PROCEEDINGS OF TWENTY-SIXTH FRUIT-GROWERS' CONVENTION. 195 



of the report: " I have no doubt but that all the statements made therein are absolutely 

 correct." 



There should be a reduction of at least seventy per cent made in the existing charges 

 for refrigeration, which would still leave a handsome profit for the car lines, and a 

 much larger one than would be then received by the average fruit-grower for the capital 

 and labor he has invested. Such a reduction would accomplish more for the fruit inter- 

 ests of the State than twice the amount in reduction in the freight rates, for the reason 

 that it would take from the refrigerator lines the power to give heavy rebates to a favored 

 few, which system carries with it the power to control the distribution and marketing of our 

 fruit products. 



So long as the present rates for refrigeration prevail, the fruit-growers of California 

 will see no competition between buyers, for the reason that no man or firm can hope 

 to successfully compete with those who may be favored under the rebate system. 



Hoping that you will soon see your way clear to join the other members of the com- 

 mittee in their efforts to emancipate the fruit-growers of California, I remain. 

 Very truly yours, 



(Signed:) R. D. STEPHENS, 

 Chairman Fruit-Growers' Transportation Committee. 



William Sproule to R. D. Stephens. 



Southern Pacific Company — Geneeal Fbeight Department, 

 San Francisco, Cal., January 3, 1902. 



Mr. R. D. Stephens, 



Chairman Fruit-Growers^ Transportation Committee, 



Sacramento, Cal.: 



Dear Sir: 



transportation green fruits east-bound. 

 I beg to acknowledge receipt in due course of your valued favor of the 23d ult., and 

 thank you for copy of report of action taken by the fruit-growers of California at annual 

 convention December 3-6, 1901, in regard to transportation of green fruits to Eastern 

 markets, enclosed therewith. 



You can rest assured this traffic will have the careful attention of this Company. 

 Yours truly, 



(Signed:) WM. SPROULE. 



W. A. Gardner to R. D. Stephens. 



Chicago & Northwestern R'y Co., 



Office of the General Manager, 

 Chicago, December 26, 1901. 



Mr. R. D. Stephens, 



Chairman Fruit-Growers' Association Committee, 



Sacramento, Cal.: 



Dear Sir: We wish to thank you for your letter of December 23d, enclosing reports 

 of Fruit-Growers' Association. 



Yours truly, 



(Signed:) W. A. GARDNER. 



