Shingle Barons Threaten War on Outsiders
The regional shingle association, frustrated by competition and falling prices, moves to consolidate power through ultimatum.
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The Oregon and Washington Shingle Manufacturers' and Dealers' Association held an important meeting in Seattle yesterday. The action taken was significant in that the price cut made at the previous meeting was reconsidered and rates were advanced. Furthermore, the association served notice to mills outside its membership: join or prepare for war. About ninety members were present, representing over 100 mills, alongside representatives from fifty non-association mills. The association voted to restore prices to previous levels, noting that recent cuts had failed to stimulate trade and instead caused Eastern buyers to cancel orders, fearing the association’s dissolution. Committees have been appointed to canvass non-association mills, with an ultimatum: if 90 percent of mills have not joined by the next meeting, the association will declare an open price war to drive weaker, independent mills out of business.
“If a free fight takes place it will be a bad thing for the state... the only people who will benefit by the low prices will be the Eastern dealers.”
The 1892 struggle over market control, industrial pricing, and the squeeze on smaller, independent producers echoes modern Seattle’s ongoing tensions between corporate consolidation and local businesses. The tactic of using price wars to force competitors into folding remains a hallmark of regional dominance strategies.
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