Evening star., 1895-05-21
BACK TO OLD FIGURES
Bakers Restore the Price of Bread to Four
Cents Loaf
They Claim the Increased Price of
Other Reasons for the Raise.

Several months ago The Evening Star
published series of articles showing that
the old price of four cents per loaf charged
for bread by boss bakers was in the ma
ture of an imposition on the public. The
price OF flour had fallen so much that it
was generally believed a handsome profit
could he assured to the bread makers If
they sold their product at three cents a
loaf, instead of four, thus allowing retail
ers to dispose of it to consumers at the
original wholesale price. AS Il result OF
The Stars exertions the bread bakers of
the District finally reduced the wholesale
price to three cents loaf, and such 1t
has remained until today. A meeting of
the boss bakers was held last night, how
ever, and it was decided to restore the old
wholesale price of four cents per loaf to-
morrow. This action on their part mas
been generally expected for some tine, as
it has been discussed with much freedom
among those most interested. II is be-
lieved that the demand of the Jourueymsn
bakers for an increase of wages from Si'
to sl5 week and a reduction OF WORKING
time on Fridays from twelve to ten hours,
which was decided on at meeting helu
Sunday night and formally made TO tae
employ yers yesterday, had the effect or
bringing the latter to a quick decision
about increasing the price.
Az Stated by Baker Graves.
At Havenner's bakery this morning Mr.
Graves one of the proprietors, SAID that the
manufacturing bakers had found them
selves confronted with a three-fold propo-
sition-to make and sell bread at loss;
to close up their establishments, or to in
crease the price.
I'VE chose the latter alternative, SAID
Mr.. Graves. Flour has advanced S.lO
per barrel since the price of bread was re
duced to 3 cents a loaf, and that makes IL
K
loaves at that prio e.
Did the action of the bakers in demand
ing ar increase of wages have anything
to do with increasing the price?' inquired
the reporter.
Il wouldn't be surprised if that wasn't
taken into consideration also, responded
Mr.. Graves, diplomatically. L thing Sl3
a week is a mighty small sum for man
to support himself and family on.
From this intimation it is pretty plain
that the journeymen bakers Will secure
the increase in wages they have asked iur
coincidently with the increase in the price
of bread.
Not Inclined to Talk.
The action taken by the bakers organi-
zltion is the result of several moaths' con-
sderation in secret meetings, and the same
disposition to secrecy marke all the
bakers today when asked by reporters OF
The Star for any statement they might de-
sire to make. None would speak at length
or give either facts or figures in support
OF the increase in price. and some would
meet the invitation with only shake OF
the head or q shrug of the shoulders. Mr..
Charles Schneider out of town ana no
one representing him desired TO speak for
him. One baker said to reporter: "Oh,
you edit The Star, and We will make
bread. That's all
I'VE do not care to make any statement"
said Berens & Son. There is only this to
be said, that there must be businesS-like
management in all trades, and certainly in
ours. We propose to make bread just as
the publishers of The Star propose to pub
liSh a paper-on business principles That's
all any one can say to you.'