The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-11-12
TITS SPOKANE THAT FIGHTS.


treme that be fifty expressed only by the unsavory
term 'hoggshness is being displayed just now in the
attitude of mercantile interests of the coast regarding
Spokanes contention for equitable adjustment OF
freight rates Under the leadership OF W. A Mears, sec
rotary of the Pacific Coast Jobbers Manufacturers as
ISOLATION all the coast cities from Seattle to San Fran
cisco being lined up the side OF the railroads
against Spokane In the call issued by the jobbers this
city is designated enemy to be conquered at any
cost.
Mears so especially active in this fight that suspicion
of his having personal interest at stake that outweghs
all others is unavoidable.
And here is the cause of all the hubbub the coast
Spokane at the present time paying freight rates to
coast points with the local back to this city added
all shipments of goods from the east. The coast dealers
command this big concession the plea that the railroads
compelled to meet water competition on the coast For
that Seattle and Portland dealers lay claim to
freight rates that make possible for them to ship goods
out from the east and then transp them back into Spo
kane territory at prices that allow favorable competition
with local dealers
In other words they given command of both coast
and inland territory by freight rate determinations for
which no justification can be urged. Because Spokane
has had the and enterprise to protest in manner
that promises before the interstate
mission spasm of apprehension passes and down the
spinal column Of coast commercial interests
Says Mr.. Mears If terminal advantages allowed
Spokane other points will seek the concessions and
the business of the coast terminals will be taken away"
Correctly stated this that if Spokane secures
justice IN TINS instance Otner lIla1O Clues Will nave Vtd
claim to fair consideration already proved and the
'cinc not the businessof the coast jobbers will be
taken away.
That would be a terrible blow, wouldn't it? Spokane
and other inland cities including suchc important points
Denver would actually be given fair chance in the
territory nature has given them the business world The
coast Jobber would be confined to reasonable and suf
6cent amount of country in which to sell his goods He
would have to do business on his merits and meet
fair competition when he essayed invasion into neigh
boring districts well, if not better taken Of by
local business men.
But before making his plant convincing the coast
dealer has still to prove any justification for the excessive
rate Spokane is compelled to pay at the present time
That accomplishment will tax his persuasive powers con
slderaby in the face of evidence prepared behalf of
Spokane. Ten years ago this cys proved and
sustained by the interstate commerce commission but
that body then had power to enforce it's ruling. This
power is conferred by the rate law and the prospects,
when tie hearing is held in January are bright for the
abolition of long standing handicap to this city.
Consulting nothing but selfish interest the coast
dealer is hurrng to aid Of the railroads in the very first
test brought under law designed specifically to pre-
the mercantile interests of the country from lust
such discrimination that of which Spokane has com
planned
In this the coast dealers take the ground that the law
was passed for their benefit entirely When it helps any
other section 1t is Just and must be combaed The
coasts territory in trade must not be nfrnged upon and
the coasts terrtory-as the coast views it-ncudes
everything this side the Rocky mountains.
In one respect only the coast interests wise in this
matter. If they determined to play the "hog they
perceive the need of O1avnp