Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 201, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 August 1916 — BREAD COST PROBE DEPENDS ON INQUIRY [ARTICLE]

BREAD COST PROBE DEPENDS ON INQUIRY

Federal Commissioner Seeks Data in Chicago on the Subject. Washington, August 22.—Whether there shall be a federal investigation of the high cost of flour and prospective increases in bread prices depends largely upon the report of Commissioner Hurley, now in Chicago making informal Inquiries for the federal trade commission. The quietness and yet the energy with which the investigation has been carried on by the government officials, indicate their belief that the high price of wheat at present, with the resulting $8.40 a barrel flour, is not due entirely to crop shortage, as the board of trade operators declare. Mr. Hurley went to Chicago particularly to seek definite information at the headquarters of the National Bakers' association concerning statesments during the association’s convcntitn at Salt Lake City that the price of broad soon would be increased. Officials of the commission said, however, that they would look into the general question of flour and bread prices. Copies of a resolution passed by the Master Bakers at Salt Lake City, calling on congress to place an embargo on flour exports, were received by mail by Vice President Marshall and Speaker Clark. They will be presented to both houses later, but there is no prospect of action on them. The constitutionality of import embargoes long has been a moot question.