Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1891-08-13
THE LUMBERMEN.
The First Days Session in Con-
vention at St. Louis.
STANDARD GAUGE QUESTION.
Reports Showing the Condition of the
Manufacturing Interests Over
Territory Covered by
the Association.

ST. LOUIS, Mo-, Aug. 12.-The conven-
ton of the Southern lumber manufacturers
association opened at 10 80 this morning in
the assembly room of the public school
board, Polytechnic building. Col. r. NJ.
Fry, president of the st. Louis
lumbermens exchange opened the
meeting with few remarks of welcome to
non-residents of the association, and then
Col Jack p. Richardson of St Louis
escorted the president of the association. j.
B. White of Grandin, Mo-, to the chair.
President White made little speech, con-
graduating the association on the
large attendance and good spirits
OF the members in spite
of the dull times in the lumber trade. In
conclusion President White appointed u
committee ON credentials and one on enroll
ment.
Recess was then taken and the committee
on enrolment enrolled a number of gentle
men.
At IL o'clock the members visited the
Chamber of Commerce and were introduced
to ST. Louis merchants on the floor
AFTERNOON SESSION.
1t was 1890 p. IN. when the afternoon ses-
sion was called to order by President White.
The report of the committee on credeu-
tials was first read II set forth that some
two hundred firms were entitled to seat
i'll the convention, all of which were emu
meratcd.
y number of hardwood delegates from
Tennessee, who were present, We're privi-
legged by unanimous vote TO all rights of
the convention.
The question of q standard gauge then
came up for discussion. and developed much
interest. 1t was eventually referred to
committee, who will report in the morning
The report of Secretary George II.
Smith followed Mr. Smith began by re-
y-inr;-ir1,r tho work 1pnn nv 40 Inn, bpr
manufacturers for the past six months.
lie spoke of the overstock held
by manufacturers which caused de-
cline in prices. The tactics OF a num-
Der of manufacturers who had extended
their credit in anticipation of promises held
forth for an immense increase of trade in
the fail of 1890, and which. falling short,
had thrown them on their own resources.
We're mentioned. he also set forth
how this condition of affairs was
slowly but surely passing away. He
mentioned the work of reform that is being
done by the Southern lumber manufac-
turers' association, and extended thanks to
the railroads of the South for the friendli-
ness they have exhibited towards the asso-
citation. The rapid increase in the
amount of dressed lumber manu-
featured in the South, and the
widening territory which consumes
it has revealed the necessity, he said for
uniform standard for matching, so that the
stock from Alabama will match that of Ar
kansas. He then went on to say that the
small operator is one that will be most
benefited by the adoption Of the standard
gauge.
The first attempt at gathering statistics,
he continued, was made June |, when about
one thousand blanks We're sent, asking
three questions, viz: The amount shipped
in 1890, the amount on hand June >, 1891.
aud the estimated output for 1891, Two
hundred and thirty-two replies were re-
ceived, which, condensed and grouped by
states, show the following results: