The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-06-19
MILLION BUSHELS
Of CORN SENT BY
MEXICAN IN 1917

MEXICO CITY, June Is.-Nearly a
quarter of a million bushels Of corn,
valued at more than 100000, was
distributed in the eight months end
ing last March by the Mexican Food
Commission to relieve the food crisis
that has existed in this republic
Partial failure of the 1917 corn crop,
upon which the greater part of Mexi-
cos 100000 inhabitants depend for
sustenance, was the primal factor in
the formation of the commission
There was danger of famine in some
parts of the country, and it was dif-
ficult to transport TO these regions the
surplus that obtained in other parts
of Mexico. BY its work, the commits
sion prevented the threatened famine.
stabilized the price of corn and, in a
great measure. prevented speculation
in it.
After presenting the facts before the
consul general Of the United States
here, an export permit was obtained
from the United States government to
cover the importation of 300, 600 bush
els of corn monthly from December l,
1917, to ostober 80. 1918. The commits
sion now is endeavoring to secure an
other similar permit.
The first shipments from the United
States which were bought through a
Kansas City firm, were distributed in
various cities and towns along the
| border, where there was a great scar
/ city and where the price was exceed
ingly high. Later the distribution was
| extended to other parts of the republic
notably to the large mining camps
where the companies bought many car
| loads from the commission, stored II
and then retailed it at much below
/ cost price to their employees.
Chambers of commerce. located at
| or near these points, have either been
the direct distributors or have had
charge of the distribution. This SUI
pervision however, was not necessary
| in the case of the mining and indus
/ trial concerns who benefited greatly
| by the importations, for there was
danger that they might have had to
| shut down their plants had the food
| supply for their employees been ex-
/ hausted.
| Another phase of the commission's
activities was the establishment in the
| City of Mexico of 40 stores, which re-
tail corn to the laboring classes al
about IS per cent below market
prices. These stores, according to the
! report, are selling about $500 bushels
daily It is planned to start, as soon
i a possible, ticket system, whereby
each ticket holder will receive about
| 25 pounds of corn weekly. An attempt
by the commission to put into effect q
scheme for the distribution of sugar
similar to that for corn. has not yet
been completed.
/ In addition to the aid extended by
| the government. the commission has
received valuable cooperation from
various large mining companies, most
1 ~ those backed by foreign capital
One mine at FL Orc, State of Mexico
| converted four huge steel "pachuca
tanks into a miniature grain elevator
capable of holding thousands of bush
els. This grain is retailed at prices
below cost through the company store
| to its employees. When conditions
forced the closing of a great smelter
| at Aguas Calientes, the company. tc
| keep its idle employees from want, con
tinued the distribution of corn from
it's storehouses at the customary
| prices.