Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1886-02-26
PRICE FIVE CENTS.
MINNESOTA FARMERS. ALLIANCE.
Matters Relating to the Warehouse and
Elevator Business Discussed.

Elevator Business Discussed.
MINNEAPOLIS, February 25 90 Railroad
commissioners Murdoch and Baker, by in
vitation, addressed the Minnesota Farmers
alliance today. General Baker said that
only one road, the Milwaukee, has opposed
the law with regard to placing flat ware
houses along the line. We have told them
now for the last time that unless they with
in reasonable time accede to the require
ments of law we will bring suit against
them. The last conference was only yes
terday, and we told the representatives Of
that road that discussion was now at an
end. Commissioner Murdoch, in answer to
an inquiry, said that the commission had
changed its mind as to the matter of the
farmers cleaning their grain before mark
citing it, They now believe it impractical
BILE for Minnesota farmers to clean their
own grain. In Minnesota we have the
most difficult problem to be found in any
state. In Massachusetts all roads lead to
Boston, in New York to New York City,
in Illinois to Chicago people are agreed
where the traffic shall go; but our roads
were all built in the interest of Chicago;
they are Interstate roads.
During a discussion of the workings of
the state law, member of the alliance
told Commissioner Murdock that the ele-
vators of Minneapolis have remained unli-
censed, not because of a defect in the law,
but because the commissioners have not
enforced the law, and asked: "How is it,
Mr.. Commissioner
Murdock replied: "rhere was an ele-
ment in the situation at Minneapolis which
wedid not appreciate last winter. Mr.. Pills
bury, who was in the legislature, did not
appreciate it. Elevator men at Minneapo-
lis all came to lis and expected to take out
licenses. In talking it over it came out
that wheat is put into bins for the mills re-
gardless Of grade. One-half of the grain
that comes here goes direct to the mills.
As we have construed the law.if wheat of
different owners is kept separate, the ware
houses need not become public ware
houses. The houses here chose the lesser
evil, and now keep the grain of different
owners separate. But all except very
small fraction Of the grain received in Min
neapolis has been inspected and weighed
by the state. This situation calls for an
amendment to the law permitting millers
to rent bins in public warehouses and mix
grades for the purpose Of manufacturing"
ut has also been reported" said Fl. E.
Hodgson, "that certain large shippers on
the Northern Pacific have found it profita-
BILE to ship to Minneapolis, although Du-
luth was their natural Market
"At the outset" said Commissioner Muir
dock, lit was hard to get inspectors at diff
ferent points to hold to the same grades.
For the first six weeks grades at Duluth
were more strict than here. Now, how
ever, they are almost exactly alike"
Several resolutions were reported, but
not all acted upon. 1t was voted that each
congressional district choose two members
of the committee on resolutions.
The session of the convention will be
concluded tomorrow. The programme is:
10 o'clock a. m, discussion--"Good of the
Order;" 2o'clock p. M, addresses by volun-
teer officers; election of officers; adjourn
ment,