New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-09
TOPICS IN LEADING CITIES.
SAN FRANCISCO.
FAILURES OF SHIPPING HOUsES-THE WINE
CROP-A CHINESE VICTORY.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO TIRE TRIBUER.l

San Francisco, Dec. 8.-Heavy speculation in
freight cha rters for wheat fastened the financial
overthrow of the old local shipping firm OF Henry
Lund & Co. Large fortunes have been made In the
ocean freightchartering business, the big ring Oh
1881 clearing many millions of dollars in profits.
Several shipping firms expected to repetition
of this golden harvest in the present year and made
large charters at unusually high rates. The decline
In rates caused by the weakness Of the English
wheat and charter market, and the inability OF the
wheat exporters here to buy up the
California grain at as low prices as
they have succeeded in doing for several
seasons, owing to necessities Of farmers Hence
vessels are arriving daily from England chartered
at go to 20 shillings, which local firms are COM
polling to recharter at 20 shilings. Thus the loss
a single ship will reach from $40 900 to $4,000
The liabilities Of Lund 81 Co amount to about
100000 and it is estimated that the entire freight
ring suffers to the amount Of 50, 100000. California
farmers now come in for their revenge, as with low
charters wheat has advanced to 81 90 bushel, an
increase of 80 cents over the price of two years ago.
THE TRIBUNE's recent defence of the California
wines against aduterated foreign products was
heartily appreciated here. The wine-makers lay
the chief blame for the prejudice against native
clarets and other table varieties TO the importers
aud retail dealers, who make heavy profit on
cheap French wines with high-prced labels,
whereas the margin of profit on good California
wine is small. The largest wine-makers In the
Napa Valley deal directly with consumers and the
retail trade ignoring the middlemen. This does not
tend TO increase good relations between them. Re-
ports from the Napa aud sonoma Valleys show that
tho yintages this year will be about two
thirds of good average, with wine of much better
quality than usual An effort will be made by Cali
fornians at this session Of Congress to procure the
passage Of law to prohibit the sale Of native
American wines under foreign labels.
The Chinese have scored point in their fight with
the local Customs Department to get admission for
the coolies masquerading as merchants and stu
dents. The Custom House Office relied on Chinese
interpreter named Fon Sug for information from
applicants for admission. This interpreter is
master of many dialects and was clever In expos
ing the fraudulent claims of the coolies. Naturally
this energy exasperated the Chinese Consul and
the importers of coolies The interpreter conduct
ed q Chinese newspaper, but his business was
ruined in a single day He held lucrative posi-
ton In one of the Six Companies but this also he
lost. Then he was condemned by q secret court in
Chinatown and pacards were posted In several
alleys putting price on his head. lie was dogged
by "high binders" Chinese braves who Will COM
nit murder for few dollars and was so terrorized
that he refused TO any longer as interpreter
Indeed he seems TO regard his death as certain and
the police officers familiar with the workings of the
Chinese system of vengeance agree with him In
declaring that his life is not worth nickel With
ont tho aid Of this interpreter the Customs officials
are powerless. rs the other interpreters translate
according 10 the wishes of the Chinese. An attempt
will he made 10 convict some Chinese who perjured
themselves In swearing TO false ailidayts, but the
chances " success are small g All Sin " has taken
every trick in the game.
The Presidents message was received here win
much favor His outspoken attitude on the Nor
mon question especially commended itself to Cali
forpians as tho growth Of poly IN the Terri
torlcs has been rapid during the last two years and
the best lands with water rights, have been seized
by Mormon colonies. The recent insolent utter
ances Of the Mornons have intensified the feeling
against them in this state.
Major-General Pope is now fairly established at
BLACK Point so long tho home of General Mcdowell
The new commander has made few changes in the
resident officers.
Miss Corson has excited culinary iurore among
the ladies here and in Portland by her lectures.
Meanwhile the decorative craze languishes, how
10 serve nsthetic dinners and lunchcons being the
prevailing passion.