The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1912-11-01
SENATOR NcMULLEN
AND HIGH PRICES
BanrerJ


commenting upon the evils OF high
prices, cited the advance in the price
of gasOlene as a malignant example
He said that within the snort period
OF a little more than a year gasolene
had doubled in price That this ad
vance was brought about by the trust
controlling it, and that il was done
for the purpose OF enriching a few
owners TO the injury OF the many that
necessity forced TO be consumers OF
the product.
This paper holds to the theory that
we ought to approach the discussion
of these questions temporarily and
fairly. 1t matters no more to US who
controls the output OF gasOlene than
who controls the price OF other pro
ducts. We think that all should be
measured by the same yardstick and
discussed from the same standpoint.
Generally the price OF things IS
controlled by the law OF supply and
demand.
We know that the manufacture and
use Of automobiles and motor boats
in the past few years have wonder
fully advanced the demand for gaso-
lent, so we should not be startled By
the advance in its price no more than
we should be startled by the advance
in the price of rubber, or other things
that have come into quick use
Then, too, who are the many who
are injured by the advance in the
price of gasolene? Surely it is not
the poor, for they are not supposed
TO be the owners of motor boats or
automobiles.
Then, too, see how the manufacture
OF automobiles and motor boats, made
possible by the use of gasolene, have
given employment 10 labor
Now, we do not want to be under
stood as defending the trusts, for We
are not bent on committing political
harakiri, certainly not in view of the
fact of Mr. Wilson's almost certainty
of election.
If such a thing be possible, we sim
ply want TO be fair, reasonable and
consistent in the discussion of these
problems.
How is it, Senator, with the prices
of other things that we know are not
controlled by the trusts?
Not few years ago, but only few
months ago, eggs were selling for fiji
teen cents per dozen. While the SEN
ator was speaking eggs were selling
in our local market for forty-five cents
per dozen.
No one holds that this is a mali3.
nant scheme on the part of the pro-
ducers to cheat and swindle and grow
rich off the consumers of eggs.
Like gasolene and all other pro,
ducts, the price of eggs is regulated
by the old immemorial and ancient
rule of supply and demand.
How long has it been, Senator
since sweet potatoes were selling for
thirty cents per bushel? They are now
selling for eighty cents and one dol
lar per bushel. No one sees a plot in
this to rob the consumer.
Do not we who are living in the cot
ton growing states want to see cotton
command fifteen instead Of eight
cents per pound. and yet we must
confess that there are more cOnsuI-
ers than producers of cotton.
And then, Senator, is it a better
sign of good times" to see eggs sell,
ing for fifteen cents per dozen rather
than forty-five cents per dozen? Potl-
toes thirty rather than eighty cents
per bushel? Corn forty cents instead
of one dollar per bushel? Cotton
eight instead of fifteen cents per
pound?
If not, then why make such a Shrek
about the price of gasolene? We own
no gasolene stock, more's the pity,
and We know OF no friend of ours who
is SO fortunate, but, honest Injun,
with the fabulous demand for it that
has sprung up so suddenly, is not gas
olene about the cheapest product on
the market?
1t is cheaper than turpentine. it is
cheaper than alcohol. it is cheaper
than any spirituous or malt liquors,
it is cheaper than any mineral water
that flows naturally out of the bowels
of the earth, and is bottled and put
upon the market
Is it a crime to be consistent ana
lens?
As self-preservation is the first law
of nature, it occurs TO us that We
ought not to find fault with our farm
ers for getting as big a price for their
products as the markets will justify.
1t occurs TO US that there will be
more prosperity in the state if our
farmers can get forty-five cents in
stead of fifteen cents per dozen 10"
their eggs, eighty instead Of thirty
cents for their potatoes: dollar a
box for oranges instead of fifty cents.
and when the cigar manufacturers Of
Tampa can get a legitimate profit fo-
the sale OF their output.
We observe that these prices have
a relative effect. and enable the pro
ducers to give bigger prices for labor.
When did skilled or unskilled labor
hiring hetter nricas than they are