The herald., 1898-03-11

Chicago. for instance, have been reduced,
on the quiet, by means of rebates and
otherwise. one-fourth. Together this
means rs cents per box advantage to the
foreign growers. Thus what we gained by
the tariff is largely nullified. -.
II the transportation lines Of the eastern
states and the Atlantic ocean can thus
assist foreign growers, isn't 1t right and
just that we ask our western lines to help
US? And wouldn't 1t be business for them
to do so? We may be in error, but It does
seem that a policy OF fostering and encour-
aging the citrus fruit industry Of Southern
California would be wise one for both the
Southern Pacific and Santa Fe to adopt.
1t would pay well now, and immensely
AS to lemons In this country, scores of
cars have gone to waste during the last
two months. Standard, or third-grade
fruit, has dropped out Of sight nearly all
OF 1t being left In the orchards. Much
choice fruit, and In some cases even the
fancy, has received the same treatment.
Some of our more daring dealers are will
Ing to hazard paying VI cent per pound for
fancy and choice green lemons of regula-
ton sizes. And some growers accept the
paltry sum. Others say: "We'll let the
lemons rot first" and they do Are the
railroads serving their own interests In
allowing this to go on? As nearly 200, 900
boxes OF foreign lemons are today af16at for
this country, we know not when this condi-
tion will change, unless you railroad men
change 1t.
Again, as you know, there are scale pests
TO be fought, fertilizers to be bought and
numerous other obstacles to overcome that
cost money. Add to this the further fact
that we are in a dry year. when growers
are likely to have to fight for the very life
of their trees, to say nothing of the coming
crop, and you can see that the future for
citrus fruit growers and shippers Is not
bright.
We trust you will give this matter earn
est consideration and bring 1t to the atten-
ton Of the powers that be-" If you wish
to corroborate the assertions that we make
as shippers, ask the growers. If you then
wish further evidence visit the Pacific
Coast Steamship wharf on steamer day
and see the carloads after carloads that go
north, even though the coast markets are
and have been glutted all the season. Had
you been at the wharf last steamer day
February 9th, you would have seen over
1000 boxes shipped, enough for a train load.
Your lines would have secured, without the
asking, the greater portion of this ship
ment had conditions been as they should
be. But the growers and packers looked
at the eastern markets and found them
low; they looked at the coast,markets and
IOunu tHem low, tHey meultdVeu On your
freight charges of 90 cents per box in car
load lots. on oranges. then on the steamer
charge of II cents per box in carload lots
and then started their fruit northward by
steamer.
For ten years now the citrus fruit freight
rate to Mississippi valley common poiMss
has remained the same. During that time
the selling prices of our commodities has
been cut in two. The traffic at one time
could stand the rate. Under present con-
ditions that rate has become excessive, and
the business can no longer stand 1t.
We ask relief-in your interest, in our
interest and in that of the growers. We
urge that 1t be granted speedily.