Arizona republican., 1919-12-23
IRepublican A. p. Leased wirel


 WASHINGTON, Dec. 22.-The cost of living is on the decline. No less an authority than Attorney General Palmer made this statement today in an appeal to the American public to accelerate the downward sweep of high prices by increasing production and eliminating extravaganza.
 The attorney general pointed out that there is a downward tendency to prices during the first two months of each year, and added: This trend will be accelerated this year by the cam paign initiated by the government, which is just now getting under way.
 Production Needed
 The cost of living. already under control, can be- reduced if every one who produces will produce his utmost, if all honest people will join with the save and eliminate extravagance. ana if all honest people will poin with the department of justice in stamping out profiteering and hoarding.'
 Although statistics compiled an nually by the government show that in previous years retail food prices in creased during the fall months, MT. Palmer said that since August this year such prices had been maintained practically stationary.
 Only since october s22. when neces- sary amendments to the Lever food control act were passed, the attorney generals statement said, has it been possible to deal effectively with all cases of profiteering and hoarding. From October 22 to date, 119 prosecu- tions have been instituted and prosecu- tions and seizures have covered IS states, it was added
 Clothing Prices Cut
 Due to cooperation between the government and various retail mer- chants associations, the statement said, prevailing profits of clothing had been reduced from five to fifty per cent
 The statement, which was issued with the authorization of the govern ment officials associated with the at torney general in the campaign to force down living costs. including Director General of Railroads Hines, was con sidered in some quarters as a summary of the governments position in the face of the recently renewed demands of railroad workers for an increase in pay. The railroad shopmen publicly, and the other railroad crafts tacitly, agreed in August with the suggestion of President Wilson to postpone their demands for increased pay for 90 days to await efforts of the government to bring down prices.
 Promise Coming True
 Tn August" said the attorney gen erals statement, s.in connection with demands for increased wages by rail- road shopmen, based on the increased cost of living, the president announced to the public the view that the cost of living would be lowered as soon as there were settled conditions of pro- duction and of commerce, as soon as the treaty of peace was ratified and as soon as merchants, manufacturers farmers and miners had certain basis of calculation.
 Tn a statement to the shopmen themselves, the president declared that the primary step was to increase pro- duction and facilitate transportation, so as to make up for the destruction wrought by the war and the terrible scarcities it created. The president added that the government had taken up with all possible vigor the task of bringing the profiteer to book, making the stocks of necessities in the country available at lower prices, stimulating production and facilitating distribu ton.
 "The government inaugurated at that time to gain control over the cost