The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-11-23
FRUIT SHIPMENTS.
Large Increase Over Last
Years Output.
Agents Meet for the Purpose of
ReOrganiZing-New Steamer
Line.

The approaching close OF the fruit sea-
son gives the statsticlans An opportunity
TO do little figuring upon California;
crop. The reports made by the Southern
Pacific freight department relative 10 the
shipments during the season show de-
cided gain over those of last year in almost
every particular.
The total shipments up to date have
been 6600 cars against $3.50 last year, which
shows gain of $50 cars. Most of this
fruit was shipped before the strike. and
but for that unfortunate experience it is
claimed that the total figures would have
been greatly enlarged
There are still some grapes moving, but
the bulk Of the crop has been marketed,
the last rain having destroyed many that
were on the vines, and there yet remains
but very little of the crop to move. Last
year there were about 100 cars of apples
shipped East after this time, but that sea-
son the crop In that section was short
while this year it is large. consequently a
poor market is the result.
10 canned fruits and vegetables there
were shipped this year 2200 cars, last year
HOO. a gain Of just 100 per cent.
or prunes and other dried fruits not in
year 2250 cars, last year 2200.
Hops this year 775 cars, last year 575.
Canned fish this year 575 cars, last year
$50.
Raisins this year 1850 cars, last year 1850.
The initial step was taken yesterday by
the representatives of the various rail-
roads having Offices in this city looking 20
the generalization of the local Passenger
Association upon mere stable basis than
that upon which the old organization
rested. A meeting for this purpose was
held in the Palace Hotel but it resulted in
no definite action being taken, and the
meeting adjourned to again assemble at
the call of the chair.
| One OF the principal causes of the
alacrity displayed by the regular agents is
| endeavorlng to once more get together in
| the activity Of the scalpers. One of these
| gentlemen has issued circular in which
| be openly asserts that he is able to sell
regular tickets at far less than usual rates
and makes other equally startling PROPOSE
lions. The general tone of this circular
would lead to the conviction that an I'M
derstanding exists between the scalpers
and the regular agents in this city
| although the latter vehemently assert that
there Is no ground whatever for such an
assum Dtion. However that may be, the
rate-cutting has become so open and has
caused such Generalization that something
must be done to check it or chaos will fol-
| low.
The Pacific Mail line of steamers is pre-
pairing to place in service fast freight
line to Guatemala. Under present condi-
lions there is a serious disadvantage in
the shipment of vegetables ana green
! fruit to that country because of the delay
incurred at San Jose de Guatemala. I'm
der the customs regulations of that coun-
try heretofore these perish able articles
were kept at that point for from ten days
to two weeks, and in that hot climate
great loss naturally followed. The Guate-
malaB Government has finally been in.
duced 10 offer a remedy for this trouble,
and will heuceforth give permission for
| tie shipment of these articles direct to
their destination without tue delay men
toned. The new arrangement will open
up very promising market Tor Califor-
man products. which have heretofore been
practically shut out because of the restric-
tions mentioned. The Pacific Mail will
make special arrangements for the ship
ment OF vegetables 10 particular.