Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1901-02-14
TROUBLE OVER TOMATOES.

The tomato industry is one of the
profitable agricultural and manufactur-
ing interests Of the state. The farmers
who engage in II. II careful and vigil
liant, can make fair profits In growing
the product, and the Gamers and deal
ers can get good returns for their In
vestments and labors. Utah ought not
to import one or any number of cans
OF tomatoes All that Is needed for
home consumption, and in addition a
large quantity for export, can be raised
within our own borders
For the encouragement OF this indus
try, there should be a mutual under
standing and cooperation Of EFFORTS
between the producers and the Gamers.
When they are "at outs both classes
are injured The canning companies
cannot do without the producers, and
the farmers depend largely upon the
canning companies to receive and mar
ket the tomatoes. They should come
together and work for mutual advan-
tage.
There has been a dispute between the
canning companies and the farmers in
Davis and Weber counties over this
matter. It is in relation to the price
per ton to be paid for tomatoes dellv-
cred at the canning factorythe quaint
ity TO be received and the responsible
ity OF the company for delays in recelv-
ing when the goods are delivered In
contract order
The companies want to pay but 81
per ton for tomatoes, planted culti-
waited and harvested In a husbandllke
manner, hauled In wagons with springs.
and 10 be large. smooth dark red, sound,
fast as they become suitable for can
ming purposes Boxes TO be furnished
from the factory not later than August
20, ''and charged at the rate OF Is cents
a box, TO be returned not later than
Oct co. when ten cents per box Is to be
refunded IL the boz Is In as good condl-
ton as when received, allowing for
natural wear and tear" The companies
agree In their form Of contract to pur-
chase all the tomatoes produced by each
farmer from as many acres OF land as
agreed upon, but then claim the option
Of refusing more than ten tons per
acre. somewhat OF contradiction.
The farmers object to the clause rem
dering 1t optional with the companies
TO receive or decline more than ten tons
per acre, Also to the delay sometimes
OF from one to thirty-slx hours In re-
ceiying, thus greatly injurlng the farm
ers. They complain OF the trouble aris-
ing from the companies overlooking
themselves through loose arrange
ments. and then making pretexts for re-
fusng the products raised according to
contract. They sometimes accept but
about two-thirds OF what they contract
ed for. Farmers want definite arrange
ment which they can rely upon, so that
they may be sure Of having their goods
received, and OF obtaining payment
therefor promptly. They have there
fore assembled and passed the follow
ing resolution, after number of sec
lions by way OF preamble, setting forth
their grievances
Resolved That we the farmers of
Davis and Weber counties, in conven-
ton assembled do hereby demand a
Just and equitable contract that will
protect our interests equally with those
of the said companies. And that we
demand sS per ton for our tomatoes.
And we hereby pledge ourselves to sign
no contract, neither by our own hands
or by substitute directly or indirectly,
or In any manner whatsoever, with any
or either OF the said canning companies,
until these demands have been acceded
TO-"
A large number OF signatures follow
the resolution. The farmers say that II
has been intimated by the companies
that In the east the price of tomatoes
delivered Is only about one-half what
they offer. But the farmers have con-
ferred with some OF the producers In
other States, notably in Ohio and Indl-
ana, and learn that the price paid is
26 cents per bushel, or about $3.50 per
ton.
However, Notwithstanding the rigid
resolution adopted, we are of the opin-
ion that IL the canning companies viii
meet with the farmers, and manifest
q disposition TO be equitable, and the
farmers will be willing TO listen to rea'
son and 10 the companies side Of the
question. definite agreements can be
reached, which will be for the benefit
of all the parties to the controversy.
Their interests being mutual should be
considered from all points, and while
the farmers should gain n fair return
for their land and labor the companies
ought not 20 be expected 20 invest their
capital and run their machinery with
out some profit We all want TO see
Utah industries flourish and the toma-
20 business Is one that ought to succeed
and be OF profit TO the producers and
the distributors, as well as 90 the gem
eral public Better be willing TO COM
bine than ready and anxious TO fight.
TIE PAN-AMERICAN SHOW