A $10,000 Co-op With No Fruit in the Store

We had something to say recently about the irresponsible character of the Washington Fruit Produce Union, of Tacoma. A representative of this journal, while in Tacoma last Saturday, called at the place of business of the concern. He asked for the manager, and a man came forward.

"He is out of town," was the reply.

"Let me see the secretary, then."

"He's out of town, too."

"Well, this is rather strange. Who, then, is caring for the business of this great corporation, capitalized at $10,000?"

"Oh, I have been hired to take care of things while they are away. You see, they have had a sort of reorganization here. The former secretary and treasurer was a fellow by the name of William F. Ryder. He ran through with the funds of the company, and got things in mighty bad shape. Well, they have got rid of him, and now A. S. Farquharson has taken his place. Together with the general manager, he is down on the lower Sound, getting farmers to join. They are meeting with good success, I believe, and now have two or three hundred new members secured."

"Are you doing much business now?"

"Not just now. I simply take care of things and when, once in a while, a shipment comes in, I see to the marketing of it. But this man Farquharson is a good man — straight and reliable, so far as I know, and he will get the business on its feet in good shape. Both he and Dolan, the manager, think there is money in the business."

"Who is Farquharson?"

"He used to live at Hot Springs. He has a big suit on with the Northern Pacific Railroad Company for damages because of loss of a house or something by catching fire from an engine spark."

"Who is Dolan?"

"I understand he was in the fruit trade in California. Don't know anything against him."

"I guess that man Ryder was a pretty hard case," continued the reporter.

"Yes," was the reply, "I guess he was. He cleaned this institution up all right, and they do say he isn't straight exactly. But then, he's out and the business is going to run all square now."

"I suppose the business will be run under the same plan, and is still a stock company?" asked the reporter.

"Yes, I believe so."

The man in charge evidently didn't know who he was giving information to. A look about the premises disclosed the fact that there was hardly any produce in the big store, and nothing was being done.

Now, we give the above conversation and let our readers form their opinion. A copy of the prospectus of this extraordinary company shows that it is an incorporation under the laws of this state, and it has for its object "the unity of all growers of the state of Washington, and the management of this Union has formed a correspondent or agent in all points in the United States, British Columbia and Alaska, from whom is received daily reports as to the state of their market. This gives to each member an equal chance of placing his products to the best possible advantage, an advantage that no grower, not a member of this Union, could enjoy."

Shares are $5 apiece. The officers' salaries are fixed at $100 per month for each person. It is presumed that Ryder drew his salary regularly. The cost of membership is $5 per year, entitling the holder to all the "rights and privileges of the Union." The dividends are declared annually. The rate of commission is fixed at one-half the regular rate of commission. The "one-half rate" is rather uncertain and we imagine would puzzle members in its interpretation about settling-up time. Altogether, the Washington Fruit Produce Company is a funny concern. Beyond the information given above, we can say nothing further than that they are not very prompt pay. It's a good firm to steer clear of.

After the above was in type a representative of this journal, Mr. Frank Dana, came in from Island county, stating that there are several farmers down there who are wondering if the Washington Fruit Produce Company is still in existence. In August Dolan and Farquharson canvassed the island soliciting members, taking $5 from each one who subscribed. Mr. Dana was given the share of certificate of membership that was issued to W. B. Engle, who now thinks he would like to have his money back. This certificate is a beauty, printed on pink paper with a big gold seal. We have hung it up in our office, where any one who so desires may inspect it.