108 PROCEEDINGS OF THIRTY-SIXTH FRUIT-GROWERS ' CONVENTION. 



known to growers in all districts we expect to have a very large growth 

 and become the controlling factor in deciduous fruits from this State. 



We have recited above what we consider the most important features 

 in this deal, and trust they will bring forth a discussion that will be 

 beneficial. ( Applause. ) 



PRESIDENT JEFFREY. The next number, and the last on the 

 program, will have plenty of time. I hope everybody here will put down 

 what points he wants to discuss to-morrow. Mr. Stephens will come for- 

 ward as the representative of the Committee on Freight Rates, and we 

 will be glad to listen to his report. (Applause.) 



MR. STEPHENS. Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: I realize 

 very forcibly that I do not possess the ability to present in a forcible 

 and convincing a way as should be done the important matter which I 

 am called upon to do. I doubt if anybody could do it. and I make no 

 attempt at oratory or anything of that kind, but get down to business 

 in my own awkward way. 



To commence, I wish to say that for the first time, through conditions 

 existing in the past year and the year previous, the shippers and the 

 growers stand as a unit. There is no division in sentiment, no division 

 in opinion, regarding the questions that are contained in this report. 

 That is a very satisfactory condition to me and to all growers and it 

 should be to all who take an interest in the future upbuilding and 

 prosperity of this State. I wish to say in addition, regarding the work 

 of the committee, that we have not been idle, that we have been attending 

 to our duty for a year, and there was scarcely a week that we have not 

 been engaged in presenting to the railroads arguments in favor of your 

 contention. That has not been done without cost. We have called upon 

 nobody to aid us in this respect. We have gone down into our own 

 pockets to defray the expenses of the committee necessary in order to 

 present your demands — at least, your request — to the transportation 

 companies, the railroad officials, of the necessity of granting the relief 

 which you have asked. That has not been any small sum, either. It 

 will come nearer $350 to $400 than anything less, and yet we have not 

 asked anybody to contribute towards this fund. 



Inasmuch as there will be an opportunity to-morrow afternoon for 

 discussing this and other questions that have been presented to you for 

 consideration, it will not devolve on me at this time in any way to enter 

 into such discussion. 



REPORT OF THE FRUIT GROWERS' COMMITTEE OX FREIGHT RATES. 



By R. D. Stephens, Chairman, Sacramento. 



Mr. Chairman. Ladies and Gentlemen, Fruit Growers of California : Your com- 

 mittee on Freight Rates begs leave to make the following report and asks that you 

 give to the questions therein discussed the consideration their importance demands : 



In presenting the report, I wish to say in behalf of the other members of the 

 committee, that they were ever ready and willing to do their full share of the work. 

 They were anxious to do all things honorable that were in their power to win for 

 you that which is justly due you. They believe that deciduous fruit shipments East 

 should, at least, be placed upon an equality with the citrus shipments made from 

 the southern part of the State. 



When we entered upon the discharge of our duties, we believed that we would 

 have but little difficulty in convincing the railroad officials that your request was 



