Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 August 1919 — JOHN EGER AGAIN FOOD HEAD [ARTICLE]

JOHN EGER AGAIN FOOD HEAD

For Jasper County in Fight on High Cost of Living. John Eger, who so ably filled the position as county food administrator during the war, has again been called upon to assume this duty by State Food Administrator Barnard, who sent Mr. Eger the following communication; August 10, 1919. To County Administrators: The industrial crisis our country is facing prompts our earnest consideration of the economic problems whuih lie back of unrest and social disorder. Attorney General Palmer, remembering the splendid work of the United States food administratipn, has asked me to fecal! to service opr entire food organization and to place the county administrators in full charge of the situation in their several counties. I am, therefore, asking you to take up ’again the work of food control and the enforcement of the Lever law, 1 especially as it relates to hoarding, ’profiteering and waste. I Attorney General Palmer instructs 'me to ask you to form a fair price committee which will include one retail grocer, one wholesale grocer, one dry goods dealer; your labor representative, your county chairman of food clubs and as well, several representatives of the consumer. May I suggest that you include other trades or businesses, if you desire, as it is our wish to secure I da** on the price of all commodi'ties which may be unfairly priced, such as coal, ace, shoes, rentals, * ytxs I Letters are going out today to all the men who worked with us, asking them to report to you both ’for instructions and as well the results of their work. In this list are the price reporter, labor representative, merchant representative, leaders in the food chib work. As you perfect your plans and organization give the facts to your .local press, always heeding the suggestion from Washington that cola facts and not wild reports will stabilize public opinion and quiet unrest . . ■ . Report to me the results of your price investigations. AH cases involving profiteering or violation of any section of the Lever act will be immediately handed over to the department of justice. Tlhe United States attorney general 1 has been instructed to cooperate with us in punishing all law violators. I have wired Washington that our organization stands ready for service, and that without expectation of compensation every man will do his utmost. Yours very truly, H. E. BARNARD,