Part 13
"The Court then proceeded to take into consideration the Resolutions of his Majesty's Hon. Privy Council, recommending the use of standard wheaten Bread (see the Advertisement in the _Times_ of Tuesday last 14th inst.). The Court resolved to adopt, and to exert themselves to give force to, the Resolution of the Privy Council, and earnestly recommend the same to their fellow citizens. A Deputation was appointed to wait on the Privy Council, relative to some regulations not clearly understood, respecting the Millers forwarding the sort of Flour necessary for the purpose to market. It was also the opinion of the Court, that the said Deputation should recommend to the Privy Council, to take into consideration the propriety of an indemnity to the Bakers, in fixing a price to the said Household Bread.
"Mr. Kemble then made his promised motion for the Court to resolve 'That no dinners be allowed, at the expence of the City, to the different Committees for managing the concerns of the Corporation, for the period of one year.' It was seconded by Mr. Herring, when a debate took place, which lasted more than two hours. The debate was at length terminated by Mr. Box proposing to adopt the words 'till the 1st of October next,' the time fixed on, in the Regulations of the Privy Council, as at that period it was to be hoped the present scarcity would be removed. And, if it was not, the Court could extend the prohibition. The motion, so amended, was then put, and carried, by a Majority of SEVENTEEN only!!"--(_Times, July 16, 1795._)
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"We offer the following hints for the government of individuals in affluent circumstances, with a view of reducing the high price of provisions:--
"To have fish at table as often as possible.
"To sit down with a determined resolution to eat only of one kind of butcher's meat; and, where circumstances will admit, to have only one dish of meat at table.
"To forbid the use of pastry in your own house, and to decline the use of it at any other table.
"To be particularly economical in the use of bread, and to cut, yourself, what you use at your own table; making your servants sensible that you give such directions from a regard to the comforts of the poor, and not from any penurious views. It appears, indeed, to be of the utmost consequence to make servants in great, and even small families, sensible how much they may, under present circumstances, contribute to the relief, and comfort, of the poor, which every British heart must wish to do.
"Bakers ought to be prevented from selling bread of the same day's baking, as, on a fair calculation, four stale loaves are equal to five new ones."--(_Times, July 16, 1795._)
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"At a period when every species of grain has become both scarce, and dear, it is the duty of every individual to inform the public of any possible diminution in the consumption. It is with this view that we feel much satisfaction in announcing to all who keep horses for draught, that a saving of _twenty-five per cent._ in Oats, has been introduced into the stables of Thrale's Brewhouse, in the Borough, since the month of September last, which we are happy to learn has been adopted by several other principal manufacturers. Their plan is simply to _roll all their oats_ between two iron cilinders, which they have attached to their steam engine. By this process, an _increase_ is found of two bushels a _sack_. After being well rolled (which is usually done twice, or thrice, a week) the Oats are _mixed with chaff_ of the best quality, and divided in the usual manner. This mode of rolling, is deemed equal to mastication. It is found, from experience, equally beneficial to _old_ horses, whose teeth may be impaired, as well as _young_ horses, who often return home very hungry, and are apt to swallow their oats without chewing them, by which means they are frequently observed to pass through them undigested."--(_Times, July 16, 1795._)
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"It is now almost the prevailing custom in every family of distinction, to have the loaf brought on the table, and each person to help himself. This example must have a considerable influence in reducing the consumption of this, as well as other, necessaries of life.
"The custom of wearing Hair-Powder is growing into very general disuse: and we shall not be surprised if we soon see it almost altogether abolished, during the present scarcity of grain.
"The recommendation of the Privy Council, to adopt the use of Household Bread, will be of little avail, unless their _request_ is converted into an _order_, that no bread, above that standard, shall hereafter be baked: and every idea of expediency, and common policy, demands that some measure of this tendency should immediately be enforced."--(_Times, July 17, 1795._)
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"There is no economy more laudable at this moment, than that of lessening the consumption of bread, in private families. This has been practised with such success, by Mr. Parish, on Ludgate Hill, that he now consumes but four Brown loaves per week, in lieu of twelve, or thirteen, White ones, as formerly. This is a most notable example, and, we trust, will be imitated by many, though perhaps with somewhat less rigour. Mr. P.'s substitute for bread, are, principally, potatoes, and rice."--(_Times, July 18, 1795._)
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"In Sussex, the Gentry have adopted the most rational mode of diminishing the price of Corn. Instead of supplying the poor with bread, at a low price, which can only tend to increase the consumption, they give pickled pork, &c., to an equal amount, which, with the use of cabbage, beans, &c., may banish, without much suffering, the loaf, at least, from their dinner tables."--(_Times, July 20, 1795._)
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"After the humane example of the City, in leaving off their annual feasts, we are happy to find it is _intended_ to be universally adopted by the surrounding parishes, and opulent families; _particularly_ by some of the principal inhabitants of _Whitechapel_, who, at one of their Greenwich meetings, on Monday, wisely determined to eat venison, and white-bait, _no longer than the season will produce them_."--(_Times, July 22, 1795._)
Some of the following set of moral rules might be followed with advantage at the present day:--
"THE WAY TO PEACE AND PLENTY.
Rules for the rich.
1. Abolish gravy soups, and second courses.
2. Buy no starch when wheat is dear.
3. Destroy all useless dogs.
4. Give no dog, or other animal, the _smallest bit_ of bread or meat.
5. Save all your skim-milk carefully, and give it all to the poor, or sell it at a cheap rate.
6. Make broth, rice pudding, &c., for the poor, and teach them to make such things.
7. Go to church yourselves, and take care your servants go constantly.
8. Look into the management of your own families, and visit your poor neighbours.
9. Prefer those poor who keep steadily to their work, and go constantly to church, and give nothing to those who are idle, and riotous, or keep useless dogs.
10. Buy no weighing meat, or gravy beef: if the rich would buy only the prime pieces, the poor could get the others cheap.
Rules for the Poor.
1. Keep steadily to your work, and never change masters, if you can help it.
2. Go to no gin-shop, or alehouse: but lay out all your earnings in food, and cloaths, for yourself, and your family: and try to lay up a little for rent, and rainy days.
3. Avoid bad company.
4. Keep no dogs: for they rob your children, and your neighbours.
5. Go constantly to church, and carry your wives, and children, with you, and God will bless you.
6. Be civil to your superiors, and they will be kind to you.
7. Learn to make broth, milk pottage, rice-pudding, &c. One pound of meat, in broth, will go further than two pounds boiled, or roasted.
8. Be quiet, and contented, and never steal, or swear, or you will never thrive."--(_Times, July 23, 1795._)
* * * * *
"Yesterday, the _Stationers'_ Company had their annual dinner, at Stationers' Hall. Having determined, in consequence of the great scarcity of flour, to abolish the use of pies, they contented themselves with several haunches of venison, and a number of _venison pasties_, which consumed flour enough for 50 fruit pies. And in order to adopt the above resolution of no pies, the Court of Assistants had, previously, a snug dinner, consisting of all the delicacies of the season. Of public dinners, those of the Stationers Company rival every other. We have not yet heard of the Company having contributed anything to the relief of the poor."--(_Times, Aug. 14, 1795._)
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"One among the serious consequences of the dearness of provisions, is, that the price of board in schools, is considerably raised. There are few schools of repute, that have not raised their terms, at least five guineas a year."--(_Times, Oct. 8, 1795._)
* * * * *
"The price of butter, in all parts of the country, has been, lately, most shamefully advanced, without any cause to justify the measure. The season has, hitherto, been favourable to grazing, and the war cannot extend its influence to our dairies. On the same principle, the late advance in the price of Milk, in the Metropolis, should be enquired into. London is supplied with Milk by about 30 cow-keepers, who may at pleasure either deprive the city of this necessary article, or extort what price they may think proper for it. Milk should be made subject to the regulations respecting bread, beer, &c., as, indeed, should every similar commodity."--(_Times, Feb. 15, 1796._)
* * * * *
"In consequence of the public refraining to buy fresh butter, the price fell from 14-1/2d. to 9d. and 10d. per pound, in Sheffield Market, last week. And so it would be in London, if every family would consent to buy Cambridge butter, for a few days, or to allow only half the quantity of fresh to be taken in, which is usually consumed."--(_Times, Mar. 2, 1796._)
* * * * *
"The Beef Trade, though it declined a market day, or two, in the heat of the weather, is nearly up again to its enormous Spring prices: a good bullock being now worth 4s. 6d. per stone. Veal, Mutton, and Lamb, are getting down, but Pork still fetches 10s. a score. Lean stock, of every kind, is excessively dear, and difficult to be obtained, on any terms, that of the sheep kind, in particular."--(_Times, Sep. 5, 1796._)
* * * * *
"The great importance of the Distilleries, in the article of fatted hogs, may be judged of, in some degree, by the number turned out of the distilleries, in Surrey alone, which are estimated at 11,700 a year, valued at £46,215, besides the great number fed in the starch yards. It is said, that all the distilleries in the Kingdom, when in full work, send to market, weekly, near 30,000 hogs: during the last year, they were at a total stand, and the price of bacon has been enormous."--(_Times, Oct. 26, 1796._)
Some of the great ones of the land set a good example of economy to their poorer brethren--the King among the number.
"The Margrave of Anspach sets a princely example of economy to his betters: his table is furnished by contract, and the daily expence exceeds not half-a-guinea per head. Of course, the purveyor takes the needful care of broken victuals: whilst Sir Harry, and the Duke's servant, fare equally alike in that larder, where Miss _Kitty_ or Mrs. _Cook_ have nought to give, but bread and cheese, and kisses."--(_Times, June 22, 1795._)
* * * * *
"His Majesty has given orders for the bread used in his household, to be made of meal, and rye, mixed. No other sort is permitted to be baked, and the Royal Family eat bread of the same quality as their servants do. It is extremely sweet, and palatable.
"One half flour, and half potatoes, also make a very excellent bread."--(_Times, July 22, 1795._)
* * * * *
"The writer of this paragraph has seen the bread that is eaten at His Majesty's table. It consists of two sorts only, the one composed of wheaten flour, and rye, mixed; the other is half wheaten flour, half potatoe flour. If ever example deserved imitation, it is surely this."--(_Times, July 30, 1795._)
The Court of Aldermen had the power of apportioning the price of bread according to the price of wheat--thus affording the baker a fair profit, and protecting the consumer.
"Yesterday, a Court of Aldermen was held at Guildhall, which came to a resolution to raise the price of bread to a Shilling the Quartern Loaf."--(_Times, July 8, 1795._)
* * * * *
"The price of Flour having risen 4s. per sack, the Court of Common Council ordered the assize of bread to one shilling and a halfpenny per quartern loaf."--(_Times, July 23, 1795._)
* * * * *
"Tuesday, a Court of Aldermen was held at Guildhall. The Court ordered the price of bread to remain at 1s. 3d. the quartern loaf.
"The Court having considered the petition of the Retail Dealers in Salt, for an advance, were pleased to order the price of salt to be fixed as follows, viz., 8s. per bushel, 4s. per half ditto, 2s. per peck, 1s. per half ditto, 6d. per quarter ditto, 3d. per half-quarter peck, 2d. per pound, 1d. per half ditto."--(_Times, March 10, 1796._)
* * * * *
"Assize of Bread.
"The regulation of the Assize of Bread being generally misunderstood, the following tables, extracted from the Act of Parliament of the 31st Geo. II. will at once shew, by what authority, the Magistrates regulate the Price of Bread, with the allowance to Bakers of 1s. 6d. per bushel for wheat, and 10s. per sack for flour: a reference to which tables, will enable every person to ascertain the price of the quartern, and peck, loaf, as well as the Magistrates themselves: and will prove that the letter of the law, and not the will of the Magistrates, regulates that necessary article. At the same time, the public will be convinced, that the average price of flour is more in favour of the consumer, than that of wheat. For example--the average price of wheat, this day, is 9s. per bushel. The allowance to the baker, is 1s. 6d. The quartern loaf would then be 1s.--whereas, the average price of flour being 63s. and 4d., the Magistrates are enabled to make the Assize of Bread 11d. instead of 1s.
WHEAT.
+---------------+---------------+---------------+-----------+-----------+ | When the | | Total Price, | | | | Average Price | Allowance to | including the | Quartern | Peck Loaf | | of Wheat is | the Baker. | Allowance | Loaf | | | per Bushel. | | | | | +---------------+---------------+---------------+-----------+-----------+ | 7/ | 1/6 | 8/6 | /9-3/4 | 3/3 | | 7/3 | " | 8/9 | /10 | 3/4 | | 7/6 | " | 9/ | /10-1/4 | 3/5 | | 7/9 | " | 9/3 | /10-1/2 | 3/6 | | 8/ | " | 9/6 | /10-3/4 | 3/7-1/4 | | 8/3 | " | 9/9 | /11 | 3/8 | | 8/6 | " | 10/ | /11-1/2 | 3/10 | | 9/ | " | 10/6 | 1/ | 4/ | +---------------+---------------+---------------+-----------+-----------+
FLOUR.
+---------------+---------------+--------------+-----------+-----------+ | When the | | | | | | Average Price | Allowance to | Total Price. | Quartern | Peck Loaf | | of Flour is | the Baker. | | Loaf | | | per Sack. | | | | | +---------------+---------------+--------------+-----------+-----------+ | 50/ | 10/ per sack | 60/ | /9 | 3/ | | 51/8 | " | 61/8 | /9-1/4 | 3/1 | | 53/4 | " | 63/4 | /9-1/2 | 3/2 | | 55/ | " | 65/ | /9-3/4 | 3/3 | | 56/8 | " | 66/8 | /10 | 3/4 | | 58/4 | " | 68/4 | /10-1/4 | 3/5 | | 60/ | " | 70/ | /10-1/2 | 3/6 | | 61/8 | " | 71/8 | /10-3/4 | 3/7 | +---------------+---------------+--------------+-----------+-----------+
--(_Times, July 1, 1796._)
The Aldermen also had the power of visiting the bakers' shops within their Wards, of fining dishonest bakers, and distributing their bread, gratis, to the poor,--a summary, and most effectual, way of dealing with the rogues.
"Wednesday, a cheap Baker in Bishopsgate-Ward was fined, by the Lord Mayor, 5s. per ounce, on 16 ounces short weight, in seven quartern, and nine penny loaves, taken by the inquest of that Ward from out of his shop."--(_Times, March 29, 1793._)
* * * * *
"Saturday Mr. Justice Russell, and the Peace Officers of Greenwich, went to all the bakers, and weighed their bread, to find out if the poor, and other inhabitants, had their due weight: when many loaves, found deficient in weight, were immediately given away at the doors of the bakers to those poor persons who were not under any relief from the parish."--(_Times, Jan. 12, 1795._)
* * * * *
"Monday, in consequence of an information, Mr. Justice Addington, attended by several officers, went to a Baker's shop, in Holborn, where they found 70 loaves, short of the standard weight, 181 ounces. The Magistrate fixed the penalty of 5s. per ounce, which amounted to £45, 5s., but which was mitigated to £40. The Magistrate, and officers, then went to a Baker's in Little Turnstile, and found 54 loaves short of the standard, 142 ounces, amounting at 5s. an ounce to £36, but which was mitigated to £30. The loaves were distributed to the poor in the neighbourhood of Covent Garden."--(_Times, July 8, 1795._)
* * * * *
"A Baker was convicted, yesterday, at the Public Office, Whitechapel, of making Bread, to the amount of 307 ounces, deficient in weight, and fined in the penalty of £64, 7s."--(_Times, Aug. 27, 1796._)
* * * * *
"A Baker was, yesterday, convicted in the penalty of £106, 5s. on 420 ounces of bread, deficient in weight."--(_Times, Aug. 30, 1796._)
* * * * *
"On Thursday a great deal of bread was brought before Alderman Cadell, by the Inquest of one of the City Wards, being under the regular standard of weight. The Alderman ordered the loaves to be all weighed before him, and desired the Bakers who were present, to attend to the weights.
"The Bakers expressed their sorrow for it, and said it was an accident occasioned by the carelessness of their Journeymen, in suffering it to be an hour too long in the oven. They not bringing the men forward, to substantiate the defence, the Alderman told them he should fine them the full penalty, of five shillings an ounce, for all deficient; which came to above _twenty pounds_, besides the forfeiture of the bread. Mr. Kirby, the Keeper of Newgate, being present, solicited part of it, for his prisoners. Some of the Inquest likewise solicited the bread, for the poor of their ward: but the Alderman told them that half of the penalty came to them, which would compensate for the bread."--(_Times, Nov. 30, 1799._)
"Forestalling" and "Regrating" were heinous sins.--They consisted in buying any thing on its way to market, before it had been exposed for public sale--and in purchasing at any market at one price, and selling it again at a higher.
"In consequence of the serious enquiry making into the infamous practices of the salesmen, in Smithfield market, and the conviction of a leading man among them, for regrating, mutton, and lamb, fell 1-1/2d. per pound, in Friday, and yesterday's, market. If the Magistrates would but exert themselves, to put in force the laws against monopolizers, and forestallers, provisions would soon be at a moderate price, as we are convinced there is no _real_ scarcity: and are of opinion that the farmers and graziers, who are now holding back their corn, and cattle, will experience the fate of those, who, in the hard weather, refused to sell their potatoes under 2-1/2d. per lb., and now cannot get 1/2d. per lb., but have the well deserved prospect of being obliged to give them to the hogs, for want of a consumption."--(_Times, May 26, 1795._)
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