The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-04-04
RAPE-GROW Frs.
Organization of the Grape-Grow'
ers' Protective Association.

The Los Gatos Mail says OF the first grape
growers meeting, held few days since in
that town: SeYenty-iYe growers, mainly
from the Saratoga wine district, were pres
ent. Colonel Hall was elected temporary
Chairman and Mr.. Sonntheimer, Manager
of The Pacific Winery, San Jose, Secretary.
The Chairman briefly stated that the object
of the call was to afford the grape-growers
of the west side of the valley an 0pportu-
Eity of organizing for self-protection against
the wine-makers' and wine merchants COM
binations. 1t was pointed out that the
wine merchants, and chiefly those Of San
Francisco, have been enabled for several
years to fix the prices which the local wine
ries should pay the grape-growers for their
grapes. By combination they have forced
grapes down in less than seven years from
S25 TO SO a ton. The grape-grOwers, as
stated, cannot make any money at these low
prces-to many of them such prices mean
therefore, been forced to the conclusion
that their only chance of escaping the ruin
that the wine-makers are forcing on
them is to combine and form themselves
into an association which shall be empow-
cred to guard and protect their interests in
forcing grapes up to living prices.
The meeting was very enthusiastic, all
present being imbued with the Importance
of the movement, and in their remarks gave
evidence of their desire and determination
TO push it to successful issue. Colonel
McGliucy, a large fruit-grower near Camp
bells Station, and who was present by spe-
cial invitation, addi esSed the meeting. His
remarks were chiefly devoted TO outlining
plan of organization and pointing out the
best methods of acquiring the desired re-
suits. Part of the proposed scheme is to
permit wine-makers, who own their own
vineyards, 10 join the association and to sug-
gest and encourage the organization of SINH
lar associations in other sections OF Santa
Clara County, as also in Napa and SonOma.
Among the speakers were Captain Crosby,
MIR. Bozo RadOyich and Mr.. Sonntheimer,
of San Jose. The following committee on
organization was then appointed by the
Charman: Colonel McGlincy, A. Malpas,
Peter Ball, J. p. Bubb, Bozo Radovich and
Captain Howes.
The committee was instructed to formu-
late plan Of organization and report the
same at the next meeting, to be held at the
same place next Thursday, April I'd. Prior
to that date the committee arranged to meet
at Mr. T. z. Bulbs 10 discuss plan OF or
ganiZltiOD.
According to agreement the Committee on
Organization met at the residence of Mr.. L.
=. Bubb on tine Saratoga side of the valley.
Present-C0lonel Mckinney. Bozo RadOyich,
A. Malpas, Peter Ball, L. p Bubb, Captain
A. II. Woods. The latter gentleman was
auueu W tH6 CUuHllliGt, NtDttll 1IOheo uub
being able TO be present.
On motion Colonel McGlincy was elected
permanent Chairman and Mr.. BUzo Rado-
vioh Secretary of the meeting.
A resolution was adopted that the COM
mittee recommend the following:
Frst-That this organization be known as the
California Grape growers Protective AssOca-
lion OF Santa Clara Valley, Neslside.
Second-That none but grape-gr0wers and
wine makers who are owners OF vineyards be
eligible to nemb rsllip in The association.
Third-That the association be empowered 10
appoint an advisory board, whose duty shall be
10 devise method for The disposition OF the
coming vintage.
FUurth-Thlt a membership fee of So be
assessed to each member Of lie association.
Ffih-ThaI TWO delegates be appointed for The
purpose OF visiting che other grape growing dis
tricis Of the State to secure cooper alton with
The association.