Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-08-13
GENERAL SHORTAGE
Of FOOD IS DENIED
Federal Government to Fight
Attempts to Profiteer on
Drought Claims.
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(Contlnued from First Page.)
to happen as result of WEI ther cofIdi-
tior1s. I do not know and I am sure
that you do not know The writer thinks
there is plenty OF merchandise in the
United States to take care of any and
all demands, and while certain few
items may be short In production and
therefore reach higher levels in price,
Just as soon as higher prices are asked
for them the public will switch its pur-
chases to some other food In the same
class, and the shortage is not OF the
same consequence it would be II similar
foods were not available.
Big Areas Not Affected.
Mr.. Yonker points out that the vast
producing sections of Florida and the
Pacific Coast are not affected by the
drought and will be in position TO send
vast quantities of fresh fruit and vege-
tables into the drought-ridden sections
to compensate for the lack of produc-
ton there.
He believes that during the time that
most canned goods are used, in the
Winter months, these sections will be
supplying the drought sections with
plenty of fresh edibles at prices attrac-
tive enough to pull the customer from
the canned goods and so keep down
the price of the canned goods, even If
there is a shortage.
The same reasoning is applied to the
situation by Isaac Jacobson, president
of the District Grocery Stores chain.
He finds that there is some danger of
spectators getting into the canned
goods market and cornering a COM
modify II there is great rush OF buying
to stock up for the Winter. II the
consumers take their supplies as they
loss entaiied, the supply of canned
goods will be plentiful and there will be
no higher prices.
He points out that q few weeks ago
persons with large supplies Of canned
goods were begging the retailers to buy
them at almost any price.
The commodity market, particularly
for canned goods, was at the lowest
state In years few months ago and the
retailers were able to get them and sell
them at very low price levels. Some Of
these supplies are still on the market
and are being taken up In the general
business of running the chain and in
dividual grocery stores. The chain
stores have found no reason to become
panicky about the situation and, with
are anxious that the public be not
frightened into making a lot of pur-
chases that they might regret later in
the year.
Many Supplies Plentiful.
Mr.. jacobson points out that large
there is no shortage. The pea and green
part of this years tomato pack is In
cans and being distributed and so far
.l~H Id hot
taken in, for the most part. before the
drought hit this section OF the country.
There are plentiful supplies of fruits
and other vegetables, and the outlook,
while not so bright FOR the farmer, in
view of the inferior quality Of some OF
his produce in the drought area, Is
bright enough for the packer, distribu-
tor and retailer.
Heads OF the other chain groups
would not be quoted on any subject with
regard to the future supply of food
stuffs, declaring that enough has been
said already by INSCRIPTIONS dealers
anxious to unload on, the public. They
said, however, they saw no reason for
any panicky buying of goods, and have
Instructed their employees TO so advise
the public.
That the Government will do every
thing within its power to prevent prof.
iteering in food commodities was the
assurance given at the White House to-
day following conferences with Presi-
dent Hoover by Secretary of Agricul-
ture Hyde, who has been the formers
chief aide in working out a drought re-
lief program, and Representative La
Guardia Of New York City, who was
aroused over the sudden rises in food
prices in his city.
Secretary Hyde has stated that the
general relief program being drafted
at the White House will include the
prufiteering phase of the wi1olc prob
lem.
He gave every assurance that the in
terest of the housewives il. the mat
ter Of food prices would be closely
guarded.
He said in this connection. however,
that at the present time there Is no
reason for the housewife to become
panicky or to resort to food boarding
as there is no shortage in food for
human consumption and that there is
not likely TO be any.
Field Agents Watch.
1t was added by Secretary HYDE that
the Federal Government is keeping
close watch, but that up until now no
reports have been received by his de-
paTJnenC lnQlcdLlng that prOnteerlng
had commenced. His field agents have
been instructed to be on the lookout
and to report upon this angle Of the
drought situation with the same ac-
curacy and thoroughness as they have
been reporting about the drought itself
There is no occasion at this time for
boosting prices of canned vegetables
according to Mr.. Hyde. OF course, If
there is any great rush on the part of
individuals 70 lay In large supplies, fear
ing there Is to be a shortage, or an at
tempt on the part of individuals to
create corner" in canned goods, the
old question of supply and demand quite
would bring about a rise in
these commodities, according to the
viewpoint of administration officials.
Mr. Hyde said there is some little
shortage in garden crops, described on
the local markets as green vegetables,
but there will be no general shortage,
inasmuch as other sections OF the
not affected by the drought will
be able TO meet the situation.
Increase In New York.