The Washington times., 1919-08-03
PRICES OF SURPLUS
TO BE REVISED
HERESOON

Revision of the prices quoted for
the eight or ten carloads of surplus
army food now available in the Dis
trict is expected within a few DAYS.
The prices quoted by the War De-
partment for the army food are in
some cases greatly in excess of those
charged for the carload of army food
distributed in Washington under the
direction OF John G. McGrath and
Commissioner Gardiner two weeks
ago.
Complaints have been voiced by
employees OF the various departments
in regard to the boost in price for
the army food, and many have stated
that the War Department is not set
ting a very good example in the ma
tion-wide fight against the increase
in the high cost Of living.
1t is believed that the War Depart
ment increased the price of the food
in expectation Of the general demand
for the food as a result of the plan
to sell the surplus supplies through
the Postoffce Department
Several officials declared today that
the War Department lost money on
the carload Of food sold in washing
ton-that is. the price quoted on the
shipment was not Sufficient to pay
the cost Of the food, storage and ship
ping.
The War Department hoped, by rails
ing the prices somewhat, to get rid Of
the supplies without actual loss to
the Government
As in the case of the sale Of army
salvage in France, however. IT was
not expected that the War Depart
ment would receive full value for the
food supplies.
With the appearance OF a wide
spread demand for the food, however, |
the officials in charge Of the sale of |
the food planned to raise the prices |
somewhat to lessen the difference be- |
tween purchase and sale price.
The storm of protest at the boost in |
prices has aroused such widespread /
criticism, however, that it is consid-
cred probable that the revised list /
will quote somewhat lower prices |
than those first issued.
John G. McGrath's committee OF
fifteen, which expects TO purchase
some of the surplus army food for dis
tribution among the Government de-
partments and community centers,
held meeting last night.
No action was taken by the com.
mittee to purchase moro Of the food,
as it is planned to mark time until
the revised list of prices is given out
by the War Department.
II the supplies were purchased now,
members Of the committee pointed out,
the individual purchasers would be
obliged to pay the present prices,
while If the committee waits for q
few days, the supplies will probably
be available at lower price.
Price Boost Denied.
Denial OF the report that the War
Department has boosted the price of
army food is contained in a letter sent
to Commissioner Gardiner by Major
z. z. Squier, chief Of the quarter
master stores section.
mo changes have been made in
-hese prices TO date, the cost of canned
meats remaining approximately 90 per
cent below their cost" claims Major
Squier. THE prices Of canned vegeta-
'les and other subsistence stores will
'e the average cost to the Govern
nent, which in some instances will be
eEs on canned vegetables than prices ,
which you paid"
The article on the increase in the
rice OF surplus army food. which
dajor Squier denies, was published in /
The Times on August 1. based on two
one from the Interior De-
'artment and one issued by the War
Department, which was published in {
newspapers on July 81. Il
The Interior Department document :
uotes the price TO Interior Depart ,
nent employees Of a portion OF the car :
Dad Of surplus army food, distributed
y John G. McGrath and Commits.
Toner Gardiner.
The War Department list shows the
rices for the army food now stored
warehouses in Washington.