The San Francisco call., 1908-12-24

take up my new duties some time in
March"
The announcement that William r.
Wheeler has accepted the position of
manager Of the traffic bureau of the
merchants exchange infused fresh zeal
yesterday into the campaign to prevent
the threatened increase in freight rates.
Businessmen throughout the city com
mented with enthusiasm upon the Sc
lection. Predictions were freely made
that the bureau would become one of
the most important factors in rate mat
ters in the United States. A great in
crease in membership is looked for, as
Wheeler is regarded as the ablest man
in his line. His experience in Wash
ington and his thorough knowledge Of
conditions in every part of the country
have made him an ideal man for the
place
HOW WHEELER WAS SECURED
It was mainly through the efforts of
Joseph Durney OF the Grifith-D -Durney
company and A L. Scott, president of
y.
that Wheeler was induced to accept
the position. Scott had gone east on
important personal business and had
been commissioned at the same time to
select q traffic manager from five names
that had been given consideration.
sootts business called him to Washing
ton. where he conferred with Wheeler
upon matters pertainin gto the Panama
railroad. Scott had intended to ask
Wheeler TO recommend a man for the
traffic position, when II occurred to
him that Wheeler might be induced TO
come TO san Francisco and carry on the
work.
Encouraged by Durney at this end of
the wire, Scott entered into negotia-
tfons with Wheeler. Although every
effort was made to keep the matter
secret in San Francisco. il naturally
became known in Washington. When
Wheeler agreed TO the terms proposed
the information was wired to Durney
in this city. It was the intention to
withhold any announcement until the
return Of Scott. He reached home Tues
DAY night, but would give out no in
formetion until he had conferred with
Durney.
pleased that the news had become pub
lie before the official announcement was
made. The news. however. was freely
discussed Tuesday IN business circles
and had been known TO many Of Wheel
ers friends in Washington from the
time he was first approached. two or
three weeks ago.
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Durney and Scott held conference
yesterday afternoon and later the Of
fetal announcement of Wheeler's ap-
pointment was made. Both Scott and
Durney were congratulated by the
members OF the bureau. as well as by
Businessmen generally. 1t is regarded
as q great stroke for the commercial
community of San Francisco.
Wheeler viii not assume his new du-
ties until the end Of the Roosevelt
administrator In the meantime the
bureau win go forward with it's work
10 prevent the enforcement OF the in
creased freight schedule.
At the same time the special ship
pers' committee is continuing its active
work in behalf OF the California mer-
chants and growers. This committee
has succeeded in bringing the entire
commercial community OF the state into
harmony With this united force at
work and directed by the men at the
mead OF Inc II IL lell ludl
pressure can be brought TO bear which
The railroads viii be unable to resist.
Further reports of preparations for
enthusiastic rate day meetings were
received yesterday from the Santa
cruz chamber of commerce. the Gel
cry growers association Of Santa Ana,
Fred Fowler of Fowler, Frank Z. KeI-
logg Of Santa Barbara, George Bur
ehard Of Eureka, and Charles A. Rand
of Yuba city. Santa Rosa, Fresno and
Cotton also sent enthusiastic responses.
LETTER SENT OUT
The following letter was sent out
Yesterday by the local ~body to the
district committeeman.
IN arranging your program we sug-
aesf that you enlist the co operation
81 one OF your best speakers in your
CITY TO address the meeting with a
brief speech. relating to the effect OF
The present increase Of freight rates on
fTa1ffornfan trade. commerce and indus