Prices of clothing and produce.
--The rapid advance in all necessaries of clothing and subsistence threatens us with great distress. There is no disguising the fact. We cannot see how unemployed persons, and how those who live on incomes and salaries, are to get along, especially at the inclement season of the year now rapidly approaching. How are they to buy shoes and clothing at present rates? Nay, how long are these rates to prevail? A great auction may in a day or two run them all up 50 per cent.! An auction thus has become to be regarded by the people with as much dread as a battle! A defeat on the battle field could hardly bring more suffering upon them. There is hardly any more encouragement to be derived from looking at the produce market. With ample supplies by the blessing of Providence, through the country, we find the receipts in this market alarmingly limited. Holders are therefore enabled to run up prices out of all reason and out of all conscience. These obstacles to oppression of a community weighing nothing with them since they care nothing for reasons and have no consciences.We know that the currency is depreciated, but it is not depreciated as much as prices would indicate. There are causes originating in the cupidity and heartlessness of men employed in commerce and in agriculture which are weighing down the people and the cause, and which are threatening both more than the currency. Can the practices of these people be reformed? Can the distress they occasion be moderated by checking their extravagant demands upon consumers? These questions are growing daily more and more important. Something must be done. Produce must be distributed — prices must be reduced — gains must be disgorged — or there will be suffering intense, and intense suffering will beget — what? Think of it.
