Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-09-02
H. c. OF L. DOWN SLOWLY.
Consumers Must Not 30 Boobs, Ame'
Says in Price Review.

Washington, Sept. 9.-Prices OF I'll
commodities have passed the peak ana
are headed downward, altho Slowly
declared C. Il. Ames, assistant attor-
ney general, in charge of the goVerA-
ment's profiteering probe.
The downward trend. he declared,
had set in not only In food ana clotn
ing but also in commodities that 10
not enter directly into the cost o.
living, the trend being Observable III
all parts of the country.
While admitting that the househoiu-
er probably has not noticed the do"n
ward trend very much, Mr.. Ames said
the effect would undoubtedly ne pi-
ceptible to the consumer within snort
time az he expected the decline 20
continue until something approaching
normal conditions Is reached.
Indicating the general disposition
toward price reductions. Mt. Ames
said. was an inquiry from a national
organization of manufacturers OF
building supplies as 10 whether or not
the department Of justice would ne
willing TO acquiesce in an agreement
TO be made by the organization that
prices OF building supplies of all kim"
should not be advanced. This, NV
Ames declared, was a diplomatic way
of preparing for general lowering VI
building supplies prices.
Evidences that the department
probe OF alleged profiteering is extend
ing even into the most out OF the wa!
sections of the country and that deal
ers in all manner % commodities are
aroused to the fact that the depart
ment's agents are in earnest. are oelns
received in every mail reaching Mr..
Anes' office.
Letters from retailers. farmers
stockmen and others asking what the
department plans to do. and what
prices would be considered fair Tor
the commodities handled or produced
by the writers. form a considerable
part OF Mr.. Ames' mail.
Three things, Mr.. Ames stated
would contribute more largely TO a
speedy return 10 normal conditions. as
regards the general cost Of living,
than any number Of governmental IN
vestigations-
These, he said are increased pro-
duction. refusal Of buyers to pay ex-
tortionate prices. and cessation OF
strikes and similar labor disturbances.
As TO the second, Mr.. Ames said 1t
was gratifying 20 know that every day
increasing numbers OF consumers are
refusing longer to be 'boobs" and pay
any price asked for goods they sought
TO buy.
Notwithstanding this tendency OF
prices TO point downward, II has be-
come apparent here that mercantile
establishments. large or small Are
fighting the food control act amend
nert IN kilograms and letters protest
ing against the price fixing provision
20 senator's
The price fixing feature enables FAR
p-oa committees named By the depart
nea. q Justice 70 control TIE profits
Of the merchant. The bfi does not TX
the price, b-. Permits :. 20 re co-s-
TIE opposition 20 this provision Is
vary pronounced 4 TEc-c-s e.-o-.
| will be made 70 change !. II Ire ssa-
ate.
= movement also Is On zoo. SC az
| tack wages paia By the government II
shipbuiIding yards. The president has
| been asked 20 take steps 20 rsat3-s!
| the pay Of riveters and others Who are
making more nonsy than czo.ae'
| members.
The government pay roll has become
so attractive tina. farm hands are
| eager 20 get on = Farmers. protesting
| against reductions II their products
claim they can hire college professors
cheaper than they can stable boys.
Why" said Secretary Glass today,
'qt Is impossible for me TO get any
sort Of men 10 clean out my stable.
| The farm laborers have gone 20 the
government plants TO make big wages.
The government Is partly responsible
| for the unsettled condition Of things