New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-08-06
Government Says Alarm
GrOundIess, but Urges
Care and Frugality.
INFURIATED WOMEN
STORM THE STORES
Prices Leap Upward and Many
Retailers Close Through
Lack of Supplies.

London, Aug. g. Symptoms of
panic over the question of food and
money supplies had subsidized greatly
by tonight There is general conf
dence that the measures undertaken by
the government will meet the crisis;
that the money market will not smash,
and that the Atlantic route will be kept
open for shipments from America.
The fact that the Cunard liner Lusi-
tania was allowed to sail had reassur-
ing effect, as indicating that the adj
miralty feels certain that the navy is IN
position to keep the German cruisers
of the area of the North Atlantic trade
routes.
David Lloyd George, Chancellor of
the EXchequer, announced in the House
of Commons that the conclusion had
been reached, with the unanimous as
sent of banking and other interests,
that there would be no necessity to
suspend specie payments.
"At the same time il is necessary
to economic with respect to the sup
ply of gold" he said. "There is danger
that selfish individuals may attempt to
hoard gold. 1t should be made clear
to them that they might infiict great
injury on their country. In this tre
mendous struggle finance will play a
great part. 1t will be one Of the most
formidable weapons in this great war"
When the banks reopen on Friday
on pound and ten shillings notes to
the amount of 100000 pounds (S15,-
000,000) will be issued through the
Ba k of England and S5,000,000 pounds
daily thereafter until the supply is
adequate.
Many shops have placarded their
windows with the Chancellor's warn
ing against the well-to-do boarding
food, to the detriment of the poorer
classes. One Of the biggest stores has
limited the amount of food to be sold
to each person to seven pounds in
weight; others refuse to make deliv-
cries, so that people can buy only what
they are able to take away. Still others
limit the amount of any foodstuff sold
to two pounds.
There was a small riot this evening
in South London, where bakery which
attempted to double the price of bread
was partly dismantled by angry women.
In the retail stores meat is up to
G cents a pound. The price of beef
steak, which yesterday was 80 cents a
pound, is AZ cents to-day.
Eggs Up so Per Cent.
Tea has been raised cents a pound
and sugar 2 cents. Eggs have risen
cent; butter, IS per cent, and bacon,
l. per cent.
The increase in the cost of eggs
and bacon means that the poorer
classes must now do without the En-
glshman's fsvorite breakfast dish.
1t is impossible to get vegetables in
Covent Garden, or any of the other
markets, after midday. Potatoes are
So a ton more than last week, and
green stuff double.
Fish is also much dearer. The fish
market is in danger of practical eX-
tinction. No trawling is allowed in
the North Sea and the only fishing that
can be done is taking place well with
in the three mile limit.
The public is indignant over the rise
Of meat and bread prices. 1t is claimed
that the increase is unjustified, as
-four is not dearer and there are plen-
tiful supplies of meat in cold storage
here.
In reply 10 question IN the mouse
Ct Commons to-day, Mr.. Asquith urged
all classes to abstain from eXtrsvagant
consumption of all kinds of foodstuffs
during the next few months.
In several districts the retail stores
opened for only few hours this morn
ing. Many stores have had to close ell
tirely, because their stock is gone and
they can obtain no fresh supplies.
Women Clear Store.
When they found prices had gone up,
women in the East End became infuri-
ated and stormed the stores rather
than pay. Before the police could ar
rive the women had carried off every
thing they could lay their hands on.
The British government is complet-
ing a scheme to contro. the food sup
plies of the entire country. Many Of
the big provincial towns are in as bad
a situation as London.
All possible steps are being taken By
the authorities to allay public anxiety