Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-03-11

A PROPOSED COOPERATIVE MOvEMENT-WHAT A
LEADER IN THE PROJECT SAYS-WHY THERE
Is NO PROFIT IN ''TEAMING"

Some of the owners of teams in the District
those who make business of keeping horses
and wagons and carts which they hire out to
work on streets, roads, &c.-have recently
formed an association to secure better rate of
payment for the services of their teams and to
lessen their expenses by cooperation. One of
those interested in the association states that
the present prices paid. even admitting that the
weather would permit the working of teams
every day in the year, are inadequate, and that
they make no money. At least one day per
week is lost in the summer season, and during
the winter months the keeping of the teams will
bring the owners in debt The rates now paid
by the District and the contractors are 81 so for
morse. cart and driver and So for team, wagon
and driver
What does the organization first propose to
dog! asked the reporter Of one of the leaders i'm
this movement
when we have sufficient number of men,
bers, said the team owner. ''we will look to
reducing the feed expenses. By consolidating
we can buy the feed at wholesale figures
Twenty men. with dollar EACH can get a ton
OF hay, but if they act individually they must
pay the retail prices. A wealthy man has the
advantage of being able to take large quantities
OF feed. of getting the very lowest prices and
one person who is exceedingly careful states
of not over IS per month. This person. how
ever. is one Of the most careful men that ever
Knew. and measures or weighs every particle of
grain he receives
How much will be saved BY consolidation on
the feed question ?"
by buying in quantity there is a saving of 10
per cent in quality, and per cent in proven
ton of waste, and by taking advantage of the
market ~ per cent. This would enable us to
keep our teams but we ought not to be expect
teams ri[p.i with -
suppose full time is made at the present
rates how much could you net!'
"Ihats an easy question: 26 days at 81 so
equals $50 and from this deduct SIS Tor the
keep and So for the driver and Won have Sl4
apparently for profit. Such a case should not
be cited for rainy days have to be deducted and
often the day following is such that time cannot
te made. At least six days should be deducted
on this account, thus leaving but s.. and out of
tins the repairs to cart and harness have to be
paid Thus, when the fall approaches. the team
owner finds himself unable to keep his teams
through the winter
WHY have the rates been reduced?'
"Ihat has been done by sharp competition
Parties owning large number Of teams have
reduced not their personal profits but the
profits which otherwise would have Injured to
the teamsters. Some bought up old plugs at
30 per head and carts and wagons almost worth
less. which by influence they obtained work for
at 81 80 or 81 so per day. Then some had crack
teams placed on the work and endeayored TO
nave al! teams make the same amount of work
and the result was the old plugs were drove Off
and those teams remaining were paid in proper
ton to the amount of work done by the crack
teams. The result was that the rates for the
ordinary aforementioned team came down to
- % per day. and the profits went to the owner
OF the crack team The subject matter of teams
can be summoned up thusly
1--WE are keeping our teams for others profit;
the feed dealers gain and the hOrse-market
racket;
The season is 0ver-there Is nothing to back it;
The work is all done, there is nothing in pocket"