Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-04-17
Our Civ Commerce.

or for that matter, any form in which our
trade intercourse can be presented for con-
Sideration, than to devote the best OF earn
est and pains taking investigator ana
matured reflection 10 efforts to advance
them, for they are directly associated in
every sense of the term with the founda-
lions of our prosperity. 1t has been the
good fortune of all engaged in The general
trade and very valuable local commerce
centering in Stsunton-ard in this we
mean the producers, who have surplus to
SELL as we'll as the large number who are
buyers-to have en- joyed the respect and
confidence of each other, and can point,
through all their long Intercourse, to the
fact that produce has been uniformly sold
upon the basis of an open and unrestricted
market.
Sometimes in editorials, often under the
head of general commercial intelligence
and scarcely ever in weekly comments on
the Staunton markets have we failed to as
sign reasons open to the whole public for
any fluctuation in those features of interest
to the trade of Stsunton and its tributary
country. In reference especially to wheat,
often before and as late as in the~bPEcTA-
TOR of the 10th of March, the Eastern and
our home markets were contrasted. In
our comments on the situation in wheat,
compiled on the 10th of March, the follow
ing language occurs -
Examining carefully quotations for
Southern wheat, the Stanton market is
better one with charges added than any OF
the Eastern-indeed the quotations are
higher here than they are in Baltimore, TO
say nothing of transportation"
It has been our almost daily custom after
reading several of the highest standards OF
commercial intelligence in our whole coun
try, for the purpose Of being the better
prepared to make comparisons as we'll as
to impart through the SPECTATOR informa :
ton not generally accessible to our farmers
and grain-growers, to spend an hour or so
in conversation with our millers and prod
ueedealers, to ascertain, not only WHIST
prices they were paying, but in the case OF
fluctuations to learn their reasons for name
ing higher or lower quotations. This con-
slant intercourse between US has been going
on for nearly five years, and in that whole
time we cannot call to mind solitary in
stance in which we could observe the
slightest purpose by any association or
otherwise to conspire against the interest
of the producers or to SEEK by combination
to control any department of trade.
In the discussions which have taker
place concerning the material progress o
this city, and the particular features OF in
dustries and trade which could be stimu
lated in aid of general development, every
voice has uttered the just praise of the
farmers and producers who trade with US
and the reciprocal relations that existed
between them and those who handled theil
products. And how could it be otherwise.
for with the railroad transportation nov
available to all sections of Augusta county
except the Northwest, which we sincerely
hope may soon have equal facilities, what
do We see? Our shippers of produce, in ad
dition to warehouse operations, especially
in wheat and hay, extend facilities fol-
ladpg at the railroad stations nearest t.
producers who thus have market at their
doors, and in that particular have they moi
the very best advantages? Now as to
prices-our city papers furnish accurate
and weekly reports. There is DO collusion
or combination with them or with the deal
ers as to what these rep )rts shall be; and
verify the producers are guarded at every
point SO far as they may have reason-even
if such an absurdity as conspiracy existed
to protect themselves against combinations
We hope before these comments in refer
ence to the imputations cast upon our mer
chants shall appear, the author may see bis
erIor, and will manfully retract them
Here is the charge reproduced from the
Argus of the 9th instant -
ga ring has for years existed in this city
among the grain and hay dealers, and,
though not known to many, has been
carrying on its game very nicely, and hat
heen felt by many man who tolls. 1t is q
concern that holds secret meetings and
fixes prices, not only on The goods its mem
bers have for sale, but also says what the
producer shall be paid. Let farmer come
in with load of wheat, corn, hay Or any
thing he produces, and as he goes arounC
with his sample be has hard road tt
travel. Every one of the ring is posted al
to what to pay and the man who wants il
that day gets it at the figures set by the
ring-if sale is made. If all are supplied
but one or two, A will tell the farmer to q
to B, as he is not buying; others will de
the same and will get what he wants a
the very lowest figures.
OF course the farmer is the man whC
suffers-he is ground down to the bottom
prices for what he has to sell, and when ht
buys his groceries. salt, fertilizers, &c, he
must pay ring figures"
We cannot conceive of any justification
for this reflection upon our produce-dealers
for the existence of such a combination
and that it has been so for years, is simpl,
absurd, and therefore we hope to add t.
these comments which will appear the da
after the author shall have the same OF
portunity of Withdrawing the imputation
that he has employed in giving them circu
lation, TO append that fact.
This unfortunate publication, to say th
least respecting its injustice, is to be re
GREETED, though it may be atoned for. A
time when, of all others, our peopl
should be united in heart and purpose t,
do all they can to promote our local an'
business interests, the least jar between
them is hurtful. How much there is de
pending, and how great the future of thi
fair city and the staid and prosperous in
dustries of Augusta county are involved i,
the state of feeling between town ano
country only they that reflect and weigl
them well can understand. Then let tb'
people of town and country be what the,
really are, brethren and friends, not enc
mics, and then there will be no censure-
rauratc md n0fhipu I'm ntapa for