The Jewish Co-Operative Society of Cincinnati Capital Stock Certificate from 1920

1920

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THE ENQUIRER, CINCINNATI
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1917
 
CRISIS
 
In Threatened Strike
 
To Lower Prices of Kosher Meat Expected Monday
 
Report of Committee at Jewish Settlement Mass Meeting Tomorrow, To Determine Future Action
 
Kosher butchers expect a crisis to be reached in the threatened meat strike situation not later than Monday, it was said yesterday.
 
While venturing no predictions as to the outcome of the differences between the butchers and their customers, residents of Cincinnati’s Ghetto appear to have implicit faith in the judgment of the General committee appointed at Wednesday night’s mass meeting, and are willing to abide by its decisions, it is said.
 
The committee will report at a mass meeting in Central Turner Hall at 2 o’clock tomorrow. Upon its recommendations will depend whether further trouble is in store for the butchers or a peaceful solution of the vexation problem is reached.
 
As a possible means of averting a boycott the General Committee will call upon kosher butchers this evening in an effort to have them reduce prices.
 
Whether or not they will meet the demands of the committee is problematical. They have taken the attitude that as matters now are they are carrying on their business without profit, and they can afford no reduction.
 
Among the leaders in the movement to bring about a reduction in prices strong talk was indulged in last night to take steps at the mass meeting to regulate this year’s distribution of matzos, the Jewish Easter bread.
 
Under an arrangement agreed upon months ago, the Manischewitz Company, of Cincinnati, the largest manufacturers of matzos in the world, the entire supply for Cincinnati is to be turned over to the Talmud Torah Society. The proceeds are to go to the Hebrew Free School, which is said to be in need of funds.
 
The society is expected to sell the matzos to dealers at a slight advance above the ordinary prices.
 
The General Committee of the Jewish people, considering the food situation, it is said, is not satisfied with the arrangement. Some of its members declared last night if the price is raised Easter bread will be purchased in New York and Chicago.
The kosher butchers say a goodly portion of their regular customers still are buying meat.
 
These “regulars,” the butchers say, delighted in opening heated arguments and discussions which augured trouble for the immediate future.
 
Mrs. Lena Goldstein, Eight Mile Ohio, taking a different view of the situation than that held by the butchers, championed the cause of their customers in lively fashion yesterday. She said:
 
“These kosher butchers do not know how to take the people into their confidence. They are too independent. Instead of informing their customers they themselves have been forced to pay higher prices, they bluntly tell you, ‘Next wee you’ve got to pay so much for meat.’”
 
The plan suggested by the National Co-Operative Housewives’ League to utilize vacant lots for vegetable gardens, appears to have borne fruit. Residents of Price Hill and Evanston have started such movements.
 
The St. Williams Society of Price Hill has begun an active campaign along that line and several lots have been donated for the purpose. The lots will be divided into plots an applicant will be allotted space according to the size of his family. The use of the lots will be free to all residents of Price Hill. Seed will be obtained from Congressman Alfred O. Allen.
 
Cincinnati commission merchants deny reports they are a party to a combination to control the potato output. They declare farmer holds the key to the situation, and that weather conditions are a factor.
 
In an effort to arrive at some solution that may aid in solving the problem of food and how to obtain it for those who cannot afford to pay the prevalent high prices, President John Langmead issued a call for a meeting of the Directors of the Sixth Street Business Men’s Club yesterday. The meeting will be held March 6.