1917.02.24: DEFINITE PLAN FOR RELIEF ON FOOD SITUATION

February 24, 1917

DEFINITE PLAN FOR RELIEF ON FOOD SITUATION

Government Officials Promise Concerted Federal Action, Affecting Present Great Crisis

Some Disorder Still Apparent in New York, But Police Say Situation is Well In Hand

WASHINGTON. Feb. 24.—Some definite plan to relieve the acute food situation in the country may be expected within a few days, government officials said today. Conference between the president, members of his cabinet and Acting Chairman Denman of the United State, shipping board, promised to bring concerted government action along different lines, immediately effecting the he food crisis.

Attorney General Gergory, whose department has been continually at work for weeks on the high cost of living question, promises an important announcement "soon." The Federal Trade commission and department of agriculture are making preliminary plans while waiting for congress to act on their $400,000 appropriation before starting their inquiry.

OPINIONS ARE VARIED.

A wide divergence of opinion among congressional leaders as to how to meet the food issue, however, threatened to tie up this appropriation. It even threatens to delay relief measures of any kind. Renewed fight on the food situation promised to develop in the house today. Representative Borland was expected to reintroduce his amendment for the $400,000 appropriation.

In the upper house, Senator Lewis, administration whip, wants to push his plan of confiscating cold storage products, held in violation of law and reselling them to the weedy. A number of senators are known to favor federal purchase of great food supplies for distribution to the public at reasonable prices. Among those considering this plan are Senators Borah, LaFollete and Kenyon. In the event it is considered they will urge the war department as the distributing agency.  

SMELTS GIVE RELIEF.

NEW YORK, Feb. 24.—A carload of Columbia river smelts, purchased by long distance telephone today, is on its way to New York to do its part toward relieving the shortage of food and high prices here. The smelts were purchased by the mayor's committee on food supply, of which George W. Perkins is head and it is suspected that Perkins himself paid for it In addition four million pounds of rice have been purchased to be sold at six cents a pound.

The committee plans carefully watch the distribution of the flab and if it has a satisfactory effect on the market more will be purchased. Rice is urged as a diet and if the price goes over six cents a pound, the committee plans to dump a huge amount on the market. Investigations showed today that many east side families are subsisting for the most part on bread and tea, with the occasional luxury of meat and vegetables. School children, it is said, are in a much more ragged and unkempt condition this winter than in previous seasons.

Sporadic street disorders are continuing, but the police claim to have the situation well in hand. In the Wiliiamsburg section dealers are doing very little business. Many of them have not had their carts on the streets for several days. District Attorney Swann planned to begin today an Investigation of charges that foods are being held up.