Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-12-23
PALMER SAYS PRICE OF FOOD SOON WILL. DROP Expects Declines Between January and March of ANTICIPATES STAND OF RAILWAY WORKERS Attorney General Reviews Work of His Office in H. C. l.. Cam-
 paign and Recent Trend
 of Prices

Washington, Dec. 22.-Expecta- tion of a decline in retail food prices beginning between January and March 1 was expressed to- night by Attorney General Pal mer in a statemunt summing up the efforts of the government to date in forcing down the cost of living.
 Although statistics compiled annually by the government show that in previous years retail food prices increased during the fall months, MT. Palmer said that since August this year such prices had been maintained practically stationary.
 Only since October 22, when necessary amendments to the Lev CT food control act were passed, the attorney generals statement said, has it been possible to deal effectively with all cases of pro- fiteering and hoarding, From October 22 to date. 179 prosecu- tions have been instituted, and prosecutions and seizures have covered Is states, it was added.
 Due to cooperation between the government and various retail mer- chants associations, the statement said the prevailing prices of cloth ing had been reduced from five tl 50 per cent. The statement, whicl! was issued with the authorization of the government officials asso- ciated with the attorney general ir the campaign to force down liv- ing costs. including Director Gen. eral of Railroads Hines, was con- sidered in some quarters as a summary of the governments posi- tion in the face of the recently re- newed demands of railroad work CTS for an increase in pay. The railroad shopmen publicly-and other railroad crafts tacitly- agreed in August with the sug- gestion of President Wilson to postpone their demands for in- creased pay for 90 days, to await efforts of the government to bring down prices.
 Results Of Campalfn.
 "In August" the attorney gen. erals statement said, Gin connec- tion with demands for increased wages by railroad 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 there were settled condition of production and of commerce, as soon as the treaty of peace was ratified, and as soon as merchants, manufac- turers, farmers and miners had a certain basis of calculation. In a statement to the shopmen them- selves, the president declared that the primary step was to increase production and facilities transpor- tation, so as to make up for the destruction wrought by the WAT and the terrible sacrifices 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 distribution.
 "The movement inaugurated at that time to gain control over the cost of living has been largely in| the hands of the department of justice. It should be helpful to point out what has already been accomplished and what further steps are in contemplation. To assess the situation it is necessary to look back and ascertain what the trend of prices has been in the past year.
 "Taking retail food prices as a basis, the index number of the United States bureau of labor statistics from 1911 to 1919 indi- cate that up to 1919 there has been noticeable trend upward in such prices in the fall of the year, whereas since August this year such retail food prices have been kept prac.ically stationary. By way of illustration, during the period August to November incla. sive, 1916, there was an advance in retail food prices, as indicated by the bureau of labor statistics, of 13 points; in 1917, IS points. and in 1918 16 points, as compared with no increase whatever in the corresponding period of 1919. Con sidering the four years from 1911 to 1914, inclusive, retail prices show slight upward trend from September 1 to October 1. A greater upward trend from Octo- Der 1 to November 1, and remained practically stationary from No. vember i to December 1.
 Upward Since 1915.
 "During the four years from 1915 to 1918 inclusive, retail food prices show decided upward trend from August 1 to Septem- Der 1 and October 1, and a slight- | ly lessened but decided upwaed | (Continued on page two) x