New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1862-03-19
Hem Orleaus d]uIp Grestert,
WEDNESDAY s1oRN1Ne, MARCH 10, 1862.
TALK ON CHANGE.

.r-,-,,
TALK ON CHANGE.
The same dull, gloomy and somewhat despon1-
ing feeling which we talked Of in our last oh.
seryabe on the flags Of CarondeIet street. There
was, however, much joy erinced among those in.
tercsted at the announcement of the arrival Of
ftltbo0t, it was termed, from foreign country,
bringing some very choice nccessaries, which will
pay about 100 per cent or more. OF course,
there was something said about q few rifles and
few pounds of powder. which have come to good
market; but there would have been no great de-
inand for them if our authorities had six months
ago Needed suggestions which we took considera
bic pains to convey to them.
Matters and things regarding breadstu1s are
now approaching what may be termed scrisis
About four weeks ago we specially alluded to the
supplies OF flour aud corn the stocks and the
supposed quantity then hand being sufficient
for eight weeks consumption. Flour was then
$l2 to $l3 per barrel. We intmatcd that there
would be scarcity, and that -four would 20 up to
$40 per barrel. Two or three of our cotempora-
ries went to figuring away as though they were
fully posted up, and could control the course of
prices merely by writing few lines, which would
settle the question. How wofuly they may be
dsapp 'nted when we tell them that -four was
held yesterday at tmey,ty d9Nors per barrel, and
corn at 81 so per hushel. A week ago -four was
selling at s'l4 to SIG per barrel. In four days
more, unless measures are taken by our uu,lori-
ties, it may 90 up to thirty, or even forty dollars
per barrel. The impression prevails on the part
Of holders that receipts and supplies arc some
Thing more than partially cut off. Possibly to-day
we may have accounts that they are entirely sus-
pended. The stock on hand will last for some
weeks, if fudiciously distributed. II is well under
stood that spectators, monopolists and extor
TONERS abound in all communities ready and pre-
pared to take advantage of the course of events,
as purely selfish considerations may dictate. The
time is approaching whether it will not be incun-
bent for our authorities to intervene and shield the
community (thc cOnsumers) from the avarce and
cXtortion of SPECTATORS and monopolizers The
time has arrived for action. Martial law prevails
most wise and just provision. VIII our nuthori-
ties now assume the responsibility? VIII the Com
manding General of this Military Department? Z?
viii cur Governor or Mayor at once (this day.
take an account of The -four and brcadstu1s now in
warehouses and stores or on the market? Sixteen
and eighteen dollars per barrel for the -four now in
market will pay holders an immense profit. VIII our
authorities shield consumers, the wives children
and families from the graspng tendencies which
are now assuming such great control over the
very susenauce of this community? We talk not
for the men of wealth, persons of aliuence; they
can better afford to pay $40 per barrel for -four
than vast majority Of our citizens can SIC to SIS
1t is, however, no time to talk Our authorities
must act at once. They must meet at once, and
fix price for the stocks of breadstutts now on
hand, which, at the prices ruling yesterday, will
n 70 bpl5 = ia boli
there are fully two months supplies of breadstufs
in our market, including rice. OF course, further
supplies will have toudcncy to restrain further
advances: but broad and comprehensive view
| must be taken Of the position of the market. 1t
will require very little management and fnancier
ing for holders of breadstutts to combine raise say
two hundred thousand dollars, and defy consumers
and the daily demand, even at the advance price
Of thirty to forty dollars per barrel. In the face
of the largest crops of cereals record (the crop
of lSGD -four has been steadily advancing from
SO to $40 per barrel. Are not conclusions Just
that it may advance to the high prices named
The Confederate Congress has decreed that all
cotton and tobacco shall be burned in preference
to being allowed to fall in to the hands of our enc.
mics. Have not our local authorities, including
the Commander of this Military Department, the
from the rapacity, avaree and monopolizing Of
some forty or fifty Cor less) individuals? 1t is no
| use to talk further on this subject The question
for the coming sixty days is, bread or no bread.
The telographic wires were silent yesterday. A
triing dispatch was posted up that the enemy had
attacked Island No. 10. We trust We shall not
have to talk about another evacuation. 1t an.
pears our army has been engaged in fortify;ng
places-say New Madrid, Anchor Island, Fla, and
other places; then abandoning fortifcations guns,
munitions, tents, and even private baggage to the
enemy. Some military men do not understand
these movements. AS for civilians and the rank
and fIlc it is incomprehensible to them. There
was dispatch from somewhere, saying that tho
capture of the Magnolia was confirmed. We con.
irned the report two weeks ago by asserting it as
fixed fact, of which those Interested were fully
| aware. Mdis n'impore, the " fatboat " reported
yesterday more than settles the balance against
adventure per steamer Magnolia.
There were reports of an European mail. or
rather letters from Europe, being received yester-
day. We learn that regular mail for Europe
| and Havana will he made up at Mr.. IeGardeur's
office at the usual time. Also Mr.. Cosa's mail
| from No. l6 Customhouse street.
------A t. sa----
fx" We are indebted to Lieut.. 7. W. Pcytou,
CompanyC, Continental Guards 1lth Regiment of
Louisiana Volunteers. for a late pumher nf tho