150 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Another grower 2,500 miles away, on the Pacific slope, can produce apples in 

 unlimited quantities, but a freight rate of $1 per 100 pounds leaves him no margin 

 on which to operate. But no one pretends that a transportation company can 

 haul a car load of apples 2,500 miles as cheaply as it can 200 miles. The com- 

 pensation must in reason be in proportion to the service rendered, and not always 

 in proportion to the needs of the shipper. A grower in southern Florida can 

 not expect the transportation charges on a bushel of beans from his section of 

 the country to New York to be the same as from Charleston, S. C. The needs 

 of the owners of the railways are entitled to some consideration. 



I would not lose sight of the element of justice in the matter of transportation. 

 In fact, I strongly insist on it, and believe a spirit of fairness should obtain all 

 through. What I strongly contend for is justice to the shipper, which he often 

 does not get. Time is an important factor to us in our line of business, and 

 the classification sheet is arranged with this fact ever in mind, by the authors 

 of that compilation, and they are always railway men. 



Speaking of the classification committee reminds me that the continual change 

 in value of products makes a revision of the tariff sheet and changes in the 

 rating of commodities a necessity if justice is done to the shipper. The intent 

 of the men who fix the rating is no doubt good, yet a revision is necessary, 

 as an illustration will show: Twenty years ago, pears were worth in the markets 

 from ?4 to $7 per barrel, as against ^2 to ^2.50, the selling price of apples. This 

 year, the average price of pears has been scarcely $3, while apples have sold 

 at about $2. In case of the hardy LeConte and Kieffer varieties, the price has 

 been even less, scarcely ranging above the selling price of choice apples. Yet 

 our western classification committee have a rating that makes the cost of trans- 

 portation nearly double on pears that it is on apples. 



The improvements in transportation in time, and the use of refrigerator cars, 

 have reduced the risk to a minimum, and the roads are further protected by 

 a release and guarantee of freight charges, so that there is now absolutely no 

 reason for the great discrimination against pears as compared with apples. The 

 same remark will apply to sweet potatoes and quinces, although the difference is 

 not so great on these items, but vigorous protest should be made and concerted 

 efforts put forth to secure a revision of the classification, and put these things 

 on an equitable basis. 



It is well to remember that for the transportation of all perishable products 

 a much higher rate is always demanded, because of the "time" factor that is 

 supposed to enter into the question. This higher rate is cheerfully paid on that 

 basis, but railroad companies expressly exempt themselves from any claim for 

 damages for failure from any cause to fulfil their part of the conti-act, although 

 exacting the higher rate for their supposed liability on the contract. This is not 

 just; it is exacting pay for a contract unfulfilled. 



Grant that in the majority (the great majority) of cases they do meet the 

 time— understand they are paid extra for it; and the Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chi- 

 cago and St. Louis railway (which is a part of the Pennsylvania system) frankly 

 saj'-s: "It has two different rates of charges for tolls and transportation charges 

 upon certain articles, viz., one higher rate, upon payment of which it assumes 

 the ordinary liability of a common carrier upon its line of railway, for property 

 transported by it; and another lower rate, at which it transports for all those 

 who release it from all liability, so far as it may be lawfully done, for any 

 loss or damage to property entrusted to it for transportation." This release is 

 "From all claims, demands or liabilities for any loss thereof or damage thereto 

 howsoever occurring, by fire or otherwise, or whether by negligence of the said 

 railroad or transportation companies, or of their or either of their officers, agents, 

 or employes, or otherwise, while the same is in their care, custody or possession." 



This surely is comprehensive enough, and in case of damage fully protects the 

 companj^ notwithstanding that the lowest rate is based on a supposition that 

 green fruits are extra perishable, and a high rate is always placed upon them. 



The time has fully come for a demand for a ship])ing contract that will insure 

 delivery on time, or promptly compel payment of damages. This will bo a simple 

 measure of justice between both parties. 



I fully recognize the fact that the League is comparatively small in numbers, 

 that our organization is yet in its infancy; but conceding these points, still we 



