The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1920-05-20
REFUSE TO BUY
ANY SUGAR
National Preservers and
Fruit Products Associa-
ton Takes Action
IN EFFORT TO FORCE
THE PRICE DOWN
The Association Claims to
Represent SO Per Cent of
Jam Manufacturers

New York, May 20,-The National
! Preservers and Fruit Products assoca-
tion voted to-day that its members
would stay out of the sugar market un
til the price comes down. The asso-
citation claims to represent IS per cent
of the manufacturers of the country
who make jams, jellies and preserves
"The so-called shortage of sugar does
not exist" read statement by Marcus
Blackmore, president OF the associa
tion, who has Investigated available
supplies with the help Of the depart
ment Of Justice and representatives of
the refining industry Present prices
represent pure imitation, caused
through boarding by sugar specula-
tors"
He said that with the sugar already
received in this country and the
amounts contracted for and available
on the Cuban market, an excess of
more than 100000 tons over last years
total consumption was in sight
Last year, with a government fixed
price of nine cents pound. we did not
use nearly as much sugar as we have
available this year." he added, "and
this year owing TO the condition of
foreign exchange and transportation
conditions the demand for export is
much smaller. The net result is that
there is plenty of sugar, but the pub
lie has been scared into paying the ex-
orbitant and outrageous prices by the
speeulators who have shouted short
! age and held their stocks for still
higher prices.
Mr. Blackmore said that he and 9TH
er members Of the association had
been surprised by the amounts of sug-
ar they found stored up in the coun.
try.
When we started this investigation
we thought, as everyone did, that there
really was a shortage. Our purpose
was TO discover where the sugar was so
we could get IL for use in our business.
When we discovered the facts, we
called a meeting of the association.
"Out of about 90 members repre-
senting s5 per cent of the jam, Jelly
and preserve industry in the country,
more than 40 came to New York.
"0ur action was>D unanimous. After
the members heard our report of con
ditions they voted unanimously to re
fuse to purchase sugar until present
high prices are cut in two. We will
close down our factories after using up
the supplies we now have If the specu-
lators refuse TO listen to reason"
II is the hope of the association to
start a nationwide movement among
manufacturers using sugar and also
among the housewives Of the country
aimed at the present high prioe-.
"If the housewives want to help,
they should begin by using up the
small supplies of 25 and 100 pounds
which most of them have stored away"
Mr.. Blackmore said. "As soon as the
dealers see the buying has ceased, the
prices will tumble and the enormous
stocks now stored in warehouses and
freight cars will become available at
reasonable figures.
Foreign countries which never be-
fore shipped sugar to the United States
are now invading the American mar
ket, content to deprive themselves Of
their normal supply in order to profit
by the high prices this country is will
ing TO pay
4 report of the associations execu
tive committee said:
"The sugar market in the United
States is to-day the highest IN the
world and because of this has attract
ed shipments from Germany. France.
Denmark and some Is other countries.
including China and lava, many Of
which have been consistent purchasers
on the American market.
"The present attitude Of the owners
Of sugar is that the American consum
er. regardless Of price. will refuse to.
curtail consumption. but will insist on
maximum supply This position is
not shared bv the preserving interests,
who believe that the peak has been
reached and that the figures compiled
later in the wear viii show that the
American consumer has exercised re-
straint-
Mr.. Blakemorc said that in foreign
markets products made Of sugar were
much cheaper than here.
In Rotterdam. for instance. he said.
Il know Of a supply Of 6oo,OO0 pounds
Of American made chocolate. Il . way
below the same commodity in this
country. but there isn't any market for
II there and the transportation situs-
tion makes it impossible 70 move 7.
Mr.. Blakemore said that the Nation
al Association Of Manufacturers of
Fruit Syrups and Soda Water Flavors
had recommended that its members
make no contracts for sugar at present
prices. and that the candy msuufae
turers association was expected 10
take similar action next week.