The record-union., 1895-02-05

W. FEBRUARY 5. 1895
fed reports from the Eastern and Middle
States confirmed the earlier announce
kinds of fruit. California growers, by
reason ofthese conditions, saw before them
what appeared TO be a bright future.
They accordingly felt exultant, not over
the mlSiortunes OF the Eastern grower,
but that the two conditions of a full sup
ply and good demand were simultaneous,
and that they would reap the reward of
their labor in manifold degree.
AS the season progressed early esti-
mates Of yield were becoming more APP
parent. Soon the heavily laden trees
were ready to be relieved of their inn
mense loads of luscious fruit, and the
picking, packing and shipping season
was on with its multitude Of people eager
for employment. In many cases con-
tracts had been closed for the sale OF en-
tire or portions of crops. Prosperity
prevailed throughout the State. and en-
ployment was at hand for thousands Of
men, women and children. The iruiting
season was at its zenith and cOntentment
reIgned supreme, when suddenly, like
clap of thunder from a clear sky, came
the murmurIng OF
OF June, 1891, and which eliminated in
complete tie-up Of overland roads. Com
ing as it did at the period of gathering of
fruits Tor Eastern market, it spread con-
sternation among all engaged in That
great industry OF our State. The fruit
was rapidly rlpening under the warm
summer sun, and contracts to fill were
fast expiring; but by this misfortune,
with ample fruit TO fulfill all orders and
at prices that promised profitable returns,
the orchardst was forced to suspend
operations, and whore preparations for
drying had not been made, permit his
fruit to decay in the orchard.
This was their return for the care, toll
and risk incurred in properly preparing
their fruit for market. Having overcome
disaster through other agencies, in many
cases they were awaiting returns to be
applied to the canoeing OF mortgages and
removal Of that ever dreaded incubus,
interest. Words are insufficient to
thoroughly describe the deplOraDle state
many OF cur growers We're left in by the
condition of affairs brought about by
this foolish strike, caused by those who
had utter disregard tor all interests of the
State, save their own. The loss in money
TO the truit-grOWers of the State is eSti-
mated by those most competent to Judge
10 have been
NOT LESS THAN $I,O00,OO0.
II is no little expense to bring a crop of
fruit TO maturity. BY this strike not only
the money to meet the expenses of this
season was swept aside in many cases, but
also that 10 meet current expenses until
the crop of next season was gathered and
sold. The evil caused by that railroad
ue-up will not be eradicated Tor years TO
come.
This misfortune seemed to leave us in
settled bad weather." which continued
through to the end Of the year. as prices
remained impaired, aud confidence in
trade was badly shattered.
Growers in localities, with varieties of
frult that ripened later on in the season,
were very materially injured, as the con-
gestlOn OF fruit and its delivery in poor
condition greatly affected prices realized
before the strike. Coupled with this
came fearful business depression
throughout the country, SO that any i'll
crease in prices was out OF the question
Few realized anything like what was eX-
pected, and these were exceptional cases
Of fancy fruit.
OUR OUTPUT OF FRESH FRUIT
Under these conditions was most phe-
nomenal. We shipped from this State
nearly 5000 carloads O fresh fruit, and of
all KINDS nearly $4,000 carloads. But for
the strike these figures would have been
increased % 10 30 per cent.
Our ability to produce fruit in all un-
limited quantity to supply the demands
OF consumers has been most thoroughly
demonstrated. The next subject that
should command attention must be the
establishment OF Il system of marketing
our products. Have we the ability for
that?
THE STATE HORTICULTURAL CONVENTION
Held in Sacramento in November last
was tue most important meeting that has
been held in this State for many years, as
its principal object was the consideration
of the question of marketing our fresh
fruits. IAls convention was composed
Of growers from all sections OF the State,
fruit-shipping agents and representatives
OF the Southern Pacific COMPANY All
were equally interested and anxious for
light upon this Important question.
The makeup OF the convention for the
discussion OF the subject was most appro-
pirate. The growers representing the
base, the shippers the intermediary and
the railroad company the finishing cap Of
the SuperStrUcLure.
The growers very forcibly presented
their case to the convention, showing
their inability to produce the fresh fruit
for market with any warrant OF profit
under existing conditions. That the
product OF their orchards was being over
loaded with expense before they reach
the consumers market, which fact greatly
hampered general use Of our fresh fruits
that are sold III competition with The East
ern product, as the prices we are COM
PEELED to meet Will not as a rule give the
grower necessary returns. They MAIN
tanned that freight and refrigerator car
service, as well as the delays in transit.
were the most prominent barriers to their
success; that S24O per car, plus Si25 for re-
trigeratOrs, TO Chicago was in excess of
what the interest would stand, and that a
reduction of rates, faster time by freight
trains and aOolishment of refrigerator
cars were quite necessary for them to
make any degree OF success in the busi-
ness.
FRESH FRUIT SHIPMENTS.
The representatives of the Southern
Pacific Company informed the conven-
ton that they were there seeking in
formation as to causes OF complaints and
to discuss the subject openly with grow
ers, that they might ascertain in what
way they could meet the requests Of these
gentlemen. They submitted figures upou
cost OF service and other matters touch
ing upon the handling of California
fruits. They exhibited cOrreSDOndence
with connecting roads which piaiulv told
of their endeavors and arrangements con-
summated previous to the strike for ex-
pedited service, and they showed further
inclination to take the same suDject-nat-
ter up again Immediately for the coming
season. They also expressed desire TO
act III accordance with requests for re-
duction of rates, if it were possible 10
make arrangements with connecting
lines, ana invited consultation with a
committee, TO be named by the cOnven-
ton, upon the subject.
They also favored any process whereby
the use OF refrigerator cars could be dis
pensed with. On the whole we think