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Show ML PAPERS HHP AGIST WASHINGTON, May 7. The picture of tho country press, which includes the little four-page paper from back home, fighting with its back to the wall and almost ready to get under because of the print paper shortage was presented to a senate investigating, investigat-ing, committee today by Cortland Smith of New York, president of the American Press association. Along with his picture, of the troubles trou-bles of tho country editor, Mr. Smith made the direct charge tha't" the print paper market had been cornered and that the print paper interests had conspired con-spired to egulate the production so that the prices might continue to mount. In the face of this situation, he frankly declaj-ed there was litue lpe for the small town papers and that unless quick relief was provided half of them avouUI be wiped out of existence. Smith Alleges Conspiracy. While other witnesses had charged that the market had been cornered, Mr. Smith, -whoso association largelv supplies the country press, was the first to allege a conspiracy to regulate output and price. The federal trade commission's findings find-ings in its investigation of the news print paper were sent today to the department de-partment of justice. Report Being Studied. Chairman Murdoclc would not discuss dis-cuss the report further than to sav he believed it embraced the details of a thorough examination by the commission's com-mission's representatives. At the department de-partment of justice, it was said the report re-port was being studied "with a view to taking such action as it warranted." |