Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-05-16

Two months ago an unsuccessful at
tempt was made to consolidate the
glass tableware manufacturers of the
country under one head and manage
ment, and although the project had
at first the appearance OF being go,
the effort subsequently proved abortive.
as above stated. A second attempt is
now being made with similar end in
view, although the details differ radio
ally from those contemplated upon the
former occasion. The scheme set on
foot early in the year was purely for
speculative purposes and was not en-
glneered by practical glass men, as is
the case in the present instance. 1t
was developed by capitalists, and the
fear that local interests would not be
looked after under such a regime made
many stockholders chary of the propo-
sition. The plan is set forth in the cor
respondence now being received by the
management of local plants efadicates
most of the Objectionable features, and
upon the whole is better calculated to
enlist their confidence and interest.
The promoters are Pittsburg parties
and are experienced in the industry
upon which is evolved this gigantic I'M
dertaking. The first scheme evidently
conceived the watering of stock and
other methods of imitation which would
jeopardiZe the substantial character of
the concern, but any intention of this
sort is disclaimed by the present or
ganiZerS. The work of effecting the
combination is so far in its initial
stage, although it is claimed that
eighty-five per cent. of the tableware
agreeing to go in if the consolidation
can be made effective.
The proposition, as set forth in the
circular sent out, asks that the plant
owners take stock in the new concern
only to the value of their naked plants,
the appraisement of the furnaces and
appurtenances to be effected by parties
satisfactory to all concerned. Allow
ance is also to be made for good will
and the volume of business of the past
two years. The book accounts are to
be retained by the owners, but the
stock on hand is to be paid for at mar
ket value. A guarantee is also made
that the local management will be re-
tanned so far as practicable. The plan
aims to absorb the big tumbler works
of the country as we'll as the plants
manufacturing other lives, and the OBJ
ject is alleged to be to equalize prices
and prevent disastrous competition.
The capitalization cannot be accurate
ly arrived at until the appraisement
takes place, but it is roughly estimated
that five to six millions will represent
the stock to be issued.
Among the local plants which are
known to be in receipt of propositions
are the Crystal at Bridgeport, West
Virginia at Martins Ferry, Riverside
at Wellsburg. Central of Wheeling, and
Fostoria at Moundsville Other plants
which are said to have either signed
options or have expressed favor with
the movement are the Central, Indiana
Tumbler & Goblet Company, Canton
Glass Company, Dalzell, Gilmer e Co,
all of the Indiana field; the U. s. Glass
Company, Rochester Tumbler Com
pany, Keystone Tumbler Company,
Batey, Brady & Co. Brice Bros. Seneca
at Morgantown, w. Va, Greensburg
(Pa.) Glass Company, James Duncan &
Sons Company, the consolidated table
ware factories, the cooperative plant
at Beaver Falls, Kelsey & Co, of New
ark, and Brice, Highly & Co, of Pitts
burg