Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1857-11-06
Bread Meeting In Philadelphia.

~ ni!ed on luesuiy evening, Jci. ['tu,
in consequence Of public call signed by
many citizens, for the purpose of effectipg,
by concert of action, reduction in the
present high prices Of provisions.
The meeting was called to order by
Thomas L. Price, on whose motion Col.
VIM. English was called to the chair.
Upon taking his position, the Chairman
said, ho trusted whatever might be done
by the meeting, would be in spirit Of
harmony and good feeling.
The following additional officers were
elected: Vice Presidents-Sam'l Wright,
Aid. W. G. Conrow, W. Neal and John
G. Brenner. Secretaries-Kob't Bethel,
II. G.. Leisenring.
Messrs II. c. Peck, j. R. Garrigues
and E. s. Rowan were appointed COM
mittoe to prepare resolutions for the con.
sidcration of tho meeting. The committee
retired, when Mr. Price, being called upon,
addressed the meeting He said the OBJ.
ject contemplated by the call Of the meet.
ing was q purely practical one, as he was
satisfied that the price we now paid for
provisions was much above what we were
now able to pay, much above what they
were worth, and much above wha. we will
be able to pay in future. As an individ.
ual, be was in favor of any reasonable
means by which the object could be ac-
complished.
Edwin Booth said the remark that We
have fallen upon fearful times has been SO
often said, that it now has become truism.
We have nothing to do with the causes,
but it is enough for US to know that We
feel the effects that bear heavily upon US.
Everything has been reduced, 25 or so |
per cent, except provisions, and we are
charged more than was asked shor, tune
ago. Disguise it as you may, unless many
of our industrious and worthy citizens are
helped along this winter, starvation will
stare them in the face.
The committee returned and reported
the following resolutions:
Whereas, in the present PROSTATE cou.
dltion OF the commercial and manufactur-
ing Interests Of this community, involving
the suspension Of many of our leading mer.
chants, and the closing of our workshops
and manufactprics, whereby thousands,
whose sole dependence is their daily labor,
And whereas, in Consequence of this
unusual and distressing state of affairs, q
rapid depreciation in the value of mer.
chandise, Of labor, and of property gener-
ally, has been and is now being experien.
ced, which depreciation appears not up to
this time, contrary to all reasonable ex.
pecta,ion, in view Of the vast resources of
the country, to have extended to the ne
cessaries OF life;
And whereas, it is evideu. that at the
present high prices Of provisions, it will
soon be impossible for large portion Of
our people to procure the comforts of life,
and that many are threatened with actual
starvation unless speedy remedy be made
therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is alike the duty and
interest of each and every member Of the
community, to unite their efforts in resis-
ting the present extravagant prices Of the
leading articles of food, aud in securing a
reduction in the cost of living correspond
ing with the decreased value Of other mer.
chandise and of labor.
Resolved, That, in the judgment Of
this meeting, material reduction in the
price Of the leading articles Of food may
be made, and still leave to the producer
fair return for his labor and capitalize
demand more than which is neither wise
nor just.
Resolved, That in order to bring the
prices of provisions to fair standard, VIC
pledge ourselves not to pay more than the
annexed prices for the following articles:
Butter, per pound CSC.
Beef. re.
Veal. /" l0c.
Pork, 4" l0c.
Potatoes, per bushel, 60c.
And in case Of refusal on tho part Of the
dealers to sell at the above rates, we do
hereby pledge ourselves to each other, and
to the community, not to purchase the
above named articles for the thirty days
next ensuing.
Resolved, that committee Of Eve citi-
lens be appointed to take the necessary
measures in procuring provisions in large
quantities direct from the country, to be
sold at cost prices to the consumer, and to
report at an adjourned meeting.
Resolved, That We call upon the au-
thorities to strictly enforce the existing |
ordinances relative to hucksters and shin
ners, and that the citizens be urged to
purchase their supplies as far as possible
direct from the farmer and the butcher,
and that certified copy Of this resolution
be forwarded to Councils.
Resolved, That We call upon the citizens
throughout the entire city and county to
unite with US in the support Of tho above
resolutions.
Mr.. Price hoped that full and free ex.
preston Of opinion would be given on the
resolutions.
Mr.. Sailor moved to take up the zesolu. |