The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-11-18
DUE To BAD CARS.
Independent Dealers Discuss
Loss of Grain in Transit.
Criticise Railroads for Treat
ment Of Members.
FAVOR TRUST DEALERS
Claim That Roads Discriminate
Against the Farmers.
VIII Take Grievances Before the
State Board.
FAVOR TRUST DEALERS

Mcpherson, Kan, Nov. 18th
! Farmers Independent Grain Dealers
of Kansas. an organization composed
of most of the farmers grain elevator
concerns in the state, concluded a two
days session in this city yesterday.
Mr.. c. W. Peckham acted as chairman
and Mr.. E. NJ. Black as secretary.
Nearly thirty individal elevator con-
Germs were represented. The object of
the meeting was largely along educa-
tional and cooperative lines and most
of the deliberations were in a public
hall with free access to everybody. In
the evening an executive session was
held to which only members We're ad-
mitted. Several able men addressed
the convention and proceedings
throughout We're evidence of the fact
that the farmers knew what they were
talking about. Their principal dis
eussion was along the line of widen
ing their markets and obtaining relief
from the unlawful practices of the
railroad companies, who were large
" responsible for shortages occurring
in transit on account of inadequate
equipment.
The Rock Island railroad especially
came in for a round share of censure
for refusing to recognize claims for
shortages occurring in transit and
treatment they were simply met with
insulting answers by some of the
officials.
The railroads refusal to furnish
cars and their discriminating practices
in general were brought to the atten-
commissioners by the following reso-
lutions
Whereas. Several of the transporta-
ton companies traversing the state of
Kansas are grossly violating the laws
of the state by discriminating in favor
of some of the grain firms and against
the farmers who raise the grain by
what is known as the elevator charge,
and
Whereas, This so-caned elevator
charge is a discrimination against the
grain growers of from / 4 to 2 u cents
per 100 pounds, which is arbitrarily
taken from the producers and given to
favored firms and
Whereas, The laws of the state of
Kansas do not permit or cOuntenance
such practice on the part of the pub
lie carriers; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Farmers indie
pendent Grain Dealers of Kansas here
by call the attention of the attorney Of
the state railroad commissioners, the
Hon. Carr Taylor, to this illegal prac-
tee and most respectfully ask him to
{ ---1
cnce, SO that the men who grow the
grain are placed on an equal footing
with the firms unduly favored by the
railroad corporations.
We further call Mr.. TaylOrs attention
to the fact that the corporations are
grossly violating the car demurrage law
as provided by statute by refusing to
furnish cars or making reparation, not
withstanding the shipper may have
complied in full with all the require
n said W nv dnr0efffracr a ri
Of the freight money and making said
demand in writing and
Be it further resolved. That we, the
farmers Independent grain dealers of
Kansas, ask your honor to assist the
shippers in compelling the transporta-
ton companies to comply with the act
providing for furnishing cars when
ordered by shippers who comply in ev-
cry way with the law as provided in
the case.
BY a unanimous vote Mr.. c. W. Peck
| ham of Haven, Kansas, was selected to
present these resolutions to Carr Taylor,
attorney for the railroad commissioners.
The question of markets also took up
much of the discussion. Wichita espec-
! tally was mentioned as a good market
where the millers and grain commission
men treated the farmers grain dealers
courteously and honestly at all times.
This brought up the question Of attend
| ing the Wichita convention of CONNER
cial clubs and the following resolution
was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That this convention of
Farmers Independent Grain Dealers of
4 Kansas is in full accord and sympathy
with the effort of commercial organiza-
lions which will meet in Wichita and in
approval Of the same we hereby elect
/ Mr.. c. w. Peckham and Mr.. 3. NJ
Black as our delegates to the convention
Of commercial organizations to be held
/ in Wichita November %, 1905
The convention then adjourned for
an executive meeting to be held at the
Union hotel in the evening.