The Daily Dispatch: May 5, 1864., [Electronic resource]

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An Experiment Worth Trying.

--The enormous figures at which every article in the provision line is now held in this city is beginning to cause those of our citizens who are not able to pay them to look about for some relief. In some of the Southern cities, where the people have more regard for the welfare of each other than they have here, meal can be bought for five dollars per bushel, bacon for a dollar a pound, and almost every other thing in the grocery line at the same ratio. This fact has induced many of the families residing here to agitate the expediency of throwing in, each one, such sums as they can afford, and then employing an agent to proceed South to invest the money in such articles as may be desired. Already a large amount has been subscribed, and the only thing which now remains to make it a success is the doubt that transportation can be obtained to bring on the purchases which may be made. About this matter, however, it is stated that Secretary Seddon will cheerfully do all in his power to afford our citizens an opportunity to better their condition, and in a short while we may look for the first fruits of this new enterprise. If successful, there is little doubt but what the needy families of Richmond will soon be rendered independent of the remorseless shop keepers that combine to extort from them the last dollar they have.