The Daily Dispatch: October 13, 1863., [Electronic resource]

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Speculation in flour.

--For some days past it has been a difficult matter to obtain a barrel of flour in this city. The reason cannot be that there is any scarcity of this indispensable article of living, for it is a well known fact that there is as much flour at present in the hands of the merchants as is usual at this season of the year; but the great cause is, that holders have withdrawn it from market, and are unwilling to sell at present prices. We have heard of several men doing business here who have had their flour, sugar, and bacon, stowed away in the cellars and garrets of their stores, and whenever applied to for it refuse, with the remark that they "have none to sell." Even if there was a scarcity, the price at which flour is now selling is enough in all conscience, and the man who could take advantage of the necessities and sufferings of the people, and withhold it from sale till hunger and want compelled the consumer to pay any price demanded for it, should be scorned and despised by all good citizens. It is high time that such things should be stopped, before the force of circumstances compel the people to take it in hand themselves.