The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-08-27

George A. Zabriskie who has the exclu-
sive agency In this city for the Pillsbury
Flour Milling Company Of Minnea polls. as
serted yesterday at the hearing before
Chief Magistrate McAdoo that the short
age OF the European wheat crop b re-
sponslble for the present high cost OF
-four. and that the European war II II
continues will drive prices beyond any
thing so far experienced. An embargo
on wheat and -four would restore normal
prices here. he said. but II would result
in the Administration that put II into
effect being turned out OF office by the
protesting farmers.
That more and moro people who are
being plnched by high prices are turning
10 an embargo on foodstufrs as a remedy
In indicated by reports made to the
Mayors committee. Three DELEGATIONS
representing civic organizations called on
Commissioner Hartigan yesterday and
urged a recommendation TO the Govern
mcnt In favor OF an embargo They
reported that the sentiment In favor or
this expedient Is growing, The Mayors
committee. caught between the arguments
OF those who want an embargo and those
who say that every effort should be made
TO extend foreign commerce, finds Itself
in puzzling situation.
Governments Negotisttnr.
IN support OF hIs contention that there
is an unusual demand from abroad for
American -four. Mr.. Xabriskie said that
he is now negotiating with England,
France. Norway. Spain. Turkey and
Greece either directly with their Gov
e-rmants or with dealers there for the
delivery OF practically unlimited guam
titles OF our There is shortage this
year Of from 300 900. 900 10 4o0,Oo0.0o0
bushels in the usual European wheat crop.
Greece and Norway can no longer buy
from Russia France. usually self-sup-
porting, Is making big demands. II Is
estimated that the American crop. 1907
600 600 bushels greater than usual. Will
produce a surplus OF 3n0. 600 900 bushels,
but Mr. Zabriske believes that at the
prcscnt high rates offered IN Europe. and
with the importers bearing tho war risks
this surplus will be exhausted unless ex-
portation Is stopped.
lie did rot advise an embargo. but he
said II would undoubtedly stop the war
and lower prices here. Then ne added
that the farmers who are making the
big profits md who number IS per cent.
Of the voters would see 20 u that who
ever was responsible for an embargo
would be turned out OF Office NJ tIit
earliest opportunity.
sales Increase 100 Fer Cent.
As for local consumption o. -four Mr.
Zatriskie said that whereas from July
10 10 August o5. 1919. he had sold 1890
barrels he had during the same period
this year sold 3a,slo barrels, an Increase
OF moro than 100 per cent. His explana-
ton for the home consumption was that
the housewives have seen the Inevitable
effects OF shortage and war In Europe and
have been stocking up on hour
He said he knew the wholesalers ana
retailers were not stocking up, yet
ne has delivered 23.s91 barrels this last
month, as against 1O532 barrels during
the corresponding period last year. and
those who buy from him and intend 70
hold -four do not have = delivered unless
they intend TO dispose OF Il 10 consumers
| Immediately.
| He said there was only one answer n
| present tendencies and that Is higher
prices. Immediately after the Franco
| Prueslan war wheat sold here for si.6l a
/ bushel. l. ia nov 500 and the retail
price may be figured at something more
| than Ave times that amount a barrel
! To support the contention that n wheat
| IA being held back Il IS being held back
BY the raiser ne said that the visible croT