The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-08-17

today nothing definite was known. At
the board Of trade OF Cycle Manufac-
| turers. 800 Broadway, today. however. il
Was admitted that the consolidation was
on foot and James Sullivan OF the Spald-
ing company admitted that the reports
We're correct, and that the negotiations
had been under way for several weeks.
Everything has gone smoothly, he said,
and unless something unforeseen should
occur the consolidation would be effect
ed.
The men who are arranging the reor-
ganizati0n. according 10 the statements
OF Mr.. Sullivan and others, are Colonel
Albert Pope OF the Pope Manufacturing
company, A. G. Spalding OF Spalding
Bros. the American Welded Tube COM
pany, Edward Warwick, H A. Lozier OF
Cleveland, o., and several others, prin-
c;pally Englishmen, who are said 20 be
E. T. Hooley. Martin Rucker, the latter
being connected with the Humber Cycle
company. and Albert Moore. all OF whom
have been prominent N reorganizations
and consultations in England.
The idea 70 bring about a consolida-
ton seems TO have originated last fall.
Il came about as the result Of the large
ovSrpr0iuction OF wheels for 1896 Dur
ing the year previous the production OF
wheels did not equal the demand. and as
result ali the factories worked over
time, producing wheels for the following
season. The demand was not only sup
piled. but the market was glu;ied with
wheels. Almost every manufacturer in
the country was oyerstocked. Then came
the slump in the market and the subse-
Guent cut in prices. Wheels that were
made 10 sell for 500 have been sold for
half that amount, and in many cases for
less than il cist the manufacturer TO
produce them. The agents auction sale
recently was the result of this overpro-
duction. To prevent such loss in the
future the consolidation was suggested.
Al the office Of ErPest Frank. secre-
tary OF the Board Of Cycle Manufactur-
ers, 1t was sad today that while the
board had no official knowledge OF the
consolidation, credence was given 10 the
report, as many of the members were
in no wise pleased with the state Of
trade. While the demand for bicycles
was as great as ii ever mad been, the
market was overstocked. Something
ought to be done. ii was said. and a con-
solidation appeared 10 be the best way
out OF the difficulty
1t is sad that the idea was first de-
veioped by mail. The trip abroad by
the manufacturers followed. Colonel
Pope ard Mr.. Spalding sailed July %.
with their lawyers, to meet the English
men, and word was received from them
last night that the consolidation would
probably De effected.
Something had to be DONE" said Mr.
Sullivan, land the consolidation was
thought to be the best way out of the
difficulty. Consolda tons have taken
place in other trades, 10 the advantage
Of both both the producer and consumers
When a large concern takes hold it pro-
duceS more, reduces the expense of pro-
duction 20 a minimum, and consequently
can sell for less. II can also make
better machine. / am not at liberty 10
so into details at present
TIE first company TO be organized IN |
London after establishing trade and |
plant here is the H. A. Lozier, and the |
American Tube company OF Cleveland |,
was recently consolidated with a con- |
Germ in England. The English directors |!
are William Plinkington, Arthur Pink |
lngton, T. Smedley, Frank Mills and W. |
5. Taylor.