The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-02-16
PRICES NOT CHANGED.
Shinglemen Make a New List
and Then Rescind 1t.
APLAN TO GET PLENTY OF CARS.
After . New Price List IL Adopted, 1t IL
Abandoned in . Panic-COndi-
tiOn OF the Trade.

uIccbluS tcSteIudy All tAc OAA
opera house. After spending the whole
day in arranging a new scale of prices and
rates OF commission to sales agents. and
adopting them by a good majority, the
association in the last five minutes OF the
session rescinded the entire action and
left matters in exactly the same condition
as before the meeting convened.
The principal question which has for
some time agitated the members of the
association was the discomfort among the
wholesale dealers of the East at the action
OF the association in aboiishing the trade
discount for large orders. A majority Of
the nilimen were in favor of making some
concession to the wholesalers, but the mi
nority, backed up by the dealers, were
vigorous in opposing such a step. Some
OF the county associations held caucuses
on the subject Tuesday evening, and the
matter was fully discussed in the hotel
lobbies by all interested.
About fifty members were present at the
meeting yesterday morning, representing
either in person or by proxy lis mills out
OF III in the association. The morning
session was devoted to the reading by
Secretary A. b. Dunniway Of reports from
millmen, agents and dealers all over the
country in regard to cutting prices,
methods of selling, commissions 10 age. IS
and the general condition of the market.
From these it was apparent that consider
able cutting OF prices had been done by
miimen who were forced to sell their sur
plus product. Eastern dealers are quot
ing prices below the assol iation retail
prices and are filling orders at the
reduced rates. The product of several
mills was in the hands of the banks
as collateral. and agents Of Eastern
houses had come out here and quietly
bought up these lots. Others had for
warded cars to Eastern brokers to sell on
commission and when the cold weather
came on were forced to accept such prices
as were offered by wholesale houses which
had taken and stored the product in their
yards. In this way great many shingles
are now held by Eastern dealers. How
ever. the extent to which the cutting Of
prices has been carried has been exagger-
ated. Many dealers have come out here
to pick up shingles at reduced
prices, but they have not pur-
chased near as many as they
would have people believe. Most
OF the members of the association have
lived up to the agreement, and some have
helped the weaker members by taking
their product The recent cold snap and
snOwstorm has helped to stffen prices,
because nearly all the mills were forced to
shut down. Some mills are now resuming
and within two weeks many others will
do so. The outlook for this seasons bust
ness is good. if enough cars can be OBJ
tanned to haul the product TO market.
Last year the output was about 10000
coo, but on account of the starting of new
mills and increase of capacity 10y Old mills
it will be nearly doubled, and may reach
1000 100000.
After the reading of the reports there
was general discussion of the topics
touched upon by them.
At the afternoon session the association
tackled the question of making conces-
sions IN prices to wholesale houses on a
proposition to allow them diiferential of
10 cents per thousand on tifteen-car orders
for immediate shipment. After consider
able rambling argument this was voted
down, as was also another making the
dlflerentlal apply to ten-car orders, but the
proposition to make it apply to tive-car
orders finally carried by good majority
Another discussion then arose on liking
the prices. Various propositions were
made, but finally the price was fixed at
81. 20 on iive-car OTIS and 81. so on smaller
orders. After considerable debate the rate
to retailers was made to take effect on
March and the rate to wholesalers i'm
medateiy.
The question Of commissions to sales
agents was decided by fixing them at s.. 30
per car on orders of less than five cars and
50. - per car on tive-car orders.
4 resolution was also passed that no
member of the association should offer
another member a price lower than 10 per
cent. below the association price.
Several applications for membership
from dealers were received reported on.
Some were accepted, others rejected and
some laid on the table.
4 proposition came up to ask the rail-
roads for a further reduction in freight
rates in order TO enable manufacturers to
reach additional territory. 1t was argued
that this should be done on account of the
prospective vast increase In the output this
year and the necessity of extending the
market for the product in consequence
The proposition was laid on the table
however, IN order that better understand
ing of the workings of the new tariffs re-
Gently adopted may be arrived at before
taking any action.
Foster X Hastings. who are Tacoma
shIngie dealers. then gave notice that they
had only recently expended 500 in max
ing out new lists. and rather than do the
work all over again they would withdraw
from the association While this was the
4 h-.i,.
action was induced by Others more forci-
bic After considerable discussion, how
ever. they agreed TO withdraw their resIg-
nation if the Old lists shouli stand until!
the April meeting.
\ panic then seemed 70 strike the assoc
cation. and il was moved and carried by a
good majority that all the former action
IN regard to new prices be entirely re-
scinaed and the old prices continued IN
force
T. H. Fleming. of this city, then offered
the following resolution, which was
adopted:
WHEREAS. The development o: al Eastern
mArAei tor tie consumption OF our lumber and
shingles : conceded to be paramount, in i'm
,o5tauce 10 the prosperity OF the Puget sound
Cuaairy; and
marx. ponds not 50 much on the demand ior
the product Fast Is II depends upon the ability
OF tie railroads 10 furnish cars Tor loading and
NHESKAs The present low lumber ana shin
g.e tariffs VII no. warrant the railroad cOrpa-
D.es IL hau ing empty ears from the East for
!E8ter a8i n ucie sh pments. be IL
Rts.ot@T That Il /. the conviction OF this $3.50
Cation that il. members should realize the i'm
yoE'suce Of prompt loading and direct billing Of
al, - rIl.snt ta. nj hA de-
iuTtLeFm re. tals assocIatioa earnestly pess
tae co-olerat.on Of all rnerca ants trihntarE 70