Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 229, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 September 1919 — CONGRESS BECOMING TIRED OF INVESTIGATING. [ARTICLE]

CONGRESS BECOMING TIRED OF INVESTIGATING.

It is interesting to hear the discussions in congress as to the causes that have brought about the high cost of living. The reasons given range all the way from the failure to ratify the peace treaty, as claimed by the supporters of the administration, down through the inflation of the currency; the government price-fixing of wheat; failure to f'x prices of fuel and clothing; lack of laws to empty the cold storage houses of meat, eggs and ’owl, and so on. So much criticism las been flowing into congress as to its failure to adjust conditions more quickly to the public’s liking, that nany members are beginning to beieve thaat congress is not so much to blame for inaCM3S= AjV senthnent is growing in congress that what is bothering the people in many, sections, especially in large cities, more than anything else, is the cost of high -living, rather than the high cost of living. The claim is made that too much money is being spent for luxuries, motor cars for pleasure riding, unnecessary prices for wearing apparel when raiment of more moderate cost would suit just as well, etc. Circumstances are related in discussions in great number. One senator told of his personal observations in his honU city of a workingman receiving a big wage, whoj upon asking for shirts in a store, was shown one for $2. It was not good enough. Then a $6 garment was submitted, but nothing doing. Finally he was shown a $lO shirt and bought three. The senator told of paying $6 for a pair of shoes he was wearing, but that a man in his employ* getting much less money than the senator, bought a pair 'of shoes for $12.50. Interest is lagging in both houses in creating measures to reduce living costs, partly because other business is pressing, and again because of apparent indifference. A special senate committee was appointed to investigate the cost of living conditions in Washington, and dates were set for citizens to attend the hearings, but few appeared, and the committee disbanded. Congress is evidently about to act upon the idea that it cannot do much for the public interest unless the public wants : tA fin something for itself.