The herald., 1894-11-15

oub VI tile dlInOst COuipletc lhiluio VI tbo
crop OF 1898 to find a market. 1t was
large crop and fairly good one-at least
it was practically free from frost. Owing
to the doubtful condition of the eastern
market the local fruit buyers held of
until a large number OF the growers were
tempted into shipping on commission,
making themselves responsible even for
the cost of packing and shipping. The
eastern market, suddenly overwhelmed
with fruit. shipped without system and
with no warning in advance. collapsed
to absolute flatness, and remained in
that condition TO the end of the season.
In desperation at the almost complete
lose of their crop the growers came to-
gether, as they had never been able to
do before, and by the beginning OF the
season of 1894. three .fourths OF them had
gone into the unions.
These unions appear for the most part
to have been managed with prudence,
conservatism and good business judg-
ment. 1t is true that there was
not the complete absence of jealousy
OF the various sections which the dire
necessity OF the situation seemed to de-
mand; but on the whole. there was
much less friction than had been antici-
pated skilled business men we're placed
in charge of the work. and the general
result wac satisfactory to all concerned
it was at least 30 much better than the
experience of the preceding year, that
few have been heard to complain. In
the general decentralization OF business
in the east. which continued through.
the season of the sale for oranges, it was
not TO be expected that first-class prices
could be obtained, and the orange growers
of Southern California took their share
of the hard times ia that shape. More
which were poured into the principal
eastern cities before the unions were in
q position to head them off. tended still
further to upset and demoralize the
eastern market. But considering the
hard conditions under which they were
compelled to operate, and the fact that
it wac their rst year Of existence, the
unions are entitled to a great deal OF
credit for the success OF their work.
1t is easy to see that il every orange
nine-tenths of them, belonged to the
union, the frozen fruit difficulty would
cease to exist. No union would be 80
foolish as to ruin its chances of future
business by shipping worthless fruit,
and no individual or set OF individuals
could find market without the help of
a union.
As to the widening &c the market,
there is no doubt that the 65 100000
people of the union want all the oranges
that are grown now, and five or ten
times as many more, if they can get
them. The work of developing the
market, however, is not one that can be
undertaken by individuals. II is q fit
labor for the unions. or for a combina.
ton of them ALL A tax of only two
cents per box would yield 100000 or
$40, 900 year. which, if used for consis-
tent and intelligent advertising, would
soon open up and widen the market for
all California citrus fruit. Every other
business is advertised and pushed; why
should this one, which involves several
millions of dollars annually, be allowed
to take its chances?
The crop of 1895 ia, as we have said,
likely to be q large one, and will call Tor
the best judgment of shrewd men to get
it into the eastern market with advan-
tage to the Southern California grower.
We have no doubt that the Unions will
gain in strength this year and will show
themselves capable of meeting the vari-
GUS difficult problems that the business
presents.