The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1917-02-23
HIGH PRICED FOOD
PRODUCES RIOTING
INDIGNANT HOUSEWIVES PRO-
>DUCE EXCITEMENT
In New York Tenement District, Where
They Assail PeddlerS: Storm City
Hall to Make Appeal to May
or: Police Called Out.

New York, Feb. 20,-The cry of
housewives unable to meet the advanc-
ing cost of food was heard in the
city's seat of government today when
several hundred women from the ten
ement districts stormed the city hall
screaming: 1--WE want bread!"
They came to place their plight be-
fore Mayor John p Mitchell. Many
carried babies. They swarmed up the
steps and tried to push their way into
the building
Policemen on guard shut the gates,
and from the basement, where there
is a police station, rushed reserves up
and restored order. The women were
informed that Mayor Mitchell had not
yet arrived.
The leader was Mrs. Ida Harris,
president of the Mothers Vigilant
League She and three other women
were allowed to enter and await the
mayors coming.
eve are starving" Mrs. Harris told
the mayors body guard. 1--WE demand
help from the mayor We will not be
responsible for what happens if we
don't get it,"
The leaders were told that the may
or would not be at his Office today but
would arrange a meeting later Il
= Sweet Marie Cans, one Of Of Mrs,
Harris companions, addressed the
women from the city hall steps and
was arrested, charged with disorderly
conduct
When the police took her from the
city hall station for arraignment, a
group of women attempted to rescue
her, but were fought off and a guard
was thrown around the city hall.
The women remained near the spot
continuing to shout, eve are starv-
ing until mounted police scattered
them.
Meanwhile a mob of women gather
ed around a produce market on the
East Side and began to overturn push
carts Three of them were arrested.
The city authorities today renew
ed their efforts to curb the rising cost
of food, which was responsible for NJ
OTIS yesterday in three different places
in the tenement districts.
Joseph Hartigan, commissioner of
weights and measures, appealed to
state commissioners of agriculture
and state departments of food and
markets throughout the country to CO.
operate in bringing food supplies to
the New York market.
The situation resulted from an un-
precedented jump in the price of sta
pies, particularly potatoes and onions,
variousl ascribed to short crops, heavy
demand, speculation and railway con-
gestion.
The Indignation of housewives in
the lower east side of Manhattan and
the Williamsburg and Brownsville
districts of Brooklyn overhowed when
the produce peddlers quoted potatoes
from 5 to Z cents a pound, and onions
from Is to 18 cents. The police esti-
mated that at least 1000 women took
part in the riot in Brownsville. Push
carts were overturned and set afre
and vegetables were doused with kerr
Osene oil. There were similar scenes
elsewhere and the police had their
hands full in dispensing the angry
women.
In Manhattan the push cart men met
the situation by calling mass meet
ng last night. They explained to their
customers that onions were costing
them SIS bag and potatoes $40 bar
rel. The crowd was kept at a high
pitch of excitement by speakers who
that they were unable to
ouy enough food at the present prices
% give their families proper nourish-
nent
The meeting appointed committee
% call on Mayor Mitchell today and
lemand that he take drastic action.
Commissioner Hartigan, in his let
ef to the food authorities of the diff
'erent states, asked what steps were
hey taking to organize producers
md handlers of food for the purpose of
costs.
This information" he said, ''is
ought for in the event of any abnor-
nal food condition arising by reason
# extraordinary results accruing from
'bvious domestic and international
ituation."
The commissioner asserted that
Iew York was. the greatest logical