Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 117, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 May 1918 — WASHINGTON D. C. A PROFITEERING CITY [ARTICLE]

WASHINGTON D. C. A PROFITEERING CITY

Possibly no city in the United State has been so much effected by the war conditions as the capital city of the nation. The city is being over run by people and it is taxed to full capacity to the accomodation there to care for the people. Under these conditions many are taking advantage of the situation and profiteering in a shameful manner. Hotel rates have been doubled and in many cases the increase has even exceeded that. The greatest complaint comes from those who have gone to Washington under the civil service. Many young ladies are having to pay excess prices for rooms and the price of food served is extremely excessive. Many of the rooming houses are now filled with cots and where one or two girls formerly occupied a room now four or five are put into it and the rate for each girl is more than the price fromerly paid for the room. Girls contemplating taking positions with the government at Washington should be sure before going that they will be able to secure accomodations at prices that will give them at least a small amount about the expense of board and room. Congress has taken this matter in hand and an attempt will be made to stop this wicked profiteering. Conditions there now are serious and we sound this warning to any young lady who may be contemplating going to Washington to do work for the government.