Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-06-26
THE FRUIT TRAIN.

Achievement being better than theory,
the success of the Fruit Growers Associa-
ton, in dispatching the first fast fruit train
for the East, and at the lowest rates at
which any mixed fruit consignments have
been forwarded, iustifes the friends of that
institution in manifesting their satisfac-
ton in iubilant ways. We have taken no
part in the very lively and not uninterest-
ing debate between the producers Of fruit
interested in the two principal associa-
tions, relative to the methods of shipping
to and disposing of California fruit at the
East. We have been content to await the
test of trial, satisfied that the best plans
will determine their virtues, and that the
fruit-growers of this State after all their
troubling, Will settle down upon systems
that will expeditiously get our fruit into
the Eastern market, distribute it over the
broadcast area, and free it from the monopo-
lizing schemes of any Eastern middlemen
or mere spectators. The fruit interests of
this State are too large, and involve too
much, to be made the plaything of East
ern manipuators, or to be cribbed and con-
fined by the limited plans and the doubts.
and timidity OF home raisers or dealers
The commercial problem, under the agita-
ton it has experienced, we have believed
would work out its own best results in due
time, and it very evidently is now in the
throes of that process The first fast spe-
cial train has been loaded, forwarded, and
is now nearly halfway across the CONT
nent. And it was forwarded from
Sacramento, and by an association
originated in this county. while
others have as yet not made ready.
There is, therefore, pardonable local
pride to be taken in this event. Assuming
that the fruit meets with no mishap en-
route, and arrives on time in good condi-
ton, the dispatch Of the train means the
Inauguration of new era in the fruit
transportation business. 1t testifies to our
ability to reach and command market at
the East it means that the absolute neces-
sity for proft-sharing in an unconscionable
degree with Eastern houses does not exist
it means that the railway companies do
not stand in the way in this matter, but
are anxious and willing to foster this de-
veloping trade; it means that California
has broad market for this class of her
products, and can enter and clear it up be-
fore the competition of Eastern fruit sets
| in; it means encouragement for fruit
growers throughout the State, and it
means too, that they are not Of necessity
forced to assume such risks in the disposal
of their products, as we have been led to
believe. 1t is to be hoped that the Fruit
Union will be spurred by this dispatch Of
special train by its friendly competitor,
to still further enlargement of the bust
ness, and that it too will prove its ability
speedily to forward by special fast and
cheap trains, and establish the ability OF
the fruit-growers of California to choose
their position in the Eastern market, and
to command fair profit at the minimum
of risk. There is product enough for the
active labors of both associations the field
at the East is broad enough for both Of
| thor,