178 ANNUAL REPORT 



any of the railroads running into St. Paul or Minneapolis, except 

 the Northern Pacific and the Manitoba, and in response to an in- 

 quiry that concessions had been refused by these roads, and the 

 society referred to their round trip system of 3|- cents per mile, 

 open to the general public. He had written to the General Ticket 

 Agents of these two roads, alluding to the benefits the society 

 would probably confer upon the business of their roads by intro- 

 ducing fruits that would endure the climate in the territory mostly 

 tributary to them, and thus encouraging immigration, and asking 

 that the rate be relaxed in favor of members coming in from the 

 north and west. One of the ofiicers referred to politely expressed 

 his regrets that he could not give us reduced rates, but the other 

 thought we ought to be satisfied with 3^ cents per mile. 



On motion of Col. Stevens, the thanks of the society were ten- 

 dered to railroads making special rates to members. 



