194 PROCEEDINGS OF TWENTY-SIXTH FRUIT-GROWERS' CONVENTION. 



order for locomotives was in part to take care of the fruit business. So much for the 

 service over our own rails. 



The lines east of us were confronted with like conditions, and that, too, in the busiest 

 season the United States has ever had. There was a decided effort made by all to segregate 

 the California deciduous fruit traflBc and give it preferred service. I think the claim is 

 justified that the service is better than at any previous season, unless those special 

 limited fruit trains which were experimented with some years since on a 120-hour 

 schedule Sacramento to Chicago be alone excepted. To whatever extent the service 

 was not up to standard toward the end of the season arose from the shortage of power on 

 the part of all the railroads, and further from the fruit not being delivered us so that it 

 could be handled in trainloads — particularly'' owing to splitting of the trains at Ogden, 

 to which the letter of May 21st last to you made special reference. That the roads took 

 decisive interest in the business was shown by the fact that we were able at all times to 

 supply refrigerators for fruit, to do which it became necessary to give the returning cars 

 fast service and not hold them for loads. The percentage consequently that returned 

 loaded with any kind of freight was merely nominal, and on the contrary the empties 

 were handled in preferred trains on time that would ordinarily not be given to any 

 other than perishable fast freight. 



It is a pleasing coincidence that improvement in the markets for California fresh 

 fruit and improvement in the service have been manifested this season, and can only 

 say that we rejoice with the growers in this condition, and in sympathy with the effort 

 to maintain profitable markets will aim to secure reasonable and prompt transportation 

 for the fruit during the coming season, both by maintaining the standard of our own 

 eflficiency and not relaxing our efforts with connecting lines. 

 Very truly yours, 



(Signed:) WM. SPROULE. 



Alden Anderson to R. D. Stephens. 



The Alden Anderson Fruit Company, 

 Shippers of Almonds, Green and Dried Fruits 

 SuisuN, Solano Co., Cal., January 2, 1902. 



Hon. E.. D. Stephens, Sacramento, Cal.: 



Dear Sir: I herewith return to you report of committee, but without my signature. 

 I have no doubt but that all the statements made therein are absolutely correct, but I 

 dislike to sign same in the absence of knowledge on my part. This refers particularly 

 to the relative cost of refrigerator charges. 



I have been such a crank on the subject of transportation, and have thought that if 

 we could fight and win one battle at a time it would be better than to divide our 

 strength along different lines. There is so much to be done that I will never say a word 

 or do anything that would retard progress in any direction. 



I have recently been very busy, but intend, as soon as I get time, to look up for 

 myself the comparative charges of refrigeration from all fruit districts. 

 Yours very truly, 



(Signed:) ALDEN ANDERSON. 



Mr. Stephens's Reply to Mr. Anderson. 



Sacramento, Cal., January 4, 1902. 



Hot*. Alden Anderson, Suisun, Cal.: 



Dear Sir: Yours of the 2d instant received, and, in reply, will say that all the other 

 members of the committee regret that you do not now see your way clear to join them 

 in their efforts to obtain the relief so necessary to make fruit-growing in California 

 X)rofitable. 



The success of these efforts would do much to secure an .equitable distribution of 

 the profits among all parties interested. We feel thankful, however, for your indorse- 

 ment of the truthfulness of the statements made in our report when you say in speaking 



