Page:The New York Times, 1916-11-22.djvu/7

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Commissioner Dillon Urges His Terminal Market Plan Again—May Appeal to Legislature.

Not since the beginning of the European war, when it was feared that the price of foodstuffs would go to war prices overnight, have city, State, and Federal authorities been so aroused over the upward trend of the necessities of life. Legislative action is urged by some, the interference of the National Government is demanded by others, and the city authorities, through the Board of Aldermen, also seek relief measures.

All those who are now striving to better conditions are turning their efforts toward determining whether the law has been violated, whether honest weight is given, as well as how best to facilitate the getting of foods to market and eliminate the middleman. All realize that, unless there is concerted action, the merchant and the manufacturer will go on raising prices, either in accordance with the law of supply and demand or because they can profit by necessity and get more for their goods.

Within a few weeks, it is expected, information will be placed in the hands of United States District Attorney H. Snowden Marshall that will warrant the Federal Government taking some action regarding the unlawful holding of foods in storage. The State will be able to do but little because many of the storage plants are in New Jersey. The city may, however, be able to take a hand in the matter provided the investigation by Police Commissioner Woods and the Department of Health shows that the law regarding egg storage has been violated here.

Other lines of activity have been opened by John J. Dillon, State Commissioner of Food and Markets, and Joseph Hartigan, Commissioner of Bureau of Weights and Measures. Both these officials are giving attention to the problem of getting food into the market, believing that if this is properly and economically done the cost of living will be lowered. Commissioner Hartigan is having prepared a list of producers and manufacturers who desire to do business directly with the trade rather than through a middleman. Commissioner Dillon has a plan for a terminal market and co-operative stores here.

Investigation by City.

The Wicks Legislative Committee and the Mayor's Committee probably will get together to consult upon legislative measures. Another corrective measure will be the passage by the Board of Aldermen of an ordinance prohibiting the sale of coal except by weight. This measure has twice been introduced in the Board of Aldermen, but has been defeated.