The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-04-18
NO COMPLETE DATA

NO COMPLETE DATA
 "A fundamental difficulty at the present time lies in the fact that there is no complete information available to anyone with reference to the proper adjustment of members, wholesalers and retailers prices in any industry. When it becomes possible for any fact finding governmental body to deter minte at any stage the cost which a commodity represents at that stage, 1t can be determined whether an excess sive charge is being placed thereon"
 The general causes of price inequalf- ties and suggested remedies are summed up as follows
 Aside from the unfair methods of competition with which we are daily dealing and aside from the important elements of transportation and credit, we are of the opinion that the follow ing are among the principal causes and are indicative and not necessarily exhaustive of the subject"
 First, thme excessive price of many base commodities, prominent among which vitally affects the cost of other commodities, to say nothing upon the health and comfort and upon the cost of living and buying power of the people. Second, the existence of the typical corporate monopolies, and in distinction, dSIcSltlcutS III NlOldlIOn CI tnG anIl-lTuSt laws, illustrated in the latter instance by the condition in another basic com modity, to-wit, lumber, which was the subject of recent report by this com mission to the department of justice and upon which that department is now pro- ceeding.
 Third, open associations, in many cases not yet challenged by the law, yet tending to bring about and maintain un- duly high prices.
 Fourth, interference with the channels of trade by distributors trade associa- tions, particularly by activities tending to maintain an unnecessary num- Der of inefficient regular dealers while shutting out new dealers seeking to sell at lower prices.
 Fifth, the conditions with respect to foreign combinations in the international market, to which reference has already been made.
 Aside from the remedies which may be afforded by improved transportation and credit facilities. we suggest consider alton of the following: First the passage of bill which will meet judicial objections to the authority of this commission to continue it's efforts to obtain and publish information re. spectng the ownership, production, dis tribution, cost, sales and profits in the basic industries more directly affecting the necessities of lfe-shelter clothing, | food and fuel-for the information of Con- gress and the promotion of the public welfare
 TRUST LAWS VIOLATED
 Second, vigorous prosecution under the antitrust laws including a re-exami- nation of the reviewable decrees already entered in such cases, with view to strengthen them to meet present condi- tions including also a closer scrutiny ot the so-called open prices association, to ascertain whether under the guise of beneficial associations they are in tact violating the law. Examination of asso- citations of distribution to determine whether violations of law exist, particu- larly restrictions of cooperative pur- chases, and whether any of the activi- ties of such associations are not of pub lie service
 COOPERATION NEEDED Third, positive encouragement of CO., operative associations of agricultural pro tducers and of cooperative consumers organizations
 Fourth, the passage of measures aimed at the elimination of unnecessary re- alignment and brokerage operations, including also gambling in futures. Py- ramiding of reconsignments and of job ping sales, while not possible in present market conditions, was one of the causes of the buyers strike, from which We now suffer, and may reappeaf whenever markets again become speculative.
 Fifth, calling of conference of the of- fical representatives of the trading aa- tions of the world to consider the ducs- tion of clearing the channels of inter national trade so as to eliminate undo sirable combinations and to promote far competition.
 sixth, protection of the farmer against the more closely organized elements witn which he has to deal, by extending fes- eral assistance in giving more adequate and timely information concerning for e;en and domestic marketing conditions and affording more ample and suitable local market and storage facilities for the serviceable conservation of perish