786 



THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL. 



Dec. 16, 



where is our machiBery to relieve this condition ? The reme- 

 dial stage is the most difBcult of all to the experimental physi- 

 cian, but to the man of experience the selection of a remedy is 

 not an experiment, for positive results always follow positive 

 remedies. 



In our presentcondition we also havea positive remedy, and, 

 while we do not claim it a "cure-all" for every ill that besets 

 the bee-industry, we do claim it has proved its efBcacy in the 

 cure of the diseased state of kindred industries, and we do not 

 hesitate to second the advocacy of co-operation as a positive 

 remedy for our own relief, and It is evident that what it has 

 done for other producers it can do for us. 



Co-operation in this State has completely revolutionized 

 former methods in the disposal of the various industrial pro- 

 ducts. The thrifty, wide-awake producer, who, a few years 

 ago, saw nothing but disaster staring him in the face; with 

 the grip of the middle man tightening his grasp more and more 

 as the years past by : with a far distant market ; a perishable 

 product, prohibitory freight rates, and many other seemingly 

 insurmountable difficulties, all of which have been overcome 

 by the indomitable will and perseverance of the California 

 fruit power. 



The California Bee-Keepers' Exchange, altho of recent 

 growth, is proving a potent factor in this, its first season's ex- 

 perience. In the upholding of prices, reducing to a minimum 

 the cost of supplies to its membership, and instilling a feeling 

 of protection that never existed before ; and we predict that 

 If the business of this organization is conducted in accord- 

 ance with the outlined footsteps of the California fruit-grow- 

 ers, like success is sure to follow. 



Co-operation has its opponents as well as exponents, and 

 there will be those present who will take decided issue with 

 the views presented, but the truth will always bear investiga- 

 tion. 



Opposition to cooperation as a rule is due to two sources 

 — misinterpretation of it objects, and selfishness. The true 

 spirit of co-operation is the hand that assists his neighbor, and 

 rejoices in the welfare of others as well as his own. The self- 

 ishness and short-sightedness displayed by the refusal to assist 

 in the disposal of our neighbors' product is beyond comprehen- 

 sion, for the result is sure to enhance the value of our own. 

 We all know that some of our most successful producers are 

 incapable salesmen, and the depreciation in prices is often due 

 to this very incompetency. That improper distribution has 

 much to do with our existing difficulties is undoubtedly true, 

 for the ratio of honey consumption in the United States is less 

 than one pound to an individual, and nothing but co-opera- 

 tion can correct this. 



Co-operation is not a selfish project for it only recognizes 

 the individual in his product, and the product in accordance 

 with the grade, and it is the only method that harmonizes all 

 antogonistic interests. 



The feasibility of this plan, as stated, has been fully dem- 

 onstrated in practice, and we firmly believe that until the bee- 

 keepers of this country band together in the form of local and 

 other associations, the existing state of hopeless expectation 

 will positively continue, and the demoralization of prices will 

 be repeated every successive season. 



The formation of local associations results In the concen- 

 tration of the interests of many, the selection of the best ma- 

 terial at hand to supervise the whole, the buyer deals with 

 one instead of many, all grading is equalized as well as prices, 

 and by systematic methods in course of time establish such a 

 reputation that results in a direct demand for their product 

 instead of glutting the markets by improperdistribution. Then 

 as "great trees from little acorns grow," so shall we also wit- 

 ness the growth and formation of other kindred associations 

 as the natural development of the local organizations' demand. 



The absurdity of beginning at the head instead of the 

 foundation has been fully experienced in the pioneer work of 

 other associations, and while we fully endorse the establish- 

 ment of a National Exchange, as previously stated we can not 

 expect success to follow such an enterprise until local, district 

 and State associations demand it. 



"Hope, tho, never dies," and the Inspiration following the 

 birth of "The Infant," at Lincoln, Nebr., a few months ago is 

 reviving the dormant faculties of a great many who had fallen 

 Into the slough of despair. With hope renewed all eyes are 

 turned towards this new star of destiny for deliverance from 

 present bondage. 



The Infant development of this United States Bee-Keep- 

 ers' Union will depend very much on the atmospheric sur- 

 roundings, and the generous diet given it in the form of finan- 

 cial support. We feel fully assured of the first In the absolute 

 confidence we have in the faculty who have It in charge; tho 

 enlargement and scope of Its work depends entirely upon the 



individual bee-keeper, and it is for us to make it and mould it 

 to suit our varied wants. 



As a closing theme, and one bearing on the subject of co- 

 operation, I desire to outline a field of operation for your 

 present or future consideration, and this is the establishment, 

 in connection with the present organization, of a Bee-Keepers' 

 Information Bureau. 



The object would be to supply its members with all in- 

 formation at hand in regard to matters bearing on this indus- 

 try. The establishment of agencies in the various States and 

 centers of business. The agencies to glean Information for, 

 to supervise, and disseminate matters of interest to the mem- 

 bers from the central office. The following would be some of 

 the benefits accruing to the participating membership: 



A rating of individual responsibility ; the possibility of se- 

 curing such information pertaining to members, or of any 

 one dealing in our product ; the amount of honey produced in 

 every section of the United States, by the statistics available 

 the centers of over-production and under-production could be 

 readily determined. It would be an effective agency in ferret- 

 ing out and prosecuting the adulterator, when once this organ- 

 ization has secured national legislation, and we can never ex- 

 pect to suppress this foe to our Industry until this is accom- 

 plisht. Geo. W. Brodbeck. 



Mr. D. N. Ritchey — It Is only by co-operation that we can 

 sell our honey successfully. If one locality has a good crop 

 and another a slim crop, co-operation is needed. 



O. L. Hershiser — If we had some committee that could 

 recommend good firms it would be a benefit. 



Dr. Miller — The journals are already doing something of 

 the kind. Any one that is not responsible is not allowed to 

 quote. 



Mr. Doollttle — If this is to he a corporation to aid in putting 

 up the prices of honey, then it is no better than the old trusts 

 that put up the prices of oil and sugar. 



Mr. Abbott — It is not for the purpose of putting up prices, 

 but for the sake of getting better prices by securing better 

 distribution. For instance, there is the fruit exchange. If 

 there is a poor crop in some locality it is known, and the sur- 

 plus of some other locality is directed there Instead of allow- 

 ing the surplus to accumulate in some trade-center like 

 Chicago. 



Mr. P. H. Elwood, of New York, read the following 

 paper on 



Marketing Honey. 



During the past 25 years great progress has been made 

 in the production of both comb and extracted honey. During 

 the same period no progress has been made in marketing the 

 same. Indeed, it may be truly said that we have suffered a 

 retrograde movement, for while the same system of market- 

 ing Is In practice now as 25 years ago, it is but poorly adapted 

 to the largely increast production. Then, with a compara- 

 tively small production honey would sell itself at good prices 

 as soon as exposed for sale, and the chief concern of the bee- 

 keeper was to secure a crop. Now, his chief concern is to get 

 a remunerative price after he has his crop ready for market. 



Prices are too low. With the average bee-keeper prices 

 are below the cost of production. Certain enthusiastic indi- 

 viduals may assail this statement, but It Is true, and not diffi- 

 cult to prove. 



The average bee-keeper is intelligent, and economical in 

 business and living expenses, and were his profits good he 

 would not forever remain poor, which seems to be his lot. 



Again, it may be said that in most parts of our country 

 bee-keepers can count on but one full crop in four years. On 

 this crop there may be a profit. The other three crops, of 

 which one may pay expenses, will more than eat up the profits 

 of the full year. I write this because there is an Impression 

 among honey-dealers that there is an immense profit in the 

 bee-business. Indeed, commission men have coolly informed 

 me that the price of honey was too high ; that if it was lower 

 they could sell more easily and in larger quantities, and make 

 more money. Commission men cannot be depended upon to 

 maintain prices unless some association of bee-keepers sha I 

 bring delinquents to account for their selling under the mar 

 ket price. This would be very satisfactory to the better class 

 of middlemen. 



In Juno a dealer in his market report in a prominent bee- 

 paper made the statement that the honey crop was Immense 

 everywhere, and consequently prices would be very low. This 

 was before any surplus was gathered in the great basswood 

 regions of Vermont, New York, Wisconsin and Minnesota. At 

 tho time all that was back of this statement east of the Rocky 

 Mountains was a few days' good work on clover In some of the 

 central States. Our journals should not be open to such reck- 



