2 A
PRESIDENT ORDERS
HIGH PRICE INQUIRY
Federal Trade Commission and
Department of Agriculture
Will Conduct It.
PRODUCTION ENDANGERED
Washington, Feb. 10. At the direc
tion of President Wilson, the Federal
Trade commission and the Depart
ment of Agriculture will begin an
;mmfrtile investigation into the
causes of advancing food prices in
the United States, .with special ref
erence to alleged violations of the
anti-trust acts. An emergency appro
priation will be asked of congress for
ttie inquiry.
The Trade commission made known
today that it had held a conference
with Agriculture department officials
to work out preliminary plans for the
investigation, and at the same time it
. i it- ii : .1 . wiUah, .
maue . puouc ricaiucm n,n ,v
nnrat for the inauiry. An adequate
food supply, a matter of concern to
the nation at all times, is of peculiar
importance at the present, the presi
dent declared. Despite much that has
been done toward obtaining definite,
information concerning the supply
and demand of foods, it is not yet
clear, he said, what measures are nec
esaary to fundamental improvements.
It is obvious, me letter asserts,
"that there will be no sufficient in
centive to-enlarge production if there
does not exist an unobstructed and
economical system of distribution.
Unjustifiable Auctations in prices are
not merely demoralizing, they in
evitably deter adequate production. It
has been alleged that the course of
trade in important food products is
not free, but is restricted and con
trolled by artificial and illegal means.
It is of the highest public concern to
ascertain the truth or falsity of these
allegations."
Letter of President.
"An adequate supply of food prod
ucts is a matter of concern to the
nation at all times. It is of peculiar
importance at present Our domestic
food supply is normally very large and
has become increasingly varied. In
some respects it has steadily ex
panded and has kept pace with the
increasing population. Unfortunately,
this is not true, however, of a large
number of staple products, including
certain cereals, and particularly
meats. -
"While the population of the nation
has increased 26,000,000 since 1900,
the production of the two leading
cereals, corn and wheat, while tend
ing to increase, has shown only a
slight advance, and that of the meat
products in the same period has
shown an increase of only 3,500,000
pounds, a decrease of twenty-nine
pounds per capita. -
; Problem of Distribution.
"; "Much can. be done and is being
done to change this-situation through
improved methods of production and
. through the control or eradication of
.plant and animal disease. But there
are problems also of distribution, and,
in some respects, the problems pre
sented in this field are the more dif
ficult. Only recently have official
agencies been created to deal sys
tematically with this side of the dif
ficulty. Much work has been done,
and, considering the limited nature of
' the powers under which it has been
conducted, no little headway has been
nude, . particularly in . obtaining and
diffusing useful information.
"Nevertheless it is not yet clear in
many directions just what the nature
of the difficulty is or what measures
should be adopted to effect funda
mental improvements. Many neces
sary facts are not available and it is
questionable whether any single
agency of the government at present
possesses the requisite power and
equipment to secure the information
needed to enable both public and pri
vate instrumentalities to render their
fullest service to the people.
Production Halted.
"It is obvious that there will be no
sufficient incentive to enlarge produc
tion if there does not exist an unob
structed economical svstem of dig.
' tribution. Unjustifiable fluctuations in
price are not merely demoralizing,
they inevitably deter adequate pro
duction. "It has been alleged before com
mittees of congress and elsewhere
that the course of trade in important
food products is not free, but is re
stricted and controlled by artificial
and illegal means. It is of the highest
public concern to ascertain the truth
or falsity of the allegations. No busi
ness can be transacted effectively in
an atmosphere of suspicion. If the
, allegations are well grounded, it is
necessary that the nature and extent
of the evils and abuses be accurately
determined, so that proper remedies,
legislative or administrative, may be
applied. If they are not true it is
equally essential that the public be
informed, so that unrest ana dissstis
faction may be allayed.
"In any event, because of the grave
public interest which the food sup
ply effects, the efficient performance
of the duties imposed upon agencies
'of the government requires that all
pertinent facts be ascertained. To
this end the powers of such agencies
should be made adequate, if in any
-espect tney are now deficient.
- Directs Inquiry,
, Department to Aid.
"Pursuant to the authority con
i'erred upon me by the act creating
the federal commission, therefore, I
, direct the commission, within the
scope of its powers, to investigate and
DENTISTRY
Efficiency
Reliability
Guarantee
N Cbari
EatabUM IMS
E'lLET TKE CERTIST
Dr. BBqr, Pn. Or. lalnlnri, Mar.
706 City Nafl Bank Bldgv
yj v
report the facts relating to the pro
duction, ownership, manufacture,
storage and distribution of foodstuffs
and the products or byproducts aris
ing from or in connection with their
preparation and manufacture; to as
certain the facts bearing on alleged
violations of the anti-trust acts, and
particularly upon the questions
whether there are manipulations,
trusts, combinations, conspiracies or
restraints of trade out of harmony
with the laws or the public interest.
' "I am aware that the commission
has additional authority in this field
through the power conferred upon it
to prevent certain persons, partner
ships or corporations from using un
fair methods of competition in com
merce. I presume that you may see
fit to exercise that authority, upon
your own initiative, without direction
from me.
"The Department of Agriculture has
been engaged for several years in
studying problems of distribution. I
have noted that it has been proposed
in the congress to add to the funds of
the department and give it larger
powers to conduct its investigations.
As its activities will touch phases of
the problem I am calling to your at
tention which may not be covered
by your inquiry and may furnish in
formation of great importance for the
purposes contemplated. I shall direct
that departmen. to co-operate with
you in this enterprise.
"For the adequate prosecution of
the inquiry by both your commission
and the Department of Agriculture, it
is essential that sufficient funds be
available. I accordingly request that
you furnish me at the earliest possi
ble moment an estimate for an ap
propriation, if one is needed, to sup
plement existing appropriations to
enable you to successfully carry out
the investigation.
"A eoriv of this tetter is being sent
to the secretary of agriculture with
the direction that his department co
operate with you and with the request
that he furnish an estimate for the
funds needed for hi department.
int secretary ot agriculture, ine
trade commissioner announced, was
asked today for a conference to ar
rinit nrehminarv ulans for the in
vestigation and to make estimates for
its cost.
Senator Hale of
Maine is Under
Fire Near Ypres
(Cdrraponine of Tb. AnoetaUd PrM
With British Armies in France, Feb.
10. (Via London.) Senator-elect
Hale of Maine, who has been visiting
the British front for the last several
days, had a lively experience trom
German shell-fire yesterday. He had
expressed a keen desire to see the
ruins of Ypres and his automobile
was just rounding Deadman's corner
into the Belgian city when e shriek-
ins: S.9-incD shell burst a tew tengtns
behind. .
A few vards further along the auto
mobile became stalled. When it waa
found the car would not .budge the
party sprinted for shelter as several
more shelis broke over them. Al
though little is left of Ypres but piles
of brick-and stone, the town re
mains a favorite artillery target for
the Germans. It is needless to say
the exploration trip was shortened.
Mr. Hale is proceeding to unaon
hnninir tn make satisfactory arrange
ments there for his homeward jour
ney. He is anxious to reach the United
States in time to take his seat in event
an extra session is called.
Double Military Funeral tor
. Victims ot El Paso wreck
El Paso. Tex.. Feb. 10. A double
military funeral will be held late to
day for Sergeant Karl Eisenhart of
Company K, Fifth Ohio infantry, and
Private Charles L. Eaton of Company
L. Fifth Ohio infantry, who were
killed late yesterday when an army
motor truck collided with a train at
a crossing in Camp Pershing.
The body ot sergeant ctsennart
will be sent to Fremont, O., and
that of Private Eaton to Albion, Pa.,
where his mother lives.
All of the twelve Ohio infantrymen
who were riding in the truck and
who were injured in the collision were
reported to be improved today and
all will recover, it is said, at tne
base hospital.
Leading Fairbury Banker
Is Dead of Heart Disease
Fairbury. Neb.. Feb. 10. (Special
Telegram.) A. M. Hungerford, vice
president of the Farmers and Mer
chants bank in this city, died shortly
after noon today of heart disease. He
was alone with his family and a friend
when the end came.
Mr. Hungerford was active in mu
nicipal affairs of this city and was
serving as councilman. He was a re
tired capitalist and was interested in
a number of enterprises here. A
brother resides in Hebron. No ar
rangements have been made for the
funeral, but it i sassumed the Masons
will have charge of the services.
SCIIUOLLER& MUELLER
0
.. . .
Tour present Piano
will be Moeptod as
part parment.
S550
' Oar K-Year Irea-Clal Craaraatee fleet Witt Bvery Initnrawai.
sc::::qlur & cueller piano coupahy
iStl'lS Farnam trMt Omaha, Nebraska
, ' The Leading Haas Hoase f the West established 1M.
THE OMAHA
VILLA WARNS OUT
OF HISJAR ZONE
Proclamations Posted Notify
ing Foreigners to Keep
Out at Their Peril.
CHIEF HAS LARGE ARMY
Juarez, Mexico, Feb. 10. Procla
mations were posted on the adobe
walls and distributed on the streets
here last night signed by Francisco
Villa, warning every one against trav
eling on passenger trains between
luarez and Chihuahua City and urg
ing foreigners of all nationalities to
keep out ot northern Mexico, ac
cording: to a Carranza official here
The proclamation added that for
eigners would be given the same pro
tection as nationals, but if they were
robbed or wounded during any tignt
ing they would be victims of their
own carelessness.
Twenty-five persons were arrested
in luarez following the distribution
of the hand bills, it was said, the
list including one prominent merchant
of the town.
Saya Villa Has Large Army.
New York. Feb. 10. General Fran
cisco Villa with a force of 25.000 men.
supported by thirty cannon, of sixty-
live ana seventy-nve miiimeires eacn
and seventv-five machine guns, is oc
cupying territory vacated by the
fnrrrs nf General Pershing and Brad.
uallv advancing northward to take
Juarez, according to an official com-
munication receivca nerc louay uj
John J. Hawes, Villa's representative
in New York from Hioolito Villa.
brother of the leader, who is making
his headquarters in sail Antonio.
The announcement gave in detail
the variims units of Villa's command,
with the names of various generals
n4 nnrfer officers. It also stated that
a sanitary department consisting of
fifteen physicians and fifty-six nurses
has been organized with headquarters
at Bustillos, Chihuahua, and that 379
wounded soldiers and thirty-seven
wounded officers are now receiving
treatment there. It was also said
that Villa has a transnortation service
of thirty-seven locomotives and sev
enty box and gondola cars.
FiM hearinuarters for Villa have
been established at San Andres, thirty
miles west of Chihuahua City, the
statement says.
Eight Wolves Are Caught
By Four Hundred Hunters
Pierce. Neh.. Feb. 0. (Special.)
Four hundred men took part in the
big wolf hunt yesterday, which re
sulted in the killing of eight wolves,
Sixty-four square miles of territory
in Pierce and Madison counties were
covered by the hunters, who formed
four lines, finally converging at a
point ten miles southwest of this city.
After the hunt was over the wolves
were auctioned off to the highest bid
ders. . '
Ford Will Close Peace '
Bureau at The Hague
London, Feb. 10. A Renter's dis
patch from The Hague says that the
Ford peace bureau, established by
Henry Ford, the American manufac
turer, will be closed on March 1, on
account of the .breach of diplomatic
relations between the United States
and Germany.
r
The daya of Barbarous Dentistry
havt gone by. Come to me and
have your teeth extracted or filled
without the least pain by the use
of Vapor Mist
Come to the office, get some of
the many hundreds of testimonials
that want to tell of my Painless
Method. .
Vapor Mist is a local anaesthetic,
just applied to the gums, not only
for Painless Extraction, but for
all Dental Operations without the
least danger in heart trouble or
other sickness.
DR. CLARK, The Painless Dentist
Office Second Floor Paxton Block
16th and Faraam Streets.
Open Sunday, 10 to 12. ,
Sand for my Booklet tailing all
about the Car of Tenth.
Lady Attendant.
Phone Red 1201.
Baby
Grand
Piano
Ai InstniBMt kallt especially
for those desiring Grand Finn
lor tbrir kome. bat whs an re
stricted as U floor ipaea. Its
tone, its action, ' its Waty ef
eats design will appeal keenly
to 7 oar was nf appnetatloa
and, last, bat aat least, its prlee
wfll esavtae yoa at taa sterling
value offered la tkls ttme
tested, tirae-hoaorrd tastment
Convenient payments
may be arranged on
the balance.
SUNDAY BEE: FEBRUARY
The National Capital
ftrnate.
iUt .t il a. m.
Universal military trainlnr bill rport-ti
from mtliurr afftlra commne. Rer Ad
ntrala Griffin and Taylor atvor:ated electric
driva for new bat 11 crulra befort the
naval affaire committee.
McCumbflr resolution Co fca narratary of
tata aubmlt the fovernment'e vlawa oo oaa
and limitation of submarlnne waa referred
to foreign relation commute.
Began eonirid era tion of poatofftea appro
prlation bllL . .i. ; fc
8nator Overman ffava notlea that he
would aak rnneldratlon nest Monday of
admin Int ration bill to daal with espionage
and often araimit me goTmmmmax,
Took up Porto Rican clUwmahlp Mil.
Adjourned p. m. to U a. m. Monday.
Heuae.
Mat at It a. m.
Canetdered naval appropriation btn and
irrmd to vote on it Tueeday.
Her.retary Panicle oread immediate appro
priation of SM,0M to extend coaet jwd
telephone Una. . w .
Adjourned t: p. m. to 11 a. m. Monday.
New Poetmoataaa.
WaJhlntrton. Fib. 10. (Hpaelal Telegram)
Polaome, f'untr coonty, KHiaboth Zarnminer,
Vlffe la, t. noVDUua, imif)ii-n, w . .
Haakon county, William H. Martin, vice P.
B. Zell, resigned. Wyoming Butknum. Na
trona oonnty, Ben W. Karmair, vice A F.
Deugaard, realgned, .
Rural letter carrlem appointed In Nebraeka
ard Iowa: Bradahaw. Neb., route No. 1,
Simon H Partlow; Granville, la., route No.
J, Krank J. Cnmmer; Jeffenwn. la., roote
No, , Wort B. Morden.
Dan Tillotson Soon Back
On Farnam Street Route
D. W. Tillotson, who has been sick
since the last of December with
typhoid pneumonia, is rapidly recov
ering, and will soon be out again.
Mr. Tillotson is one of the veteran
letter carriers, having been in the
service for almost thirty years. He
will be 'welcomed back on his route
on Farnam street
Neckwear Fashions
For Early Spring
Monday a special showing of
new neckwear is to be ready. New
Georgette Collars, SOc to $2i and
new embroidered Net Collars, 7Bc
to $1.25, will be shown in an ex
ceptional variety for so early in
the season.
' To the right as you enter. .
Springtime Fabrics
NEW CREPE VOILE, one of
the season's most beautiful fabrics.
Very sheer, but firm and strong,
insuring satisfactory wear. In all
spring colors, 42 a yard.
NEW SPORTS SILKS: Yo San
is one of the most talked of sports
fabrics. It's a very different kind
of material and comes in beautiful
color combinations.
NEW PONGEES AND TUB
SILKS, an excellent range of
shirting fabrics; colors absolutely
fast.
Silks Main Floor.
1
Valentines . and
Postals
" ' ' 1
Each expresses an ap
propriate sentiment in a
distinctive manner. The
pictures are most unusual
and delightful
Main Floor, Canter Aisle.
Third Floor, Art Needlework.
Good Silk Hose
of Known Quality
' PURE THREAD SILK HOSE
with lisle tops and soles in black,
white and colors; $1.25 a pair.
SILK TO THE TOP HOSE, in
black, white and colors; lisle lined
tops, $1.75 a pair.
THE "WELCOME HOSE" of
black, medium weight silk with
exclusive garter welt This and
other unusual reinforcements en
ables this hose to outwear any
other silk hose made; $2.25 a pair.
St. Valentine's Day
Is Candy Day
Suggestions from our large
selections of highest quality,
strictly fresh candies:
Pecan Roll, 60c a lb.
Vanilla Nougat, 35e a lb.
Nut Brittles, choice assort
ment, SOc a lb.
Basement Balcony. ,
New Wash Fabrics
EGYPTIAN , TISSUES, the gen
nine Lorraine, No. 1144 Egyptian
Tissues, in new spring color com
binations, striped effects, checks
and plaids; FAST COLORS, 30e a
yard. v
SWISS FACONNEE AND TIS
SUE DE NILE, in bright new
styles, dotted and striped effects,
27 inches wide, 30c a yard. ,
Sorosis Boots
Spring Models
11, 1917;
Scottish Rite Masons Hold
Funeral Service for Woodman
St. Andrew's Preceptor, Knights
Kadosh, held services last night for
Sir Knight James Woodman, 32d, at
Scottish Rite cathedral. Venerable
Preceptor Edgar N. Bowles was in
charge of the services and the cath
dral choir furnished the music. Doors
were closed at 10:20 and the lights ex
tinguished at 10:26, when the services
hriraii. The Kadosh funeral service is
rarely performed ana is one oi tne
most solemnly beautiful rites known
to Masonry. Friends of the dead man
and members of the fraternity of both
rites attended.
Funeral services will be held at the
residence of his son, A. E. Woodman,
2223 Capitol avenue, at 2 o'clock this
afternoon. Rev. T. J. Mackay, rector
of All Saints' church, will officiate.
The following will act as pallbearers:
A. P. Whitmore, Dave Christie, Harry
Whitehouse, W. C. Sundblad, W. C
Lyle and William B. Whitehorn.
Mr. Woodman, who was 80 years
old, died at his son's home in Omaha
Thursday night after an illness of
a few hours. Born in London he came
to this country in 1862, becoming a
United States citizen fn Chicago. He
went into the insurance business when
he moved to Omaha, becoming asso
ciated with J. A. Lovatt and Frank
Murphy.
He became a Mason In Chicago
fifty-two years ago, being a charter
member of Dearborn lodge there and
the, first member to attain the honor
of half a century's standing with the
Windy City lodge. Two years ago
the Dearborn lodge sent fifty roses.
Thompson Bhden&Q)
Early Showings
The Store for
Blouses
Has for Monday
A Surprisingly Excellent
Showing of
Wash Blouses for Spring
Priced $2.95
These Wash Blouses are
in tailored and lingerie ef
fects; very dainty and at
tractive, besides being ex
ceptionally modest in
price. .
Second Floor.
Ribbon Novelties
For Infants
I Attractive coat hangers, bom
net rosettes, armlets and car
riage straps are among the most
recent arrivals. The Infants'
Wear Store is a complete shop
where all of baby's needs have
been carefully anticipated.
Mothers who like daintiness at
a modest price will do well to
become acquainted with the
character of this specialty store.
Third Floor.
Advance Showing
of Redfern Corsets
Have the new "waist
line" with the slightly
curving hip.
Each Redfern style is an
interesting model each
has its own particular
points for the figure it is
intended to fit, and our
corsetieres will select for
you the one best adapted
to your figure.
sYes, and more than this
not only adapted to you,
but the one that will fit
your figure comfortably
and build it a la mode.
. $3 Up
Every Redfern most
carefully fitted satis
faction assured.
Footwear Fashion in a complete
assortment of styles are now on
display. Spring Boots of Gray
Kid, Field Mouse Brown with
white kid tops, Tan Kid Boots
with white kid tops, Ivory Boots,
Champagne Kid Boots and All
4White Boots of kid.
Priced $10 to $12
a letter of congratulation and a gold
badge.
At the time of his death Mr. Wood
man was a director of the Carter
Lake club and took an active part
in its activities. He entertained the
directors at the Hotel Fontenelle at
their annual meeting a few weeks
ago.
Mrs. Berry Loses Suit
Against City of Aurora
Arnr Mk PVH ' In. f.C.nerial
Ta1a.nn.' Tii ,',,rv in th race nf
JCltgl.lll., w ... -
Mary Irene Berry against the city of
. , . i i : I
Aurora toaay reiurncu a vcrmci iui
the defendant, finding no cause of ac
tion. They reacnea tneir decision at
1 o'clock last night. The suit was
brought for $20,000 personal damages,
.).. nlli,fT laiminor to have fallen
on the sidewalk, breaking her hip and
snouiaer. tne case occupicu uic ai-
nt frli fmtrt 'tiiA inrv fnr five
days. The jury deliberated over the
verdict thirteen nours.
Commissioners to Modify
The Wheel Tax Ordinance
City Commissioners Kugel, Hum
mel and Parks, comprising a special
committee to consider the wheel tax
ordioance, have listened to arguments
covering a wide range of views. Next
week they will submit to the city
council a modified ordinance, with a
reduced schedule. They are disposed
to consider favorably the idea of as
sessing motor-driven trucks on a ca
pacity rather than a horse power
basis, and tax horses rather than ve
hicles in cases of horse-drawn vehicles.
of Spring Things Throughout the Store
The Note of the Unusual
and Distinguished Originality
In Thompson-Belden Apparel
is Temphasized in these
preliminary showings of
The New Modes
Suits - Coats - Dresses
for spring of 1917
Private display rooms for
your pleasure and convenience
Apparel Section Second Floor.
SPRING MILLINERY
New Millinery
A First Breath of Spring
Monday we announce a Special Show
ing of Newest Trimmed Hats in Spring
Styles.
Every Day New Hats Arrive
They have been taken fresh from their
boxes and displayed for your ap
proval. Small Hats, Large Hats, some
all black, others show vivid colorings;
above all else they are distinctive.
Priced $8.95, $12.50, $18.75 to $25
Millinery Section, Second Floor.
Nainsooks and Longcloths
This is the sewing season, when spring and
summer white fabrics are in great demand.
So these special prices are of timely interest.
Fine Silky Nainsooks for Dainty Undennusliru
30c (40-inch) Mikado Japanese Nainsook, $2.50 a bolt of 10 yards.
35c (40-inch) Oyama Japanese Nainsook, $3 a bolt of 10 yards.
20c (36-inch) English Nainsook, $2.28 a bolt of 12 yards.
25c (36-inch) English Nainsook, $2.75 a bolt of 12 yards.
30c (36-inch) English Nainsook, $3 a bolt of 12 yards.
Longcloths Specially Priced by the Bolt ' .
15c (36-inch) English Longcloth, $1.35 a bolt of 10 yards.
20e (36-inch) English Longcloth, $1.75 a bolt of 10 yards.
22c (36-inch) English Longcloth, $2 a bolt of 10 yards.
25c (36-inch) English Longcloth, $2.25 a bolt of 10 yards.
30c (36-inch) English Longcloth, $2.50 a bolt of 10 yards.
'. Liaea Section, Main Floor.
Al Hayman, Veteran
Theatrical Man, Dies
New York, Feb. 10. Al Haymaiu
veteran theatrical producer and
manager, died here early today at
the hotel where he made his home,
He was 60 rears old and a native of
Wheeling, W. Va. Mr. Hayman for
more than thirty rears was one or
the dominating influences in the
theatrical business of the country, hav
ing started in San Francisco in 1883.
Th. ...-vilUn tliatrtral avndieate was
his idea. With the ijte Charles Frob
man, he acquired the rights to Bron
son Howard's "Shenandoah," whicl
earned fortunes for both.
Holland Consul in Omaha 1
Is a Possibility Now
The location of a Holland consul
or vice consul in Omaha is desired
by the Commercial club of Omaha.
Local delegates who attended tlio
convention of the National Chamber
of Commerce at Washington called
at the Netherlands legation to urga
upon the minister from Holland that
he use his influence to this end. The
Omaha delegation believes the chance
for getting such a consul here is
excellent
Tabor Selects Debating team.
Tabor, la., Feb. 10. (Special.)-
The second tryout debate by Tabo
college students to select debaters to
represent this college in a debate with
Graceland college at Lawrence was
held in the college Auditorium Fridav
evening. The winners were Miss Gail
Hamil, Walter Wyant, Misses Myrtls
Brown ana Vivian neatn.
