The San Francisco call., 1905-01-27
GRAIN DEALERS
SPEAK OF TOLLS

The Harbor Commissioners yesterday
exchanged views with delegation
from the Merchants Exchange. The
topic discussed related to the PROPOSE
ton of the board to amend the rules
by increasing duty on grain and flour
in order to prevent a congestion of
freight on the seawall. The merchants
were represented by Charles S. Lau-
meister, Simon Erlanger, E. w. Fergu-
son, r. A. Bray, w. c. Barnard and
H. c.. Somers. The president of the
Harbor Commission, Charles H. Spear,
and Commissioner John d. Mackenzie
explained that the purpose of the pro-
posed new rules. or the modification of
existing rules, was not to impose addi-
tional charges on grain, but to hasten
the removal Of freight from the
wharves.
The grain men contended that the
lack of warehouse facilities in San
Francisco placed this port at disad-
vantage. A suggestion was made that
warehouses should be constructed on
land under State jurisdiction. The dis
cussion disclosed the fact that the
members of the committee were not Of
one mind. The majority opposed any
departure from the present system of
admitting grain free from any charge
whatever Mr.. Erlanger, however, was
willing to accept a toll of 21z cents a
ton and the imposition of an additional
toll of 21z cents If the grain was not
removed within three days.
WANT THIRTY DAYS.
Mr.. Barnard contended that thirty
days time should be given on sections
one and two of the seawall in order to
meet the rates in Mission Bay and
Port Costa. Messrs. Ferguson and Bar
49,, - he
fact that there were no charges at Port
Costa other than the warehouse tax of
25 cents ton for thirty days. The same
charge prevailed at Mission Bay.
Mr. Barnard said: I'VE want to avoid
the warehouse charge in San Francisco
of so cents a ton. Give us thirty days
and we can avoid it. A rule requiring
us to remove the grain within fifteen
days would work a hardship"
Mr.. Ferguson remarked that nearly
all the grain coming to this port was
handled on a margin of 25 cents a ton.
THE knowledge of free delivery on the
sea wall brings grain here"
Mr. Erlanger said that large guam
titles of wheat came from the north
to reinforce the wheat of this State.
The grain landed here free of charge
and was moved within three days. He
dwelt at length on the fact that the
shipments of grain to this city and 1t
was the original purpose to make de-
livery absolutely free.
Commissioner Spear said the gross
receipts of the sea wall last year did
not exceed $1,000. He declared that the
Commissioners were not looking for
additional revenue. They wanted to
help the grower, the commission man
and the shippers. Rules, however,
would be necessary to prevent conges-
tion of freight on the wharves. The
board did not propose hasty action.
Time would be given for ample hear
ing. He did not hold to the opinion
that flour and bran, manufactured ar
ticles, should be. like wheat and corn,
exempt from all charges. Potatoes and
beans had to pay cents a ton and. in
his judgment, similar charge should
be imposed on -four.
OPPOSE INCREASE OF TOLLS.
Mr.. Ferguson said the flour that came
here was promptly delivered. 1t was a
perishable commodity. No one in the
flour business would keep -four on the
sea wall for three days. I'VE ought to
have flour free" he declared.
Mr.. Erlanger said no other city In
the world had a water line like that Of