe at the present rate will pro-
duce 443 100000 tons. while the amount
needed is estimated at 614,3l9O0o tons.
Study English Laws.
While the cabinet officials We're IN
conference the federal trade commits
sion began a study of English laws
against profiteering. Some of the Off
cials regarded it as possible that con-
gress will be asked to enact legisla-
ton dealing directly with all classes
Of profteering The attorney general
has said that existing laws are in
adequate.
Action by Congress.
Meantime congress devoted further
attention to the general subject of
living cost, with the Senate agricul-
tural committee voting to hold hear
ings on bills by Senators Kenyon, OF
Iowa. and Kendrick, of Wyoming, pro-
posing regulation of the meat busi-
ness.
Whether congress should undertake
an investigation of the employees wage
demands was considered today by the
senate railroad committee The whole
subject was finally submitted to sub
committee consisting of Cummings
and LaFollette, republicans, and Wal
colt, democrat.
Senator Cronna, republican, North
Dakota, said inadequate production
was partially to blame for present
conditions. adding that if anyone be-
gan working fourteen hours a day in
stead Of eight everything would at
once improve.
Plans Considered.
1t is realized there can be no delay
in formulating program. Three main
plans Of action are under considera-
tion tonight. They are:
1-Institution of drastic policy
toward all profiteers.
2-Government acquisition Of the
entire wheat crop, paying the farmer
the basic price Of 1925 bushel, and
selling to the American public at a
much lower price, the difference to be
cared for out Of $1,000, 900, 900 fund ap-
propriated in the last session by con-
gress
3-Adoption or recommendation Of
measures which will attempt to put the
country's currency on basis approx
mating the level of 1914 or 1915.
All Discuss High Prices.
The high cost of living is the all
abiding topic at the capital. Every
agency of the government--the White
House, the senate, the house and all
executive departments-was concerned
with 1t. I
Attorney General Palmer. 1t was re-
ported, may summon to Washington
all United States district attorneys in
districts which are judged to be food
concentration areas. He has already
sent for Charles F. Clyne. United
States district attorney at Chicago.
Congress Opens Sugar Quiz.
Congress appears disposed to await
recommendations from tho president
and, therefore. is slow to take up many
OF the hastily considered bills intro
duced during tho recent days Of agita-
ton.
However, the interstate commerce.