New Britain herald., 1914-08-27
FLOUR DEALERS PLACE
 BLAME UPON FARMERS
Producers Holding Grain for High
 Prices, Say Dealers.

New York, Aug. 27.-George A. Zabriskie. who has the exclusive agency in this city for the Pillsbury Flour Milling company of Minnea- polis asserted yesterday at the hear ing before Chief Magistrate McAdoo that the shortage Ct tnt European wheat crop is responsible for the present high cost of four and that the European war if 1t continues will drive prices beyond anything so far experienced. An embargo on wheat and flour would restore normal prices here, he said, but it would result in the administration that put it into ef- feet being turned out Of office by the protesting farmers.
 That more and more people who are being pinched by high prices are turning to an embargo on foodstuffs as a remedy is indicated by reports made to the mayors committee. Three delegations representing civic organ nations called on Commissioner Har- tigan yesterday and urged a recom- mendation to the government in fav- or of an embargo. Ency reported that the sentiment in favor of this eXpedi- ent is growing. The mayors commit tee, caught between the arguments of lHOSo WHO WdHC dh C1n DdTgO ana those who say that every effort should be made to extend foreign commerce, finds itself. in puzzling situation.
 Governments Negotiating.
 In support of his contention that there is an unusual demand from abroad for American nour, MT. Za- bEiskie said that he is now negotiating with England, France, Norway, Spain, Turkey and Greece either directly with their governments or with deal- CTS there for the delivery of pra ctically unlimited quantities or flour. There is shortage this year of from 300,- OO0,0O0 to 4O0,0OO,Ooo bushels in the usual European wheat crop.
 Greece and Norway can no longer buy from Russia; France, usually self supporting, is making big demands. It is estimated that the American crop, 1 50, 100000 bushels greater than usual will produce a surplus of 300,000,000 bushels, but MT. Zabriskie believes that at the present high rates offered in Europe, and with the importers bearing the war risks, this surplus will be exhausted unless exportation is stopped.
 He did not advise an embargo, but he said it would undoubtedly stop the war and lower prices here. Then he added that the farmers who are mak- ng the big profits and who number 28 per cent. of the voters would see to t that whoever was responsible for m embargo would be turned out of office at the earliest opportunity
 Sales Increase 100 Per Cent.
 As for local consumption of flour MT. Zabriskle said that whereas from July 15 to August 25, 1913, he had 'old 14,230 barrels he had during the ame period this year sold 39160 bar els, an increase of more than 100 per cent. His explanation for the | nome consumption was that the | have seen the inevitable | fleet of shortage and war in Europe | md have been stocking up on flour.
 He said he knew the wholesalers | md retailers were not stocking up, | ct he has delivered 23,691 barrels | his last month as against 1O,532 bar els during the corresponding period | ast year, and those who buy from Jim and intend to hold flour do not | lave it delivered unless they intend O dispose of it to consumers inn nediately.
 He said there was only one answer o present tendencies, and that is igher prices. Immediately after the war wheat sold here or $1.61 a bushel. It is now SLOT, nd the retail price may be figured at omething more than five times that mount a barrel. To support the ontentfon that if wheat is being held ack it is being held back by the aiser he said that the visible crop , now 33,000,OO0,. as against 44,7O0,- % bushels at this time last year.