The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-07-20
PLAN BODY To
KEEPD.GFOOD
PRICES down.
Citizens, Federal Employees and
Others to Support Permanent
Organization Here.

Steps to reduce the high cost OF
food in Washington permanently are
being considered by District resi-
dents interested in the welfare Of
the people Of Washington. John G.
MeGrath announced yesterday.
Mr.. McGrath. with Commissioner
W. Gwynn Gardiner. had charge OF
the distribution OF the carload OF
food sold to District residents At
prices considerably lower than pre-
vailing retail prices last week.
The plan. as propounded BY M
MeGrath. and which has received the
Endorsement OF W. Carson Ryan.
president OF Federal Employer
Union. No. 2, OF the National Fedora =
ton Of Federal Employees. provides.
for the formation Of a permanent
community food selling organization.
1t is proposed to incorporate the
organization. under the laws OF the
District and make il q responsible
business concern dedicated solely to
the purpose OF selling good food at
reasonable prices to the people OF
Washington
says $4,000 In NEEDED
Such an organization" stated Mr
NeGrath, would require a capital OF
about $4,000. This amount will be
necessary to insure the success Of the
concern"
Washington residents, according to
present plans. will be given an op-
portuuity to become stockholders in
the organization and will be assured
OF q reasonable interest on their
money. besides having the satisfae-
ton OF knowing they are helping 10
reduce the cost Of food in the National
Capital
The organisation win be oeficer-
ed by responsible persons. including
officers CT the Federal employer
unions. probably the teachers unions.
Central Labor Union. citizens asso-
Citations, community eenters, and 9th
er civic organizations in the District
said Mr.. McGrath.
"A community food-selling organi-
Bation will not eliminate the commits
sion brokers, wholesalers and retail
ers now engaged in distributing
Washington's food supply, but win
eliminate big profits and insure them
only reasonable profits.
TOO Many Retailers.
"In my belief there are at present
too many retail food stores in wash
ington. Many strangers come to this
city, leaving their families In other
cities, start in the food business And
proceed rapidly to debate the pay en-
velopes Of the Government employees
and employees of business concerns IN
Washington.
"A community food-selling orrAni-
ration will put many Of these people
out Of business.
The people OF Washington cannot
expect to obtain food through the pro-
posed organization at pre-war prices.
because OF the fact that a dollar Is
not worth as much as before the war
But the people can be assured they
viii receive food for a reasonable
price-and a price much lower than
that being generally charged in wash
ington now.
''The clerks employed by this or
will receive fair wages and
work only fair hours. In fact. a policy
OF justice to everyone, including the
purchaser. will be carried out.
Expect Public support.
The belief that the people Of.
will support such an or
selling food At reason
able prices. has been sustained by
the eagerness with which the car
oad of surplus army food was
bought up last week
"A carload OF food is Just a drop
IN the bucket. comparatively speak
ng. Market facilities in washing
ION permit Of the storage Of 100 car
Dads of food at one time by the pro
posed organization. I am in a post
ion to know that the District gov
eminent will place these market IA
,ilities at the disposal Of such an or
sanization. Cooperation by the Dis
.rlct government, OF course, can be
for any movement which
will benefit the people Of Washing
on.
Army food. OF course. will not be
The only food sold by the community
'ood selling organization. The avail
able supply OF surplus army food
will soon give out. and further puF-
;hases must be made from the various
canning factories.
Looks For OpOaItiOn.
Opposition to the formation of the
organization may come from
some concerns now engaged in the
OF food to the people OF
Such opposition would
Sc uncalled for. however. except from
few persons who might be profteeF-
ng. Food selling concerns which
make q reasonable PROFIT would not
,e affected.
The success OF the proposed com
nunity food selling organization il.
II course. dependent upon the support
# the people OF Washington
Mr.. McGrath said that the question
II forming the community food SELL
ng organization will be brought Up
t the meeting in the District Build
ng Monday night.
The advisability OF obtaining more
4 the surplus army food for sale in
Washington. even before the mai
Ormation OF the food price reduc-
ion organization. will also be con-
idered at that time
DOH't let careless expenditure