The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1922-08-22
MAY GET LOWER
SPECIAL RATES
FOR POTATOES
Union p acifc Looks with
Favor on Appeal to cut
Freight Charges; Wire
Further Particulars.

That the Union Pacific railroad
looks with favor upon an emergency
rate for potatoes and that in all likli-
hood this rate will be granted, effective
for 80 days, beginning about Septem-
Der l, are high lights gathered from
a lengthy telegram received here Mon
day morning from H. M. Adams, vice
president of the Union Pacific with
headquarters at Omaha. Joel L
Priest, southern Idaho traffic manager
of the Union Pacific, brought the tele-
gram to the attention of local potato
dealers, producers and bankers at a
meeting held Monday morning at the
Commercial club rooms.
Excerpts from Mr.. Adams tele-
gram are:
Grave question arises as to
whether or not overproduction
creates situation which may be
declared an emergency and war
rants carriers in affording relief
by reduced freight rates. But
even at that l am inclined to favor
proposed reduction of 20 cents
per 100 pounds to Missouri river
and east, also to Oklahoma, Texas
and other southern territories to
expire Sept. IS or &c. But must
have producers and shippers argu-
ments supporting such reduction.
Producers and shippers should
recognize that establishment of re-
duced rates from Idaho will prob
ably be followed with like reduc-
ton from other sources of supply
and if this done it will eliminate
advantages received. Would like
statement from producers and
shippers as to whether or not re-
duced freight rates will cause in
creased consumption.
Would also like to know what
assurance can be given that reduc-
tons in freight rates will accrue to
growers.
Celebrating his opinion that an EN-
Urgency rate probably would not prov
the benefit hoped for it, Mr.. Adams
telegram cited that largely increased
production caused the depressing eff
feet on the markets. He pointed on
in the telegram that this years croI
of potatoes in the United States ag
gregates 44O, 100000 million bushels, al
increase of los, 100000 bushels over tn
1921 production while the normal an
nual consumption of potatoes in tn
United States is but 360,000,000 bush
els. Low prices, he explained, are du
to excess production over require
ments.
In response to this telegram whic
was referred to local interested person
for action, Mr.. Priest wired Mr.. Adam
that the emergency if granted, shout
by all means extend to September 81
The answering telegram pointed on
that, while the reduced rate might nc
increase the nations consumption c
potatoes generally, yet it would in
crease the consumption of ldah
grown tubers by permitting consum
ers the opportunity to get better STUFF
In response to Mr.. Adams query a
to whether, taking the extraordinar
large crop into consideration, the re
duced rate can be regarded as strict
an emergency rate, the telegram scr
Mr.. Adams Monday pointed out thu
Idaho's potatoes must be markete
promptly if they are to be markete
at all, that potatoes elsewhere can b
held. Idaho potatoes are matured III
der irrigation and must be dug whe
ready for shipment without delay tt
message pointed out.
Assurance was given Mr.. Adam
that the reduced rate was to benei
the. farmers and no one else.
Several days must elapse before II
emergency rate can be put into ettee
Mr.. Priest assured those present at II
meeting Monday. He pointed out tn
steps must be taken to place all tao
before the interstate commerce con
mission. Probably, using every pc
sible agency to expedite the thing II
emergency rate cannot be made e
fective before September !.
Mr.. Priest, while he was encourage
by the tone of Mr.. Adams Telegram
pointed out that it was still not at
unlikely that the SPECIAL rate rogue
might yet be refused and that not u
much hone should be pinned onto q