Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-04-06

Against OUTSIDE COHIIJOCAOiOA4'e'Ai N'
Tells Why.
The public disapproval of the combina-
ton of ice dealers. and the determination
TO fight the trust, took tangible form last
night at a meeting OF large consumers Of
ice. held in the Howell House There was
good attendance and great amount of
interest was manifested in the movement.
The gentlemen present represented the
hotels. butchers. druggists, contecuoners'
saloons and private consumers, and the
sentiment favorable 10 war against the
trust was unanimous.
After a general discussion of the matter
an organization was formed, which will be
known as the Consumers Ice Company.
A. A. Franzheim was selected as chair
man. and Charles Lennon secretary. The
attendance was so great that the meeting
was adjourned from the parIors to the
dining room. Another meeting will be held
at the Howell House Wednesday night,
when joint stock company will be form
ed. The prominent gentlemen who are be-
hind this movement assert that matters
are in such shape that its success is prac-
tically assured.
The Wheeling Ice Exchange shows
no disposition TO change its intention
TO raise the rates of ice TO the con-
sumers of Wheeling and vicinity this
summer, Notwithstanding the declared
purpose Of some of the largest consum-
-. nf IN,
w. Corners, general manager OF the
Wheeling Ice and Storage Company,
stated TO a Register representative that
the ice dealers had raised the rates. not
to take advantage or to impose upon
the people, but because that they did
so in order 10 secure a fair profit. He
said that every dealer in Wheeling had
conducted his business at a loss last
year and that they were either COMPEL
ed to increase the price TO a profitable
point or quit business.
He was of the opinion that ii was i'm
possible for any opposition dealers
from outside of town TO compete with
the Exchange, as they could not furnish
ice. after paying the freight to Wheel
ing. any cheaper than the local deal
ers. Mr. Conner was we'll acquainted
with the parties from Fairmont and
Grafton who were endeavOring to Sc
cure the local trade. One Of them had
plant that had a six ton capacity. and
the other factory was only capable OF
making twelve tons. They were not
able to furnish the people Of their own
towns with enough ice through the
season. and have been compelled here
tofore TO buy from Wheeling dealers.
If thy sold ice at the rate Of 81 ton
to Wheeling consumers and pay the
freight rate Of lao from these points
the Wheeling consumers would have to
pay the total price, amounting to $40
per ton. While it was possible at the
present time TO ship lake ice here
cheaper somewhat than the local deal
ers were selling. yet il would cost
more during the summer than the price
of the Exchange. which is SO per ton,
on account Of the great loss caused by
melting on the road In addition 10
this. the lake ice is not considered pure
or healthful. The health officials Of
the lake ports prohibit the cutting of
any ice except at certain distance
from the shore. where ii is not diluted
with the filth that is drained from the
cities along the lake.
Mr.. Conner further stated that there
was no likelihood of any Of the dealers
who belong to the association drawing
out. for they would he only injuring
themselves. At the present time none
Of the natural ice dealers belong but
have signifed their intention Of join
ing Just as soon as two or three other
manufactured ice men become men,
bers. This seems certain, and the pros
poets are bright that the schedule fixed
by the Wheeling Ice Exchange will be
the prevailing rates during this sum-
mer and season. They do not con-
slider the present rates unreasonable.
and 10 Justify the increase compare
the present schedule with the rates in
Pittsburg. where the wholesale prices
are the same as in Wheeling. and the
prices TO retail buyers are 80 per cent
higher.
In connection with this matter, + may
be interesting TO note the fact that a new
process has been discovered in New York.
by which ice may be manufactured 10 sell
~ good profit at one dollar a ton. one
Of the new machines is in operation in
that city. Il will freeze ice in thirty min
utes instead Of several hours. by the pres
ent process. a thirty ton machine would
therefore turn out ton every minute.