The morning call., 1893-07-05
COMPETITION AND PROSPERITY
Special TO THE MORNING CALL.

FRESNO. July night there
will be meeting of the Fresno Board OF
Trade Tor the purpose of giving expression
by resolutions of the interest when 1t is
taking in the railroad which IHE CALL IS
so earnestly advocating.
The people of Fresno are deeply stirred
up over the building Of new route from
Stockton to Bakersfield. and the enterprise
will receive the hearty support of its ct-
zens. The business men and producers Of
this city and county are in the same con-
dition as those In the other portions of the
San Joaquin VaIley-at the mercy Of the
Southern Pacific Company.
There are no people in the State who
more fully realize the great necessity for
cheaper as Well as equitable rates of trans
portauon than do those of this section.
The clear. concise and convincing manner
in which the cheapness CT the construc-
ton Of the new road and the profitable
character of the investment has been set
forth has attracted the attention of all.
and upon every side are heard expressions
of great faith.
While the construction Of the new road
will create the greatest rejoicing in Fresno,
the people here will wait before subscribing
to learn what San Francisco is going to do
They realize that the road will be bless
ing 10 San Francisco as well as to the
valley. and San Francisco ought to be
willing to do its share. especially when it
will derive such an increased trade upon
its completion.
This town and county have always done
their share in the efforts that have been
made in the past to secure competing rail-
roads, and are ready TO do the same again
No one doubts that the new road is the
best line that has ever been proposed,
and one that can be built cheaply, and
transport the products of this section at a
low rate. For these reasons it will be
more earnestly supported than any other
route.
1t is difficult to comprehend the vast
area Of Fresno County ard its almost end
less variety of resources. 1t comprises
over 100000 acres of land. It's eastern
boundary line is the summit of the Sierra
Nevada mountains. Its southern boundary
Is the Kings River, and thence it extends
north about sixty miles. comprising within
Itself all the elements Of a, great State, lot
only in superficial area but in natural
resources.
1t has been estimated that the value of
the products shipped out of this county
duliSg the last year was fully So 900, 000
l. took 1860 cars to haul out the II, las, coo
pounds of raisins. the product of last year,
there being an increase over 1891 of 49,
100000 pounds. There were $50, 1000 600
pounds of wheat 100000 pounds of cat
tie, 10000 COO pounds of fruit. 1000, 600
ON n DC "A In hnr i,, I'D
Of pounds Of other products.
How much the Southern Pacific Com
pany received for hauling that large
amount Of goods to a market of course
cannot be learned, but many persons esti-
mate that it obtained nearly 20 per cent of
its value.
There are thousands Of acres Of fine TIM
Der in this county that will quickly reach
the markets when just rates ale secured
Every product will be increased several
fold, and there will be an influx o. Sc ttlers
whenever we secure a competing line.
SAN FRANCISCO MUST ACT.
Some of the leading men of the county
express themselves as very confident that
when the Traffic Association has obtained
from San Francisco the amour. which it
should subscribe there will be no trouble
in securing the right of way. lands for
deuot and other buildings, and also large
amount in money for the capital stock of
the new road. AS one expressed it, when
the work has been completed it will be
found that Fresno has given its full share
and all that can be reasonably expected
of it,"
At the present time the building OF a.
railroad to Monterey is agitated, and it is
said that a contract for its construction
has already been agreed upon. The people
Of Fresno, however, do not believe that the
road to Monterey will give them all the re-
lief which they are seeking, and while
. they may support IL with liberal contribu-
tons, they are willing to do great deal
more for the Stockton and Bakersfield
road.
While the road to Monterey will reach
the sea. it will not bring the people of this
place to large market, such a one as is
required for the business men of Fresno.
considering the large territory which they
lave TO supply.
One thing is very apparent throughout
the entire San Joaquin Valley, and that is
that a considerable number of the leading
dealers in general merchandise enjoy
special rates from the Southern Pacific
Company, and receive goods upon
through and special rates from Eastern
points that prohibit the competition of
San Francisco wholesale merchants. This
condition Of affairs exists and can be easily
proved If desired.
In discussing the proposed new railroad
with the people of Fresno the correspond
ent of The CALL has not met one person
who is not anxious for the line to be built
and who is not willing to contribute his
proportion of the amount necessary to
secure ii.
FRESNO BOARD OF TRADE.
Thomas E. Hughes, president of the
Fresno County Board Of Trade and lead
ing capitalist, is much pleased over the
prospect of new road, and in expressing
his views said:
There is nothing that our people so
much desire as the new road from Stock
ton to Bakersfield via this place. For sew
eral years we have been holding meetings
and pledging money for new railroads to
Feesno, but unfortunately we never get