The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1911-09-05
The Richmond Palladium:


In reply to your favor of the 1st inst
asking my opinion of the real cause
for the high cost of living, with any
suggestions l might be able to offer
leading to a possible solution, I must
candidly state that such a task is
large one, larger in fact when it comes
to local application, than it would be
If applied to the country as a whole.
l do not believe that the primary
causes for the present high prices can
be laid to the charge of our Richmond
merchants, yet l am not free from
suspicion that a trade agreement" ex-
lists, and such agreement aggravates
the conditions.
The uniformity of prices in all es-
adjustments regardless of volume of
mutual understanding between the diff
ferent merchants for it stands to rea-
son that any one of them who can
avail themselves of the discount rates
combined with q larger trade, hence
purchases by wholesale In larger guam
titles would have an advantage over
his competitor less fortunately situat-
ed, and an intrammeled competition
would show variance in prices charg-
ed. Such variance is not apparent.
Lack Of Competition.
Lack of competition is decidedly a
contributing influence to the present
high cost of living. not only of edi-
bles, but the remaining necessaries of
life, clothing, shoes &C., &C., and the
economic principles of our govern
ment stimulates the Force" produc-
tive of barricades against competition
Let us qualify that statement. 1t is
we'll known fact that the American
packing houses after paying trans-At-
lantic freight charges, underwriting
and other expenses incidental to expor-
tation, place their meats in the British
market from TO IL cents per pound
| cheaper than they sell 1t in the home
market. Why? Because Argentina who
exports meat to the extent of 210.OO0,-
600 pounds per year, is in competition
with the exporters of meats from this
country, hence the packers are com.
PEELED to meet the competitive prices,
or reduce the prices in the home mar
ket by the surplus of supply that is
now exported. They guard against sup.
| ply in excess of demand. What is true
in a national sense, is true when local
ly applied. How can We stimulate com
petition? In considering that feature
of the situation satisfy yourself that
the merchant is deserving of the pro
lection afforded by the ordinance pro
hibiting peddhng by outside growers
of produce.
| If they are taking the advantage oi
this prohibition by boosting prices be
yond cost plus a reasonable profit,
say let down the bars and give them
at least that much competition. 80
| New Condition Now.
l have religiously followed the the
ory of protecting and patronizing oul
home merchants but We have reached
a point where conditions demand the
protecting of our families and persona
interest.
The merchant cannot complain If We
driven by the exigencies of the condi
tions confronting us. deem it to our in
Iterest to depart from the sentimental
idea of patronizing our home market
as an alternative to contracting in
|debtedness beyond all hopes of re
demption, we better a thousand folt
shake loose from the sentiment ant
lretain an honest name.
To live within the moderate mean:
of some families, means one of two
things, dishonesty or want.
| Personally I believe Richmond con
tains as honest class Of merchant!
as can be found anywhere. They ar,
not probably short weighing their Gus
|tomers. but when the expenses of thei
establishments are taken into accoun
and their strict honesty in weight ant
measure is conceded. combined witt
the necessary limitations of trade. cir
lcumscribed by the population of tn,
city and adjacent territory, we marve
if profits are just, at the external evi
dence of accumulating wealth.
Method Of Relief.
4 A method of relief has been suggest
ed in the form of establishing a fire,
Continued on Page Eight