Evening journal., 1919-12-23
'TsLMER PREDICTS
DROP OF PRICES
u. S. Fight on H. c. l.. Has
Stopped Upward Trend,
Attorney Says
EXTRAVAGANCE CURB
URGED BY AGENT

WASHINGTON. Dec. IA. Mitchell
Palmer. attorney general. believes the
governments Gght on the high cost OF
living has stopped the upward trend
of prices in food, clothing and other
necessaries OF life. The attorney gem
cral further expects 10 see Q definite
downward trend OF prices set in after
January 4
That is the substance and the fore
cast maintained IN The long expected
report upon Tie governments hish
cost of living campaign waged by the
Department OF f-Justice since LOST Aug
usi Approved by lhn governments
so-called high cost Of living cabinet,
consisting Of Josenhus Daniels. secrc-
fary of he navy; J. w, Alexander, see
reiary OF commerce; Victor Murdock
and w B. Colver. OF The Federal Trade
Commission; r. Z. Lettingwell, assist
ant secretary OF the treasury: Walker
D. Hines. director general Of The rail-
roads; Mr.. Palmer, c. b. Ames, assist
ant 10 The attorney general and How
ard 4. Figg special assistan, 10 the
9tiorney general The report issued by
Department Of Justice last night sums
up the accomplishments Of The steps
in contemplation as follows:
Definite arrestments in The rising
cost Of living proof ~ which is found
IN ihe fact that retail prices were no
greater IN November in this year, than
in August while In former years since
1911 returns for November have shown
considerable Increase over August re-
turns.
Since ihe amending or the Lever act
70 provide "a penalty for pronforlng,
40 prosecutions have been instituted.
Ninety-nlne seizures have been m de
under thc anti-hoardlng section OF the
act. and twenty-five cases OF alleged
boarding brought 10 the attention Of
United States district attorneys.
The prosecutions and seizures cover
eighteen States, and flfty-ihrce OF the
seizure eases have been disposed OF by
releasing tho goods for sale at a rea-
sonable price under The direction Of
government authorities In three cases |
fines and Jail sentences have been i'm |
posd
The National Retail Clothing Dealers
Association has agreed 10 establish .
their pre-war returns Of profit
Tie National Retail Shoe Dealers
Association has appointed an executive
committee 10 confer with the Depart
menl of Justice for tho purpose Of
adopting a similar program.
The National Retail Dry Goods Asso-
station. representing 2100O department
stores. has agreed 10 establish econ
omy departments during January and /,
February.
The activities OF the department in
the establishment throughout the coun-
Try in fair price organizations Is
touched upon briefly in the report. but
no details Of the work accomplished /
by these organizations nor their ell /
caey 10 bringing down prices are given.
IN This co:'actlon the report says:
Ia foriy-f0ur states the campaign Is
pfogis ssing actively. The work IN qll
oi iAm as directed from Washington,
s be ns done by fair-price commission
sr. or United states attorneys. Very
on organization OF the remaining
rs win Da completed Three states
sscd laws creating commissions
1iler machinery 30. lho protection !
ltc.r citizens against pronteers
womcn's organizations Of the
a.ry have already done splendid
IN THIS direction and are expected
cooperate sill further. 10 has been
'li advisable 10 work through
nxaEons already set mp end func-
'o1ag 10 the separate States rather =
ian % set up q separate organization
,oldy f0r ih.s purpose"
ihe report concludes that the prime
actors needed 90 bring down living Z
~ a-e Increases in production. the +
I mirltQn 0f eXtroyagan' buying and
Ae diermined hunting down OF proni- z
fs ~ aN classes. Reviewing the
fggress ~ prices since the csmnsien Z
frln in August at ihe insugat.on of f
'- s'ueni wilson. the report continues: +
iae History Of reiai food nrires 4
tira.es iDat decided downward 4
end ordinarily may be expected IN
iart 0f The year between January
nd March {, snd 70 IS 10 be hoped :
This trend VIII be accelerated this Z
~ 1y ihe campaign Initiated by lhe !,