Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 70, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 November 1916 — SAYS CROPS ROT IN FIELDS [ARTICLE]

SAYS CROPS ROT IN FIELDS

Gary Farmer Says It Is Part of Price Boosting Program. Chicago, November 27.—As part of the federal investigation of high food prices in progress here, federal agents directed by United States District Attorney Cline today sought evidence bearing on reports that produce dealers in territory tributary to Chicago are permitting r fruits and vegetables to rot in the field that prices may be increased. Evidence obtained will he submitted to the federal grand jury now considering the food question here. B. L. Brundage, a farmer of Gary, Indiana, reported that he had sold his crop of seven acres of pumpkins and received the money. When the crop ripened and the pumpkins were permitted to rot in tne field he tried to find the buyer, and learned that the name and addressr he had given were fictitious. That similar conditions prevail elsewhere and that speculators are buying potatoes, cucumbers, cabbages, pump-

kins, apples and other fruits and vegetables and permitting them to rot unpicked have been rumored in ■the federal investigation from time Xo time. Complaint also was received that a combination to raise the price of beans exists and that large quantities of them, both in bulk and in can. are being held in Norfolk, Virginia. Philadelphia and Saginaw, Michigan. The storing of these beans, according to the report of the federal bureau, has increased the cost of canned beans 60 per cent and dry beans 40 per cent in the last six months. A report said to contain evidence of collusion between wholesale and retail dealers to advance the prices of food was turned over to Mr. Clyne by Hinton G. Clabaugh, head of the local bureau of the department of justice. The report is the result of several weeks’ investigation.