CHEAP PROVISIONS.
IT was observed by some of our contemporaries, when we first entered on this subject, that the mere discussion would lead to the remedy which it was the object of our club to insure. The fallacy of the argument was sufficiently pointed out in the course of our observations, and we repeated our exposure of it in the pamphlet published for the purpose of enlightening the consuming public touching the glaring delinquencies of retailers. We were, however, prepared for a partial and temporary abatement of these demands. We anticipated that they would draw in their horns when they found their progress so rudely assaulted ; but we were assured at the same time that the moment the assault was intermitted, they would push them out again as boldly as ever. The evil of extravagant {charges is greater in the suburbs than in the centre of the town, because, in ',the former public opinion is weaker. The following representation of the state of Chelsea is from a correspondent of the Herald. He dates his letter on New Year's day; perhaps the dealers thought it best to begin the year handsomely.
"What say you, sir, while cattle are a drug on the hands of the farmers, despite of all the cant of butchers, and their cads the salesmen, such prices as the following ?—Beef, for steaks, &c., per lb. Is., other parts, 9d. ; mutton 8d. and 9d., the refuse or coarsest bits not lower than 7d. ; veal, lod., cutlets, is.; pork, Is., though the hogs, within a score miles of London, are scarcely saleable, and average about 3d.or 4d. per pound—the poor owners being compelled to dispose of them by raffling: these animals have been plentifully fed this season with the superabundant fruit, while fruit is selling here at the most exorbitant prices—the dealers offering in the country for nine-pence per bushel Ribstone pippins, which have been selling here at a penny and three half-pence a piece. Green-grocery of every description, though we are Within tea minutes' walk of Battersee-Aelds, is enormously dear, three little heads of broc&i, about as large as an apple, being charged a shilling; potatoes, so superabundant this year, a penny and upwards per lb. ; rotten eggs, for selling which the dealers ought to be indicted, five for 6d. ; cheese, 9d.; bread 10d. the quartern loaf."
On the subject of the Club, we have received several communications; but, for the present, our time and columns are occupied with other business. It is the marked feature of our plan, that it is bottomed on fact and truth,—that it applies to the circumstances of 1830, or any other year, as much as to those of 1829. Delay to it is not dangerous, for its success does not depend on a fortuitous combination of circumstances.' We did not imagine when we first propounded it, that a week or a month would suffice to rouse the public to its advantages ; but we know they will be roused at last. In the mean time, we thank our correspondents for their hints and offers of service : we will not forget to profit by them.
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