The Wilmington morning star., 1947-09-15
CONSUMERS
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VVlOUMEM
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A report prepared for a joint
Congressional economic COM
mittee in its forthcoming investi-
cation of prices blamed food costs
on higher U. S. incomes rather
than on food exports to hungry
nations abroad. But business
spokesman disagreed.
Depression Feared
The Illinois Manufacturers As
ISOLATION charges that "indiscrimi-
nate transmission of large sums
of money to Europe and else
where and the prolonged exporta-
ton of large quantities of raw
materials and foodstuffs on a
gift loan basis will continue to
contribute to high prices in this
country, will promote initiation in
this country, and will ultimately
lead to domestic economic de-
preston"
U. S. Sen. Irving M. Ives,
R., N. Y, and Paul Porter, last
administrator of the Office of
Price Administration, also warned
that the soaring prices might
lead to a depression. Ives sugges-
ted stronger curbs on gamblers"
as opposed to Legitimate specula-
tors" in the grain markets.
Porter, in a statement at Allan
ia, Ca, blamed the present
gloomy economic picture on the
failure of American industry to
expand to meet demand.
At Hartford, Conn.,, former
Economic Stabilizer Chester
Bowles predicted that the truth
lessness and responsibility" of
Republicans in killing price con-
troll will "cost them the election
of 1948". U. S. Sen. Kenneth
Wherry, R., charged at Omaha
that the Democratic administra-
ton was encouraging record
breaking wages and foreign mar
kets for foodstuffs and was re-
sponsible for the high living
costs.
Stassen Disagrees
Harold E. StasseTi, avowed Re-
publican Presidential candidate,
disagreed with the advice of u.
S. Sen. Robert A. Taft for the
U. S. tomeat less" A. Taft for the
gestion, Stassen said, was not the
real answer to the high cost of
living. He added that "buyer re-
sistance and careful purchasing"
was only part of the answer to
the current high price spiral.
A city by-city survey on the
price situation:
Chicago - The American Bak-
ers Association said bakers "have
about reached the limit of their
ability to absorb further in
creases in COSTS" an indication
that bread and pastry prices will
increase if raw ingredients bak-
ers use continue to rise.
New York - Price resistance
was reported developing in
wholesale markets, particularly
against high meat prices. An
organization representing 300
restaurants said it may petition
the city for an order reestablish-
ing meatless days if prices do not
drop. Joseph T. Sharkey, vice
chairman of the New York City
Council, said the council would
hold a special meeting before
Sept. % to demand that Con-
gress revive OPA or install some
other form of price control.
Cheyenne, Wyo.-Gov. Lester
c. Hunt said it was possible a
special session of the Wyoming
legislature would be necessary
to increase appropriations be-
cause of the unprecedented in
crease in living costs"
Milwaukee, Wis. A women's
committee called for action
against high prices. Egg, butter
and pork prices were expected
to take another Jump this week.
Resistance Grows
Albany, N. VA survey show
ed consumer resistance from
considerable" to Strong" with
sales in a noticeable slump,
especially in meat, butter and
eggs. One butcher said house
wives were buying meat by the
dollar rather than by the pound"
Los Angeles - No organized
movement against high prices,
although many consumers hold
ing buying to a minimum. The
City council may consider the
price situation at a meeting
Tuesday.
/ Denver, Co1o.-A survey show
ed total food tonnage sales were
20 to 80 per cent lower than
last year, but that the dollar
value was about the same. One
merchant reported that his Gus