Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-11-06
THE FRUIT-sHIPPING QUESTION

1t is clear to whoever is taking note of
public expression and community action,
that the fruit shipment question, so far
from getting out OF the mire, is sinking
deeper into it. There have been mani
lestions by individuals and by associations
that clearly point to divided councils in
the Convention OF Tuesday next The in
corporation plan is meeting with opposi-
ton in several quarters Some of the
larger and many of the smaller growers
express their discomfort with the PROPOSE
tions made. On the other hand, the friends
of the incorporation plan, after thorough
examination into the whole subject, are
convinced more that ever that it is the
only feasible remedy for the present I'M
rest. Those opposing say that they do not
wish to be bound by the action Of the Off
cials of the corporation, should they at
any time desire to sell Or ship otherwise
than through the medium of the corpora
ton. In short there is that distrust
which is liable TO arise in any association
Of men III such large number as must be
embraced by the fruit incorporation. 1t is
rumored, also, that it is proposed by the
corporation that special rates shall be
granted to it, and that those not of it
shall pay higher rate. In other words.
that the members of the association shall
enjoy especially favorable transportation
facilities, and all others be shut out from
them. 1t does not appear that there
Is due authority for this announce
ment, but the rumor is current.
Nor does it appear that the transportation
companies have given any authorization to
this effect, nor is it probable that they Will
commit to any one agency the whole bust
ness of shipping fruit at lowest possible
rates. So far as can be learned all that
has been sail by the agents of railroad
companies is, that for an assurance of a
certain number of cars daily, for the sea-
son, certain rate can be assured to ship
pers. 1t must be apparent to any one that
whoever goes into an association to share
its profits must bear a portion of its
burdens, and submit himself to the rules
made for its conduct. No association can
prosper that permits its members at any
time to operate by self-dictated rules of
action. If the Fruit Union is a success, it
will be because human trust is reposed
somewhere in its management. Human
trust must be reposed in whatever organiza-
ton is effected, and if a host of small ones
are set up, the trustees will only be the
more numerous-no organization indeed
can be effected without some one being
trusted. The great end and aim to be at
tanned is the marketing of the whole sur
plus fruit and grape crop of California.
That should be the one chief object of the
association. Any policy short of this will
fail. 1t should be so adjusted that all
fruit-growers may avail of its benefits. 1t
must be so based as to conserve the inter
est of the small growers, as well as of the
large growers. In short, to be successful
it must be broadly philanthropic and
high-minded. We confess that in such
scheme there is demand for a degree of
unsel6shness and public spirit that is not
often manifested. But it is possible for
the fruit-growers to adjust all differences,
and work tremendously for common end.
1t is to be hoped that the Convention next
Tuesday twill be largely attended; that
there viii be laying aside of preiudg-
ments and prejudiees, and calm conserva-
tive consideration Of the whole question.
Let those now disafiected await the pre-
sentation Of the bylaws of the corporation
before they judge them. Nothing but i'll
can come of our hasty action, We believe
that.the great mass of the fruit-growers
are agreed upon what should be done but
they differ as TO methods, and to some ex-
tent as to matters not gravely material.
The interests of the State are involved in
the question Of fruit-growing and shipping,
and while we anticipate warm work next
Tuesday, we have faith in the ultimate
wisdom Of the assembled representatives
of the horticultural interests. OF this we
are confident: that which will promote
! the fruit industry in greatest degree, and
do most to settle up the State with small
fruit-growers and small agrieulturists, and
thrifty, industrious, and in all ways de.
sirable population, will receive the en-
enlargement and aid of the rail transpor-
tation companies.
THE United States Grand Jury at San