Daily Los Angeles Herald

Los Angeles Herald.

The Wine-Growers in Council.

The State Vinicultural Society met in San Francisco on Wednesday. The Chairman stated the objects of the meeting to be to devise means to defeat the Franco-American loan treaty; to secure free brandy for sweet wines; to consider the question of exhibiting specimens of wine at the Australian Agricultural Fair, and to regulate the removal and storing of grape brandy so that it would be free from taxation.

The most important business seemed to be the defeat of the Chateau scheme, M. Chateau being an agent of French wine-growers, endeavoring to secure the adoption of reciprocity treaty between France and the United States. Mr. Kohler cited that that gentleman was making a tour of the Eastern cities, giving expensive dinners and distributing wines and cigars freely. Something ought to be done to counteract his influence.

The Chairman introduced Alexander Del Mar. In 1803, he said, England sent Dr. Methuen to Portugal to arrange a reciprocity treaty similar to the one now desired by interested parties between France and the United States. The object was accomplished, and since that time Portugal has been little more than a colony of England. If this treaty is made, California will become little more than a colony of France.

Mr. Kohler moved the appointment of a committee, which should have the matter in charge, and to devise the best means of opposing the treaty.

Mr. Eyre made an extended speech. He believed in earnest work in opposition to the Mr. Chateau, who was actively engaged in manufacturing public opinion for the treaty, having a fund of not less than $100,000. If the matter was properly managed the manufacture of wine and grape brandy might in time become a paying business, and it would be no longer possible for French wine-makers to purchase their high wines in Paris, re-import them into this country in the shape of wines and undersell the native manufacturer.

The Chairman appointed on the Committee moved by Mr. Kohler, Messrs. Kohler, Rose and Hall to represent the various portions of the State.

The following was adopted:

Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed to devise the best method of action concerning the fortification of sweet wines, and to consult with distillers as to legislation or modification of internal revenue regulations in regard to sweet wines and brandies.

The Chairman appointed the following Committee: Messrs. Groesinger, Rose, J. Frauenfeldt, Charles Krug, Mr. De Turk.

Rev. Dr. Blesdale, who represents the Sydney Industrial Exhibition, upon the invitation of the Chairman, made a speech in favor of an exhibit of California wines. He said that all made in the colony which he represented were consumed at home, so that wines from this coast would not only have that region as a market, but Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and New Zealand. Native Australian wines were used in all the hospitals of the country in preference to European wines as being purer and more wholesome. He suggested that all wines, before being sent, be inspected by a committee to determine its quality, so that California should not be represented abroad by a bad article, and so lose its reputation.

After some further business the meeting adjourned.