The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-11-24
To Major Gen. POLK
THE HIGH PRICE OF PROVISIONS.
SPECULATION AND ExTORTION.


fFrom tho os,h . (Ga. Clnfedcracy. Nov. 81
Some ago we published MI extract from the Mes
which have Of late been introduced by those who
heart their interests than the good Of their
fellow mort.es and OF the country.
few days ago Mr. Jones presented TO the Tennessee
Legislature the proceedings sf meeting Of portion or
the citizens Of Nashville in regard TO the exorons
practcea, at which the following resolutions wcre
adopted
Resolved That the Legislature Of tho State Of Ten
nessce be REQUESTED TO pass some law that win
the prices now sought TO be placed upon tho
staples OF life, II shall be necessary 70 place the
same in the bands Of tho military authorities.
Resolved That recommend that by law tax be
levied upon every gallon Il spritaoas liquors distilled
from wheat corn rye potatoes that shall be su!ce
ahethc proceeds thereof to be applied to tho support OF
families with US Of our soldiers on the tented field.
We approve these resolutions, aid hope Legislature
at te present session. will device some wise and cquta
bio plan put stop to the evil There wrong doing
upon this sbjoct that ought TO bc reached Ia some way
and regulated by law.
On the same day 10 tho Tennessee legislature Mr. Ca
ruthcrs, from the Committee on Judiciary TO whom was
referred that portion OF the Governors message reported
two bills the subject OF frauds, specula,ons mo-
nopoes Ono ia bill to suppress buying and selling
false preences" " and the other ga bill 10 suppress
,nonopocs" These bills have fines AMI imprisoansn.
in county as and penitotarics the penalties for va
rols grades OF offences under these acts.
The Governor OF Alabama recently issued procla-
nation condomning the practice which is doing much
mischief in which he instructed the agents OF the State
TO purchase nothing from engaged in his rc-
cent message to the Legislature he saws sm ,lants
have becn made TO from many portions the State
that there were persons engaged in purchasing articles
Indispensable 10 tho support OF the army of poor
people, for the purpose and with the intent OF cxtorting
exravagant prices from these who might be compelled
TO purchase these articles Upon this information issued
proclamation denouncing such conduct unpatrntic
and wicked and instructed the and other
agents OF the State TO purchase nothing from such per.
sons. Merchants and trafesmen, in common with per-
engaged in every legitimate pursuit. entitled
fostering care OF the government but when 80 orgenl
OF social duty and regardless OF the interest Of their
try to monop0izc the trade In those commodities most
necessary for the comfort and subsistence Of our
soldiers and citizens IL becomes the duty of the Lgfss-
ture the public guardians 10 adopt such
will prevent far possible the State and people from
becoming the prey OF such harpies."
The Mayor Of Augusta, Ca. has lately issued procla
nation on this subject and public meetings have been
held n Macon, Savannah and elsewhere TO ipa1garate
movement to suppress the unjust and unpatrotic
speculaons in the primo necessarjes OF febc greatest
Of soldier who Is lighting for the liberty
which these abuse, and the wants OF their poor
families, who have already suffered much, and will suffer
unless stop is put to it by the strong arm Of tho
law.
Governor Brown, OF Georgia, in his late message has
also recommended the Legislature 10 take this matter in
hand to regulate the evil and do Justice TO
ALL The Governors of Mississippi and Louisiana have
also. These Of the indications Of public opi-
nhn.
We will now clearly define own position on this
subject In ordinary times every should be allowed
buy aad sell article Of merchandise or any farm
productions, for just such prices he can or will But
tho times upon us are extr aordnary, and impose
upon all such obligations of patriotism and duty their
fellow citizens do not exist in times Of peace and
prosperity and there should be way Of enforcing
compliance with these obi CATIONS and duties 10 tho OK
tn q t".i. s...s-e1ce, AID DO farther