The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-06-19
A THIRD OF THE NAMES NOW
Dealers and Growers Alike Favor
the Movement.
RossI THINKS SUCCESS ASSURED
What Some Prominent ViticulturiSts
Say-Schedule of the New
Prices.

Only eighteen days have passed since,
at a meeting OF the Viticultural Congress
held at the Palace Hotel, the initial step
was taken toward founding the Wine
Growers Protective Union" But the
progress 10 be recorded in that short in
terval demonstrates very clearly the popu-
larity of the movement.
When the committee of seven which I'M
dertook the canvass of the State wine
growers entered upon its labors promises
of financial backing we're made by several
bankers on condition that not less than
nine-tenths Of the growers should first sub
scribe to the proposals of the committee.
Already one-third of the number have
signed contracts by the terms of which
the new union secures an option on their
crops and wines for the next five years.
Sub-com mittees are at work in the seven
wire counties, aud their reports indicate
that before the end OF the month a major
Joined the union.
Mr.. p. Z. Rossi, who is the practical
originator of this movement, was seen last
night by a CALL reporter. de was en-
thusiastic over the outlook.
1.-The wine men hail thiS action with de-
light and they have every reason to do so, !"
he said. "The industry has arrived at
such a stage of stagnation through lack of
proper organization that people were be-
ginning TO lose all ambition. Why, only a
few months ago. Mr.. Wehner, whose vine
yard represents an expenditure within the
past three years of over S150,000, an
Dounced that anybody who would agree to
keep his place in proper order for three
years might take it rent free! We had ar
rived at a condition of things when sixty
millions of country property was con-
trolled by one IN the hands of the city
dealers. AS consequence smaller growers
have being crushed out Of existence and
larger ones were losing more money every
year."
AS will be seen by the accompany
ing schedule If prices which Is part of the
contract now being subscribed TO, lot only
are the prices adjusted, but discrimination
is made between the various brands of
wine, and again, between conditions of
growth. This is expected to have the effect
OF stimulating the efforts of yineyardists
who take a pride in scientific viticulture,
and TO silence the complaint so loudly
circulated of late that only quantity
counts"
The city wine-dealers fully appreciate
the benefits which will accrue TO them
equally with their customers by the estab-
llshment Of this organization.
Prominent among them is Charles
kOhler of Kohler & Frohing, who has
fully identified himself with the work
he believes that it will inaugurate new
era In the trade of California and will BE-
the means of putting within everybody's
reach sound Wine at reasonable rates.
Charles Wetmore, who perhaps has done
more than any other grower to advertise
our viticultural resources, is another en-
thusastic supporter. He has undertaken
the canvass of Alameda County and is
working earnestly to secure The co-opera-
tion of all the wine men of that section.
vUh M hoc irtnf
from q business tour through the northern
part of this State and Washington, reports
that there, as elsewhere. the news of the
movement is hailed with delight. The
people about the Sound have long CON-
planned of the inferior quality and exor-
bitaDt prices of wines served by hotel
keepers and others, and when, as is
intended, the union shall establish local
depots for the sale at fair rates of wines
guaranteed quality. they will undoubtedly
be largely patronized. Following is the
schedule Of prices referred to in the cir
culated contract: