Evening star., 1898-04-30
Of the present charge. He said that his
company expects to bid on the govern
ment contracts, IL warranted by the situa-

Of the present charge. He said that his
company expects to bid on the govern
ment contracts, II warranted by the situa-
ton.
President Church Of the Independent Ice
Company said he would make no bids on
the government contract, as 1t would be
impossible to make accurate estimates.
He also said his company had been unable
to charter any vessels at the old price. and
had refused to charter them at the rates
which had been asked. They would not
need O new consignment before the 1st
Of June, he said. He stated that it was
the intention Of the company to request
Of the government protection for the ves-
sells engaged in the transportation Of ice.
If this should be given, he said, the sup
ply would be large enough to meet the
demand and government contracts would
be considered.
Short Harvest in Maine.
Manager Willis of the Home Ice Com
pany said the prices are already higher
IN Maine than they have been for some
time, owing to short harvest. The
freight rate, he said, has gone up 80 per
cent, and he is Of the opinion that the ice
dealers should have a meeting and decide
upon a figure at which they can sell their
stock without loss to themselves.
Mr.. Frank P. Davis, manager of the Hy-
gienic Ice Company, said the output Of his
plant would not be affected by the circum-
company, he said, mas large supply on
hand and would be able to supply all reg
ular customers. whose demands would be
met first After that persons who want
prices. The present daily machine ca
pacity is 16O tons. In addition to that the
company has a large supply of ice, which
has been stored UP during winter.
Manager Reardon of the National Capital
Company said the supply on hand is limit
though eXDpcted
another is afioat which would be in port
within a week.
Markets Not Affected.
1t is believed that the probable rise in
price of ice will not affect the market peo-
pie very sensibly Most of the markets
have mechanical appliances for supplying
the ice needed for cold storage, and even to
the market people who may need 1t This
is particularly the case with the Center
market, where there Is plant capable of
turning out about thirteen or fourteen tons
a day. This is used in the cold storage de-
partment, and the ice is supplied to dealers
who may need it, in 1OO-pound blocks. or
crushed quantities, as they may desire.
Manager Tinker said this morning that the
price of what they could furnish was not
liable to be increased.
Many of the meat companies secure their
ice from the artificial ice manufacturers
and have already made their contracts for
the season, so that they will not be obliged
to pay any advance in price.
Most of the brewing companies manufac-
ture their own ice, and can, IL necessary,
furnish some outside customers. They
have hitherto refrained from joining any
combination to help along the interests of
the ice people, and it is reasonable to sup
pose they will continue their prices the
same as usual.
The fact that contracts have been al
ready made will protect the large deal
ers, If ice can be supplied at ALL owing to
the fear Of ship owners of having their.
vessels captured. The burden of the rise
in price will fall upon the consumers.