Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-11-18
COMFORT FOR COFFEE DRINKERS.
Merchants Say Prices Here Have Not
Been Affected by the Brazilian Revolt.

This morning a STAR reporter called on a
number of the leading grocers Of this city to
learn what effect the Brazilian troubles would
be likely to have upon the local coffee market
A large proportion of the coffee used in this
country comes from Brazil, although, of course,
Mocha and Java coffees lead among the better
grades. For the last few years, however, the
output of Brazilian coffee has been rather
small and prices have advanced 40
per cent over what they were three
speculation and any change in the price can
generally be traced to that cause. The leading
grocers here say that there is no reason to fear
any shortage in the supply unless the Brazilian
provinces revolt and a long-continued war re-
suits, when it is rather likely that speculative
influences will send prices way up. Since the
first report of trouble the wholesale market has
been rather furried, but prices have risen only
a half cent pound. This does not affect the
retail price, and as yet no changes have oc-
CURED nor do they seem likely.
Mr.. Zeh of Hume Il Co. thinks there is no
cause for apprehension. He said that while at
least two-thirds of our coffee comes from Brazil
his latest report was that coffee is plenty and
prices steady. The Brazilian crop, it is true,
was rather light, but this was hardly sufficient
in itself to cause a serious rise.
Mr.. Gait of Cornwell q Son said II have
noticed no serious change in the market nor do
Iapprehend one. 1t is true we handle little or
no Rio coffees, but any shortage in that class
would instantly affect all others. We handle
Java and Mocha principally, and for a cheaper
class we find Mexican coffees far superior to
Rio"
Mr. N. w. Burchell said there had been no
rise in the retail price nor did he anticipate
one, especially as it seems the Brazilian
troubles are likely to have an amicable settle
ment.
Mr.. James L. Barbour in speaking of the
situation with STAR reporter said:
whether or not the rebellion in Brazil will
influence the coffee market in this country /
am unable at present to say. The political
aspects of the movement are full of interest,
but, OF course, we are more nearly concerned
in its commercial effect. America receives
from Brazil about so per cent of all the coffee
used, and anything beyond a slight temporary
arrangement of commerce would have embar-
RAISING results. However, I do not think that
there will be any great advance unless there is
actually war;"
Mr.. n Shea said he thought the trouble
would not affect the coffee market, especially
as the rebellion seemed thoroughly organized
Mr.. w. G.. Lown Of the firm Of w. ]. Lown
trouble in Brazil would more or less affect the
coffee market, especially as the United States
received more than half of the amount con-
sumed from that country. He said that his
firm had not advanced the price of coffee, but
would wait for the markets to do so.
Mr. Alf. Middleton Of the firm of Middleton
Il Browning said that the whole thing. in his
opinion, did not amount to a snap of his finger
far as the coffee market was concerned.
Mr.. Bryan, the grocer, was of the opinion
that unless war resulted the coffee market
would remain undisturbed
A Cut Across the Back of the Neck.
Edgar Berry and Edward Scott, colored had
a grievance which they attempted to settle on
21st street Saturday night. Berry drew a