The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1899-03-23

that will involve capital to the amount |
of $50, 100000. It is understood that
ten of the leading makers of wheels |
have entered the combine and that
several Others will probably be per-
suaded to add their signatures to the |
agreement.
A. G. Spalding, of Chicago, is cred
tied with being the moving spirit in
the proposed trust. With him are as
ISOLATED Colonel A. A. Pope, R. Philip
Gormully of the Gormuly & Jeffrey
Manufacturing company, of Chicago,
and c. W. Dickerson, of the Sterling
company in this city.
Attempts to form bicycle trust
have been made in the past, but all
have been futile, primarily because the
small manufacturers could neither be
controlled nor eliminated. The reason
for this was that great concerns had
grown up, whose business it was to
supply small makers and dealers with
bicycle parts which were assembled"
by their purchasers, with the result
that bicycles were turned out in such
quantities as to make control of price
or production an impossibility.
The leading manufacturers, how
ever, having been getting closer to-
gether, and the combination has finally
been formed which will regulate the
trade of the United States, if not the
world.
The Sterling bicycle works of this
city is one of the favored members of
the trust and has been one of the first
plants to grant the big organization an
option upon their works and business.
G. W. Dickerson, President of the
Sterling, and one of the leaders of the
movement, was seen at his home in
this city this afternoon and confirmed
the report that the trust had been
formed and that the Kenosha factory
was included among the best of the
companies concerned. He stated that
the trust had been in process Of forma-
agreed among those directly interested
that nothing should be said in regard
TO the matter. However, after it had
been noticed by the morning papers,
Mr.. Dickerson said that there was no
longer any motive for silence. He said
that the organization was already
completed and that the trust had
already succeeded in securing options
IN nearly all the factories east and
west, engaged in the manufacture Of
high grade wheels. Of course, said
Mr.. Dickerson, the Sterling will be in
it and an option on the works has
practically been secured.
In speaking of the objects of the
combine, Mr.. Dickerson said that the
trust had been formed not so much for
the purpose of regulating the price of
bicycles as for the purpose of placing
the bicycle manufacturing business on
a stable basis.
It will be of great benefit to all con
cerned, continued Mr.. Dickerson. In
the past it has been impossible for a
bicycle maker to foresee the conditions
which will exist sixty days ahead, and
for that reason it has been impossible
for any factory to keep its works run
ming more than eight months in the
year. On account of this it has been
impossible for US to secure crews of
men who would properly look after
the work, and the uncertainty of
time of employment has had
demoralizing effect on the
men employed Under the new
regime the business will be established
on a firm basis. Work in the factories
will go on from the beginning to the
end of the year. There will be no dull
season, no time for laying off the larg
est part of the men and in this manner
we hope to be able to employ full
force of men who can work harmoni
ously together for the best interest of
the manufacturer and for their own
interests. With a promise of steady
employment the manufacturer can Sc
cure better Workmen and can in this
way secure for the consumer a better
products.
Mr.. Dickson said he could not say
when the change would be made, but
probably not until after the present
season. In regard to the wheels turned
out by the trust in Kenosha he said
that the name would probably remain
the Sterling, as this brand had gained
such wide reputation that it would
be unwise for any change to be made.
In regard to the management of the
local factory Mr.. Dickerson said he
could not say anything at this time,
but there is strong probability that
the management will remain unchang-
ed for several years at least.
1t is not known whether the Charles |
HI. Sieg company will be a member Of
the trust or not Mr.. Sieg was in
Chicago today and Mr.. Bates, the only
member of the company in the city,
could give no information in regard to