Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-05-05
rood-Prices and Prospects.

We are probably paying more for -four through
out the United States, at the present time, than at
any period since wheat was first grown upon the
soil Corn is certainly higher throughout all the
great corn-growing region than it ever was before
In this city, all kinds of edibes bear price that
startles every purchaser What is our future pros
pect is very Interesting question. Let US inquire
how it is in other places The Chicago Daily Press,
of April IS, says:
can intelligent friend, who resides in one of
the southern counties of Illinois, furnishes us with
some interesting items respecting the present
scarcity Of breadstuffs and feed for cattle and
horses, also Of the arrangements making for the
present seasons crops. Last years crop Of corn
was largely deficient not being sufficient for home
consumption, and, but for the fact that portion
of the crop Of the previous year remained over,
there would, undoubtedly, have been much suffer-
ing. As 1t Is, corn commands, at the crib, IN
many places, 81 per bushel, hay $40 per ton, and
other articles of breadstuffs and cattle-feed cor
respondngly high prices.
In some districts, quite number of cattle and
hogs have died from starvation, and, as general
thing, stock is In very poor condition. Prepare
tons are being made for planting larger spring
crops than common. A greater breadth than
usual has been put down TO oats within the last
fortnight, and more viii yet be put In. Flowing
for corn has commenced, and extensive crops will
be planted. Throughout the middle and western
portions of the State, fall wheat looks uncommonly
well, and the breadth showed is more than an ave-
rage. The crop Of Irish potatoes was total failure
last year. and some difficulty is anticipated in pro-
curing suficicncy for planting. The North, how
ever, viii be able to send forward enough, by river
and railroad, TO supply this want"
The st. Louis Republican, after speaking Of the
high prices prevailing, comes TO the conclusion
that they are not "infated."
" The truth ia, a general scarcity Of breadstuffs
prevails throughout the country, and this is evil
denced more or less every day as the spring bust
ness opens. Along the lake line from Chicago to
New York, receipts fall short of the expectations
INDUCED, and from this point, South and East, q
more than usual demand exists. Buyers are In
this market from the Ohio and Tennessee, for
wheat and corn, and hardly boat goes out but
the cargo consists, in part of grain. We do not
suppose that prices win attain much higher figures
than quotations already show, and II is to be hoped
for the benefit Of trade and the convenience Of the
consumers. they may not but 1t Is somewhat
doubtful IL they fall much below the rates now
ruling"
In Michigan, there is very great complaint Of
scarcity and high prices. In Iona county, in the
centre Of the State, the Gazette says:
"The oldest inhabitant in this place fails to re-
member when there was such a scarcity Of provi-
sons as there is at the present time. Potatoes in
this village are out Of the question--they may be
in the country, but the farmers do not bring them
10 market. There are no BEANS onions, eggs, lard,
and but very small supply Of butter and meat in
the market