Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-07-07
ICE COMBINE HERE?
Advance in Prices Leads Many to
Think Such is the
Case
AS IN MANY OTHER PLACES
Dealers Attribute Higher Rate to
Shortage of Crop-The Statute
in Premises.

Have the ice dealers who are doing
business in Rock Island, as is the case
in numerous cities throughout the
country, an understanding or combina-
ton for the purpose of regulating the
price of that commodity?
Invariably the answer to this ques-
ton, when put to the ice consumer is,
Il am convinced that the ice men have
an understanding, but l don't know
that it could be proved" At any rate
the prices of ice. particularly to hotels
and other heavier consumers, have adj
vanced greatly this season as compar-
ed with last year. The price of ice for
household purposes has been advanced
by all but two dealers in the city 10
cents per 100 pounds Two dealers
deliver the commodity at 80 cents.
The price for stores and restaurants
has also been put up 10 cents For
hotels the price has jumped this season
to nearly three times what it was last
year. 20 cents being the usual charge
this year.
Dealers explain that the harvest of
ice here last year was very short, and
claim that the wholesale prices have
advanced greatly this season. The
wholesale supply likewise is said to be
short, and the increase in rate a ma
tural result of the demand. The fact
that all of the dealers are not making
the same prices. though the increases
as a rule are in the same proportion. is
pointed as evidence that no cOmbina-
ton or understanding to increase the
price exists
statute IN Plain.
1t is of interest 10 note in this con-
nection the statute of the state. which,
if it were proved that the ice dealers
were in combination or have an I'M
derstanding to fix the price, would APP
ply The statute is 296a of the criminal
code and deals with trusts. pools, COM
binatiOns. etc 1t reads IF any corpora
ton organized under the laws of this
state or any other state or country
or any partnership or individual, or
other association of persons, whatsO-
ever. shall create. enter into, become
a member of or a party to any pool,
trust. agreement, combination, confed-
Grafton, or understanding with any
other corporation, partnership. individ-
nal or any other person or association
of persons to regulate or fix the price
of any article or commodity, or shall
enter into. become a member of or par
ty to any pool. agreement, contract,
or confederation to limit
the amount or quantity of any article.
or merchandise to be man
mined. produced, or sold in
this state. such corporation, partner
ship. or individual or other association
of persons. shall be deemed and ad-
judged guilty of a conspiracy to de-
fraud. and be subject to indictment
and punishment, as provided in this
act"
And the act provides a penalty of
fine of not less than $500 nor more than
5 900 or a term in the county jail OF
not more than one year, or both fine
and Jail sentence. at the discretion or
the court hearing the case.
Some Instances Noted.
Charles Ntzhugh, manager of the
Harper house and Rock Island house,
stated that ice for two hotels is nearly
three times as much this year as last,
and that he was able to secure price
from but one dealer. The price paid
at the Hotel Harms this year is also
nearly three times as much as last
wear. One business man. speaking OF
the question. had little complaint
about the increase in the prices and
said he was not in a position to have
an opinion as to whether there might
be an understanding as to prices. He
said the greatest complaint he could
make would be that from observation
he thought that he was the victim or
short weights.
He said that frequently when 25o
pounds was delivered, the amount ap-
peared even less than on days wheh |
but $50 pounds was delivered. Inc
small amount. he said, made 1t not
worth while to weigh and ascertain |