EN LPINAREROS SSS SSE LOSE ZK LYONS SLE AF SBS LY AR SS 2 KUNE 2 PZZIANCESS SOLON VO TEENS ERG OTHERS ye << Pod) DAY & Wes WRLC ey oe Sa Coe. (3 OSS Sz aN WO WR A Ny EN CA We GaSe é poe A Wa OG a _ Kw CAPO NINS - Ta 20) Mm) Aenea CAD (a OES MARSTON SNR NO Reo ZO VES Oe OZ ae ees Ze S x CrP KG EA a Px ye) GY =U aI. 2S E UB: SCE ne OO EES) Sa Za Y) SS Ba S . LO Ci G(T NNOSIOS (a WC Ce, NP) {ERY 7 Amy ADO Oe oA S b S(G/a cF mais Ay ON CAN bp: ow CWE a ey) IPA Es) Sah ry) STON \ eu eet UNEP PN cee ee ee oN ISS PDNOs -@ PUBLISHED WEEKLY 4 (GENE ee TRADESMAN COMPANY, PUBLISHERS S50) PASS 1 PER YEAR & SOIC SD SALLE ES ALCL AOR LSS LT SISOS SE PLS IS ENE Volume XIV. GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1896, ” Nember eee OG Pee SS SSS SSS SS SSI SIS5 WoC SASSI SASS ASAE NEVER BEFORE : G Have we been ab’e to show such an immense selection of Holiday Goods as this season. Our counters are now ia shape to suit every one. Handkerchiefs—all sizes, all prices—enough to supply the town. Good Dolls—Cheap Dolls, Long Dolls, Short Dolls—in fact, all kinds of Dolis Picture Frames —Toilet Soaps, Perfumeries, Pins, Fancy Combs, Tidies, Napkins, etc., etc. Gents’ Furnishings—Large line of Ties, Shirts, Collars, Cuffs, Socks, Umbrellas, Gloves, Handkerchiefs— in fact everything you need. BUY NOW WHILE SELECTION !S GOOD aT P. STEKETEE & SONS. BOSON SSIES SISOS ONS UNISTS Ss SASCAA a eAaAaaasa eV ABeS SS SSS SEAS ESI) SSeS eS eS SES There is Money in It TPPPPPYNDDDTT TTT oNNNNOvo aon aa nee yy Tyan Tasty and attractive styles in Dry Goods and Men’s Furnishings are money makers. We carry a complete line. Always up to date. e a e a @ a e a e a e a e a e a : NOW a Sf ee @ BB = is the time to make up your mind to do e a @ a e a e@ a @ your next year’s business with us. Special attention given all mail orders VOIGT, HERPOLSHEIMER & CO., WHOLESALE DRY GOODS, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. OHORORORORODOROTORORORCHONONORORORONORCORORORGOROE SSONVN VND NOHNOHNNHNNHNNDNNNN NTE barrrevereverevevevevevevevevevevern I. W. Lamp, Pres. and Supt. C. H. CaLkins, Vice-Pres. E. L. Warkrins, Sec’y. C. G, FREEMAN, Treas. The Lamb Glove and Mitten Co. PERRY, MICH. U.S. A. MANUFACTURERS OF High Grade Gloves and Mittens Made from Pure Amer.can and Australian Wools and the Finest Quality of Silks. Season of 1896-97. This Company controls a large number of the latest and best inven- tions of Mr. I. W. Lamb, the originator and inventor of the Lamb Knitting Machine, who is recognized as the Leader in originating designs for High Grade{Gloves and Mittens, in the invention of machines for their produe- tion, and also in the manufacture of the goods. We will be pleased to send samples for examination — Express pre- paid — to responsible dealers in any part of the Union. Any portion, or all, of these samples may be returned at our expense. Dealers will consult their own interests by examining these goods. We are sending out THREE lines of these samples, as follows: Line No. 1, for Men, Women and Children, consisting of 18 pairs. Line No. 2, for Men and Boys only, consisting of 12 pairs. Line No. 3, for Ladies, Boys and Children, consisting of 12 pairs. WUbbsdAbddddsabdadddaasdsdaaddddddddddddd In ordering samples please to say which line you wish. Goods shipped at once, and satisfaction guaranteed. _ Ghee ew ROOFS AND FLOORS OF TRINIDAD PITCH LAKE ASPHALT Write for estimates and full information to Warren Chemical & Manufacturing Co., 81 Fulton St., New York, 94 Moffat Bld’g, Detroit. Offices also in CLEVELAND, CINCINNAT!, TOLEDO, B"'FFALO, UTICA, BOSTON and TORONTO. Plumbing and Steam Heating; mal SBOROROROROROHOROROROHOTOROHOHOROROROROHOE cnagenenes e e eS RUDGPOId Ready Rooting : e = = Will last longer than any other roofing now on the market. » We have full faith in its merits. But if you want other @ kinds we always have them at reasonable prices. Let us = quote you prices, if you need roofing of any sort. e = e H. M. REYNOLDS & SON, 3 Detroit Office, feot of 3d Street. GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. . = Weatherly | and Electric Fixtures; Galvanized Iron Cornice and Slate Roofing. Every kind of Sheet Metal Work. & Pulte, Pumps and Well Supplies. Hot Air Furnaces. 99 Pearl St., GRAND RAPIDS. Best equipped and largest concern in the State. ssidiliiasiiieaaiiniadineanianemianmadniaiaanel a q q q q q , 4 4 q {PEAKING & HESS, voz" His, Furs, Wool and Talow # We carry a stock of cake tallow for mill use. > > Nos. 122 and 124 Louis St., - Grand Rapids. > 9OOO000O 0006000960006 9000006606060606600060006 a CHARLES [MANZELIANN Snedicor & Hathaway KIND e ANY mice COAL MANUFACTURER OF 80 to 89 W. Woodbridge St., Detroit, sa morman « co, BROOMS AND WHISK 1 DRIVING SHOES, MEN’S AND BOYS’ GRAIN SHOES. 19 Lyon St., Grand Rapids, Mich. DETROIT, MICH. . C. E. Smith Shoe Co., Agts. for Mich., O. and Ind SUBSTITUTE FOR COFFEE MANUFACTURED BY C. H. STRUEBE, Sandusky, Ohio, Agent for Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. Simplest and Most Economical Method of Keeping Petit Accounts. File and 1,009 printed blank bill heads...... #2 75 File and 1,000 specially printed bill heads... 3 25 Printed blank bill heads, per M ... ......... 13 Specially printed bill heads, per M... ...... 1 7% TRADESMAN COMPANY, Grand Rapids. OOK NDERY | — © AND 7 PEARL STREET. DIAMOND CRYSTAL SALT makes trade—keeps trade— will do the same for you. See Price Current. DIAMOND CRYSTAL SALT CO., St. Clair, Mich. Every Dollar Invested in Tradesman Company's COUPON BOOKS will yield hand some returns in saving book-keeping. besides the assurance that no charge is forgotten. Write TRADESMAN COMPANY, Grand Rapids Largest Assortment FIR TINTIN TIN TIN AIR IRIN IN IN INN INI IIR IN INN IINIIN IN NIN Lowest Prices... RENIN III INN INI INN IINIININ No matter what may be your requirements in the line of printing, there is an establishment in Grand Rapids which can meet your requirements. The establishment is known asthe. . Tradesman Company RPRERERAVRRPERAAAVARARARABDDRDINNWA and it is located in one of the finest office buildings in the city, the... New Blodgett Building occupying two floors, each 66 x 132 feet in dimensions, which is the largest floor space utilized by any printing establish- ment in Western Michigan. Why deal with establishments which have not the necessary assortment or experience to turn out first-class work when the same money will buy full- count, full-weight, artistic work? Remember we have the . . Largest Floor Space Best Equipment ' Most Complete Facilities Travelers’ Time Tables. CHICAGO and West Going to Chicago. uv. G’d. Rapids ........ 8:3uamn 1:25pm +11:00pm Sept. 7, 1896 Michigan R'y Ar. Chicago............ 3:0upm 6:50pm + 6:30am Returning from Chicago. uv. Chicago............ 7:am 5:uupm 11:30pm ar. G’d Rapids....... . 1:25pm 10:3upm + 6:luam Muskegon via Waverly. Ly. G’d. Rapids.... .... s:duam 1:zspm 6:25pm ar. G'd. Rapids......... 10:ldam .... .. 10:30pm Manistee, Traverse City and Petoskey. uv. Gd Kapids........ 7:20am 5:3upm ........ Ar Manistee........... 12:05pm 10:25pm ........ ar. Traverse City..... 12:40pm Ll:lupm ...... oe ar. Charlevoix........ os eee ve ca ar. Peioskey.......... SOM. oes kes o Trains arrive from north at 1:00p.m. and 9:50 p.m. PARLOR AND SLEEPING CARS, Chicago. Yrarlor cars ou afternoon trains and sleepers on night trains. North. Parlor car for Traverse City leaves Grand Kapids7:3Vam. +Every day. Others week days only. June 28, 1896 D ET ROI : oe & Northern R&. R. Going to Detroit. Ly. Grand Rapids......7:vuam 1:30pm 5:25pm An Detrois. 2.6 os... li:4Uam 5:4Upm 10:lupm _ Returning from Detroit. uy. Detroit........ .....7:40am l:lupm 6:00pm ar. Grand Kapids..... 12:30pm 5:2upm 10:45pm Saginaw, Alma and St. Louis. Ly. G R@:vvam 4:2Upm Ar. G K li:doam 9:15pm To and from Lowell. uy. Grand Rapids...... 7Vam 1:30pm 5:25pm Ar. from Lowell ..... 12:30pm. 5:20pm THROUGH CAR SERVICE. Parlor cars on all trains between Grand Rap- ids and Detroit and between Graud Rapids aud Saginaw. ‘Trains run week days only. GEO. DEHAVEN, General Pass. Agent. GRAND ietrit ant Mirvautee ov. Eastward. +No. 14 tNo. 16 Ly. G’d Rapids.6:45am 10:ivam ar. Ionia...... 7:40am 11:17am Ar. St. Jobns..9:25am 12:lupm Ar. Owosso....9:Uam 1:1Upm Ar. E. Saginawl0:50am . Ar. W. Bay C’yll:3uam ........ ar, Sling: ..:.. 10:05am. ar. Pt, Huron.12:v5pm Ar. Pontiac.. 10:53am 2:57pm Ar. Detroit... ll:ovam 3:55pm Westward. for G’d Haven and Intermediate Pts.... 7:00am for G’d Haven and [utermediate Pts.. ..12:a3pin For G’d Haven and Intermediate Pts.... 5:12pin tDaily except Sunday. *Daily. ‘I'rains arrive from the east, 6:354.m., 12:45p.m., 5:U7p.m., 9:55 p.m. Lrains arrive from tne west, 1U:J5a.m., 3:22p.m., 10:15p.m. Eastward—No. 14 has Wagner parlor car. No. 18 parlur car. Westward—No. 11 parlor car. No. lo Wagner parlor car. E. H. Hugues, A. G. P. & T. A., Chicago. BEN. FLETCHER, Trav. Pass. Agt., Jas. CAMPBELL, City Puss. Ageut, No. 23 Monroe St. GRAND apits & indians Railrosa Northern Div. Leave Arrive Trav. C’y, Petoskey & Mack...+ 7:45am + 5:15pm Trav. C’y, Petoskey & Mack...¢ 2:15pm + 6:30am Cent. oS + 5:25pm tli:lvam Train leaving at 7:45 a.m. has parlor car to Petoskey and Mackinaw. Train leaving at 2:15 p.m. has sleeping car to Petoskey and Mackinaw. Southern Div. tNo. 18 *No. 382 3:30pm 10:45pin 4:34pm 12:30am dizdpm 1:57am 6:03pm = 3:25pin 8:0Uu_pm 6:4vuam 8:35pm 7:15am 7:05pm = §:4V0ain 9:50pm 7:3Upm 8:25pm 6:1lvam 9:25pm 8:Jdam Leave Arrive Cincinnati. oi... : cas tees oes + 7:luam + 8:25pm PE OVER. oes + 2:00pm ¢ 1:50pm OimOinath 2 ao cin ces be cee * 7:00pm * 7:25am 7:10a.m. train has parlor car to Cincinnati. 7:00p.m. train has sleeping car to Cincinnati. Muskegon Trains. GOING WEST. Lv G’d Rapids.......... 7:35am +1:00pm +5:40pm Ar Muskegon........... 9:00am 2:10pm 7:05pm @OING EAST. Lv Muskegon....... .. +8:10am +11:45am +4:00pm ArG’d Rapids... ..... 9:3uam 12:55pm 5:20pm t+tExcept Sunday. *Daily. A. ALMQUIST, C. L. Lockwoop, Ticket Agt.Un. Sta. Gen. Pass. & Tkt. Agt. Every Merchant Who uses the Tradesman Company’s COUPON BOOKS, does so with a sense of security and profit, for he knows he is avoiding loss and annoy ance. Write TRADESMAN COMPANY, Grand Rapids ao Volume XIV. GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1896. Number 690 AT GOOD PAY. For particulars ad- dress the CLASP COMPANY, Commercial Gredit Go, (Limited) ESTABLISHED 1886, Reports and Collections. 411-412-413 Widdicomb Bldg, Grand Rapids. NOTICE TO HOOPMIAKERS CASH PAID for round and tacked = shipping stations on D.. L. & N., C. & W. “9 GE ££. T..S.& MMOL A 1... DG. oH & M.,M.& N. E,u. 8. & M.S. railroads. ROUND & RACKED HOOP CO., 423 Widdicomb Bidg., Grand Rapids, [ich. > 3 FIR Es INS. 3 CO. . > S > Prompt, Conservative, Safe. J.W.CHAMPLIN, Pres. W. FRED McBarn, See. 90900000000 The Michigan Trust Go.. Grand Rapids, Mich. Acts as Executor, Administrator, Guardian, Trustee. Send for copy of our pamphlet, ‘Laws of the State of Michigan on Descent and Distribution of Property.” GOLUMBIAN TRANSFER COMPANY - CARRIAGES, BAGGAGE AND FREIGHT WAGONS 15 and 17 North Waterloo St., Telephone 381-1 Grand Rapids. Every Dollar Invested in Tradesman Company’s COUPON BOOKS will yield hand some returns in saving book-keeping besides the assurance that no charge is forgotten. Write TRADESMAN COMPANY, Grand Rapids KOLB G OOK Established nearly one-half a century. Wholesale Clothing Mit, Rochesler, N. ¥. All mail orders promptly attended to, or write our Michigen Agent, William Connor, Box 346, Marshall, Mich., who will show you our entire line of samples. The...... PREFERRED BANKERS LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY +100 0f MICHIGAN Incorporated by 100 Michigan Bankers. Pays all death claims promptly and in full. This Company sold Two and One-half Millions of In- surance in Michigan in 1895, and is being ad- mitted into seven of the Northwestern States at this time. The most desirable plan before the people. Sound and Cheap. DEPARTMENT STORE LEADERS. The feature of the department store methods which is most obnoxious to the grocery trade is the cutting in well- known and advertised prices for the sake of appearing to sell goods cheaply. The Managers of these institutions seem to have adopted the theory that the most effective advertisement is the sale, at greatly reduced rates, of articles of which the price is most widely known, and the theory seems to be so well borne out In practice that the plan is being adopted everywhere. If the proprietors of such institutions are not able to get these ‘‘leaders’’ at sufficient reductions by buying in great quantities to enable them to undersell the regular trade with- out loss, it is reasoned that the cutting can still be done and the difference charged to advertising account. The effectiveness of this kind of ad- vertising in the securing of returns lies wholly in the dishonest theory that the losses can be more than made good in the sale of such articles as do not afford an opportunity for easy comparison of prices. Fortunately for the plans of these dealers, the customers attracted in this way are the least intelligent, and so least critical on values where the chance of comparison is not the plain- est. Naturally, the best articles for this use are specialties put up in packages of uniform size which have the price most generally associated with the pack- age in the minds of the public. Thus, the most common brands of soaps or baking powders, corn starches, special brands of condensed milk, etc., are es- pecially available. It is unfortunate for the grocery trade that most of the lines suitable for this kind of advertising are selected from its lists. A most unaccountable feature of this question is the attitude taken by the manufacturers. Generally, those who have built up a reputation and sale of their goods by many years of hard work have an interest in the maintenance of the retail price which would seem to make them inclined to discourage such uses of their goods. But in too many in- stances the temptation of a large sale overcomes them and they become par- ties to the degradation of their own products. They may plead that they are willing to sell to any at the same prices in the same quantities; but such a plea is of no significance. It is more for the interest of the manufacturer to protect his retail prices than it is for the deal- ers, But it has been found that the only way to bring these manufacturers to a sense of their proper interests is for the legitimate trade to take concerted ac- tion. And they are doing this in many localities. Sometimes a gentle reminder through the trade press has been suffi- cient to bring them to time, but in some cases more stringest measures are nec- essary. The Tradesman is unalterably opposed to boycotting in any manner, but it considers that the concerted re- fusal to buy or sell goods on which the profit of the grocer has not only been de- stroyed, but been used to destroy his other Home office, DETROIT, Michigan. trade, is not to be classed as a boycott. In several of the larger cities especial- ly, this matter is receiving much atten- tion. Conventions are being called and it will not be long before a trade senti- ment will be manifested which will make the manufacturers a little more careful of the uses to which their prod- ucts shall be put. A DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. At the present short session of Con- gress an effort is to be made to secure the adoption of Senator Frye’s bill providing for the creation of a Depart- ment of Commerce in the National Government and giving the head of the proposed department a seat in the Cab- inet. The idea is not a new one, as it has been proposed frequently before and has been a favorite subject with some people ever since the Bureau of Agri- culture was raised to the dignity of a department, with Cabinet privileges. The idea is to place under the control of the new department all the work now done by the various departments which may be considered to be of a purely commercial nature, such as the publica- tion of commercial statistics, as now at- tended to by the Treasury Department ; the compilation gnd issue of the reports of consuls at foreign ports on the sub- ject of foreign trade; the preparation of railroad and immigration statistics, the Bureau of Navigation: and many other matters which are of special interest to commerce and do not properly belong to the other departments of the Govern- ment are also intended in the scope of the new department. Other countries have a department of commerce, with a seat in their cabi- nets or ministries, hence there would be nothing unusual in one of the great- est commercial nations, such as we un- doubtedly are, having a department of commerce in our Government. Such a department could do a great deal more to promote the trade interests of the country, both at home and abroad, than is now possible with the purely com- mercial work distributed among half a dozen separate departments, none of which are well equipped for the special work to be done. EFFECT OF CLEAN STREETS. Already the public servants and the public prints of New York City are be- ginning to recognize the civilizing and healthful effects of clean streets in the big metropolis. It is said the beneficial results generally since Commissioner Waring cleaned the streets and the city are matters of common observation and comment. The windows are cleaner since the streets are thoroughly swept, the halls of the houses in the tenement districts are cleaner, even the paint on the dwellings and stores is fresher, the children of the streets look tidier, and this cleanliness has its marked effect on health. From the standpoint of ap- pearance, comfort or sanitation, the im- provement has been such as not only _ to attract mention, but to create a now overwhelming sentiment in favor of the good work and its continuance at any cost. Where a half million was grudg- ingly given to the metropolitan street department two or three years ago, now several million dollars are voted without a murmur. This is the history of all public im- provement—at first opposed by large numbers of people, then growlingly sub- mitted to with predictions of the city’s bankruptcy, then enjoyed, until, finally, four or five times the cost of the im- provements could not buy them from the public and cause a return to the former conditions. Men are singularly indiffer- ent as a community to their best inter- ests, in spite of their boasted intelli- gence and experience. They have to be driven to take care of themselves collectively, but when any conspicuous advance has been made they all want to share the glory, and wonder that the good work was not accomplished be- fore. The pioneers in any movement designed to add to the public comfort, or health, or growth, or prestige of a city can feel assured that, while they may at first be criticised, and even bit- terly opposed, eventually they will be hailed and honored as public benefac- tors. An inevitable consequence of the great disparity between the face and bullion value of the silver coinage is the great increase in counterfeiting, using the same ingredients in the coins. It is so easy to thus make a practically exact copy of such coins that detection is impossible except by the ferreting out of the operators by the secret service. There has been so much of this kind of inflation of the currency that the fact is becoming apparent and the Treasury officials are proposing the adoption of new designs and the recoinage of the silver circulation. But just how this will remedy the matter is difficult to comprehend unless there should bea change in the value of the ingredients. The most serious injury the recoinage could be to these ‘‘private mints’’ would be the temporary interruption of their operations and the expense of preparing the new dies. The work of counterfeiting any coins when the same ingredieuts can he used is so simple that no effective safeguard has yet been suggested and the great disparity in value will always present an interesting and serious probiem on this account. A curious effect of the high rate for money in England while it is so plenti- ful and cheap in New York is that very heavy investments have been made in the latter market in sterling exchange, which is practically equivalent to lend- ing the money to England. Money on call in London has been at 3% per cent. tor several weeks, while in New York it has been from 2 to 2% per cent. The difference makes a sufficient margin to yield a good profit and the bankers and other investors have taken advantage of that fact to keep their funds employed. The maturing of these bills during Jan- uary and February, when there _ is usually a great demand for money from this country for the payment of securi- ties, will have a material influence in keeping money plentiful and _ prevent- ing the renewed export of gold. 2 THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN etre Getting the People A Treatise on Advertising, Past and Present. The only journal in this country in 1704, which continued for fifteen years without a rival on the continent, was a half-sheet, 12 inches by 8, with two columns to each page. Within this re- stricted space the editor proposed not only to print the news, but also to fur- nish a, medium of advertising. ‘‘All persons,’’ he gave notice, ‘‘who have houses, lands, farms, tenements, ships, goods, wares, merchandise, etc., etc., to be sold or let, or servants run away, or goods stole or lost, may have them inserted at a reasonable rate from two pence to five shillings.’ His advertis- ing patronage turned out to be even smaller, however, than the cramped capacity of his paper, being confined mainly to offers of reward for the return of fugitive servants. The merchants did not improve the opportunity thus presented for increasing their trade; bargains in real estate were not pro- claimed through that channel; and ina general way there was no disposition to use the newspaper for business pur- poses. But as time passed, a gradual change ensued in this respect. An ad- vertising tendency was developed among those who had things to sell and those who liked to see their name in print; and it also became in some measure a point of public spirit and an impulse of benevolence to contribute in that way to the support of the news- papers, regardless of the question of personal advantage. There are many facts of interest in the advertisements of those early times, and a book might be written from them that would be more readable, if not also more valuable, than the ordinary his- tory. They are, in fact, a legitimate part of history in its full and proper sense. If all other records should be blotted out, there would still remain in these neglected evidences sufficient in- formation for the construction of a com- paratively satisfactory account of the life of the period and the general aspect of affairs. Take a New York paper of 1775, for instance, and you will find in its advertisements alone an accurate re- flection of the conditions that then existed in all important relations. One of them states that ‘‘the Committee of Inspection, having examined into the charges that James Dundas and Peter Shaw have spoken with contempt of the Honorable Congress and its cfficers, do find them guilty, and hold them up to public view as enemies of liberty, and urge all good citizens to abstain from any dealing with them.’’ The offenders were boycotted, that is to say; anda third one, fearing the loss of his trade by the same process, ‘‘ humbly acknowl- edges that he has spoken disrespectfully of the Hon. Continental Congress, and begs forgiveness of it and of his coun try, promising submission thereto."’ In ali of the advertisements of the merchants at that °time the troubles of the country are referred to, and prompt payment of debt is urged to avert the danger of bankruptcy. The editor him- self is an advertiser to this effect, say- ing that if his delinquent patrons do not pay up he will be obliged to stop print- ing the paper in a few weeks; and in another place, to mend his fortunes, he offers empty ink bottles for sale at a low price. A woman advertising a package of black mitts, pins and a cap, lost on the ferry, ‘‘hopes that no person, ata time like this, will be so lost to reason as to unlawfully detain them.’’ There is a notice that ‘‘the new stage coaches plying between New York and Phila- delphia will leave every Tuesday and Friday morning,’’ from each of those places, ‘and meet that night at Prince- ton, exchange passengers and return, thus making the journey in two days; price 30 shillings inside, and 14 pounds baggage, with 2 pence for each addi- tional pound.’’ The ‘‘monthly Assize of Bread’’ is also advertised, fixing the price of ‘‘one loaf of finest wheat flour, I pound 11% ounces,’’ at 4 coppers. The price of flour is quoted at 5 shill- ings, beef 55 shillings and beeswax 2 shillings, while the price of ‘‘India tea’’ is set at ‘Liberty and property.’’ Other curious and significant things might be cited from the advertisements of this one paper, all serving to convey a distinct impression of the general sit- uation. A paper published at Phila- delphia for the week preceding that in which the Declaration of Independence was adopted contains the advertise- ments of a number of merchants who are anxious to sel] out at cost, in antici- pation of the coming of a hostile army. One offers a large stock of crockery, including many articles that would now be worth more than their weight in gold as relics of obsolete forms of manufac- ture. Another advertises ‘‘ Russia drill- ing and linens, osnaburgs and _ sail cloths, cinnamon and a few pieces of silk ;"’ and another calls attention to his assortment of ‘‘duffles and taffetas’’ that must be sold at any sacrifice. An English servant girl, having two years to serve, and described as ‘‘handy, ap- prehensive and honest,’’ is advertised for sale to some one living outside of the city. A gentleman lately from Lon- don wishes to teach drawing in water colors; a schoolmaster is wanted in Maryland at $650 a year; and the _ loser of a silver watch says ‘‘she had a black ribbon to her and brass key and a seal in the shape of a compass.’’ The best green tea is advertised at 32 shillings 6 pence per pound, and coarse salt at 6 shillings 6 pence a pound. Rewards are offered for deserters from the army; military books and accouterments, in- cluding swords with various patriotic mottoes on them, are advertised; and there are numerous announcements re- lating to changes of business on account of the war. A comparison between the advertise- ments of past times and those of the present day shows at a glance the re- markable change that has taken place in the appreciation of this method of promoting business and increasing pros- perity. Formerly they were of a com- monplace and monotonous order, and frequently stood unchanged for a year; now they are bright, ingenious and new every day. They are written and ar- ranged with a view to influencing the popular mind, and no other form of current literature represents a better understanding of human nature. An advertisement is worthless, of course, if it does not interest and persuade those to whom it is addressed. It must strike the average intelligence of the com- munity in a pleasant way, or it will not pay; and so the advertiser avails him- self of every expedient to make his message attractive. Ee is quick to detect the fluctuations of popular thought and feeling, and to utilize them as accessories of his enterprise. His finger is constantly upon the popular pulse, and his advertisements are so constructed as to suit the prevailing mood or caprice. He aims to associate his name and business with the things that everybody is talking about. His success depends, as he knows, upon his ability to keep his private concerns in the current of general conversation and inclination and he misses no opportu- nity of that kind. Thus advertising columns become a history of society in those respects which imply information as to the successive sentiments and proclivities of the masses. We can read in them the con- tinuous story of material civilization not only, but also of intellectual effort and diversion, the variations of taste, the introduction of new opinions and inspi- rations, and the shifting of points of view and plans of endeavor. They tell us all about the dress, the diet, the in- dustries, the amusements of the people. The things advertised are the things most illustrative of ordinary life, the things of first importance in the work of acquiring correct knowledge of the conditions of society at a given time in a given locality. They enable us to see what Taine calls ‘‘the living man, toil- ing, impassioned, intrenched in his cus- toms,’ and he is the principal in the case after all. The records that omit these details are not trustworthy, be- cause they are not complete. It is easy to conceive that a page of advertise- ments may be worth more in point of exact and comprehensive information as to a country and its institutions than long and profound accounts of its legis- lation and diplomacy. In the one in- stance we get simple, practical, unmis- takable facts,and in the other we get an ounce of such matter to a pound of tire- some and useless pedantry. It requires but little effort of the im- agination to find in advertisements al}! the elements of comedy and tragedy that make up the tangled skein of life, the threads of human experience and destiny, in all the world at all times. There is much more signified by these Many statements of personal interests and situations than we are apt to think, unless we stop to analyze them and read between the lines. When we consider the extent and variety of such messages, it iS easy to understand that they must involve a great deal of anxiety, of ro- mance, of vicissitude. They pertain to everything that can be supposed to touch the matter of living. There is no object, no wish, no tendency that is without expression in them. They constitute a sort of whispering gallery through which all classes make known the thoughts that are uppermost in the collective mind of the community. We may treat them with indifference if we are so disposed, but the fact remains that they have an important meaning, .and that we cannot afford to disregard them in their rela- tion to the general scheme of civiliza- tion. They are infused with the essence of history, and the influences for which they stand cannot be put out of sight by lightly ignoring them, whatever we may think about their inferiority to the con- siderations upon which the historians place exclusive emphasis. Scme years ago a distinguished schol- ar wrote a learned address on journal- ism, in which he appealed to the news- papers to shut out all advertisements, and publish oniy news and special liter- ature. The idea was laughed at, as he might have expected it would be, and the laughing was not ail done by those who were thus asked to relinquish half of their income for the philanthropic purpose of elevating the standard of journalism. A majority of the patrons of the papers joined in ridiculing a proposition that implied the suppression of a most interesting and useful fund of information. There are as many papers bought for their advertisemens as for their other contents. The pages that are filled with business announcements appeal to all persons who do any sort of trading, or desire any form of employ- ment, or wish to make any kind of an investment; and the list of such per- sons is so large that the rest are hardly worth considering. It is not for the few who never read advertisements that papers are published, but for the numerous men and women who are en- gaged in the practical work of life, and who need just such facts as the ad- vertisers furnish—facts that come di- rectly home to them and help them in ways that have a vital bearing upon their plans of prosperity and happiness. This is an age of advertising. The man who seeks customers for any kind of merchandise must do so through papers, or he will not secure them. There is no other effective way to bring buyer and seiler together. It is claimed, to be sure, that advertisements are not always candid and reliable, but this is only saying that there are always some tricksters in trade. Asa general rule, advertisers are honest, and the excep- tions are soon found out. It is not to the interest of any reputable firm or corpo- ration to misrepresent its wares or to practice any kind of deception in its business methods. The advertisements that pay are those that carry with them an assurance that they mean what they say, and do not conceal a possibility of insincerity. When sincerity is lack- ing, nothing else can supply its place, and the result is a forfeiture of public confidence and a loss rather than a gain ef customers. The people who read an advertisement want to know that they can take the advertiser at his word. That is the main thing. Therefore, falsehood or duplicity in advertising is a fatal blunder and all first-class houses strictly avoid it, both as a duty to their patrons and as an advantage to them- selves.—Henry King in Once a Month. oe el ae Following are a few sample advertise- ments, clipped from Michigan news- papers, whicb exhibit excellent taste and possess strong drawing qualities: yvwvuvuvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvwvevvde'™ FUG OOOO OOO FEC UOOOCCOCCOCOItTS You are Pretty Sure to need something in the way of new clothing during the next few weeks. Change of seasons requires change of ap- parel. The improvement in the times, which is already begin- ning to make itself apparent throughout the country, is sure to reach us all in time, and we are justified in loosening the purse-strings enough to look out for personal appearance and comfort. wwevevuvvuvvvuvuvvvwvevwedwy FE GFO GV VU VV VV VV VV VV VY POO OU VO OV ECO CEWUEUCUCTCUW La bn bn bn be bn bn br br he he Le hn he he Me he he ho rvyVvVvVvVvyVvyvVvvvvvvvwvvVvYvyYyweYW?Y?*" OO OF POPP OV OE NII SOOOOQQOOOOQOQOGOQOS® HOGQOQOOOSE HUSBAND is no doubt wondering what to give you for a Christmas present. If he knew that a black silk dress was just what you wanted wouldn't he be likely to look it up ? If he found that he could buy a beautiful Poi de Soie silk, ‘“‘the very best kind,” at 85c a yard. wouldn’t he be likely to do it? You furnish the hints and we'll furnish the goods. ne © a RA ©O0OOOQOOOGL CS O© DEC QOOQOQOOOOE OOOQOOQOOQOOOO® THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 3 GOTHAM GOSSIP. News from the Metropolis---Index to the Market. Special Correspondence. New York, Dec. 5—Business in this city among jobbing grocers is steadily improving. There is no ‘‘boom,’’ and this is encouraging. A quiet, steady enlargement of business is what is wanted and what we are witnessing. Naturally, at this time, the trade is for holiday goods, and these show a good profit to all concerned. Some houses find it still necessary to work their forces nights, in order to keep up with the requirements of their trade, and in none 1s there any time for lounging. The steady rise in wheat has made its influence felt among country dealers and there are a good many buyers here from all over the country. In the dry goods district the streets are lined with huge cases and the bustle is intense. It is again ‘‘ positively asserted’’ that Coffee Arbuckles will erect a great sugar refinery in Brooklyn, thus adding to the gaiety of nations. It will ‘‘chime in’’ nicely, they think, with their present operations and as ‘‘competition is the life of trade,’” we may expect great activity in the sugar trade in the future. The coffee market has sagged some- what, and prices have declined about ec. Rio No. 7 is nominally 93/c. The demand has not been very active and both buvers and sellers seem to be wait- ing for future operations. The amount of Brazil coffee afloat is large, amount- ing to 666,448 bags, against 523,756 bags at this time last year. Statistics do not favor any higher quotations. The market for raw sugar is dull and prices are very low. Refiners are oper- ating very lightly and the outlook is for a quiet time for the remainder of the year. Refined is in very light request and dealers generally seem to have enough to last until after the stock-tak- ing period has passed. Granulated is quoted at 43/c. German granulated, 4 \%c. What trading there is in teas is almost altogether of smail lots to supply every- day wants. There is, perhaps, a little more enquiry for good grades of green teas, but prices are unchanged and it is very difficult to see any appreciation in prices over those prevailing six months ago. For the very best sorts the feeling is one of rather more confidence, per- haps, although very little can be said about the tea market in any way. There is no perceptible change in the rice market and the prevailing condi- tion is one hardly as encouraging as _ it might be. From some quarters there has been rather more enquiry for sam- ples. Choice to fancy domestic is worth 54 @6c. Spices show about an ordinary move- ment, with perhaps a little more activity in those sorts needed at this season for holiday trade. Prices show no change and none seems to be anticipated. Colder weather is having the effect of creating a better demand for molasses. The market is getting into better shape every day. The situation at New Or- leans is watched by dealers here with a good deal of interest, as there has been weather cold enough to cause some anxiety as to the cane freezing. Open kettle, prime to fancy, 26@34c. There has been more enquiry for syrups, both from local and out-of-town buyers, and a better feeling can be chronicled all around. Prices are firmly held and the market is not overstocked by any means. Lower grades are not in so good demand. There is no particular change in the canned goods situation, which is rather disappointing. While we had a smaller pack of tomatoes than usual and the supplies are less than for some time, there is very little life to the market for ‘*futures’’ and buyers show no anxiety to take any stock ahead of present wants. Peas, string beans, and perhaps corn, are a trifle higher, but the rush for sup- plies is quiet—very quiet. Some goods have been moved but at a rate betoken- ing a great desire upon the part of hold- ers for a little ready cash. Oranges and lemons met with good demand, but the cold wave acted as a damper. At the moment the market is inactive and we find few items of inter- est to chronicle. As the West is well supplied with California lemons, and as about 140,000 boxes of Sicily lemons are due here soon, the chances are against any advance. The demand for oranges is good, although mostly for small lots. Jamaicas are about the only kind here and for such the quotations range from $5@6.25 for repacked per bbl. ; California navels, $4.50@5 per box ; Floridas, $3@4.50 per box. Ba- nanas are in rather light request, but prices are firmly maintained. The market for best creamery butter is closely soid up and prices ’are very firmly maintained. Twenty-four cents is the prevailing quotation. Under grades are quiet and selling at a wide variation in price. New York - full cream fancy cheese, 103@10%c; small, 104c. The demand has been steady but the supply seems sufficient to meet all requirements. Western fresh gathered eggs are worth 24c. The demand is moderate and so is the seep. Dried fruits, both domestic and for- eign, are in good request and the fancy packages cut quite a figure in the trans- actions. Prices are not appreciably higher. Best evaporated apples are worth 5c. Prunes, dates and raisins are all selling freely. Beans are worth $1@1.02% for pea. The market is firm for all sorts and holders are confident that we shall have good prices from now on. Brooklyn’s progressive postmaster is having time indicators placed on collec- ticn boxes on a few of the collectors’ routes as an experiment. They will tell the specific time at which collections are made. A collector, for instance, having cleared out the mail from one of these boxes, will place his hand inside the box and with his forefinger and thumb revolve the dials indicating the time of the next collection. Then should a collector, willfully or otherwise, fail to make his regular collection at or about the time indicated, the indicator will tell to every passerby that he has failed to perform his duty. If these lit- tle jokers work in Trolleytown they will probably be put into active service throughout the country. Paddy’s Market, which is located every Saturday afternoon after 3 o’clock on Ninth avenue, between Thirty-fourth and Fortieth streets, has received a shock that has aroused the apprehen- sion of every huckster. For many years now marketmen have backed their wagons up to the curb along that part of Ninth avenue and sold their wares until long into the night, when it was neces- sary for each huckster to have a flaming torch in his wagon. The prices have been low, and during the warm nights in midsummer when the crowd of pur- chasers was large, Paddy’s Market sug- gested a country fair. It was so much of a landmark that the neighbors saw nothing unusual in such an exhibition on a New York avenue, and the market- men themselves felt a proprietary inter- est in the street. Last Saturday, how- ever, the police gave them a severe shock by enforcing the fifteen-minute rule. They kept the marketmen on the move and sadly interfered with busi- ness. The result was confusing to pur- chasers and sellers alike, and it is be- lieved to be the first step in a warfare between the regular shopkeepers and the street venders that will be_ bitterly fought. It probably never occurs to purchas- ers of articles in the big department stores in this town that a great many thousand cents are paid out in making change by every one of them during the day, and that the problem of getting enough of these cents, particularly at this time of year, is a serious and troublesome one. From Washington comes the news that the demand for small change for the holiday trade is taxing the Treasury Department to _ its utmost capacity. This demand is ac- counted for by the great number of stores which use odd figures in selling goods. Two years ago the manager of one of the biggest department stores in New York thought that he would remedy the difficulty of making change about Christmas time by getting enough cents from the Treasury at Washington to carry his firm through the holiday rush. The size of his demand astounded the Treasury officials, and they told him that they could not give him as many cents as he wanted. By dint of personai influence and the persuasion of friends who were influential he obtained just $9,000 worth of cents, and with that amount be returned to New York. It was not ezruugh to last his firm two days. It is the firm’s practice to have on hand every morning the yearlaround $5,000 in cents to make change, and during the holiday season this amount must be largely increased, or customers. will have to wait for their change. Almost every article sold calls for one or two cents in change, and the number given out by the store is largely in excess of the number taken in. Several of the big stores now regularly collect the cents taken in by the ferry companies, and it is a privilege that they value. —_>-2.____ The Little Store. From the American Grocer. The acorn holds the secret and prom- ise of the life of the oak. The little store is the parent of the great establish- ment. As is the little7store, so will be the big store. Greatness and character are of slow growth, and so is a success- ful business. Almost without excep- tion, every great distributing business began in a very small way. The little store has within it the power of growth, and, like every living force, the extent of its development depends upon its condition and environment. It is aimost futile to study neighborhoods for the secret of success in the retail grocery business, for some of the most successful retail grocers have their stores in neighborhoods far away from the houses of the people, but generally on lines of travel. Men succeed in lo- cations which to the ordinary observer seem to forbid growth. The service of the little store should be as perfect as that of the big store; it is just as vital to supervise details in the one as the other; the principles or qualifications that invite success are the same in the little as the big store. It requires the same sort of energy, perse- verance, industry, economy, originality and force to do a little trade as a mam- moth business. It takes just as much knowledge, shrewdness and piuck to buy one case, of"goods as a thousand. If the little shopkeeper is well equipped, his business can no more stop growing! than™an oak can “help growing under conditions favorable for development. Every little storekeeper should exhibit courage, show ambition and_ look for- ward to a career of expansion. The power to accumulate is_as great in” roll- ing up money as is the power of a snow- ball to grow when rolled over fields of snow. The spirit of enterprise’ will exhibit itself in the little quite as much as in the big store. It will always be indica- tive of something more promising ahead. Its morale, or tone, its style, equipment and force will be suggestive of growth, of increasing power, and give premise to the community of increasing resource and great ability to serve. Let the little storekeeper take cour- age, push forward with vigor and not be thrown in the shadow because there are competitors doing a greater business. The future is a bow of promise to the man who has confidence in himself and the justness of his cause. ——— The Good Old Art. Some maids are gifted with the art Of painting like the masters; To dullest canvas they impart The freshness of the pastures. While others, with the ready pen, Find hours of busy pleasure In polished prose, or then, again, in light poetic measure. Another, like a woodland bird. May set the sad world ringing With carols sweet as ever heard— Hers is the art of singing. But there's a maid and there’s an art To which the worid is looking, The nearest art unto the heart— The good old art of cooking. eT 9 $0.51 5 7 $0.30: $0.39 2 5 7 nity to buy your ribbons Notwithstanding the recent advance in silk, we quote prices that ought to bring us some good orders. We will send one piece of each good staple color in each; width on memorandum or samples and color card on application. All Silk S. & G. G. Safe Brand or Honesty. Extra Quality Estelle. 12 16 22 40 $0.63 - $0.75 : $0.90 ° $1.05 9 12 16 22 40 $0.27°$0.60 $0.75 $1.00 $1.25 $1.50 $1.75 $2.50 Regular Io per cent. discount on all orders of $20 or over. This chance will afford you an excellent opportu- for the Holidays. prices will continue in effect until” December: 25th. PGOODODOO®D OOOQOQQOQQOOOQOOQOQO OOO GOQDOQOQD®©DOQOOOQOOOOO These ta PELE RR Bas SoA 9 8 OSB PORES! BUEN SBE SESW eee ales gunk oleate ma ad pian! ‘enone iit RRMA en le Bela tas esas 4 THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Movements of Merchants. Clare— Bicknell Bros. & Co. succeed H. M. Bicknell in general trade. Webberville—F. N. Turner succeeds Turner & Harvey in the drug business. Albion—Leach & Brown, bakers and grocers, have dissolved, Mr. Leach re- tiring. Albion—Armstrong & Barber suc- ceed Vaughn & Thomason in the drug business. Calumet—Clemo & Mitchell succeed John Clemo, Jr., & Co. in the drug business. Bay City—F. B. Scheurmann suc- ceeds F. B. Scheurmann & Co. in the boot and shoe business. Sterling—David Lepovsky & Co., dealers in dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, have removed to Bad Axe. Bronsoun— Robinson & Fellows, gro- cers, have dissolved. J. E. Fellows will continue the business in his own name. Mesick Fuller has sold his meat market to Mr. Snuff, who will continue the business at the same loca- tion. Pompeii— Peters Geo. & Westbrook con- tinue the agricultural implement busi- ness formerly conducted by C. R. Peters. Shepherd— Sidney Clark has sold his general stock to Bickneil Bros. & Co., who will continue the business at the same location. Corunna—A been opened by William F. Assistant Cashier of the First Bank. Greenville—Geo, R. Slawson has pur- chased the interest of his brother, Will W. Slawson, in the drug firm of Geo. R. & Co. and will continue the business under his own name. Newberry— Much has written about the images and tablet re- cently unearthed here. They are truly wonderful. The finders leave for Sault Ste. Marie soon to exhibit them, and in- tend to tour the country. Hollané—Will Breyman, dealer in musical instruments and jewelry, and Henry W. Hardie, also engaged in the jewelry business, have combined their stocks and will continue business under the style of Breyman & Hardie. Store has Gallagher, National D. M. Lowe is manager. new general Slawson been stone Munising -- Ferguson Bros.’ new $4,000 brown stone store building is al- most ready for the general stock they intend to put in. It stands on a $4,000 lot and is almost a duplicate of the quarters of The McDougal-Smith Co. Detroit—S. C. Cowan, of Muncie, Ind., has purchased the dry goods stock of Winans & Co., 189 and 191 Wcodward avenue, from Hood, Foulkrod & Co., of Philadelphia, who bid it in at the recent chattel mortgage sale. This is an exceedingly Important transaction, as it means the continuing of the business in Detroit under vastly improved condi- tions. Sault Ste. Marie—The new store of the Soo Co. will be one of the prettiest, as well as one of the most convenient, hardware stores in the State. The main store room is 22x105 feet in dimensions, with a 15 foot ceiling. Fifty feet of the front of the store wili have shelving, enclosed by either slid- ing or swinging doors, upon the front of which samples will be placed. There will be no counters in the front of the Store, a wide ledge being on both sides. The offices and reception room for travelers(?) will be in the upper half of the rear of the store. The furnishings Hardware i lare antique oak, with genuine bronze | trimmings. Across the alley in the rear | is a two-story warehouse, 40x50 feet in size, together with a commodious base- ment, giving ample storage capacity. Manufacturing Matters. Charlevoix—S. J. Lobdell will remove to Pontiac and open a cigar factory there about Jan. 1. Bradley—R. E. Sturgis, of Allegan, is working up sentiment for a factory creamery in this locality. Hastings—The A. McCoy Furniture Co., Geo. W. Fuller proprietor, is suc- ceeded by Archie McCoy. Hillsdale—The Hillsdale Manufactur- ing Co. succeeds the Fredonia Washer Co. in the manufacture of washing ma- chines, Munising--The Southerland Innes Co. proposes to build a tight barrel piant in the spring. The company uperates three mills now. West Bay City—The Standard Hoop Co. bas merged its business into a cor- poration under the same style. The proprietors of the concern are J. M. and E. J. Kelton. : Ewen—O. M. Clark has retired from the firm of Clark, Farnam & Co., lum- ber manufacturers, and will hereafter devote his entire attention to the firm of Swift & Clark, lumber manufacturers at Cheboygan. Detroit—Articles incorporating the Non-eyelet Lacing Co. have been filed bere. It has a paid-up capital in stock and patents of $50,000, held by R. A. Parker, Moses K. Bortree, and C. L. and George Hadazsits. —__~>2 > __ The Low Price of Potatoes and Apples. Shelby, Dec. 8—The continued low price for potatoes is a surprise and dis- appointment to nearly every one in the potato-growing sections, as it was gen- erally believed that the season’s crop was several million bushels short of last year’s production, It appears, how- ever, that there is still sufficient surplus to keep the price down to the existing unsatisfactory rates, ranging around 10 cents per bushel to first hands. In crops which are difficult to carry over the season, it matters less what the sur- plus is—so there is a surplus—than with less perishable staples. There is little hope for any considerable improvement this season, although the discourage- ments of the past two years wiil so de- crease the acreage next season as to greatly stimulate prices. Apples, which have also been very cheap in consequence of the enormous crop, promise somewhat better prices, because of the great waste in harvesting, which has been general in nearly all or- chards, it being the rule to gather carefully only the best stock, and some- times only a part of that, while thou- sands of bushels of second grade and cider stock still hang on the trees or lie on the ground in every neighborhood where apples are grown. ‘This fact, together with the unprecedented export trade is likely to give the apple market a firmer tone during the winter months. It is the general report that our apples are making a reputation in foreign mar- kets by their general excellence and it is probable that the export demand will be greatly increased bereafter through the introduction made this year. H. M. Royat. ———_->-2> Christmas Orders. Be sure and remember that F. J. Det- tenthaler’s Anchor brand of oysters can- not be excelled for giving the best of satisfaction to your most fastidious cus- tomers. Their reputation is such that everyday receipts direct from Balti- more are necessary to supply*the increas- ing demand. 2-2-2» Ask about Gillies’ New York Spice Contest. Phone 1589. J. P. Visner. Excellent Suggestions on Christmas Advertising. Sault Ste. Marie, Dec. 8—Yours of Dec. 4 to hand, asking me to give you a few ideas on the subject of ‘‘Christ- mas Advertising.’’ In reply, I will try and explain an attraction that created a good deal of excitement and from which I received a number of new cus- tomers who are still doing business with me. In the fall of 1894, the first roller process flour mill the Soo ever had was opened. It created quite a stir among the farmers and also among the people of our city, and the newspapers gave considerable space to writing it up. My idea of advertising is to push a good thing along, and to that end I advertised a grand baking contest, with four prizes, as follows: First prize, one barrel home flour, for the best four loaves of bread baked from home flour; second prize, one pair $3 shoes for the best two loaves baked from home flour; third prize, one pair of $2 slippers for the best batch of buns baked from home flour, and for the fourth prize, one pair of slippers for the best cake baked from home flour, all entries to be made and the bread brought to my store by noon the day before Christmas, and all bread, cake, etc., to be distributed to the poor of our city on Christmas morning. As soon as the entries were all in, I select- ed as judges the first three lady custom- ers who came in. | had the bread, etc., all spread out on-tables in my back room (which is used for my shoemakers and reserve stock of rubbers.) The bread was all numbered and an entry was made of each number, with the name of the maker, in a book kept for that pur- pose. This was done so that no favors could be shown in judging. After the judges decided on the merits of the va- rious entries, I stacked the bread up in one of my large show windows. The prize entries were given a prominent position in the window, with the name of the baker attached. To say that the window attracted attention would he putting it mildly. The street was so crowded that it was impossible to get past my store for an hour and my_busi- ness that evening was exceptionally good. I had in all over a ton of bread. Christmas morning I loaded the baked goods on three drays and sent it to the city hall, where the poor of the city were treated to a Christmas dinner by one of our religious societies. i The expense of this advertising was not very great. The mill owners gave the first prize, and the other three prizes, with my reguiar newspaper space, was all I had to expend. I noted a direct result that evening. The family to whom the first prize went spent $7 with me, and it was the first time I had had the pleasure of seeing them in my store. Then there were dozens of others who did not get a prize who came in, bought something and told me that they did not care for the prize—they simply baked for the poor; and then the poor people came in and thanked me and said that, as soon as they had work, they would not forget me. 1 have come to the con- clusion, reached after sixteen years’ ac- tive service in the shoe business, that the secret of advertising is getting the people into your store without promis- ing them anything in the way of re- duced prices, because where a merchant advertises goods at one-quarter or one- half off, a good many people may come in and look at the goods, but it is im- possible to make them all believe that the reduction is honest; then, again, ad- vertising a reduction of prices calls the attention of the customer to the goods mentioned, and, in the shoe business, that means getting out of all the best sizes and leaving broken lots. I have tried here to give you the main points in my Christmas advertis- ing of 1894. My advertisement of 1895 was a greater attraction, but the direct results were not so evident. Perhaps at some future time I may tell you about it. Just one word about advertising and | will close: Every merchant should bave a trade-mark—one that will attract at- tention and be remembered. I found this out some years ago by wearing a skullcap. People would come into the store where I was employed and ask for ithe ‘‘fellow with the little cap,’’ not | knowing my name nor [I theirs. | this From identification I found that it was | easier to remember some peculiar mark /thau a name. You will notice my trade- mark on my stationery. It is a picture |of myself wearing ‘‘the little cap,’’ | Standing in a iby the | cut on everything. I will not take space large rubber boot made Candee Rubber Co. I use this in anything unless I can use my trade- mark. I enclose you one of my cuts, as it is somewhat of a novelty. Perhaps some of your readers may get an idea from it. Hoping I have not taken up _ too much space, and thanking you for the honor of contributing to your valuable journal, I am, WILL J. CONDLON. —> 2. Canadian Excursions via Grand Trunk Railway System. Excursion tickets will be sold via D. & M. division December 17, 18 and 19, good for return until Jan. 7, 1897, at half fare. For full particulars call on D. & M. depot ticket agent or at city office, 23 Monroe street. Jas. CAMPBELL, City Pass. Agent. —_—__> 20+ ____ The Lamb Glove & Mitten Co., of Perry, sends the Tradesman a line of samples manufactured by that corpora- tion, comprising eighteen pairs, which have been on exhibition at this office for a fortnight and have been inspected by dozens of retail merchants who have called to pay their respects. Without exception, dealers who are familiar with the mitten line pronounce these samples the finest specimens they have ever seen, many of them having the Perry line already in stock, while others assert that they will handle goods of Perry manufacture altogether hereafter, The goods are well made and are up-to- date in style and those who have not in- spected the line are invited to do so at the earliest opportunity. ee a Calais, Me., a city of over 7,000 in- habitants, is groaning under one mail a day, and even that has to be brought through British territory. >_> ____ We have cigars to burn. G. J. son Cigar Co., manufacturer of S. C. W. 5c Cigar. John- the THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 5 Grand Rapids Gossip The Grain Market. To say the least, the past week has been one of surprise to the longs, as well as the shorts. While there was nothing in the statistics to make lower prices, still we are compelled to record a de- cline of 5c per bushel on cash wheat and 4c on active futures since our last report. Reports from India note rains in some portions. Argentine admits that the locusts have not devoured all the wheat, and the selling out of the long interests and the lack of speculation caused the decline in prices, notwithstanding the phenomenal large decrease of 2,602,000 bushels, with outshipments of nearly 1,000,000 bushels in two days, leaving the visible 8,000,000 bushels less than at the same time last year and 30,000, - ooo bushels less than what it was two years ago. To be sure, the price of wheat is 24c per bushel more than it was on the corresponding date last year and 32c per bushel more than in 1804. Although prices are considerably above what they were on the corresponding date in 1894 and 1895, the millers find it very difficult to get wheat enough to supply their mills, as with a very few exceptions farmers have sold all their wheat, and this leaves a very limited amount back in farmers’ hands, and this is held waiting to get $1 per bushel. It looks now as though some of the larger mills would have to curtail their output and, perhaps, close down fora short time on account of the scarcity in wheat. However, the future will tell. The present outlook for running full capacity is not bright. There is nothing to report regarding coarse grains, as prices are practically the same as at the corresponding date last week. To give your readers the cause of the low prices at which coarse grains are sold, we will state that the visible in corn is 14,208,000 bushels, against 5,206,000 bushels last year; oats, 13,280,000 kushels, against 7,922,000 bushels on the same date Jast year. The receipts during the week were as follows: wheat, 41 Cars; corn, 2 cars; oats, 7 cars. We might also state that one of the railroads omitted to report the 24 cars of wheat brought in over its line during the month of November, which would make the total receipts during that month 200 cars, The millers are paying 86c for wheat. C. G. A. Vorer. > 0-2 The Grocery Market. Sugar—Soft grades advanced Yc last Friday, but sustained a decline of %c on Tuesday of this week, so that the market remains exactly where it was a week ago. The future course of the market is a conundrum. Tea—The general situation is still strong and there is a steadily growing trade. December is usually regarded as a dull month in the tea business, as the holidays encroach somewhat upon the general routine. There has been no quotable advance in teas since last week, although in a way prices were higher than some time ago. This is so because the grades are gradually de- preciating, an inferior grade of the same tea bringing a price for which a much better grade could be _ bought some time ago. The consumptive de- mand for tea is fair. Provisions —Notwithstanding the mod- erate supply of hogs in the recent past, the provision trade has not been greatly influenced thereby and the general situ- ation is without much change. Nor does it appear at the moment an expectation of special animation in the market in the near future. At the close values of leading articles are about the same as a week ago. The export clearances last week were moderate, especially of meats. The visible stocks of lard were reduced 13,000 tierces during the month, the total now being 129,000 tierces less than on Aug. 1, when the maximum was reached. The supply of meats at Chicago was reduced during Novem- ber, a condition of rare occurrence for the time of year. Flour and Feed. During the past week quite a number of shrewd buyers took advantage of the temporary decline in wheat to make quite liberal purchases of flour, and the volume of business transacted was, no doubt, larger than it would have been had there been a still further advance in wheat at this time. The consensus of opinion among conservative grain men seems to be that if wheat and flour are maintained at about the present values until after the holiday season, it is about all that can be expected. The situation is daily becoming stronger and in the meantime investors desire to realize and handle the profits which have already accrued on wheat and flour purchased during the autumn. There is no doubt that purchases made in December for January and February trade will yield satisfactory returns. Feed and meal are a trifle lower. Millstuffs are in fairly good demand, with prices unchanged for the week. Wm. N. Rowe. —___+> 0. The Produce Market. Apples —The market is without par- ticular change. Transactions are small. Beans—Moving fairly on the same basis as last week. Butter—Without particular change, except so far as receipts are concerned, which are very meager. Choice dairy brings lo@t12c, and factory creamery continues to be held at 2oc. Cabbage—4o@s5oc per doz., according to size and quality. In carlots dealers are quoting $8 per ton. Celery—12@15c per bunch. Cider—$q4 per bbl., including bbl. Cranberries—Dealers hoid Cape Cods at $2@2.25 per bu. and $6@6. 50 per bbl. Eggs—Strictly fresh candled stock commands 20c. Candled cold storage brings 16c, while candled pickled stock is in fair demand at 15c. Supplies of fresh are not equal to the demand. Grapes— Malagas bring $6 per keg of 65 lbs. gross. Honey—-White clover commands Dark buckwheat brings roc. Nuts-—Ohio hickory, $1.50 per bu. Onions—Spanish are in fair demand, commanding $1.50 per bu. crate. Home grown are in fairly good demand at 35 @4oc for first-class stock. Potatoes--The market is a little stronger and slightly higher than a week ago and indications point to a gradual improvement from now on Squash—Hubbard is_ stronger, bring- ing $1.25 per Ioo lbs. Sweet Potatoes—The market is about the same, Baltimore and Virginia stock commanding $1.75 per bbl., while gen- uine Jerseys, kiln-dried, bring $2.50. —_—__+ 2. Frelight & Co., dealers in dry goods at 703 South Division street, have sold their stock to Geo. H. Kirtland, who will remove it to 1161 South Division street, where he already conducts a gro- cery store and meat market. —___> 2.» ____ Dr. M. Crane and H. Van Houten have formed a copartnership at Wood- bury and opened a drug store in con- nection with the Van Houten general store. The Hazeltine & Perkins Drug Co. furnished the stock. I2c. Some Changes in Wheels. Written for the TRADESMAN. Just now the subject of interest in bicycles is the ’97 models. A consider- able proportion of the manufacturers have decided upon their patterns; but some are waiting until they can learn as much as possible from those placed on exhibition, and others are reluctant to have their productions shown until the latest possible moment. Among the changes decided upon by a number of builders are some that are quite radical, though affecting the gen- eral appearance but slightly. Aside from the general tendency to elaboration and richness in the decoration, the change which will be most apparent is the use of flush joints with inside con- nections. This is a change which seems likely to be widely adopted. Less ap- parent, but having a decided influence on the durability and running qualities, will be the use of larger sprocket wheels. Some are making a point of a new style of chain, the ‘‘pitch-line,’’ which is claimed to be absolutely noise- less under all circumstances and to run much more easily than the ordinary chain. Then another departure, which has long been demanded, is the doing away with set screws for holding the saddle post and handle bars. It is curious that this unmechanical device, which must be used so severely as to deface the posts and screw heads, has been toler- ated so long, when there are so many better ways of securing these adjust- ments. Perhaps the most radical change in this regard is the use of expanding devices, operated by screw heads, which are hardly noticeable on the ma- chines. Others are using the more clumsy compression clamp, which is still a great improvement over the set screw. The fastening of the crank has long been a vexed qusetion. Numberless de- vices have been tried during recent years to do away with the cotter pin fas- tening, but most of these have been found wanting in effectiveness. Seem ingly,the most popular plan is the mak- ing of the cranks ina _ single piece, which was introduced by the Columbia Others are trying the plan, either mak- ing the cranks in one piece or in two. Still others, who have tried various de- vices for a year or so, have gone back to the cotter pin. A prominent example of this is the Tribune, which has adopted the crank fastening it used two years ago. The matter of bearings is receiving the usual attention. In many cases a construction has been adopted which will permit the removal of the wheels from the frames and their return with- out disturbing the adjustment. It is claimed that this construction also se- cures a more perfect alignment of the ball races, thus materially contributing to ease of running and durability. Dust- proof bearings, and retaining disks for allowing the bearings to be taken apart without the balls being displaced, are points made or claimed by several. There are many other novelties and minor changes introduced by various makers, some of which I have noted in previous articles. Thus, there is to be the chainless wheel, upon which the Columbia people expect to make a drive. Many are changing the section of tubing on rear forks to D; and most are roughening the surface of the tires. Then there are new saddle schemes without number. Another novelty is the partially enameled wood rim showing natural color. Of course, in addition to all these, there are any number of minor ‘‘talking points, ’’ which would become tedious in the enumeration. The changes in what were consid- ered the characteristic features of the last year or two—the size of the tubing and the barrel hubs—are in the way of reduction as often as the other. Some which displayed barrels last year have changed to the old-style hub, and others which had adhered to the small have enlarged their patterns. In the shape of frames the ideal seems to have been reached and the changes in tubing are slight in either direction. In the mat- ter of weight many are making a point of an additional pound or so over the all-too-fragile construction of recent years. But few of the new patterns are yet on exhibition in Grand Rapids, al- though they are expected daily by the dealers. Among the best known of out- side makes the Monarch is built on the interior joint flush finish plan, and has a new patent device for adjusting the handle and seat posts. The rear forks are D section. The Rambler has larger tubing and has put on the barrel hubs and crank shaft. It also has an im- proved chain, and new sprocket attach- ments and adjustments, and the rear forks are dished. Most of the other prominent makes pushed in this market are still keeping out of sight. NATE. —_—- <= It is a singular fact that at the annual election of directors of the four State banks and two trust companies of this city, Tuesday, there should be but one change—S. A. Sears taking the place of Wm. H. Van Leeuwen, Sr.,- on the Board of the Peninsular Trust Co. The accession of Mr. Sears to the advisory force of the Peninsular institution is a matter of congratulation to both parties at interest, Mr. Sears being a ‘‘coming man’’ in all that the term implies. He made a remarkable record as a_travel- ing salesman, supplemented it with a successful career as manager of an im- portant manufacturing establishment and is frequently summoned to head- quarters for consultation on vital mat- ters pertaining to the policy of the par- ent corporation, the New York Biscuit Co. Mr _ Sears is, comparatively, a young man, and few men of his age have received more prompt and gener- ous recognition in business, financial and official circles. a portion of the H. Leonard & Sons, of this city, re- port their holiday trade as continuing to be very good indeed. They are work- ing three and one-half hours after six o'clock, and getting all orders shipped promptly. Dealers are evidently finding constant inquiry and sale for Christmas lines, and the merchant who does not show a good assortment will disappoint his customers and lose a_ sure profit. The reason Leonard & Sons’ trade is holding up so well is that they are obliged to keep up full lines of Christ- mas goods to supply their retail store, so that the assortment in Grand Rapids is probably better than in any other job- bing center. We recommend all dealers to give them a call, or a mail order, if they need any sorting up or fresh stock. —_—_+_~> ©» S. B. Smith has embarked in the gro- cery business at Plainwell. The stock was furnished by the Ball-Barnhart- Put- man Co. 8 Frank Caden has opened a grocery store at Boyne Falis. The Lemon & Wheeler Company furnished the stock. ee ee a ee a When the machine that thinks arrives it will be bothered with mighty little competition. 6 THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Wiese fain od Domes Fu on Vg ONFIStMAS OUSLEFS "be only exclusive Wholesale Cyster Dealers in Grand Rapids attentior ii Fst to M ’ mber we wiil meet a)]) honest com pet ALLERTON & HAGGSTROM. 197 Louis St. IAYNARD & COON Big ‘‘F”’ Brand OYSTERS Choice ee Mexican UP ko eee ee eg ae me te ee el he ca F ruits and Produce. ta At ia tT Baas Telephone 1348. 54 S. lonia St., Grand caaaians The OYstél deacon r Hele Are you ready for it? Not unless you have one of our Oyster Cabinets. Wil! pay for itself several times in a single sea- son. They are neat, durable, economical and cheap. No dealer who handles oysters can afford to be without one. Made sizes from 8 to 40 quarts. Write for in- formation. Grand Rapids, Mich. LGLOCGD® LHDODGDDOQDDODOQODOQD®OOQOGQOOQOGQOOQOQDOQOQOQOQOODOHOOHSOQSHOs ANCHOR BRAND OYSTERS attention given telegraph and mail orders. See quotations in price current. F. J. DETTENTHALER, Grand Rapids, Mich. PIGOQQOODOD DOHODODDODOOQOOQOOO© NIVSNDNNSTS QOQQOOQODOQOS'DO.8e © @) o oxeX ¢ y , 3 8 3 3 OO HOHOHHOHHOHGHOGS ) © 2 ) GOCOOOOQOOQOOOOE ~ ‘UPPER CRUST” MINCE MEAT Customers are pleased with our absolutely pure goods. Ready to bake. 2319 N. MICH, AVE. MEADER & KNUTTEL, References, any Saginaw jobber. SAGINAW, W. S., MICH. eye OI M-—"'u See eR RRO NSS ETTeneNeeHeeanetits Sd Sd ; J. M. DRYSDALE & CO. } o : 3 WHOLESALE FRUITS AND PRODUCE, } $ SAGINAW, E. S., MICH. 3 2 Pang itu : Fancy Catawba and Malaga Grapes, Oranges, Lemons, 3 "iid The @ Bananas, Figs, Dates, Nuts, Cider, everything in our line for Holidays. 3 not be dene Soscosenceseeneseonesnenessconsaannensboesaannnsecct sucing Vary irom year tw year, year markets must be thorou tigated in advanc son, to ascertain tt in ak and in a de- es 7. bas Michigan Hone — Cweel wcrigen 2pr's White Clover Jersey Potatoes lets. Lemons, Oranges, Cape Cod Cranberries, Spanish Onions. Right here lies a very vital point) While traveling through different L I pe command the highest prices. Fruit | ri e with reference to getting fruit to mar- states I have often noticed, in front of BUNTING & CO., ket in proper condition, so that it may/ retail stores where several different va- et eties were on sale, the sign ‘* Michigan | 20 & 22 OTTAWA STREET, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 7 apples’’ on the barrels or baskets, thus calling special attention to the Michi- gan fruit. I speak of this to call your attention to the high standing our fruit has in other states and the great impor- tance to all fruit growers of raising only the very best. This applies to other fruits as well as apples. The revenues derived from fruit amounts to millions of dollars yearly, and is received mostly from markets outside of Michigan, thus offering a net gain to the State which is of great value. The fruit industry should not be neglected in any way. E. A. MOSELEY. >. Distribution of Fruit on the Chicago Market. Chicago, Dec. 1—The distribution of the supplies furnished by the fruit grower, whether direct or through the agency of others, has gradually become a complex and complete system. Per- haps I ought not to use the term ‘‘com- plex,’’ as each step is well defined, and, after all, simple; but I think but few fruit growers have any idea of how com- plete it is, and to what distances fruit is exported—the only limit being the cost and ability of the consumer to pay prices communsurate with the necessary expenses and risks. There are two routes by which con- signments of fruits reach this city—rail and lake. Practically all receipts are taken from the depots or docks to the various places of business as early as practicable after the arrival of the train or steamer. To make the matter clearer, let us illustrate by using letters in place of names. A., a shipper, consigns to B., his correspondent, a shipment of fruit. On arrival B. has his spring wagons in wait- ing, and takes it to his place of busi- ness on South Water street. There, with other lots of fruit of different grades, qualities and conditions, it is examined and offered for sale. The largest, finest and every way select lots are taken by the retail grocers whose patronage is among the ‘‘upper ten,’’ to whom money is no object, apparently. The grade must be of the very best, quality superior, and condition perfect. Less than 5 per cent. of the total receipts meet the conditions exacted, so that the amount that can be disposed of to this class of buyers is limited, and their re- quirements are also about in the same proportion; so it can be readily seen that but little can be expected in the way of fancy prices from that source. The next grade is of really good qual- ity and good condition, so that it can be handled with a reasonable degree of safety, and good for, say, twenty-four hours’ transit to other points, or be handled safely by the average retail gro- cer who supplies the well-to-do classes. The competition for this class of fruit is the greatest, and often a sale turns on the condition only, the shipper often turning from a good line of fruit and accepting something not so desirable in quality, to secure that which will reach his customers in good condition. Jt is very much better to have a medium grade of quality in good condition than a fancy line of fruit as to flavor, size, etc., worthless on account of decay. That fruit which lacks the carrying qualities desired by the shipper is just right for the retail dealer, and as a rule the grade that will class good to choice is readily taken. There is then left the inferior, both as to quality and condition. For these buyers are found among the grocery keepers in the poorer sections of the city—among the foreign populations They are good judges of fruit, and buy to meet the wants of their customers. With them also there are the peddlers, a numerous class and an influential one, whose trade is necessary in handling large receipts. These latter also use the refuse, the ‘‘off condition’’ of all grades, and the poorest qualities that arrive, or that become in poor condi- tion after arrival, as well as a_ respect- able portion of the better grades, for they sometimes carry a very good qual- ity of fruit. Let us trace these different classes a little further, bearing in mind carefully that there is no arbitrary grading, the perishable qualities of fruit at times making: the ‘‘fancy’’ of 5 a. m. ‘‘ped- dlers’ stock’’ at 5 p. m. Let us suppose C. is a retail dealer having the best patronage. He selects what he needs (carefully paying no more than he can help—which remark also applies to all) and no more, has it set aside and sends his wagon for it as soon as he has com- pleted his purchases. Arriving at his stor€é, it is temptingly displayed to catch the eye, and from his stock fills his orders, ‘‘taken often without the price being named in advance, quality being the chief requirement,’’ sends to his customer—and charges it up to his account. The transaction is completed —all but collecting the bill. Many pay —many do not—and during the last thirty years, of all I have known in the strictly fancy trade, less than a dozen have earned a competence. But little net profit remains with them. The retail dealer, D., who supplies the middle classes, with a fair propor- tion of the ‘‘well-to-do,’’ loads his pur- chases into his wagon and at once goes home, to be ready for dinner (noon) ; placing a moderate advance on his pur- chase price as his selling figure, he seils for cash—if he can—or to his buok customers at practically the same figure. He delivers to his customers’ homes if desired, but the bulk of it is taken at the time of purchase, and he clears out his stock as. closely as possible. The advance charged by the retailer for his labor of selecting, selling, delivering and collecting his accounts may be roughly estimated at 2 cents per box on small fruits and 2 cents per basket on peaches and 5 cents per peck on apples. This must cover the loss by decay, sampling, etc., inevitable to the retail trade. At times when fruit is scarce, the profit charged will be larger, and when abundant, less. Sometimes a run is made, and a single dealer will buy 100 to 300 baskets and sell at cost, but I consider this as advertising, not as reg- ular business. E., the peddler, or huckster, buys everything left. It may be fancy, or good, out-of-condition, scrubs or trash —anything is grist for his mill. With equipments worth $10 for horse, wagon and harness of the Greek beginner, up through the various grades to the splen- did two-horse team and $200 wagon (carrying supplies of all kinds and manned by three active, enterprising men) of the successful huckster, the 2,500 members of that great division of distributers are powerful factors. Taking their purchases into their wagons, they at once start for their routes and cry their wares. There can be no fixed margin. They get what they can, take a margin or sell at cost, live on the refuse, and probably they have only a dollar a day on which to support a family. While their transac- tions on the whole are enormous, their profits are very small, and with long hours, penetrating every street and lane of the city, they earn what they can get. There is not a lane, street or avenue of the city where their voice is not heard, not a block but is visited by their ram- shackle old wagon, their apclogy fora horse, with his harness of straps and strings. Not a house is passed un- noticed, they are everywhere, and sell the fruit at a margin so close that, as | have said, their profits are exceedingly small. I honor them, for they are en- gaged in an honest calling; I respect them, for they bring to the very poor in the poorest sections of the city a taste, at least, of the richest and best offering of the country to the city; and we use them freely im our business and treat them, rough, uncouth, ragged and igno- rant though they may be, as men, and avail ourselves of their assistance. There remains F., the shipper, whose aid is valuable in the disposition of the receipts from day today. His selec- tions have been made on the basis of his orders in hand or prospective. He has carefully studied the country that can be reached from this city, and by a course of correspondence or personal interviews, bas built up a clientage that orders from him in such quantities as may be sold profitably. The entire Northwest has been care- fully studied, and from Central Illinois to Middle Missouri, Western Iowa, Cen- tral Minnesota, and all of Wisconsin, orders have been solicited and some have been received. Weekly quotations are sent, some houses sending 2,000 to 3,000 at a single issue. These reach every city, town, village or hamlet with- in reasonable rail communication, and anything else is out of the question. He studies the needs of each customer, and having secured the amount needed to fill his orders, at once commences to send by express (and there are no _ less than 185 of these express trains daily), and, to many points where through freights run, the fruit goes largely in that manner. It is safe to say that there is no spot within 200 miles of Chicago that, with fair means of connection with this market, cannot have a full supply ot fruit. Now, as to the expense or cost of these shipments: The broker, dealer or shipper is well satisfied if he can realize 10 per cent. on his purchases. Let the shipper of fruit to this market consider what it means. There are the careful selection of fruit, the marking, billing (practically) guaranteeing of safe delivery, chances of failure of his far-off customer—and collecting his bill at the end of two weeks to three months. Applying the test to the fruit broker or shipper, but few get much more than a living out of the business. The express and freight companies charge only a fair compensation for the service per- formed. Although fruit may come high in Central Minnesota or Northern Wis- consin, the dwellers in those far-away regions cannot reasonably expect to have fruit brought to them without la- bor and expense, although, judging from some correspondence published at times, one would think so. From the above, in which I have touched but briefly the course of distri- bution, I give the agencies used in placing the fruit in position, so that I can easily answer the question, ‘‘What becomes of the fruit?’’ It is eaten. GrEo. W. BARNETT. Good market in Detroit. Write F. J. ROHR, dr., 693 Mack Ave. OATS HAY FEED Holiday Luxuries SCHOROROROLOT OCLUOCROROROROROHOROROROROROROROROROHOHOR Nuts, Figs, Honey, Grapes, Lemons, Oranges, Cranberries, Spanish Onions, Sweet Potatoes, STILES & PHILLIPS, WHOLESALE. BOROROROROROCROROHOCROHOHOSOROROHOROHOCHOHOROROHOROHO Freshest and richest at... GRAND RAPIDS. WE PAY CASH FOR SUNDRIED APPLES We have been established 20 years and refer to First National Bank, Chicago. Your banker can see our rating. Also dealers in Honey, Potatoes, Beans, Apples. (.S.T-FISH & CO. } 189 S. Water St. Chicago. BEANS We are in the market daily for BEANS, POTATOES, ONIONS, carlots. Send large samples beans with best price you can furnish carlots or less. MOSELEY BROS., WHOLESALE SEEDS, 26-28-30-32 OTTAWA ST., BEANS, POTATOES, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Correspond and send OOS C ©DOOQDQDOOQOOQOQOO® QO QDOOOOOOOODOOQOQOQOQOOQQOO® ONIONS + APPLES + ONIONS SQUASH, CABBAGE, CIDER, ETC., in car lots or less. your orders to me. HENRY J. VINKEMULDER, We are a mail order Fruit and Produce House and can save you money. GO© DOGQOOOOGOVDOQOQOGOGOOMO ODODE) eX eXeKPVPrMGPOOOOQOOO DOGG Cvexe) POGQMOMOOPOOOSOOOOOOOOOMOOHVOOCE GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. HOOQOOOOQO©OOQQOOOOE COMAISSION HEN F M. R. ALDEN ll ff EXCLUSIVELY 98 S. DIVISION ST., GRAND RAPIDS. RUIT ee ea Is always seasonable. Eggs “just laid” get Write me the very highest market price with me. R. HIRT, JR., Market St., Detroit. enero eansneensseeeotnavnee_ sssmneennwnmenanneninnaae THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Devoted to the Best Interests of Business Men Published at the New Blodgett Building, Grand Rapids, by the TRADESMAN COMPANY ONE DOLLAR A YEAR, Payable in Advance. ADVERTISING RATES ON APPLICATION. Communications invited from practical business men. Correspondents must give their full names and addresses, not necessarily for pub- lication, but as a guarante- of good faith. Subscribers may have the mailing address of their papers changed as often as desired. No paper discontinued, except at the option of the proprietor. until all arre wages are paid. Sample copies sent free to any address. E:itered at the Grand Rapids Post Office as Second Class mail matter. When writing to any of our Adverti-ers, please say that you saw the advertisement in the Michigan Tradesman. E. A. STOWE, Epiror. WEDNESDAY, - - - DECEMBER 9, 1896. THE BUSINESS SITUATION. While the general conditions are fa- vorable to a gradual return of norma! activity, there is some disappointment expressed by those who thouzht that a business revival could be accomplished immediately. Holiday trade is fairly active, but in staple lines attention is directed to preparations for spring sup plies, thus recognizing the fact that it is too late for more than a moderate ac- tivity in winter trade. While the busi- ness failures have continued large in number through November, there has been a great decrease in the amounts involved, so that the aggregate that month was only 40 per cent. of that for September—a decidedly gratifying in- dication. Other favorable indications are found in the abandonment of several! of the combinations which have been elements of uncertainty in the iron trade by keeping the basis of values so long in question. Most staples have main tained their prices for the week and there is a material advance in several. Most of the combinations which have so long been struggling for existence in the iron trade have given up the fight and gone out of operation. Of course, this results in a decline in average quo- tations, but the nominal figures the pools have been striving to maintain were materially higher than the actual transactions. It is thought that the dis- solution of these bodies will give the market a basis for renewed activity, from which a recovery in prices may be looked for. Bessemer pig is down to $11.65 and gray forge to $1o at Pitts- burg. A large demand for plates and Structural iron is in sight for ocean and lake shipbuilding and for new buildings and bridges, and within a few days or- ders have been placed for several thou- sand cars. At the time of the last issue of the Tradesman another upward turn in wheat seemed probable. This material- ized into a sharp advance, which con- soon tinued until there was a break at the close of the week, and the decline is still in evidence. Other grains have closely followed the lead of wheat. The wool movement continues large and prices have advanced _ slightly. The manufacturer of woolen goods is still waiting for increased demand. Prices have strengthened for cotton and its products and the latter are moving more freely. Money continues plentiful in Ameri- can markets and rates are low. The foreign market seems to be recovering from its stringency, rates having fallen % per cent. Stock speculation has been more active and the general move- ment is in the direction of an advance. Bank clearings were again away up, exceeding the corresponding week for any year since 1892. The excess over the preceding week, which was_ broken by the holiday, was 34 per cent. The amount was $1,258, 845,000. EUROPE AND AMERICA. The French possessions left in the Western Hemisphere are inconsiderable and in nowise clash with American doc trines or interests, but the French, of all the people in Europe, appear the most disposed to resent any assertion of United States supremacy in diplomatic questions affecting the international re- lations of European and American na- tions. The only growl with reference to the United States’ possibly aggressive at- titude toward Cuba, heard outside of Spain, has been indulged in by France, if the tone of the French press is to be taken as a reflex of French popular or governmental sentiment. Only a few days ago the dispatches told us that the Paris Figaro, one of the most widely read of French papers, declared that the American newspapers ‘‘which are urg- ing the United States to war with Spain’’ should reflect that ‘‘war with Spain means war with Europe,’’ and that in the interest of the United States ‘it is to be hoped that this eventuality will not arise.’’ This is interesting reading, but even though the Figaro speaks for France it is not such stuff as will create any change of policy in this country towards Spain, nor arouse the least alarm on this side of the water. It would be somewhat entertaining to speculate upon the possible results of a war between the United States on one side and Europe on the other, but it would be a matter purely within the realm of speculation. European nations could not be combined against any other great power—their jealousies of each other are too deep and their inter- ests too diverse. Certainly they could sot be combined against the United States. England would not join such a coalition unless the fight was hers in the first instance. Russia would not engage in an attack upon us except under the same kind of circumstances. Germany would not likely help France in any event. France and Spain, and Italy even, might combine against us, but that coalition would not frighten us greatly. The French and Italian navies would worry our commerce and our coasts to a considerable extent for a while, but the resources of the United States, when taxed, would be superior to those of such an alliance as men- tioned, and after the first year we would be worrying the combination, and worry- ing it badly. The best and wisest course the French press could pursue at this time would be to return to its ancient friendly attitude towards the United States and_ stop putting fool notions and false hopes in Spanish heads about alliances against this country that could never be formed, or, if formed, could, in the natural order of things, only result ultimately, after a long and bloody struggle, in the humilia- tion of the combine and the disappear- ance of its flags from American soil. THE HOLIDAY WINDOW. The show window is important at all times, but at the Christmas season this importance is more generally rec- ognized by giving it due attention than at any other. As the time approaches, the window-dressers and managers hold many consultations and the most careful plans are elaborated for the effort of the year. Frequently, such plans ma- terialize in the production of some ‘‘set piece’’ seemingly more appropriate tor the stage of a theater. Yet these are all right if they do not so far overshadow the idea of there being goods for sale as to change the store from its proper character to a street show simply. While the Christmas trade is, doubt- less, peculiarly susceptible to the influ- ence of window display, the demonstra- tion of the value of this factor in the problem of getting custom each recur- ring year should be an object lesson to every one who is fortunate enough to be the possessor of a front window. It goes without saying that no reasonable ex- pense should be withheld to make the approach to the store as attractive as may be; and, in addition to as suitably designed and constructed a front as possible, there should never be pains spared in the care of the windows. This rule is universal; obscurity of location will not excuse neglect in such regard. The merchant who limits the use of these ‘‘eyes’’ of his store to the admis- sion of light only is like one who is in different to the expression of his own organs of vision. They are as essential as ‘‘windows of the soul’’in business as in individuals. This by way of par- enthesis. The preparation for the holiday dis- play in those establishments where the importance is recognized involves a plan of campaign to cover the entire Christmas season. It is not sufficient to prepare an elaborate display to re- main unchanged, for the spectators will soon become wearied and will pass on to novelties elsewhere. To be most successful change must be frequent —indeed, the more frequent the better The work of preparing the exhibits is generally done behind drapings which exclude the prying eyes of the curious; and, when all is ready, the picture bursts upon the public in a sudden blaze of glory. There may be some advantage in this mode of operation—in some cases it may be necessity; but more frequently there is greater advantage in doing the work inthe presence of the public. Indeed, this may usually be an important part of the exhibit, a part having really more attraction than the finished exhibit. To the universal in- terest that attaches to the watching of any novel work in progress there is the added one of speculation as to what the result is to be. All have observed the attentive crowds wherever such work is in progress during the sight-seeing hours. The same principle obtains in the making of changes in the exhibits. The more time the window-dresser can spend in making changes and in ar- ranging and re-arranging the goods and the dislpay of prices the greater the interest. To do this effectively he must be able to work gracefully, avoiding awkward positions or an undignified manner in handling dummies, dolls, etc. Some are so clumsy as actually to trip over the figures. But his work should not be all for this effect—there must be decided and radical changes in the display to keep the crowd of passers interested ; and these changes should be kept up as long as the season lasts, and then, if the habit is formed so as to keep it up the rest of the time, so much the better. The object of window display which must be kept constantly in mind is to attract customers. Often the most elab- orate and profuse display of some one article is made which attracts attention by its ingenuity. Suppose it to be handkerchiefs. Not many of those passing may wish to buy handkerchiefs, and there is no special indication that they are for sale if they do. This mis- take is perhaps less likely to occur at holiday time; but it is too common at all seasons. If the display is not composed of a variety of the goods to be sold, do not let it monopolize so much of the space that these shall not be represented in a way to show that they are for sale. It is doubtless valuable that people be induced to look into the store windows, but it is more palpably advantageous that they be got to come into the door. CONGRESS AND BUSINESS. So frequently during recent years has the consideration of economic and financial questions by Congress seriously interfered with business that there is more or less apprehension of evil to re- sult whenever that body convenes. Thus one of the reasons assigned for the con- tinued depression in the stock market was the fact of the proximity of the coming session. In recalling the effects of pending measures during the past four years especially, there is enough to account for such an apprehension, but it is sufficiently remarkable that the meeting of the highest legislative body of the country should come to be con- sidered an industrial menace, and that it should be so on general principles, not on account of any special action that is probable. The consideration of the Wilson tariff bill, four years ago, was as pronounced in its injurious effects on industry as any single measure that can be recalled. This injury in no way depended on the merits or demerits of the question, but, because of the long-continued uncertainty in regard to its effect on prices, pur- chases were held in abeyance, to the serious interference of all branches of industry. More recently, during the last session, there was almost a_ constant succession of disquieting propositions by either of the Houses or the Executive. For instance, the latter was so con- cerned by the outflow of gold from the Treasury that he asked for special legis- lation to remedy the matter. This was undertaken by the Lower House in the passing of a bill providing for short- time bonds, which was amended by the Senate by the substitution of a silver bill, Then a tariff measure was pro- posed, which was hung up in com- mittee ; and similar threatenings of in- terference or suggestions of danger made the session remarkable for its dis- turbing influence. The circumstances of the present ses- sion are such that there seems to be much less opportunity for the exertion of deleterious influence—the present apprehension is only on general prin- ciples. It seems to be agreed that no radical economic legislation, like changes in the tariff or finances, will be undertaken, on account of the changes to occur in the political composition of the next Congress. Thus, notwithstand- ing the fact that the beginning of the session creates some disturbance, it is hoped that the proceedings will be confined to routine, the passing of necessary appropriation bills and, per- haps, minor considerations of foreign matters, reducing the influence on busi- ness as much as possible, ad ad THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 9 STATUS OF NATIONAL. GUARD. Although the annual report of the Sec- retary of War devotes a comparatively brief space to the consideration of the condition and needs of the state troops, military authorities generally are agreed that the organized and uniformed state forces form a very important part of the country’s military strength. Of course, the organized force, numbering, as it does, only 111,000 officers and men, is but a small portion of the 9,000,000 men reported as available for military or militia duty; but when one reflects that the standing army is only 25,000 men, and that the execution of the laws of the forty-five sovereign states depends al- most entirely upon the element of force behind them as represented by the state troops, it will be recognized that the uniformed and organized militia plays a very important part in the government of the country, quite as important, in fact, as the regular army itself. Military men, and particularly officers of the army, have come to consider the National Guard, as represented by the regularly enlisted and equipped state troops, as the first reserve of the stand- ing army, to be immediately added to that force in the event of sudden need. As a result, the War Department has been disposed to pay greater attention to the equipment of the state troops and to their instruction, so as to enable them to conform as ciosely as possible to the equipment and drill of the regular army. During last year there were thirty-five army officers regularly assigned to the various state headquarters as military instructors and inspectors of state troops. In addition to these, as many as thirty- one officers were assigned to duty at state encampments, as that many states held camps of instruction during the year, and in some of them regular troops were encamped with the militia. While the efforts made by the War Department have, undoubtedly, resulted in much improvement in the training and efficiency of the militia, the inves- tigations of the officers detailed at the various state headquarters indicate that there is a very serious deficiency in the equipment necessary to enable the state troops to take the field. Of course, this deficiency is of very much smaller extent in the case of large states, like New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and a few others; but it certainly ap- plies to most of the other states, partic- ularly in the South and West. This de- ficiency consists of lack of proper arms, camp equipage, serviceable artillery, and, in fact, all the supplies that a force would require to be able to take the field. There can be no doubt that the troops of some of the states in which there are large cities can be mobilized at very short notice, and could be relied upon to perform very efficient service; but the arrangements in this respect are not good in a great majority of the states. In order to promote the efficiency of the organized militia force, the Sec- retary of War recommends that Congress increase the annual appropriation for the furnishing of supplies to the states, and the following special recommenda- tions are also made, which, if carried out, would greatly benefit the militia, without putting the Government to much expense: The first of these is that the states be allowed to return such unserv- iceable, worn-out or obsolete stores and weapons as have been advanced to them by the War Department in past years, that they be sold for what they will bring, and the proceeds credited to the allotments to the respective states and territories for arming and equipping their militia; the second is that the Secretary of War be authorized to issue Springfield rifles of caliber .45 to each state and territory in exchange for other rifles now held, and the third is that any State or territory may, in addition to the stores and supplies issued under the act for equipping the militia, pur- chase, at regulation prices, such army stores and supplies as the Secretary of War may approve. Although the General Government would no doubt promptly call upon the 111,000 state troops in the event of sud- den emergency, only $400,000 per an- hum is expended out of the general treasury for the support of the state troops, while the states themselves spend three million dollars annually. This is a very small sum, considering the im- portant services frequently rendered by the militia and the amount of hardship and sacrifice endured by the troops in drilling and training, to secure the nec- essary proficiency in their duties. GIVE US QUICK ACTION. It is unfortunate that business, after getting out from under the burden of a presidential election, should have to sustain the other burden, almost imme- diately, of a session of Congress that may in all likelihood be lengthened out into the spring and summer by a.call for an extra session. Congress has become a regular bug-a- boo to the business interests because of the uncertainties of legislation. Par- ticularly will this be the case this win- ter and next year because of the agita- tion of the tariff. Factories and large importing houses will hardly know how to act until they ascertain what, if any, are to be the new tariff regulations. Other measures also are pending, or are contemplated, affecting business and trade generally, and until some definite understanding of the fate of such prop- ositions has been reached, the commer- cial and financial affairs of the Nation are not likely to show any improvement. These are not the most reassuring re- flections, but they are justified by exist- ing conditions and may serve, indeed, to explain to an extent the want of that general activity for a time yet which is so universally desired. From a standpoint of good politics, however, Mr. McKinley ought to put the new Congress to work as soon as possible. If it can bring relief to the country, the sooner the better, and the better also for the Republican party. If not, then the succeeding regular session will afford another chance before the elections of 1898, and the failure of the special session will only emphasize the necessity for prompt remedial legisla- tion. The suspense under which the commercial interests of the Nation are laboring now must be relieved, or the Republican party must demonstrate its incapacity to relieve it. The sooner the new administration is put to the test the sooner will the people know what to expect and how to act. What we want now is better times, more business, a freer circulation of money,and the coun- try expects the Republicans to redeem their promises to give it such prosperity without unnecessary delay. It has been estimated that at least 2% per cent. of the entire population of the United States make their living out of the electric light and power industry and the branches of trade directly dependent upon it. RUSSIA AND FRANCE. The enthusiasm with which everything Russian is received in France is one of the most remarkable phenomena of the past decade. This sentiment of effusive friendship was particularly prominent during the recent visit of the Czar to France, when the whole French nation practically put itself en fete in honor of the occasion. It was a most astound- ing spectacle to see the most autocratic monarch in Europe hailed with enthu- | siasm and overwhelmed with honors ina | country professing republicanism of a most radical and rabid type. It is clear that the friendship existing between France and Russia, however | fervent it may show itself to be, is not | based upon any community of senti- | | | ment, similarity of institutions, or| even common commercial _ interests. | There could not possibly be a wider | difference in institutions, in religious feeling or in popular sentiment than exists between these two countries. The bond of union, therefore, is not one of love, but of fear. Both countries found themselves isolated from the rest of Europe and threatened with the con- sequences of what appeared to be a hos- tile combination. Failing to secure a renewal of the secret treaty with Ger- many, Russia sought to conciliate France in order to obtain support against the Triple Alliance. As the is- olation of France was even more intense than that of Russia, that country very naturally welcomed an alliance which promised not only immunity from all outsiders, but, in particular, safety from any further attack from Germany. The very effusiveness of the friend- ship between Russia and France is the weak spot in the arrangement. The very fact that Russia sought for a secret treaty with Germany tends to cast doubt upon the sincerity of Russian professions of friendship for France. That Russia is willing to use France to promote her special aims in the Far East, and as a counterpoise to the Triple Alliance, is evident enough; but that she will be willing to side with France in a war against Germany, or even in any attempt to compel Great Britain to withdraw from Egypt, is open to serious doubt. There can be no doubting that Aus- tria and Italy are lukewarm adherents of the triple compact, and will be found unwilling to renew it when the existing term runs out. It is also evident that there is an understanding between Ger- many and Russia, which must eventual- ly result in a renewal of the secret treaty. When that occurs, then Russia will be indifferent to the French alliance. There are several matters in which Russian policy is at variance with that of France. In the Turkish difficulty, for instance, Russia has refused to ap- prove France's scheme for the reorgan- ization of the Turkish finances, while it is well known that the Czar’s advisers advocate the prompt dismemberment of the Turkish Empire, with the occupa- tion of Turkey in Europe by Russia. As for France’s demand for the with- drawal of England from Egypt, Russia has taken no definite position, and has certainly shown no signs of the active | co-operation which France undoubtedly | expects. A much more logical and effective | alliance would be an understanding be- | tween Great Britain and France. Aside | from the Egyptian question, which | might be profitably compromised, the | two countries have few interests which iland and France. |of making | Egyptian problem on the basis of the | merchant | pressing the fear that, unless Congress | Clash; while Russia’s expansion in the East, and her efforts to dominate all other powers in that part of the world, are obstacles in the way of both Eng- Some French papers have already hinted at the advisability some arrangement of the acquisition of some other territory as an offset, such as Syria, for instance. Under a surface of apparent calm, important diplomatic struggles are in progress, the final outcome of which is i likely enough to be a rearrangement of | existing compacts and alliances, even if nothing more serious should happen. JAPANESE MERCHANT MARINE. The Tradesman recently commented upon the active competition which the | Japanese have inaugurated against our marine in the Pacific, ex- took steps in the near future to protect American shipping interests, even the carrying trade of the Pacific, which is about the only bold we still possess on the fereign traffic of the world, would be wrested from us by the enterprising and aggressive Japanese. Since the article in question was written, the annual report of the Jap- anese Merchant Marine Bureau _ has reached this country and the leading details have been published. The report discloses the fact that Japan is making very energetic strides in the develop- ment of its merchant marine. It shows that Japan has registered for foreign trade 10g iron and steel steamships, of 231,139 gross tons, whereas the United States has registered for foreign trade 103 vessels of the same kind, of 226,503 gross tons. The Japanese merchant fleet includes 114 vessels of over 1,000 tons, chiefly steamers of British or German build. The American merchant fleet on the Pacific Coast numbers 11g vessels of this size. The chief Japanese steamship line, which has recently made Seattle one of its terminal points, owns fifty-one steamers of 82,000 tons, whereas the Pacific Mail Line employs fifteen steam- ers of 43,000 tons on the Pacific. Since 1890 twenty shipyards have been estab- lished in Japan, some of them of very large capacity, and the subsidy law which went into effect in October gives ship-builders a bounty of $10 per gross ton on steel vessels over I,000 tons and 2,500 horse power. These figures show that the Japanese fully appreciate the importance of build- ing up a large merchant marine to any nation proposing to actively compete for trade with the outside world. Not content with having their produce car- ried in foreign ships, the far-seeing Japs determined that as much of their trade as possible should be handled in Japanese ships, thus saving the vast amount of money which would be paid in freights, and at the same time making their merchants more independent of outside combinations in the matter of freight rates. It is of the utmost importance to the trade of any port that the merchants of that port should control a good supply of shipping, and not be dependent al- together upon ships owned and con- trolled elsewhere. Ships always make trade for the home port, and our Japan- ese friends have evidently realized that fact, even if our statesmen, who are ac- customed to pride themselves upon their sagacity, have failed to do so. Asa re- sult, our trade in the Pacific is already beginning to fall off, and, unless some- thing is done to meet the new compe- tition, it will undoubtedly shrink more and more in proportion to the growth of the Japanese competition. THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN MEN OF MARK. Henry Theobald, Jr., Secretary Na- tional Cash Register Co. Henry Theobald, Jr., Secretary of the National Cash Register Co., was born September 28, 1865. His father, Henry Theobald, Sr., 1s one of Dayton’s oldest citizens. The subject of our sketch is, therefore, a native product of Dayton, and one of his characteristics is the keen interest which he has always taken in the development of his native city. Mr. Theobald attended the public schools of Dayton, and was graduated from the Central high school in 1882 with the highest honors, being valedic- torian of his class. With the energy and determination which have always marked him, Mr. Theobald at once plunged into business. His first position was that of assistant book-keeper in a paper-making estab- lishment. He soon removed, however, to Canton, Ohio, where he worked again = as a book-keeper. He did not find here, however, the opportunity of ad- vancement which he desired and re- turned to Dayton, where he took a thorough course in stenography and typewriting. When this course was completed in October, 1884, Mr. Theobald entered the employ of the National Cash Regis- ter Co. His career since that time has shown what can be accomplished by hard work, steady application and a conscientious endeavor to do one’s best under all circumstances. For two years Mr. Theobald served as a stenographer. At the end of that time his ability and force of character had made themselves felt to such an extent that he was _prac- tically made Corresponding Secretary of the company, all the correspondence being put under his charge. In June, 1891, Mr. Theobald was elected General Secretary of the company, which posi- tion he has since held. In addition to his arduous duties as Secretary, Mr. Theobald has devoted much time and work to the advancement of the com- pany’s interests in other lines. About two years ago, Mr. Theobald temporarily left his work as Secretary and, with the President of the company, devoted himself to re-organizing the fac- tory or making division of the business. As a result of their work, the factory of the National Casn Register Co. stands to-day as the model factory of its kind in the world. Mr. Theobald also spent some time in New York City, organi zing the New York sales agency of the company, but his greatest work is one in which his laurels are still fresh. In the early summer of 1895, President Patterson and Mr. Theobald went to Europe, where for some time the com- pany had done an irregular and some- what unsatisfactory business. President Patterson remained but a short time and returned to America, leaving Mr. Theo- bald to execute the work of organizing the European business. The results of this work were shown at the recent in- ternational convention of the sales agents of the company, which was held in October. At this convention, sales agents were present from France, Ger- many, England, Belgium, Holland and Denmark. The favorable impression which they produced is emphasized by the fact that the orders from European territories have been quadrupled since Mr. Theobald crossed the water. Mr. Theobald is now back at the fac- tory and hard at work as chairman of the Executive Committee, which, under the supervision of the President and Vice-President, directs the management of the great business. 0 Mrs. Cleveland Refused Credit at a Washington Store. Washington Correspondence Cincinnati En- quirer. The President was refused credit at one of the large stores in Washington last week. The store was run on a cash basis. Interest centered in the President's carriage as it drew up in front of a big dry goods house on the avenue. But only Mrs. Cleveland’s maid alighted. A crowd of spectators followed her in the store, curious to know what goods were to be purchased for the White House. Great was their astonishment to hear the refusal of the President's name on their books of credit. After looking over the full line of children’s dress goods, the maid select- ed several fine dress patterns, and _pre- senting the order written on note paper bearing the insignia, ‘‘ Executive Man- sion,’’ smilingly said: ‘* Mrs. Cleveland said charge to the President.’’ There was a momentous pause. The clerk beckoned to the manager of the firm standing near, and together they held a lengthy talk. Turning again to the maid, the clerk stammeringly said: ‘‘Sorry, miss, but we keep no book ac- counts. Would be glad to comply with Mrs. Cleveland’s request, but—’’ Here he was interrupted by the maid, who indignantly exclaimed: ‘‘Do you re- fuse to give credit to the President?’’ ‘*Not exactly, miss, but, you see, we have a strict rule against giving trust.’’ ‘‘Then you doubt my coming from the White House?’’ - ‘‘Not at all. We only regret causing Mrs. Cleveland any annoyance, but our firm believe in treating all alike.’’ With flashing eyes she stared at the clerk. Then, replacing the goods on the counter, she turned and swiftly left the store, followed by the same crowd, whose exclamations brought a deep red to her cheeks. The story has been confined to wit- nesses of the affair. In an interview the proprietor said: ‘*We regret the occurrence exceedingly. But it has been our creed to make no class distinction. Distinguished people are exempt from the annoyance of col- lectors and it has been our misfortune to learn they are the hardest to collect from. “Tt is true that in most cases this is an oversight. However, inthis case we did not doubt that the exchequer of the Executive Mansion was adequate to pay all its bills But with us it involved a principle. ‘We could not violate our policy for the Chief Magistrate of the United States, for a rule which applies to one we believe should apply to all alike. I am sure,’’ he added, ‘‘our policy has been severely tasted in this case.’’ OF COURS WE’RE BUSY Pp hh heh Poh ehep But not so busy that we cannot give prompt attention to ss letter of in- quiry, every letter asking for quotations, and every order that is received, whether for one barrel of flour or ten carloads of mixed goods. We have a Western Union operator in our office and direct line to Chicago. We are posted on the markets and we will be glad to keep you posted. We will advise you to the best of our ability if you write or wire. We have a long distance “Phone.” | We have every modern appliance for doing business quick. We are constantly improving all along the line. We have competent men watching every detail. We buy and grind only No. 1 wheat. We are selling more “LILY WHITE FLOUR” VALLEY CITY MILLING CO., GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. than ever before. Is it any wonder? 0000000000 COOSOSeSCe e ececceee nS Ris pie aig ig fui U0 YOU WANT So, Wie ; ALPERFEGT FLOUR? One that you can depend on giv- ing your trade the best possible satisfaction? It’s a strictly high grade Min- nesota Patent Flour and we guar- antee every sack or barrel to be unsurpassed. Drop usa line for delivered prices. We will make high grade goods and low prices an inducement to buy your flour and millstuffs here. JOHN H. EBELING, GREEN BAY, WIS. se eG ECSU SH Sane KG iS te iG aig Rig eS THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 11 The Question of Substitution. Written for the TRADESMAN. This topic has for some time stirred the current of certain channels of com- merce, but has been more _ particularly discussed by manufacturers of patent and proprietary goods and_ their adver- tising agents, who flood the country with didactic and dictatorial comments on the ethics that should govern retail dis- tribution. Onescheme of the latter was carried out by means of syndicate edi- torials published in leading papers ap- pealing directly to the public. These articles, varied in construction, so as to appear like individual expressions of impartial editorial opinion, were built up in sensational style, and were full of exaggeration and innuendo, They were made to serve the interests of manufac- turers careless of the effect on distribu- tors, and were clearly the gall of adver- tisers’ jealousy, masquerading in the guise of legitimate journalism. Each one afforded as plain an instance of substitution as has been charged to pharmacists. In addition, some proprietors insulted the druggists upon wbom they depended to distribute their products by sending broadcast fly-leaf attachments to alma- nacs, warning buyers to beware lest they become victims of misplaced con- fidence. Asa climax to such unjustifi- able assaults on the reputation of drug- gists they attached to much advertising literature the announcement that reme- dies of their compounding could be pro- cured from all reputable dealers in drugs. This fairly implied that those who did not pay special tribute to their treasury were dishonest or failed to meet well-known demands of an afflicted public. Acting on this theory consum- ers were warned to carefully inspect each article called for, and note if the proper identification marks appeared on the cork or were blown in the bottle. The result of these unbusinesslike methods has been partially discounted by the confidence men usually have in the integrity of a class who have every- thing to lose, and nothing to gain by dishonesty, either in the form of substi- tution, or in promising more than they expect to fulfill. ‘‘It must needs be that offences come.’’ But for those who re- verse truth and falsehood knowingly by intimating that the exception of substi- tution has been the general rule of drug- gists, or even so frequent as to make them worthy of serious protest—to them may justly be decreed the millstone necklace and the ocean bath of scripture judicial precedent. No fair-minded man _ will defend or condone dishonest substitution in pro- prietary medicines. Nor will any phar- macist of good standing in the profes- sion take the liberty of dispensing pre- scriptions different in form, amount or material from what is required bya strict construction of the written order. Though sorely tempted at times to do so by eccentric formulas offered for compounding, with very few exceptions they have honored the trust placed in their good faith by both the medical profession and the laity. I am also satisfied that physicians almost univer- sally acknowledge their allied profession to be as free from blame in the service of the public as themselves. The cry of substitution, therefore, comes from another quarter. It is the result of jealous competition seeking by means similar to those of political ward heelers to prejudice the minds of con- sumers in favor of their own products, Such a course is never pursued by man- ufacturers of specialties that are not medicinal. You never hear makers of mowers, reapers or plows warning the public to beware of the dealer in agri- cultural implements. The manufacturer of a patented kitchen utensil does not advertise it to be on sale by all reputable hardware dealers. Nor do those who put thousands of other specialties on the market seek by insinuations against re- tail distributers to boom a demand _ for their goods. They are content to exag- gerate a little for the purpose of at- tracting trade, leaving the retailer to do the rest according to the usages gov- erning general business. Thus each candidate for popular favor stands on its merits, and in a fair field bas an equal chance to win. Why should not medicinal goods be subject to the same conditions? It is because unfair means have been employed in this line to force sales on a redundant market, thus crowding druggists’ shelves with dead stock and affording opportunity for the cutter and department store to exploit their un- businesslike methods, that druggists are becoming of one mind in using justifiable substitution as a weapon of self-defense. So, when a customer asks for a patent remedy not in stock, they feel no scruples in recommending one they have on hand, since it is as well fortified as the other by testimonials that prove it equally adapted to the en- quirer’s ailments. This substitution, effected without deception and by free consent of the buyer, is just as honorable a business transaction as would be the sale of a Buckeye mower or reaper to oue who came intending to buy a ma- chine of McCormick manufacture. Jt isan axiom as true in law as in mor- als that buyer and seller have an inalien- able right to complete any bargain by mutual argument and discussion, provid- ed neither party uses deception or mis- statement. This truth is recognized as sound the world over. On it is founded the right to manufacture and sell non- secret household remedies, which also justifies the organization of co-operative companies to better supply the wants of druggists in each locality, and tends to make pharmacy more self sustaining. By this means may be lessened the amount of unsalable goods that have been crowded on reluctant dealers by sensational advertising. In fact, sub- stitution has long been the reform needed to combat the evil caused by an oversupply of patent medicines. It has already increased the stocks in drug stores beyond endurance, so that a sin- gle sampie of each would amount to more than the average druggist can dis- pose of in a year. In the light of experieace it will ap- pear that much of the complaint made against druggists springs from an im- proper definition of the word substitu- tion as applied to them. Whenever a distinction is made between the kind that is universally condemned and that which is unquestionably fair to all par- ties concerned, there will be less prej- udice aroused against their business methods, and less need of retaliatory action taken by them in self-defense. PETER C. MEEK. > 0. Many of the sugar estates in Barbados are stil! dependent on windmills for crushing power, but steam power is now being introduced into the larger facto- ries. a The salary of President Diaz is to be raised from $30,000 to $§0,000 a year. The ‘‘rise’’ takes effect from Jan. 1 next. Strictly Straight Flour... Our Brands: Our Specialties: ALLEGAN, [1ICH. Allegan Gity Rotter Jill Guard, Fairfield & bo. BUCKWHEAT FLOUR, GRAHAM FLOUR, RYE FLOUR, BOLTED MEAL. bilver eal Hour Manufactured by MUSKEGON MILLING COo., Muskegon, Mich. HOO DOOQDOQODOQOOOQOQOOOE COODOOQOOQOQOO!S © Wea Orders and inquiries solicited. GOOODOOODO QOOODOOGDOS QOQQOQOOO©QOHOQOQOQOOOO© DOOQDOOQOOOGO OOK The Cakes made from... @ Walsh - De Roo Buckwheat Flour cike-- = BUCKWHEAT The Flour is not as white as some of the adulterated kinds, but we don’t Look like. . Taste like .. make it to look at. JUDGE IT BY THE CAKES. Warranted Strictly Pure, Wholesome and Delicious. MILLS AT HOLLAND, MIGH. DOHECOOQOOQOOQOOGQDOGOOOOQOOQODOOQOODQOOE OOOODQOGQOOD DOQOQOQOOQOOE mc S © (®) i) JOO @ GOQOQDOGe © GQOOQOOQOOOO® @ Se The Staff of Life should be made of the best flour —flour that embodies the great- est quantity of nutriment and strength-giving properties. GRAND REPUBL did not meet this requirement and please every flour tomer of your establishment, we could not expect to enjoy a continuance of your flour trade. @ Considering the number flour customers on our books, we know our brand is all we claim for it. Note quotations in price current. Ba!l-Barnhart-Putman Co., GRAND RAPIDS. 12 THE MICHIGAN JANE CRAGIN. The Situation Becomes Decidedly In- teresting. Cyrus Huxley walked slowly down ihe road, after leaving Sid at the Neeley gate, until he heard the closing of the door. He then retraced his steps to the tore, locked himself in and, lighting a cigar, threw himself into his chair and proceeded to think it over. Humiliation was no word for what he felt. It may be that he had been over- estimating himself. It was very likely that he had been too indifferent to pos- sible results so far as Lilian Willowby was concerned; but, after all, he had not intended to harm anybody in this foolish -if it was foolish—attempt to get from Jane some little sign that she cared for him. That blamed Sid—but, after all, he hadn't been, from the start, exactly square with the boy. He wished now that he had. He ought to have told him about it, but who in thunder wants to talk to another fellow about such things? But he ought not to have thought he could pull the wool over Sid's eyes as he could over Jim’s. Sid’s account was squared and Mrs. Willowby had nothing to complain of— Cy’s face flushed in the dark as he remembered what he had thought and said. But what any or all of this had to do with Mrs. Walker he could not un- derstand. He _ had, indeed, called there—often, if it must be said. He had paid—weil, assiduous—attention to the beautiful niece. The gossips of Mill- town had made fools of themselves, and thus carried out the part he had planned for them. But what Mrs. Walker was . ‘jabbing him with a pitchfork for’’ he could not understand. And he ‘‘didn’t know’s he cared to understand.’’ For some reason, unknown to him, she had seen fit to invite him to her house, and then—he ground his teeth to finish the thought he was too angry otherwise to express. He puffed in silence and the glow of the cigar was the only sign of the tempest going on within. ‘*Well,’’ he said at length, ‘*you and I, my lady, haven't seen the end of this; and, while I may deserve some thing of what you have seen fit to give me, you have gone too far. I’m no Evans, but I’m a Huxley, and you’ll hear from me later!—I wonder, though, how much there is in that stuff she poured over me about Jane. There isn’t any doubt that she makes a stir among | them out there—she couldn't help it. That bright face and those bright eyes and that—’’ The puffing ceased, the glow of the cigar faded and there in the dark the store-keeper saw pencilled in light a drawing room car window, with the Sweetest woman’s face in all the whole world smiling out of it! He followed again the car as it moved away with its precious—words became all at once too weak, the cigar went out in his fin- gers and he saw only a little woman with a happy face and in bright attire talk- ing to a lot of men in a hotel parlor just making fools of themselves! Then he saw a lifting of the well-known eyes— God bless ’em!—a little nod of the head —would he ever pillow it upon his breast?—to a sick doctor—confound him!—who comes and _ stands so close to her that the gown she looks the_ best in fairly touches the presuming saw- | bones! Could there be anything in it? He had never thought of ‘‘lifting her at arm’s length’? and—that other thing which that hateful old woman said_ this doctor did, or couldn't do—again words failed and the store-keeper’s heart lost a half a dozen beats by actual count. **Well,’’ he went on after a long pause of discouragement, “If she will, she will, yon may depend on't, And if she won't, she won't, and there’s theend on't.” but, by the lord Harry, if I thought that fiddlesticks of a doctor was up to that sort of thing, I’d punch his everlasting daylights out of him!’’ and, wholly un- conscious of the pun, a gloom denser than the enveloping darkness settled down upon Cy Huxley’s soul. With another long-drawn, ‘‘Well!’’ he rose to go, lighting a fresh cigar, with a ‘‘We’ll see what she says when she writes—if she ever does write. That will bring it out if anything will. If she talks right out and out about him— that’s Jane’s way—well and good; but, if she goes shyin’ ’round the corners or doesn’t mention him, I’m just a-going to start for Colorado Springs! The store?’’ (He seemed to be wrestling with his better judgment.) *‘Don’t talk to me about the store. Sid’ll run it—or the divil may—I’m going to Colorado Springs if I find she’s shyin’.’’ A conclusion had at last been reached ; something tangible had been settled upon; the innocent cigar, dashed vio- lently to the ground, resented its treat- ment in fiery sparks; the door closed upon the outlines of the determined store-keeper, and, ready now for what the future held in store for him, he was soon home and sound asleep. The morning mail brought the follow- ing letter: The Alta Vista, Colorado Springs, June 11, 18—. My dear Cyrus: (In his delight at that first word he hung over it as if it had been spelled with letters of gold). I thought my first letter to you would be all about the stores of the State. I was zoing to examine every establishment in the place. Then 1 was going to see how they do things in the country stores, Then I was to spend a day or two in some of the pretentious towns around us. And then—then I was intending to take a day off and in one good long letter tell you—I mean the boys—all about it. (D—n the boys! a remark which, it must be observed, was not in the letter. ) I was to begin my looking around the day after my arrival. Then I put it off | ‘‘until to-morrow.’’ But they don’t| have any to-morrow in this delightful region. You see, to-day reaches so far over into the next (That means that she don't git t’ bed till ‘iong in the morn- 'in’!) that there isn’t enough left to make a day of, and so they piece that right onto the day after, and there you are. Anyway, that’s the way we fix it at the Ita Vista! (O-ho! We do, do we?) I don’t know what you would do if you were out here. One thing is certain —you would be a great curiosity, the only well man inthe city. There are two classes of people in the State— ‘‘lungers’’ and ‘‘non-lungers!’’ What a glorious minority we two would make in this hotel! At first, they put me down as a lunger. I guess I was ‘‘a leetie thin an’ peaked,’’ as Mrs. Bettis would say; and Mrs. De Lancy, a love- ly, motherly soul, with magnificent hair as white as snow, began to tell me, the first day at table, how careful one |must be until he gets used to the cli- j|mate. In her eyes I was a_ lunger! When I had finished my dinner she had | changed her views, for she said that it did her good to see me with a good ap- petite, for it meant that I was only a j little tired. That brought her two |daughters into the conversation, and from Miss Louise I learned this classi- | fication of all Colorado Springs visitors, |and that I am ‘‘the only non-lunger in | the hotel !’’ One strange feature is that these lun— | | won't write the unpleasant word again |—are mostly men; and, like all men, PSDDPDPPVPDPDPDPDDPDPDPDPDPDPDD>DDPDPAQVA._ BF FOO OOO OOO OOO OOOO er SS : AN DEALERS IN 4 ; \ ILLUMINATING AND LUBRICATING W AN 999999999999999999999999900090. W AN f : W m ; OY NAPHTHA AND GASOLINES y J Ofiice and Works, BUTTERWORTH AVE., v GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. \ j Bulk works at Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Manistee, Cadillac, Big W Rapids, Grand Haven, Traverse City, Ludington, Al- i, legan, Howard City, Petoskey and Reed City. W Highest Price Paid for Empty Carbon and Gasoline Barrels. WV . “wb ' Veeecececcescceccecececcach T VALUE SANCAIBO COFFEE ~ y Grocery Sad they imagine they’re a good deal worse than they are, and they go_ stewing around, making themselves and every- body else miserable with their com- plaints. I’m just sick and tired of ‘em. And what makes it seem worse to me is that the hotel is full of doctors, and I find that a sick doctor is one of the worst things—yes! mean things—to be sick there is. They are so used to or- dering people around that they keep on ordering others around—me, if you please !—and seem to forget that a sick doctor isn’t worth minding. You would like a trip we often take to Manitou. There is an iron spring, also a soda one. I like the soda—can't drink enough of it; but, if I drink more than a gallon at once, they charge for it! Did you ever hear anything quite like that! The others (What the divil is that word she’s scratched out? D-r-o— it’s d o-c-t-o-r, that’s what ‘tis! Well, we'll call him ‘‘others!’’) like the iron best; so, after I get all the soda I want, then we go over to the iron spring and (There she goes again— she's scatched out ‘‘he!’’) they get all they want, and then we take the car back, or, if we feel equal to it, we walk back. It’s a long walk and we have taken it both ways only once. The pleasant time is to take the car about six o'clock, leave it at Colorado City and walk to Manitou. Then the moun- tains are constantly before you, and the sun nears the summits, that leave their uneven lines against the crimson sky; and it seems, sometimes, as if the clouds that gather about Pikes Peak are the mantle in crimson and purple and gold that Elijah tossed from his flaming chariot to Elisha at the foot of the mountain. The soda and the iron water in the presence of such sunsets is a fitting ending for the day, and gives you something to think of as you home through the fading twilight. (On the back seat, I'l] warrant!) Yours truly, JANE CRAGIN. RICHARD MALCOLM STRONG. Om The Early Bird and the Worm. It is an old adage, and is likely to be much older yet before it becomes a fos- sil, that the bird that gets down to business the earliest in the morning is the most likely to secure a breakfast. Worms have a habit of changing their locations, and as their movements are not regulated by a time table, they act on their own volition, without consult- ing the wishes of a robin, or the morn- ing hours of a blackbird. It is just so with other things besides birds and worms. When a man misses his_ oppor- tunity of bettering himself in body, soul and spirit; in catching a train or se- curing a contract, the fault was not with the worm, but with the bird, who only arrived in time to find a hole in the ground, and a vacancy of a similar kind in his own good temper and fortune. The idea that the opportunity is in search for the man is a mistake. The worm is not credited with an intention to visit the sparrow; it is the latter gen- tleman that presents his card. When a man makes a success of business, it is not due to the fact of the plum falling in his mouth, but to the mouth finding the plum. It is true that men some- times stumble on good fortune as they do on a lost watch or gold coin, but with the majority of mankind, if they want a Waltham they have to buy it, and a twenty dollar gold piece has to be earned before it changes owners. It is so with success in anything. It sel- dom knocks at a man’s door for admis- sion. It takes time, energy, sagacity and shoe leather to find it. It may not always be found, even with a lantern, but if it is never searched for, it is as innocent of cultivating your acquaint- ance asa chicken would be of walking into a pie. The mistake of too many of THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN us is that we take the wrong road to find it. If we go to a sumac for straw- berries, or to a gooseberrybush for ap- pies, we come back again with an empty basket ; and many men are doing just the same thing in business. A man invests his money in some line of trade or manufacture. His money is sound and his intentions are just as good. What he sells is first class, and what he manufactures would stand the test of a miscroscupe. He is as ready for cus- tomers as a ripe cherry is for a robin or a pie, but he takes little or no pains to let the public know what good things he has on his shelves, and what hand- some returns they can have for their money. Instead of looking after busi- ness, he expects business to look after him. The results are what might be ex- pected. The oyster remains in its shell, and the egg in the nest. In these days of business activity, when men are _los- ing sleep and temper in working up a trade, and even a scissors grinder rings a bell, and a fish peddler toots a horn, the man expecting trade to walk into his store or his factory without inviting it there is apt to have as few callers as Selkirk and to share the traditional hard times of Job’s turkey. No man _ needs to make his store a hermitage nowa- days. Printer’s ink is cheap, paper is not scarce, and advertisements are not all made into pipelights. In return for a reasonable sum, artists, lithographers and publishers can be secured to give their best skill in making an advertise- ment an ideal of art and attractiveness, and to circulate the same wherever a postage stamp can carry it. In this agency we have one of the most potent forces of modern trade. It has wings that never tire, feet that never halt, and a voice independent of paregoric and sore throat. The trade journal has a wider circulation than the Gulf Stream, and finds its way where Christopher Columbus or Captain Cook would never spread a sail or set a foot. The man who neglects this agency is as blind to the interests of his business as a navigator would be who neglected a tide or did not spread his canvas to the breeze. In the present conditions of trade, when languishing interests are reviving and enterprises once dormant as a chalk egg are waking up like a bee when the sun is warming the prim- rose and the buttercup, it would seem to be but a matter of common sense for business men generally to square their sails for the coming breeze. In every- thing else that signifies progress and prosperity, the personal or general _bet- terment of man, the old adage holds good that the early bird catches the worm. FRED WoopRow. ~~» 2. Take time to perform a task properly. One great fault among beginners is the desire to do everything with as much dispatch as possible, forgetting in their haste that thoroughness is the main point. While it is not always those who ‘‘move like snails’’ that get the best results, still, sufficient moderation to do the best that can be done is need- ful. Let judgment be brought into play to the exclusion of enthusiasm. The latter, after newness wears off, is very apt to cause a reaction, which cannot fail to produce harm. Therefore, bear in mind that deliberateness, combined with careful thinking, is vastly better than so much rushing, with its accom- panying mishaps and wear of the nerv- ous system. —__$_»> 9» __ Now that the smoke of the campaign has cleared away, you will see more smoke from the S. C. W. You do not need silver or gold, but only a nickel to get the S, C. W, NUITeeeeee renee en re revnen een reennreneen ents AU TPUNPT OTT TTD UTE TTD UTTER TTI TeT en rere rere ene neD ero oerer reer orrer erent rrrerorrerT ere ren rn aeeee ee reT enraen ene ene rnren one ry HHO GROWN 1883 1885 1887 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 SUFIMARIZED HISTORY: 1883 1885 1888 1895 1896 TRADESMAN COMPANY, WUAUUAMUAAAL AA dAd ddd Ud Add Add dd ddd Udd Add UNUM UU NMA L MU TU AT TMU AULT MULTUM MUA AL MA UA ML MAU MAA AUA AU AUA MAA AA AGAMA Add AAU dA dAb dd Ukd ddd ddd ddd Add Add dd 13 — HOW IT = BUSINESS ESIablised " Special Machinery Introduced Removal 10 Lorger Quarters , Removal 10 Still Larger Quarters Largest Coupon Book Plant in the Worl In which we produce more Coupon Books than all the other manufactur- ers in the country combined. These facts speak louder than words and conclusively prove that our books must have been the best in the mar- ket for the past thirteen years in or- der to have secured this demand. GRAND RAPIDS. 14 THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Shoes and Leather Condition of the Leather Trade. From the Shoe and Leather Review. There is a considerable diversity of opinion in respect to advances in hides, leather and leather goods. Many persons claim that prices will soon sink to the usual low level and that the advance movement is artificial. They insist that while hides may be somewhat scarce there is plenty of leather, and large stocks of shoes and leather goods are held by dealers. This view is to a considerable extent based upon the fact that many firms have issued circulars announcing that they will continue to sell at former prices. The _ situation calls for very careful consideration, and persons who render hasty judgment may later have cause to repent. It should be remembered that the rise in hides and leather began the first week in Sep- tember and continued during the very duilest ante-election period. When the result of the election was announced November 4 the hide market rose an- other half cent, but as the quality of hides had declined, this advance was soon lost and the markets now stand about where they were before November 3, except that the same prices are de- manded for inferior hides. Leather values are strong in all the cities, de- spite the severe attacks of buyers who always avail themselves of a dull time to crowd down quotations. It is true there are here and there overenthusiastic individuals who at- tempt to rush prices up regardless of all sense and reason, but where one per- son of this kind exists there are hun- dreds who always predict low and lower prices. The drift of values for many years has been almost continuously downward, and it has become the rule to accept reductions as a matter of course, while higher rates are looked upon as illogical, absurd and ephemeral. The scarcity idea is in many quarters re- garded as nothing more than a clever fabrication intended to influence the market for speculative purposes. The difficulty at this time is in accurately getting at the actual facts. The kill of cattle is undoubtedly smaller all over the country. The decline in the cattle re- ceipts has been going on for several years The tanners have greatly cur- tailed the production of leather for the reason that the former supply of hides was not obtainable. Of course there is no scarcity of either hides or leather as the word is usually understood. A_bet- ter way to describe the situation is that the redundancy of former years no long- er exists. The trade, through a series of years, has gradually adapted itself to a constantly expanding supply of hides and leather. For several years this con- dition has been reversed. Since 1892 there have been fewer hides and less leather each year. To compensate for this we have had a financial and indus- trial depression, during which the con- sumption of leather was seriausly di- minished. Has consumption decreased equally with production? This is the indeterminable question. The best in- formation we can obtain is that for two years at least less leather has been made than has been tanned. There were large accumulations of leather, shoes and other manufactures of leather, and these are gradually being absorbed, There probably never was a time in the history of the industry when such small stocks were in the hands of middlemen and distributers. It is a mistake to sup- pose that the consumption is decreasing. New outlets for leather are constantly being made. The manufacture of bi- cycles not only calls for immense quan- tities for saddles and tool bags, but the thousands of riders are compelled to buy extra footgear especially adapted for wheeling Upholstery leather was never more popular. One seldom enters a hotel, theater or club house without finding the furniture upholstered with leather almost to the exclusion of textile fabrics. The discovery of the incan- descent electric light was a boon to the leather industry, because it neces- sitated the use of small high-speed steam engines which require oak tanned belting to transmit the power they gen- erate. The demand for patent leather in the shoe trade has resulted in an_in- crease of consumption. Patent leather is perishable stock and the sides and skins used in its production would wear much longer if they had been converted into grain leather or waxed calf. It has been demonstrated that the ex- ports of hides, leather and leather goods have increased, while the imports of hides and leather have decreased. The future of prices depends, of course, upon the demand for goods. There is a general belief that the con- sumption cannot be smaller, and it is reasonable to expect that it will be larger. Some persons believe the supply of cattle will be ample, but others are of the opinion that several years will elapse before the stock raisers succeed in greatly increasing their depieted herds. The general condition of business is improving gradually. It was unreason- able to expect that universal activity could instantly follow the election. The depression has continued so long and its effects are so far-reaching that a con- siderable time must elapse before a complete restoration of confidence is established throughout the country. The rise in wheat should be an assurance to .skeptical persons who affect to doubt that there can ever be much of an ad- vance in any staple commodity. It seems too much to hope that dollar wheat can be made a permanency, but the difference between dollar wheat and hfty-cent wheat admits of a liberal dis- count. There is an intimate connection between agricultural products and leather. If corn, wheat, cotton and farm products generally bring good prices no one need doubt the future of leather. + 0ee- | The Farm Situation. Written for the TRADESMAN. The recent report of the Secretary of Agriculture brings out some _ points which are of considerable interest as_ to the condition and prospects of the farming community, whose welfare is the basis of all other industrial prosper- ity. According to this report, the pro- portion of farms encumbered with mort- gages is much less than is generally supposed, 72 per cent. being entirely clear. Of the 28 per cent. which are mortgaged, three-fourths of the money represented is either for the purchase or for money borrowed to improve them. One curious fact brought out by the report is the locality in which the most heavily mortgaged farms are found. Contrary to the general impression, which places them in the West and Southwest, they are found on the North- ern Atlantic Coast, New jersey leading in the magnitude of the mortgage debts in proportion to the valuation of the farms. A significant point is touched upon, that the sharpest competition the farmer who has paid a good price for his land has to meet is that of the land given away under the homestead laws. This has operated more than any other single cause to destroy the value of the lands bought at fair prices, and which have depreciated in value by long use. ‘‘No legislation relative to the public do- main has been so directly inimical to the farmers who have bought and paid for the lands upon which they have lived and labored, it being impossible for farmers in the old states to profitably sell their products in competition with those of the newer states grown upon lands which cost their owners nothing. ”’ W. N. FULLER. ——__+_»>2.—____ The only smoke the insurance agents are not afraid of 1s that of the S. C. W. 5c Cigar. Best on earth—sold by all jobbers. dangapoaes or FRU BBE RS iantelnihewora THE GOODYEAR GLOVE HIRTH, KRAUSE & CO., Grand Rapids, [lich. —~ Remember The largest stock of Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Mackintoshes In Michigan is with Studley & Barclay, Grand Rapids. SAMPLES OF CLOTH, PRICE LISTS AND DISCOUNTS. rv OV VV VV VV VV VUVUVVVVVVVVUWweWVVeVUuVCVCCCCCCCrCCC ee ee ee ee ee ae ne ee ee ee ee ee wee ee ee Mail us your orders for @ Grand Rapids Felt Boots WALES-GOODYEAR AND CONNECTICUT We have them all or anything else you may need in a hurry, and look for quick returns from us. HEROLD-BERTSCH SHOE CO., tela ta dn bo bn bn be bn tn bn be bn bn bn be bn be A> tp tn tp ty tn tp tp tp tp dp tp 4d FUGUE VU VOU VUE UVU OUT OTEOCOOSTST SO SETS OG OG "esa ch se a mh a ae ae eg OO OE OE ET rr ee Pee ba bn bn tn be FUVUwW Lumbermen’s Socks KUBBERS 5 AND 7 PEARL ST., GRAND RAPIDS. ll el ht he tp tp te Sa Dahan Lurk hn hn bn tn Mr he Mr Mn in Mn Me Me Ma Ma Mi hi Me he te Te en ee ee ee ee a a ee a ee ee a er ee rrr nr ae ee Rindge, Kalmbach & Co., 12, 14, 16 Pearl Street, Grand Rapids, Mich. Our Factory Lines are the Best Wearing Shoes on Earth. We carry the neatest, nobbiest and best lines of job- bing goods, all the latést styles, everything up to date. We are agents for the best and most perfect line of rubbers made—the Boston Rubber Shoe Co.’s goods. They are stars in fit and finish. You should see their New Century Toe—it is a beauty. If you want the best goods of all kinds—best service and best treatment, place your orders with us. Our references are our customers of the last thirty years. Si THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 15 SMART SAYINGS. Catch Phrases and Pointed Paragraphs. Short The pleasure 1s ours, the profit yours. A couple of pounds of ulster is worth a ton of cough drops. One cent each for U.S. two cent postage stamps is no surer a bargain than our $1.69 hats this week. The country is safe! And you_indi- vidually will be if you make your pur- chase here. Critical judges of quality and style in furs are the customers we like. They appreciate the elegance of our garments most. The cream of goodness at skim milk prices, is a good term for these depend- able suits and overcoats offered by the Mammoth Store. As the searchlight pierces the dark- ness of night, so our low prices dispel the gloom of these ‘‘trying hard times, ’’ and wonderfully illuminate the great bargains for your comfort and need. We would like you to know more than you do about our suits. Come in and bring somebody with you to help you choose. You'll be doubly pleased with another's judgment. We've bristling values of spotless needfuls that will go a long way toward the ena you'll be trying to accomplish; there’s good, sweet goods for the very little prices. A pretty foot is always the subject of favorable comment and _ yet it’s really the shoe that does the business. The shoe that fits neatly, looks well and has wearing quality is the kind we sell. A thief-proof pocket. That's the kind we'll put in the vest of every suit we make for you. It baffles the most skill- ful thief. Your watch is safe if you have it. No extra charge. The past is valuable to us only for comparison and the lesson its experi- ences may have taught us. The great present and greater future engross all our attention and energies. We're elected to furnish you protec- tion this winter against the cold, and an early look at our stock of flanneis, blankets, underwear, knit goods, etc., will prove this. You'll need them by and by. Some men think they cannot be fitted in ready-made clothing. On the con- trary, it is easier to find a perfect fit in our stock than to get it specially made, for your tailor seldom hits the mark on trial. Miles of words would not begin to portray the splendid array of appetizing eatables—the innumerable delicacies, the magnificent quality, nor the many advantages of trading at this mighty Palace of Plenty. This is a bad condition for your shoes to be in at this season of the year. Bet- ter overhaul your stock of shoes and send all that need repairing to us. We em- ploy experienced workmen in this de- partment and use only the best stock. We even touch the button, leaving nothing at all for you to do, when it comes to a new carpet. We measure your room, make and lay—all free. Note our center window—as full of car- pet bargains ‘‘as an egg is of meat.’’ Good looks are more closely connected with good groceries than many people are aware. You cannot be good looking unless you are healthy and you cannot be healthy if you live on adulterated food. That's why we should be able to interest you in our grocery department. Don’t run to keep warm—it isn’t nec- essary when we can give you great over- coat value. Don't let this chance go if you are thinking of overcoat comfort. Others can’t duplicate our goods at the low price we ask; and we, ourselves, don’t often have the chance to offer such exceptional bargains. Don’t dispute with a woman when she tells you that Prowse Bros. is the best place to buy clothing, because she knows what she is talking about. Don’t expect your wife to meet you pleasantly if you go to another store and pay more for an overcoat or suit than you would at Prowse Bros.’ It may sound incredible to say that we will sell you better shoes than any- one else hereabouts. ‘‘ Better’’ means better leather, better prices, the latest style, the best work, fit and finish. Looks like foolishness, maybe. No matter. Facts are facts. Here are the shoes. They speak for themselves. ———_> > __ Bicycle Trade Problems. Written for the TRADESMAN. The history of the past year in the bi- cycle trade is remarkable in several re- gards. It remains to be determined whether it was the year of greatest out- put, but there is no doubt that it was the vear of the greatest number of fac- tories that has been or will be engaged in the manufacture. This fact was ow- ing, doubtless, to the exaggerated idea of profits, which induced capital to second the efforts of every dissatisfied workman who wished to ‘‘start in for himself,’’ and the number of such un- dertakings was legion. But the experi- ence of the year was fatal to most of these, their existence being terminated by failure or consolidations. The year was remarkable, also, in the reckless breaking of prices which marked the advancing season. This was done not alone by the smalier manufacturers—in fact, the movement seemed to be led by the large companies. Whether this was with a view to the demoralization and destruction of the smaller concerns can only be conjectured, but there is little doubt that it aided in that work. But this break in the prices was not to the disadvantage of the small makers alone —the dealers suffered as well. In many instances they displayed wheels which the manufacturers had retailed below the wholesale cost to the dealer. This naturally left many dissatisfied and will tend to lessen the number of retailers. The year opened with the preparation for an unprecedented output, with nom- inally good prices but signs of demoral- ization, and closed with the wreck of prices and the destruction of the small manufactures. The first preparation for the current year seems to have been a clearing away of the wreck and a getting ready for a more conservative campaign. Conferences were held and price lists adopted which provided for more of the lower grades of wheels, only a few houses continuing the $100 grades. De- signs of new wheels were made early in the season, but were kept carefully out of sight, none but lower grades having yet been put on exhibition. Now that the small manufactures are out of the way and the large factories are so much better equipped, with the best and most economical appliances, the problem of production is very sim- ple. But, in view of the demoralized condition of the trade at the close of last season, the serious question is_ that of sales, In this line there is a work of education to be done. The experience of those dealers who were tempted by the numerous cheap ‘‘high grade’’ wheels put out, which no doubt were the prime cause of the demoralization in prices, will make apt pupils in the les- son of fair prices for good goods, for the purchasers of cheap high grades were not generally satisfied. The bicycle this year will probably assume more nearly the status of a staple article. Prices will be lower for corresponding qualities than last year and will be better maintained, and the dealers will be better protected in their trade. This subject is receiving the special attention of the manufacturers, who are sending out many exhortative and explanatory circulars to dealers, both for the purpose of smoothing the way for business and for the education of the dealer in the matter of maintain- ing prices. NATE. How Profits Are Made. From the Minneapolis Commercial Bulletin. A large portion of the community | holds the opinion that rich men acquire their fortunes by charging an exorbi- tant profit for their goods. This is a mistake. Profits are made in two ways: by economy of production and by a profit on the sale. Economy of produc- tion does not mean that low wages are paid for labor, but it means thata sharp lookout has been kept against waste; there has been economy of shipment, economy of service in the traveling field, economy and good judgment in the pur- chase of supplies; these are the factors that, carefully watched, mean a profit to the maker of the goods, without any | trespass being made on good wages. Then, in the sale of goods, only a small profit is charged. Competition is too sharp to permit of any other prac- tice. The surplus is not made up from a large profit on a few articles sold, but from a_small profit on many articles sold. The consumer is seldom wronged in the matter of profit on merchandise of any class. The dealer who sells 10,000 articles at a profit of 10 cent each has made more money than the dealer who sold 3,000 article at a profit of 25 cents each. This is the principle on which Van- derbilt laid the foundation of his great fortune. When he opened his freight line into Chicago he cut freight rates squarely in two to begin with. This gave the shipper a big saving, but it at the same time made very much more money for Vanderbilt than if the old rate had been maintained. More people could buy goods because of the reduc- tion this difference afforded. A little careful investigation along this general line will convince any fair mind that riches are not acquired by wide margin profits. The Standard oil monopoly is in fact not an oppressor. It gives excellent service at a very small profit. The millions of surplus acquired is the accumulation of a_ very small profit on an immense number of gallons handled. Government ownership could not greatly reduce the price of oil and give equal distributive service. This is true of the large centers at least, where oil is sold for a small retail profit. We often get mixed on these things. Our prejudices come into play quickly, and we put our foot down sharply against ‘‘trade iniquities,’’ as we term them. Sometimes our criticism is well founded ; there are trade iniquities, but they are sometimes entirely wanting where we think they exist in greatest conspicuousness. This stamp appears on the Rubber of pRB all our “Neverslip” "NEX patenteo | Bicycle and Winter ~ PEB 22 1882) Shoes. DO YOUR FEET SLiP? The ‘‘Neverslip’’ gives elasticity and ease to every step taken by the wearer. | It breaks the shock or jarring of the body ; when walking, and is particularly adapted | to all who are obliged to be on their feet. | None but the best of material used in |their makeup. Every walking man | should have at least a pair. ee, ae cturers. | 1] tl successors to REEDER BROS. SHOE CO. : Michigan Agents for Lycoming and Keystone Rubbers : and Jobbers of specialties in Men’s and Women’s Shoes, Felt Boots, 6 Lumbermen’s Socks, Brands in Fit, Style and Wearing Qualities. Try them. e Lycoming Rubbers Lead ali other : 00000000 SC000C009 SP SP SP CO SP ar ap If you want to get The trade you want to get, You want to get Your advertisement into the trade getter, For the Tradesman wants You to get the trade You want to get. How much you have lost by not sending or- ders to us for our superior quality Muskegon. SPN erie htnagees ON RIRREEATE AG ASSP 6 ADR hale Reece eget si6 5. Seakio ahaomeP NRE acionURtee ee STASIS SOSH peRbT ptnqLEN: AN gandaSnee ARR om 28 8 oA RCI IAY COLE TR PET Di WA He RY Se SEAR ek MORENO PON ELS 16 THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN The German Woman as Wage-Earner. The American girl may well thank her lucky star that she is born ina re- public where labor is respected and she has a chance to rise above the cocoon and butterfly existence. Her German cousins still adhere to the prejudices of past generations of Americans. Boys and girls are educated in separate schools, and it is unneces- sary to say that the gentle sex is not overtaxed. The classics and much mathematics are considered beyond her mental horizon. But let it be said to the credit of the schuols, she obtains a practical knowledge of French and Eng- lish without leaving her home. The girl is expected to graduate from the common schools at fifteen, after which she is confirmed. Life then be- gins anew for her. Working for money is considered so common and degrad- ing, a family must be poor indeed _ be- fore they allow their daughter to learn anything practical. Even the girl her- self will starve and scheme in all sorts of ways in order to do the proper thing. The following is not an uncommon case: A girl was left without any money. She wished to be confirmed, but had no dress. So she went to her godfather and tried to borrow a certain sum. Godfather—But what do you want of it, my child? Sweet Sixteen—I want to buy a black silk dress in which to be confirmed. I am engaged and can use the same dress afterward for my wedding. Godfather—But how are you going to pay me back? Sweet Sixteen—You see, it is just this way: I have an old aunt who is sick and may die any time. She will not give me a cent now but has prom- ised to will me some money. I’ll pay you back then. Godfather—All right, I'll let you have the eighty marks; but mind! the min- ute your aunt dies, you must not forget to pay me the money. If a girl belongs to what is termed ‘‘a good family,’’ or ‘“‘the better class,’’ she is given a year in which to learn accomplishments, either at home or in some larger city. She dabbles in music, daubs at painting and learns to trip the light fantastic. Then she is launched by her careful mamma on the sea of society, where she is expected to amuse herself for three or four years and then make a good marriage. At twenty she is looked askance at if not married or engaged, and at twenty-one she is a full-fledged old maid and is shoved to the wall, where she is barely endured by the doting mothers. Though every young girl hopes to marry, and looks forward to being a housekeeper and mother, that part of her education is entirely neglected. But bitter experi- ence makes even the most frivoious girl settle down into a substantial, matter- of-fact woman within an incredibly short time. In spite of popular prejudice, there are girls who have a strong taste for study, and wish to learn thoroughly whatever they undertake. These girls are not destined to any easy lot. They read, they think, and their eyes are opened to the ignorance and hypocrisy. Then the watchful mammas forbid such society to their little angels and the ““new girls’’ are soon left to their own sweet thoughts. Of course, they will aot marry, for the German men retain their affection for the conventional type. The Germans say of the advanced type, ‘‘They pluck the chestnuts out of the fire,’’ which we would interpret as being cat’s-paws for other women. In such an atmosphere is it strange that a majority of their girls are eager to play the lady in society? With meager funds they will scrape their small property together and invest in ball dresses. But what happens to the unsuccessful girls? With no money, they must either work or starve. For such, few kinds of work are considered respectable. They may rent rooms, keep a Loarding-house, teach or give German lessons, be a gov- erness or lady’s companion—that is, custom allows to a delicate, refined, starving woman, such means of liveli- hood. If, however, her brother is an officer, or must sustain some position, whether professional or ministerial, he dare not demean himself by recognizing his sister as soon as she works for hire. Is it any wonder such a woman finds it hard to put her heart in her work, and that there are many miserable, unhappy wrecks who have scarcely a friend in the world? If a woman has a taste for music she does not fare so hard. She can have exactly the same opportunities as her brother. She goes to the same conserv- atory, has the same teachers and does the same work. Afterward, if she be gifted enough, she becomes an artist, otherwise a teacher. There are now so many concert singers and players that even the most gifted are often com- pelled to give lessons. As yet, how- ever, no woman in Germany has become the leader of an orchestra. There are few opportunities for the higher literary education of women in Germany. The first woman has yet to be matriculated in any university within the Empire, though she is able to hear many lectures as a visitor. If, per- chance, a woman desires to study a pro- fession, she must leave her native land for the opportunity. The University of Zurich is generally chosen for medicine, and America invariably for the study of dentistry. When it comes to practice the difficulties are well-nigh unsur- mountable. Most American physicians can testify to the severe trials they went through in getting practice. What must be the experience of a German woman! It is in trade and hand-work that women are found in the greatest num- bers. This may be accounted for by the recent wars and the present military system. The peasant women do most kinds of farm work. Hitched up with their dogs, they drag carts, they plow, they carry heavy loads on their backs, they shovel and carry coal. In the markets there are more women than men, selling not only fruit, flowers and vegetables, but also meat. In such a city as Berlin, many women own and run _ butcher shops, shops for selling fruits, vege- tables, flowers, dairy products, dry goods, toilet articles, stationery, etc., etc. : Among the working classes, a girl, after she is confirmed, must learn some trade. She enters as an apprentice and the first year earns nothing. She is then allowed a small sum for her services, which is gradually increased. But her wages remain much smaller than in America for the same responsibility, so it is next to the impossible for her to eke out the simplest kind of a living honestly. A few years of such work and many of these girls are fated to marry. Such an advertisement is common in the German papers: ANTED—TO MAKE THE ACQUAINT- ance of a young woman of nineteen or twenty years who can tend shop, and has marks to invest in business. Object, matrimony. Address, ete The mode of living of the Germans makes ‘‘tending shop’’ an easy matter for the wife, yet she does not need to neglect her household cares. The shop occupies the front room of the building, while the living rooms are to one side or in the rear. Much of the day the husband can attend tc trade alone, but, whenever the customers flock in, he calls his wife. When it is necessary for him to be away, he leaves everything in her charge. She often remains in the sitting room, depending on her ears to know when customers come in. Bakeries and milk shops in out-of-the- way places have bells attached to the doors, and they ring on opening or clos- ng. In the bakeries the husband makes bread and cake in the morning, while his wife tends shop. In the afternoon they take turns in attending to business, The same may be said as to groceries. A woman thus situated must, of neces- sity, learn the ins and outs of trade, so that, in case of the sickness or death of her husband, she is capable of continu- ing the business, and her name then ap- pears on the sign. Such women can well afford to be independent. Circum- stances are forcing this class to be the instruments for the future emancipation of German women, just as the burghers wrought freedom for the cities in earlier days. ZAIDA E. UDELL. Dresden, Germany. “ : Christmas Orders — For Christenson’s Celebrated Thin Butter Crackers should come now to avoid the rush. Christenson Baking C0., Grand Rapids. Parisian Flour Lemon & Wheeler Company, SOLE AGENTS. INO] UBISLIeg Parisian Flour Parisian Flour 14 cents—$15.82? than one-third the money. SAVE 300 PER CENT. There are 113 poisonous drugs sold which must all be labeled as such, with the proper antidote attached. Any label house will charge you but 14 cents for 250 labels, the small- est amount sold. Cheap enough, at a glance, but did you ever figure it out—113 kinds at With our system you get the same results with less detail for less TRADESMAN () COMPANY'S CLASSIFIED LIST OF = POISONOUS DRUGS — FS ete ¥ a ARRANGED IN FOURTEEN GROUPS WITH AN ANTIDOTE FOR EACH GROUP. To ascertain which Antidote to ase for a given Poison, find the article on following list, 6m and the number opposite 1s also the number of the antidote label to be used—see number (gn bold face type) on label anwen. rer BE CAUT i 1ON—Use no other system of Poison Labels with this list. - © Oo ic) 100 Aay one ORDER NEW LABELS BY NUMBER bemdrads s No sess than 100 printed of any ome number Sent wy malt post part tions for using. Sent postpaid to any address on receipt of $4. NO LABEL CASE NECESSARY. THEY NEVER CURL. THEY NEVER GET MIXED UP. e TRADESMAN COMPANY, Grand Rapids t .~ ? X00 LABELS all in convenient form for immediate use, as illustrated, with instruc- ’ THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 17 Commercial Travelers Michigan Knights of the Grip. President, S. E. Symons, Saginaw; Secretary, GEo. OwEN, Grand Rapids; Treasurer, J. 5 FROsT, ‘Lansing. Michigan Commercial Travelers’ Association. President, J. F. Cooper, Detroit; Secretary and Treasurer, D. Morais, Detroit. United Commercial Travelers of Michigan. Chancellor, H. U. Marks, Detroit; Secretary, Epwin Hupson, Flint; Treasurer, GEo. A. REY- NOLDS, Saginaw. Michigan Division, T. P. A. President, Gro. F. OwEN, Grand Rapids; Secre- tary and Treasurer, Jas. B. McInnes, Grand Rapids, Michigan Commercial Travelers’ Mutual Acci- dent Association. President, A. F. PEAKE, Jackson: Secretary and Treasurer. Geo. F. OWEN, Grand Rapids. Board of Directors—F. M. Tyrer, H. B. Farr- CHILD, GEO. F. OWEN, J. HENRY DawLey, GEo. J. HEINZELMAN, CHas. S. RoBiNnson. Lake —s Commercial Travelers’ Club. President, W. Brown, Marquette; Secretary and Treasurer, > F. Wixson, Marqueite. Gripsack Brigade. One-half of the vast commercial busi- ness of the United States is transacted ‘fon the road.’’ Jas. McCann, general dealer at St. James, Beaver Island, spent Sunday with his old-time friend, Frank E. Chase. Walter Fitch (Northern Grain Co. )is again showing his genial self to the Upper Peninsula trade. He has been South and East for three months. From all reports heard among the boys there will be but very few changes with the New Year. Those lucky enough to hold paying positions are determined to hold on to them. O. H. Degener, who covered the Lake Superior country for the Manhard-Jop- ling Co., Marquette, up to two years ago, 1S now representing the Ferguson Hardware Co., of Sault Ste. Marie. Chas. E. Morgan writes the Trades- man that the report that he is to go on the road January 1 for Daniel Scotten & Co. is premature, to say the least, as he has made no arrangements of that sort as yet. The quietest people are dead _ people. Keeping quiet is a practice that is not likely to be productive of much good, and none know this better than the com- mercial travelers; hence they are always on the hustle. The most successful traveling sales- man lays the greatest stress on quality rather than price. He has solved the arithmetic of merchandising. He knows that quality, not price, is the ar- biter of value. Under the new German law which has lately passed the Reichstag for the sup- pression of illegal competition, a com- mercial traveler is enly allowed to visit the store or house of a customer with his samples when specially invited in writing to do so. Where would the American traveling salesman come in over there, with his vim, hustle and energy to hunt after orders? Chas. W. Leggett, formerly on the road for Franklin MacVeagh & Co., but for a half dozen years Western Michi- gan representative for the N. K. Fair- bank Co., has engaged to travel for the Ball-Barnhart-Putman Co., covering the territory which has been attended to by Herbert B. Rice during the past year. Mr. Rice will remain with the house, resuming his former position as ship- ping clerk. Braving the storms of competition and fighting the battles of enterprise are part of the life of every commercial traveler. He has no immunity from trials, disappointments and _ sorrows. The path of his experience leads through alternate sunlight and shadow; yet none endures more bravely, bbew more cheerfully and has a heart which re- sponds more quickly to the calls of hu- manity than he. The loss of a large sum through the failure of a customer is always bad enough, but when the loss is increased through the existence of a preferred claim given in favor of some other creditor, the loss is doubly annoying. The traveling salesman, under such cir- cumstances, has the mortification of feeling that he and the house he _repre- sents have been duped, which adds a sting of insult to the financial loss. Geo. F. Rogers surprised the boys last winter by appearing on the avenue with a big clipped horse, which he des- ignated ‘‘Mystery.’’ The animal was very good for one heat, but was con- sidered short of work. Not being able to distance his competitors, Mr. Rogers is now negotiating for the pacer at Hastings known as ‘‘Silver Heels,’’ which has a record of 2:21 and is the property of Fred Parker, son of the well-known landlord. This is on the q. t., as Rogers goes to Allegan when he wishes to negotiate for the steed and does his business by telephone. Denver Commercial Tribune: The man who is continually telling his fam- ily troubles to the people whom he meets iS on a par with the traveling man who is continually abusing the house he is working for. People who are not interested do not care to listen to such talk, and you lower yourself in their estimation when you practice it. If you are not satisfied with the house that employs you, keep your mouth shut and look for another job, and then do what talking you wish, but while you are with that house and are accepting their money for your time, at least be man enough to be loyal to them. Geo. F. Owen has issued a neat card, accompanied by a portrait, to his friends in the Knights of the Grip, reading as follows: ‘‘Yes, I am a can- didate for re-election. I had made up my mind not to announce myself, but from the solicitations of many of my friends, have concluded to make this announcement. I have been your Secre- tary for nearly two years. Whether I bave done my duty and done it well, I leave to you. I have worked hard and tried to take care of your membership, so that you would have no cause to com- plain, and I am getting no kicks. Now, if you want me to look after your inter- ests at this end of the line another year, please attend the convention Dec. 29 and 30 and give me your support.’’ R. N. Hull in Ohio Merchant: The commercial travelers, under all circum- stances and at all times, devote their best energies to build up business and not tear it down; to encourage the luke- warm and weak-kneed and not destroy their faith in the ultimate destiny of all things. They deprecate the attitude of certain newspapers that are so bigoted and disgruntled because events do not shape themselves on lines in accord with their own conceptions, and_ they continually are at variance with all that is good or promises relief, howl calam- ity and predict dire disasters until the populace is ip a nervous dread of im- pending evil. If men were all philoso- phers, no attention would be paid to these vampires in the field of intelli- gence, and their mission would fall flat and end in failure, The first winter gathering of Post E was held last Saturday evening in cozy Imperial Hall on Wealthy avenue. A goodly number of knights and their wives and best girls were in attendance, and all seemed to have ‘‘a jolly good time.’’ After the business meeting, which was held in one of the lower rooms, those who desired to trip the 1]. f. repaired to the upper regions, while those congenial spirits whose feet were heavier than their hearts remained be- low to enjoy ye festive card and ye alluring checker, while ye delightful billiard enticed yet others. W. Fred Blake put in his appearance during the early proceedings, but exited himself after a brief tarry, counter attractions on College avenue proving too many for his staying qualities. Among those aloft might have been noticed ‘‘Goyous George,’’ who performed the very latest, up-to-date monkeyshine, and let no Timothy grow under his feet while his namesake (surnamed Rogers) graced the stage and accompanied the musi- cians with a most life-like bird whistle, and, in addition, cut more pigeon wings than you could shake a stick at. By. Davenport's most smilingest smile was on tap, and if any of the boys present enjoyed the occasion, he did. A. E. Mc- Guire’s dignified proportions were ad- mired by the ladies; and ‘‘ Happy Had- don’’ wasn’t slow when it came to kick ing up his heels. Chas. E. Hall exe- cuted a stately waltz with his pretty little daughter, plainly demonstrating his ability to ‘‘keep up with the pro- cession.’’ And his lordship, Mr. Flynn, was just in his native element. Hand- some George Heinzelman was voted the best dancer among the gentlemen, and sylph-like Mrs. Rogers floated like a feather on the breeze. Below deck, in the card rooms, Mrs. W. R. Foster won the head prize, a fancy olive dish, while Mrs. J. Henry Dawley drew the booby, a pepper and salt set. Just ‘‘the boys’’ were there this time, but at the next meeting each will be allowed to invite an outsider. > © Yarns at Random. Commercial Traveler (entering hotel) —Can you give mea room and a_ bath? Clerk—I can give vou a room, but - will have to take the bath yourself ; am too busy. oie) ee ““T've been working all day likea horse,’’ said a knight of the grip to his better half on his arrival at home at night. ‘I don’t see how you = work that hard,’’ replied the good wife. ‘Well, *’ said the husband, ‘I had a failure at Kalamazoo and I've been drawing a conveyance for nearly six hours. eae oe A Detroit traveling man by the name of Moore wrote to a girl, asking her to marry him. She declined, and closed her missive with ‘‘No Moore at pres- ent," ee) Saginaw Salesman (to little son)— Now, Jimmie, you go to bed early and always do so, and you'll be rosy-cheeked and handsome when you grow up. Little Jimmie—Well, papa, you must have set up a good deal when you were young, ue Texas Bill Nye gives the following advice to his fellow travelers. He Says: ‘Boys, when you come to select a ‘gal’ for your wife, don’t get a prodi-gal, but see that she is fru- gal and suits your conju-gal notions.’ a All traveling men do not agree on the silver and gold question, but they all agree that the S. is the best nickel cigar on earth. Movements of Lake Superior Travelers. H. E. Biel (J. Pritzlaff Hardware Co. ) is = his last trip for thisyear. - C. A. Lustre (Morley Bros.) is doing the Upper Peninsula with a line of lumbering tools, going as far west as Duluth, circling thence into Wisconsin to Milwaukee, then to Saginaw for the holidays. T. J. Gregory (Phelps, Brace & Co.) goes to Detroit next week, when he will have finished his season’s work. Harry Brilling (A. Krolik & Co.) goes as far up as Marquette, then to his home in Alpena for Christmas. BE GOOD to yourself while in Grand Rap- ids. Go to FRED MARSH for tonsorial work. 23 MONROE STREET. Commercial House Iron Mountain, Mich. Lighted by Electricity, Heated by Steam. All modern couvenienc s. IRA A. BEAN, Prop. THE WIERENGO E. T. PENNOYER, Manager, MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN. Steam Heat, Electric light and bath rooms. Rates, $1.50 and $2.U0 per day. HOTEL BURKE G. R. & I. Eating House. CADILLAC, MICH. All modern conveniences. C. BURKE, Prop. W. 0. HOLDEN, Mgr. FREE CHECK ROOM Mdinglew EUROPE4N ae Entirely New J.T. CONNOL! Pr -prietor, Grand Rapids, 52 8. ois St , Opposite Union Depot. NEW REPUBLIC Reopened Nov. 25. FINEST HOTEL IN BAY CITY. Steam heat, Electric Bells and Lighting Semana: Rates, $15) to $2.( Cor. Saginaw and Fourth Sts. GEO. . SC HINDHETT, Prop $2 per day. Cutler House in New Hands. H. D. and F. H. Irish, formerly landlords at the New Livingston Hotel, at Grand Rapids, have leased the Cutler House, at Grand Haven, where they bespeak the cordial co- operation aud support of the traveling public. They will conduct the Cutler House as a strietly first-class house, giving every detail painstaking at- tention. Young men and women attain greatest financial gain by securing # course in the Business. Shorthand, English or Mechanical Drawing Departments of the Detroit Bus ness University. 11-19 Wilcox St, Detroit Mich. Send for catalogue. W. F. Jewell, P. R. Spencer SELL THESE CIGARS and give customers good satisfaction. 18 THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Drug =-Chemicals MICHIGAN STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY. Term expires Cc. A. BueBEE, Traverse City Dee. 31, 1896 S. E. PaRKILL, Owosso - - Dec. 31, 1897 F. W. R. Perry, Detroit - - Dec. 31, 18298 A. C. ScHUMACHER, Ann Arbor - Dec. 31, 1899 Gro. GunpRUM, Ionia - Dee. 31, 1900 President, S. E. PARKILL, Owosso. Secretary, F. W. R. Perry, Detroit. Treasurer, Geo. GuNDRUM, Ionia. Coming Examination Sessions—Detroit, Jan. 6 and 7; Grand Rapids, March 2 and 3; Star Island (Detroit), June —; Upper Peninsula, Aug. —. MICHIGAN STATE PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION. President, G. C. Paimires, Armada. Secretary, B. ScHRouUDER, Grand Rapids. Treasurer, CHas. Mann, Detroit. Executive Committee—A. H. WEBBER, Cadillac; H. G. Cotman, Kalamazoo; Gro. J. Warp, St. Cram; A. B. Srsvens, Detroit; F. W. Perry, Detroit. The Drug Market. Aloin—Market tame, and consuming demand limited. Antimony—Only a small going forward. Arsenic—Holders of powdered white are not anxious sellers and spot quo- tations are firmly held. Balsams—The recent arrivals of Cen- tral American copaiba were snapped up by dealers, and the market is firmer under a good consuming demand, and strictly prime has been marked up. Demand has improved for Peru and values are firm. Cacao Butter—The trade demand is fair, the available stock being limited, and prices for bulk remain firm. Cantharides—Small lots are in fairly good request; values are still firm. Dusiness 1s Cassia Buds—Demand active and mar- ket strong. Castor O1l— Quotations show no further change, but the tendency of the market is toward firmness. Cocaine— Market but values firm. Cod Liver Oil—Demand is moderately good, but prices are no better, due to holders being anxious to sell. quiet Colocynth Apples—Inquiry continues fair and values are maintained. Cream Tartar—Demand is dull and prices are unchanged at hands of manu- facturers. Essential Oils—Lemongrass is a trifle firmer. Sassafras is still firm. Pepper- mint is steady at the improvement noted in last week’s issue. Gums—-Demand for asafoetida is ex- ceedingly satisfactory and quotations are kept up. Camphor continues sea- sonably quiet but firm. The late arriv- als of English were all taken up and there is no more of that variety in the market. Juniper Berries—Firmly held. 0 -@ Easy to Suit. ‘“Do you want a shirt that opens in front or one that opens in the back?’’ asked the salesman. ‘‘Don’t keer where it opens,’’ an- swered Uncle Silas, ‘‘so’s it’s got an openin’ at the top an’ bottom.’’ : —— Avoid distinction between buyers and lookers. The lookers will have to be buyers sometime, and if treated right the chances are ten to one in favor of their trade. The most tiresome shopper can be made an excellent advertisement if treated so that nothing but good can be said of you. CINSENC ROOT Highest price paid by PECK BROS. Write us. GOVERNOR YATES. A Seed and Havana Cigar as nearly perfect as can be made. The filler is entirely long Havana of the finest quality—with selected Sumatra Wrapper. Regalia Conchas, 4% inch, $58.00 M. Rothschilds, 4% inch, 65.00 M. Napoleons, 54 inch, 70.00 M. All packed 50 in a box. We invite trial orders. Morrisson, Plummer & C0. 200 TO 206 RANDOLPH ST., CHICAGO. COUGH DROPS 100 PER CENT. PROFIT TO DEALERS Satisfaction guaranteed to consumer. A. E. BROOKS & “RED STAR” OF PURE LOAF SUGAR. CO 5 and 7 S. lonia St., 9 Grand Rapids, Mich. Cider! Save your cider by using Geo. McDonald’s Cider Saver. harmless and does preserve the cider. any kind. Does not change the natural for preserving Grape Juice, Wine, Vinegar or Preserved Fruits. manufactured by Cider! Absolutely safe and Contains no Salicylic Acid or poison of taste or color of the cider. Equally good Originated and CEO. McDONALD, order from Who’esale Druggists. If they cannot supply you write to me direct. IX ALAMAZOO.”“. MICH. yvvvew ww § : ie AAhheensesesseessens AADAAAAAAe dd THE JIM HAMMELL HAMMELL’S LITTLE DRUMMER AND > HAMMELL’S CAPITAL CIGARS vevvevvv+s are made of the best imported stock. 3 3 42£2464444044444004046 4640845 eS eee ‘A DURABLE WALLGOATING || ‘| eee ai ee aee aL Pata rect uneD ay tie SII | ee MICH, MOND Cat a GRAND Di wall finish. known. pounds of Gypsine will, in addition to a full line of display matter, have his name and business inserted in a two-column “Gypsine Advocate,” a paper that we publish in the interest of Gypsine, and 2) (5YPSINE we The permanent, beautiful, sanitary Well advertised. Well Every dealer buying 500 advertisement in the liberal supply of the papers fur- nished him free for local distribution. Write for prices and full particulars. WALL FINISH 6O., GRAND RAPIDS, MIGH. THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN WHOLESALE PRICE CURRENT. Advanced— Balsam Copabia, Bloodroot. Declined—Turpentine. Acidum Aceticum. 2... ...... 8 s8@s 10 Benzoicum, German %75@ 80 ee... ........ @ 15 Carbolicum ......... 26@ 40 Ciera 8s. ... M@ 46 Hydrochlor......... 3@ 5 Nitrecum .......-... 10 Ovalteum ......... _. 10o@ 12 Phosphorium, dil... @ b&b Salicylicum ........ 45@ 50 Sulphuricum. ...... 1%@ : "‘Teinnicum .......... 1 40@ 1 60 ‘Tartarreum.......... 3G 36 Ammonia Aqua, 16 deg........ 4m «6 Aqua, 20 deg........ 6@ Cerpenee............ 12@ 14 ChiostGgum .......... 12@ 14 Aniline Gisek... . ........ 20 2 Brownh .............. 80@ 1 00 Beg 222000 cci es. 45% 50 Yellow. ........;..; 2 50@ 3 00 Baccz. Cubesee........ po.18 B@ 15 Juniperus. -......... 6@ 8 Xanthoxylum.. .... %4@ 30 Balsamum Copaiba 60@ = 65 Pore. ee @ 2 Terabin, — 40@ 45 Wolutan.........-.... 6@Q 7 Cortex Abies, Canadian.... 18 Care ...... ..,..... 12 Cinchona Flava..... 18 Euonymus atropurp 30 Myrica Cerifera, po. 20 Prunus V irgini eee 12 Quillaia, gr’d....... 10 Sassafras..... po. 18 12 Ulmus...po. 15, gr’d 15 Extractum Glycyrrhiza Glabra. 4@Q 2% Glycyrrhiza, po..... 2@ 0 Hematox,15lbbox. 1@ 2 Hematox,is ....... B@ 14 Hematox, 4s....... 14@ 15 Heematox, 14S...... 6@ 17 Ferru Carbonate Precip... 1b Citrate and Quinia.. 2B Citrate Soluble...... 80 Ferrocyanidum Sol. 50 Solut. Chloride..... 15 Sulphate, com’l..... 2 Sulphate, com’‘l, by bbl, per ewt..... 35 | F Sulphate, pure ..... i Flora Popes: eae 12@ 14 Anthemis...... . BQ Matriearia .......... 23@ 30 Folia be ee 15@ 20 osm cone ; housed, Tin- nevelly.. 18@ 2% Cassia Acutifol, Aix. 23@ 30 Salvia officinalis, 4s end t4s...... ..... 122@ 20 Ura Urst. 05. ..... 8@ 10 Gummi Acacia, Ist picked.. @ 6 Acacia, 2d picked... @ Acacia, 3d picked.. @ Acacia, sifted sorts. @ 2 ACACIA, po........... 60@ 80 Aloe, Barb. po.20@28 1 : Aloe, Cape .... po. 15 @ RFR Aloe, Socotri..po. 40 @ = ~ ® _~ 2 Ammoniac.......... 55@ 2! Assafoetida....po.30 2@ Benzoinum ......... 50@ 55 Catechu, is... ...... - @ 13 Catechu, a ee @ i4 Catechu, \4s......... @ 16 Camp hore . 53@ «58 eeekaebioes. “po. "35 @ 10 Geamenum........... @ 1 00 Gamboge po........ 6@ 70 Guaiacum..... po. 35 @ Kino........ po. $4.00 @ 4 00 RG oc. @ 60 Myre. ........, po. 4 @ 40 Opii...po. 83.30@3.50 2 3h@ 2 40 Shellac.............. 1@ 6 Shellac, bleached.. 40@ 45 Tragacanth ol. 50@ 80 Herba Absinthium..oz. pkg 2% Eupatorium .oz. pkg 20 Lobelia...... oz. pkg 25 Majorum ....oz. pkg 28 Mentha Pip..oz. pkg 23 Mentha Vir..oz. pkg 25 Rie... 2... oz. pkg 3s TanacetumV oz. pkg 22 Thymus, V..oz. pkg 2 Magnesia. Caleined, Pat..... .. 55@ 60 Carbonate, Pat.. ... 22 Carbonate, K.& M.. 20@ 25 Carbonate, Jennings 35@ 36 Oleum Absinthium......... 3 25@ 3 50 Amygdale, Dule.. 30@ ~=—s«BO Amygdale, Amare . 8 00@ 8 25 AM ec 2 F@ 2 45 Auranti Cortex..... 2 2 2 Mmoremani. oo... 2 2°@ 2 30 Capa. 2... W@ 7 aera Seco 58@ 58 CSMRe eo L. 35@ «65 Chenopadii.......... @ 2 50 Cinnamonii. ........ 2 ae 2 50 Citronella. . . .... 45 Conium Mae 35@ Copaina. 1... 90@ Oupebse.; 1 50@ Exechthitos . oe Remeron - 120@ Ganltheria ..... .... 1 OM Geranium, ounce... Q. Gossippii,.Sem. gal.. 50@ Hedeoms. ..) 10@ Junipera. .. 1 50@ Lavendula |... 90@, ae 1 30@ Mentha Piper...... 1 66@ Mentha Verid. 2 Fa@ Morrhue, gal.. eee. 2 00@ Myrcia, ounce....... @ VO TH@ Picis Liquida. . We Picis Liquida, gal... @ ce 93 ROsmarini....._.... Q@ Hoss, ounce....... 6 50@ Sucemi 4... 40@, Sanes. |... 9, Santae. | | 8 om Sassafras... |... 5@ Sinapis, ess., ounce. @ Pe 1 40@ Taye 22 40@, Thyme, opt........: @ Theobromas ........ 1h@ Potassium GisBarp. - be Bichromate ........ 13@ Bromide... |... 48@ COTO. R@ Chlorate..po. 17@19e 16@ Cyonige. 2 50@ fodide 2 WE Potassa, Bitart, pure 274 Potassa, Bitart, com @ Potass Nitras, opt... s@ Potass Nitras........ [@ eo i Sulphate po. | =e Radix AConitym ...... .... 20@ Aas. 2@ ARCHUAR 20. 14... R@ Arum po.. See cena ss @ Calamus 20@ Gentiana...... po 1h 1L2@ Glyehrrhiza...pv.15 16@ Hydrastis Canaden . @ Hydrastis Can., po.. @ Hellebore, — : 1hK@ Inula, po.. - eo Ipecac po. | 1 65@ Iris plox....po35@38 35@ a. a 40@. @ 18@ de @ TH@ 35@, Sanguinaria...po. 25 @ Serpentaria Sales 30@, ReMGma | 40@ Similax,officinalis H @ Sentias Mo @ Bete, 1. 0.35 10@ Symplocarpus, Poti. dng, pow. @ Valeriana ,Eng.po.30 @ V aleriana, German. 1@ Zingiber a. ec Rae Amgiber jy. ..0:. 0 |: 25@ Semen Anisum. .....- po. 15 @ Apium (graveleons) 13@ Pera, We I@ Carat... 2. po.18 10@ Cardamon aC @ Chenopodium ...... 10@ Dipterix Odorate... 2 9@ Peeniculum.§..__.. @ Foenugreek, po...... cm 2 Lini, grd....bbl.2% 34%@ Pe 35@ Pharlaris Canarian. 3%@ Bape -- 44@ Sinapis Albu... .._. 7@ Sinapis Nigra....... 11@ Spiritus Frumenti, W. D. Co. 2 00@ Frumenti, D. F. R.. 2 0@ Frumenti . 1 25@ Juniperis C 10. 0. T.. 1 65@ dunineris Co........ 1 75@ Saacharum N. E.... 1 9@ Spt. Vini Galli...... 1 75a Vint Oporto... ..... 1 2@ Vint She... 1 25€ Sponges Florida sheeps’ wool Carriage... ...... 2 0@ Nassau sheeps wool crises... i... Velvet extra sheeps’ wool, carriage..... Extra yellow sheeps’ wool. carriage.... Grass sheeps’ wool, fe gy en Hard, for slate use.. Yellow Reef, for mate use... ... Syrups BORON oe .. Auranti Cortes...... Peer... 1 oo... Perm tod... Ehei Arom.......... Smilax Officinalis... OO Seille. a OOSOHSO8H © 8 O® @ A SSSSSSESS Pt bh ee pk BODO LO i _ wo _~ 2 3 w 6 we bare 2% | | Less quantity 3 Pound packages a 4 CREAS TARTAR. | Strictly Pure, wooden boxes. ¢ | Strictly Pure. tin boxes 37 | COFFEE. | Green. | Rio. | Fair ee ee 17 | Good 2) 18 Fiemme... | Golden See oe ) Peaberry ae 22 | Santos. —.... 20 cee + Pesperry 2... 2... es Mexican and Guatamala. air ee ——............. ... — |... ee Maracaibo. Prome .... ee Sitios. 24 Java. mieror .25 Private Growth. . oe Mangeniing......... 28 Mocha. —s............. .... SS Tone Roasted. Quaker Mocha and Java 2 Toko Mocha and Java...... ..2% State House Blend............2 Package. Below are given New York prices on package coffees, to | which the wholesale dealer ;adds the local freight from New York to your. shipping point, giving you credit on the invoice for the amount of i freight buyer pays from the 1 doz. Counter Boxes...... 49} market in which he purchases 12 doz. Cases, per gro...... 4 50} to his shipping point, including | weight of package. In 60 Ib. BROOMS. | cases the list is 10¢ per 100 lbs. u | above the price in full cases. <9) bse agai ; - | Arppente ...... . 1. 6 Se oct. eee 16 50 No.4 Carpet... .......... 1 15 | "eLaughlin’s XXX... 16 50 Parlor Gem ................ 2.00] _ Extract. Common Whisk..... 70 | Valley City % gross ..... 75 Fancy Whisk.. .. 60) Sex 4 gros... ..... 115 Warenouse. ........ . 225; Hummel’s foil % gross... 85 CANDLES | Hummel’s tin % gross... 1 43 Hotel 40 Ib boxes... %~lin eee eons 6 er ene. eis ee Paraffine ce 1 lb. packages, 100 1b. cases 9 CANNED GOODS. Manitowoc Peas. CONDENSED MILK. 4 doz. in case. | | Lakeside Marrowfat....... 1 90 ieee BF. 8 a Lakeside, Cham. of Eng.... 1 49 | Lakeside, Gem, Ex. Sifted. i 65 | CATSUP. Columbia, pints 42] Columbia, % pints......... 2 50] CHEESE. | eee @ 10%) aoe... Sa te | Carson City.......... @ 10 | Gold Medal........ _ 10 | N. Y. Condensed Milk Co,’s igen) ...... a @ 10% } brands. OO @ 10% | Gail Borden Eagle eS @ 9%! Crown ..... 2 Oakland County..... @ 10 | Daisy Riverside. 9% 10% Champion oe Sere. So eee 425 Springdale ... @ 10% | Dime : aoe es 2 3 see cg @ i | Leiden........ @ 19 Limburger. ...... @ i | Pineapple...... oo ss | Sap Sago... . @ 20 Chicory. | Bulk > | Red 7 3 CHOCOLATE. Walter Baker & Co.’s. eee OWOR..... |... | oes ee a 31 Breakfast Cocoa............ 42 Peerless evaporated cream.5 75 COUPON BOOKS. Tradesman Grade. 50 books, 100 books 500 books, 1 000 books, any denom.... 1 any denom.... 2 any denom.... any Genom....20 00 Economic Grade. 50 books, any denom.... 1 50 100 books, any denom.... 2 50 500 books, any denom....11 50 1,000 books, any denom....20 00 Universal Grade. 50 books, any denom.... 1 50 100 books, any denom.... 2 50 500 books, any denom....11 50 1,000 books, any denom....20 00 Superior Grade. 50 books, any denom.... 1 50 100 books, any denom.... 2 50 500 books, any denom....11 50 1,000 books, any denom....20 00 Coupon Pass Books, Can be made to represent any denomination from $10 down. woes ...... | Ip OORs.................. Bae ZO DOCKS. ....... 6 2 500 BOOKS........ ..10 00 1000 bOOks...... 1 a Credit Checks. 500, any one denom’n..... 3 00 1000, any one denom’n..... 5 ne 2000, any one denom’n..... 8 Midel panen. ............ os DRIED FRUITS—DOMESTIC Applies. Pee Evaporated 50 lb boxes. California Fruits. Arpescote.............. eee Biackperries........... Nectarines ... so 2 Peacmee.,.............. Fee's See. @ Pitted Cherries........ Preometics... .......... Raspberrics............ @ 3 @ 1 California Prunes. 100-120 25 lb boxes....... @ 90-100 25 Ib boxes....... @ 54 80 - 90 25 Ib boxes...... @ 4% 70 - 80 25 1b boxes...... @ 614 60 - 70 25 lb boxes.. .... @ 6% 50 - 60 25 Ib boxes....... @7% 40 -50 25 1b boxes....... @ 7% 30 - 40 25 1b boxes... @ lq cent lose In bags Raisins. Lendon Layers 3 Crown. 1 60 London Layers 5 Crown. 2 50 Dehesias ce 3 59 Loose Muscatels 2 Crown 514 Loose Muscatels3Crown 614 Loose Muscatels4Crown 7\% FOREIGN. Currants. Patras Nblg. «o.oo a Vostizzas 50 lb cases......@ 4% Cleaned, bulk ..... a @ 6% Cleaned, packages........ @ 6% Peel. Citron American 10lb bx @i4 Lemon American 101b bx @li Orange American 10lb bx @II Raisins. Ondura 29 Ib boxes...... @8 Sultana | Crown........ @ 8h Sultana 2Crown ...... @9 Sultana 4 Crown........ @ 9% Sultana 4 Crown.. @ 9% Sultana 5 Crown....,... @10% FARINACEOUS GOODS. Farina. OK ce 3 Grits. Walsh-DeRoo Co.’s....... 2 2% Hominy. memes 3 25 Flake, 50 1b. drums.......1 50 Lima Beans. Dried ou 3% Maccaroni and Vermicelli. Domestic, 10 1b. box...... 60 Imported, 25 lb. box......2 50 Pearl Barley. =... 1% Peewee... 2 2 Meare: 2 ee Peas. ereen, fe... Sere, perib.. |... 2% Rolled Oats. Rolled Avena, Dbbl..... .5 0) Monarch, bbi...... . ££ Monarch. & bbl.......... 2 50 Private brands, bbi..... 435 Private brands, %bbl..... 2 30 Guaker, Gases. -........... 3 20 Oven Baked.......-. .... 3 2 Sago. a 4 Mast Tad@ia.........:. 3% Wheat. Cracked, bulk. ............ 3 M42 1b packsres........... 2 40 es Fish. Georges cured.... a @ 3% Georges genuine...... @ 4% Georges selected...... @5 Strips or bricks....... 5 @8 Halibut. Ce 10 Cee 9 Herring. Holland white hoops keg. 60 Holland white hoops bbl. 8 00 Morwerian 3s. Round 100 lbs..... oe 2 50 moune ibe. .......... 3: 1 30 Beate 12 : Mackerel. No. 1 100 lbs. . No.1 40 lbs. No.1 101bs No. 2 100 lbs mO.2 Ste... No.2 101bs..... Wartiy 90 the.............. Weanily Ole... Sardines. Russian kegs.............. 55 Stockfish. No. 1, 1001b. bales........ - 10% No. 2, 100 1b. bales......... 8% Trout. No. tee... No.1 401bs..... No.1 101bs... o Ro.1 Sips... ....... Whitefish. No.1 No.2 Fam mothe... 650 5% 200 S0tbe........290 300 176 Mite... ..:. 80 73 35 Sipe... 2. 67 61 3 Jennings’. D.C. Vanilla 2 0z......1 2 SOS... .: 1 50 40z.. ...2 00 cos... 3 00 i] No. 8...2 40 No. 10...4 00 No. 2T. 80 No. 37.1 35 iW No. 4'T.1 50 Souders’. Oval bottle, with corkscrew. Best in the world for the money. Regular Vanilla. ‘ doz t —-...... 1 20 m 405...... 2 40 XX Grade Lemon. : OUDERS ELEGANT | t> i ae 2Oz...... 1 50 I| 40z. ....3 00 XX Grade Vanilla. GUNPOWDER. Rifle—Dupont’s. Meee 4 00 cooue Meee 2 25 Guertermege... sl. 1 25 a 30 “1D Gans... 18 Choke Bore—Dupont’s. Meee. 4 00 Half Kegs..... --2 25 Creseer Keren. ....... 8. 1 25 Fis eene -, of Eagle Duck—Dupont’s. Meee 8 00 Dan Mees... ee Quarter Kegs................2 25 PIG@AMS. ole 45 HERBS. —..... 15 Hope... 15 INDIGO. Madras, 5 Ib boxes........ 55 S. F., 2.3 and 5 1b boxes.... 50 JELLY. 1 1D OR se a 43 MeiD pails... .... ......... @& LYE. Condensed, 2 doz ..........1 20 Condensed, 4 doz........... 2 25 LICORICE. Rae i so 30 RON eas 25 Se ol 14 a 10 MINCE MEAT. Ideal, 3 doz. in case.... ....2 25 Mince meat, 3 doz in case..2 75 Pie Prep. 3 doz in case...... 2% MATCHES. Diamond Match Co.’s brands. No. 9 vay sare Pee ee 1 65 mmenor Parior........:.. 1 70 No.2 Home =. -. 2. 1 10 imxport Parior.........:-.-. 4 00 MOLASSES. Blackstrap. Secor bouss ..........._ -10@12 Cuba Baking. Ordinary ..........:......: gee Porto Rico. Pee 20 Senay 2... 2: 30 New Orleans. ee : 18 CG 22 mexeragood............1. |. 24 Cmeee 27 Paney 30 Half-barrels 3c extra, PICKLES. Medium. Barrels, 1,200 count........ 3 50 Half bbls, 600count......_| 2 25 Small. Barrels, 2,400 count........ 4§ Half bbls, 1,200 count..." 275 PIPES, Cay No 26 1 70 Clay, T. D. fullcount..._. Cob. No.3. 1.020: : oo I . POTASH. 48 cans in case. Babotes, 4 00 Penna §alt Co’s 3 00 RICE. Domestic. Carolina head.............. 634 Carolina No.1... 5 Carolina No.2... | 4% OMe es Imported. Japan, NOob Japan, No.2 5% Java, No.1..... 434 ee 5% SALERATUS. Packed 60 lbs. in box. Churches 3 3C Detants 3 15 OWites ea 3 30 Teves ee 3 00 SAL SODA. Granulated, bbls........ 1 10 Granulated, 100 1b cases_.1 50 Damp, obis. 0 1 Lump, 145]b kegs...... ||| 110 SEEDS. es ae Canary,Smyrna........... 4 COTA ey a Cardamon, Malabar ..... 80 Hemp, Russian.......... 4 Miszed Bird... 4% Mustard, white....... .__ 8% ee Oe a 5 Cuttle Bone............._| 20 SNUFP. Scotch, in bladders......... 37 Maccaboy, injars........... 35 French Rappee, in jars..... 4 SYRUPS. Corn. OTTO co 14 Seer OO ae Pure Cane. Pair... oa ce 16 Soe6 20 Cree 25 SPICES. Whole Sifted. APNOG oy Cassia, China in mats....... iD Cassia, Batavia in bund... 15 Cassia, Saigon in rolls......32 Cloves, Amboyna.......... 15 Cloves, Zanzibar............ 10 Mace, Batavia... ... .....70 Nutmegs, faney........... 6 Natmegs, No. 1............. 60 Nutmers, No. 2... .. os Pepper, Singapore, black... 10 Pepper, Singapore, white... .20 Pepper, koe. 16 Pure Ground in Bulk. eee 10@15 Cassia, Batavia...... .. — Cassia, Saigon... ...........35 Cloves, Amboyna....... ...15 Cloves, Zanzibar............ 10 Ginger, African. ..- 15 Ginger, Cochin............. 20 Ginger, Jamaica............ 22 Mece, Batavia... _.... 60@65 Mustard, Eng. and Trieste. .20 Mustard, Trieste............ 25 Siutmers, 3... 40@60 Pepper, Sing., black ....10@14 Pepper, Sing., white....15@18 Pepper, Cayenne......., 17@20 RAGS re oese cde THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 21 SALT. Allen B. Wrisley’s Brands. 1 | nang Diamond Cfystal. | o1a Country, 1b, bes. 0 Candies. Grains and Feedstuffs| Provisions. Crockery and Jases, 24 3-ib boxes........". 00 eer, 60 1-lb. bars....3 90 [eae ae a aT Barrels, 190 31bbags......2 75 | U no, 100 %-Ib. bars 0 2 Stick robs. ails Wheat. Swift & Company quote as Glassware. aia yd - lb bags......2 50| Doll. 100 10-oz. bars.......__2 95 | Standard... xO 7? ao uM nem g6 | follows: i ET utter, 5 M6: 65 Standard H. H..... | Barreled Pork. | Butter, 20 14 1b bags........ 3 00 ‘ie. Saad foe oa aah 6 |, 8 00 | AKRON STONEWARE. Butter, 280 1b bbls..........2 50 Cat Loaf. /. i aa ae " Local Brands. Rae 8 75 Butters. Common Grades. Sapolio, kitchen, 3 doz ..... 2 40 C ~~ cases I atents ae - 5 50| Clear bac Ee 8 7a | % » per aos... a 50 cee : Sapolio, hand, 3doz........ 2 40| Extra H.H........ wiz | second Patene 5 00} | SOQELCHE. ||... .. 8 50 qt . 6's mal. pere@al....... ie oc ibeeees. ..titit#..... 2 60 ae @ 8% Straight.. 4 80] P ( rs ¢ ao aa lla Boston Cream...... @ 8% | Clea vo fobs Bg 11 50} Seal. per gal ............ 6% 28 11-Ib sacks. ......... 0 SUGAR. Mixed Candv. G sid a 4 25 Bean tt 10 _- pergal....... 6% osc Competition......... @6 Gratai hl . 465| Family _.... . 9 00} 12 ga ’ per gal os 6% Worcester. Below are given New York | Standard............ @ 6% Eee wheat ..2.2.0020.- - 200) Dry Salt Meats. oe tL meat-tubs, per gal. 8 oe) 4 Ib cartons... 3 25 | prices on sugars, to which the| Leader ............. @7 es ms Ls SO Beles stg | 20 gal. meat-tubs, per gal.. 8 115 24lb. wholesale dealer adds the local | Conserve...... _.... Or) tule ject to usual cash dis- | Briskets |... 5 | 29 gal. meat-tubs, per gal.. 10 5 Ibs 3 75 | treight from New York to your | Royal @ i% Flea i i Eee Sino 43; | 90 gal. meat-tubs, per gal.. 10 2214 lb.s 50| Shipping point, giving you} Ribbon..... .. @ liti a Pete ee Oe a | Smoked [eat Churns. 3010 lb 50| Credit on the invoice for the | Broken ..... os ay cus iow oe oo gu 12 to 6 eal. per ea nh 28 Ib. linen sacks............ 32| amount of freight buyer pays | Cut Loaf............ @s Worden Grocer Co.'s Brand. | Hams, 14 lb ave age |. gv | Churn’ dae re er doz... 8&5 ' 56 lb. linen sacks.......... . 60| from the market in which he} English Rock....... @s (Seeker se , 4 65 | Hams, 16 1p ave Ou nila Buik in barrels............. 2 59 | purchases to his shipping point, | Kindergarten. . : @ si, | Qaaker, ws a ee Hams, 90 1b average. a Milkpans. Whi including 20 pounds for the| French Cream...... @9 | Quaker, s..... .. ..-. 4 65 | Ham dried beef I) 1014 | Sal. flat or rd. bot., doz. 60 : et weight of the barrel. Dandy Pan... |. @10 Sprin Wheat FI Shoulders (N. Y. cut). =;+| lgal. fatorrd. bot.,each 5% 56-lb dairy in drill bags..... 30] Cut Loaf...........0........ 5 00| Valley Cream... .. @i3 - “al eisai teat ~. a 28-lb dairy in drill bags..... 15} Domino ....12.020 2222 4 87 Fancy—In Bulk. an ree. | cane ani aa Fine Glazed Milkpans. Ashton. Cates 4 62 | Lozenges, plain..... @ 8% psa zs ce. 5 00 | Boneless a a gic | 2 Sal. flat orrd. bot.,doz. 65 sis inte Se Gade eneten ig | Seer 4 #2] Lozenges, printed.. @ 8% pe rasan a 2) | Cooked Ham... 195g | 2 Sat fiatorrd. bot,each 5% 56- y “ks XXXX Powdered.........-14 75] Choe. Drops........ i eens 4 8 a ’ Stewpans. Higgins. Mould A. .4 62 | Choe. p aaeotas @12' | Ball Barnhart-Putman’s Brand. | ee oe fireproof, bail, doz. 85 56-lb dairy in linen sacks go | Granulated in bbls... .4 37} Gum Drops...... @5_ | Grand Republic, es aT 5 00 | Compound............... 4% | “| gal. fireproof, bail, doz.1 10 Solar Rock Granulated in bags......... 4 37| Moss Drops... ee @ 7% | Grand Republic, - 499 | Kettle... ................ mT ' ean “ : olar Rock. . Fine Granulated... 4 3¢|SourDrops.....___. @ 8% | Grand Republic, oa . 4 80] bo 7 aba. He —— x | Jugs. 56-lb sacks. a 21/ Extra Fine Granulated..... 4 50 | Imperials ..... @ 8%| Worden Groce ee eee So ao 4 SA per deg. 40 RE Fine. extra Course Granulated. ..4 50 Fancy—In 5 ‘Ib. ‘das Laurel, 48... scion ‘s Brand, on “4 aoe : advance 4 | bo gal. per aon. ... 50 ae _| Diamond Confec. A...... 4 37| Lemon Drops... 50 anise’ a oes walls. ......advance 72} 1to 5 gal., per gal. 6% co rl eee = Confec. Standard A......... 425|Sour Drops........ @a0 Samco a ee ar a 10 = Dera aed 3 | id pee ? PREYS terete eee a+: a 4 00 | Peppermint Drops oar sis? ee ce % | ' SODA. We a 4 uv} C ceenniene Bs —_ Op Wheeler C 0.’s ; Brand. 3 1b Pails.......8 advance y i 7 » per doz............ 70 a 4 00| H. M. Choc. Drops arisian, tgs. / . 5 OO Sausages. | Igal., each............... : —_— : oe Cee 8% Ne 4 ""3 94| Gum Drops..... il Pabieaae 8 420} Bologna ..... |. si : 5 | Corks for; gal., perdoz.. 20 8 8 ee ee 3 87 | Licorice Drops. |. : _. Parisian. tas... -. 4 80) Liver.. i... 6 | Corks for 1gal., perdoz. 30 STARCH. = es . 3 81 > B. Licorice ee | cai ik. Frankfort. it. 6%| Preserve Jars and Covers. ; No 7. .3 7 | Lozenges, plain.. @an | volce . = 171 fom. ..... 6% | % . > cove : v5 Ne 8... 3 69 Lonenges, printed. @eo | Granulated . 2 00| Blood ..... 6 | te vi gp roel ane. = 4 00 fc fC . .3 62 mperials . i @é60 | FE Tourue ....__... 9 | ? bs ’ Wee EE 3 56 | Mottoes . @es | St. coh Ged and Millstutts 12 59 | Head cheese va Sealing Wax. No. 11. (3 50 Cream Be @20 | No. 1 Corn and Oats “713 00 | Beet | > lbs. in package, perlb... 2 N § y olasses Bar oe @50 | No.2 Feed....... ai 00| Extra Mess..//0//....... 700. | LAMP BURNERS. a Made Creams. 80 @90 | U nbolted Gorn Meai. i pe Boneless 060 |iNeOSan 45 : shh Cc aye -. 6. .@se Winter Wheat Bran. -10 00 | Pigs’ Feet. ine isan... i a 50 ecorated Creams @9 Winter Wheat Middlings..11 00 | Kits, 15 lbs an. «(| No. 2 Sun BD = TABLE SAUCES ace os eee @0 | Screenings.... oe ee | 50 ~~" si f | ts $5 The 0. E. icine n Mill Co. | % bbls, 80Ibs............ 2.80 | Security, No.1........ 20... 65 Kingsford’s Corn. Lea & Perrin’s, large.....4 7 Caramels. P| quotes as follows: —_ oa s 40 1-lb packages............. 6 Lea & Perrin’s, small.....2 7 No. 1 wrapped, 2 Ib. New Corn. | Mites, 15 Ibs... - ea ieee sett cee tereees eee BO 20 1 Ib packages............. 614 | Halford, large............ 3°75 boxes ...... @30 | Car lots.............. me Oe ee 8s - Kingsford’s Silver Gloss Halford small....... ..... 2 25 Ne 1 wrapped, 3 Ib. Less than ¢ar lots......... 25 | % bbls, 80 Ibs........... 275 | LAMP CHIMNEYS—Common. r Salad Dressing, large..... 455 OXES ..... .. 45 | 40 1-lb packages............. 6% | Salad Beccmar a i 2 65 No. 2 > wrapped, 2 2 Ib. soe Car lots. ee | Pork . — a | No. @ San..... zi —— ss 6-Ib eS aa oe oe. i aia: Bowes (0. =e clipped.. —— rounds. oe . BH | ry i = a a s . jamond. . SRO el eS ess than car lots. | Beef middles. ol 7 | ae. = See... 7 64 10c packages ........... 5 00 M Hay Butterine. | First = 128 5¢ packages.. ..5 00 Cigars. aa No. 1 Timothycariots i 10 00 Soa po A 9% No. 0 Sun, crimp 32 10c and 64 5c packages.. -5 00 Gig Fonnsents weane Beef. No. f Timothy,’ ton lots....11 00 Rolls’ = ie 13% | oT ped and labeled... 7 . . Wy ei es OEEEU EY cere cece ore ts le ’ Common Corn. Carcass oe Be —— | Solid, creamery .... 13. | wrapped and iaeed. a8 22 Mi bdses 5 Fore quarters......... 41 @ Fish and O sters Canned Meats. |No. 2 Sun, crimp top, O15 Peres. ........... ( =p —— 6 @ 7% 2 Corned beef, 21b.......200 | wrapped and i Ty 1325 yoins NO. S........... § Qs —— Corned beef. 14 Ib..... BO | a. aoe Gloss. ES oo Fresh Fish. Roast beef, 21b....... 200 | XXX Flint. 3-1b caaenae Ce nd a 4 Rounds el 54@ 6% pes Ib. Potted ham, s) | No. 0 Sun, crimp to > p aa Gheers 446@ 5% | Whitefish . @ Potted ham, 100 | Wrapped and ia 2 55 Puckaces............... Plates @ ae : n x 40 and 50 lb boxes shinintal Ma ge @4 | Trout. @ 3 coe hae. 60 | No. 1 — a a op, rete ee eeeee ork. Black Bass. : Jeviledham, %s....... 100 |. Wrapped and labele 2% OERONe oe Dressed ea 4 eee eee @ 10 ; ee |e CeCe. ¢@4 | Halibut.... G 5 Petted tongue a INI 60 | No. 2 Sun, crimp top, SOAP. Loins . eee 6%4@ % | Ciscoesor Herring... [| Potted to i | wrapped and labeled.... 3 75 coe > @ 4 menue %4s....... 1 08 | ‘ Laundry. Shoulders. .2.01/22177! @5 Bluetish ee , CHI a , a 35 a o | BIvensa @ it =~ : So MNEYS—Pearl Top. as ae i Brands. on x. if . eae Ba eae Leaf ne ation 8. @i Live Lobster....... @ 18 |, ; No.1 Sun, wrapped and eee eee 24 rug Co.’s utton. _ | Boiled Lobster...... @ 20 | Hides and Pelts. | _labeled.. 3 70 Armour’s Laundry ~) Quimiete oo 35 Carcass ..... ._.9 @eée Cod . ce @ 10 aga OT ees ai ey a . Armour’s Comfort ........ 2 90 Clark Grocery Co.’s — Spring Lambs. . 6%@ 7% | Haddock. i @ 8 | labe a " wrappe and Armour’s White, 100s...... 625) New Briék 000000000000) Veal. Not ek: na oie Perkins & Hess pay as fol-| _ labeled... Armour’s White, 50s....... ! 3 20 Carcass ....... oe a @ 6 | lows: ais Nabeled wrapped and Ml Armour’s Woodchuck .... 2 55 VINEGAR. a ha White.....: 2 sa un, “Smail Bulb” i (8 Woo SSS | Smoked White... BS , % Armour’s Kitehen Brown. 2 00 : Cc k Red Snapper. . = 13 Green we Ge Prams Bulb, Armour’s Mottled German 2 65! Leroux Cider......... .....++- 10 rackers. | = gs | No.2; pergross.............. 40 | Family XXX........ «2... © | Ae @ 138 | Peits. ie dh DST a 'S box lote. delivered... 2 80) No.3, pergross.............. % | Family XXX, 31b carton.. 6% | Standards... @ iG | Shearlings 000000001. 5@) 16] Rochester. 10 box lots. delivered....... 2 %5 fea — ‘3 ib cue teeta 4 Favorite ..... @ MM | Lambs. a 25@ 50} No. 1, Lime (6c doz)...... 3 50 Jas. 8. Kirk & Co.’s Brands. ee Oysters i in Bulk. Old Wool... -~ vie 2, a” (ee American Family, wrp’d...3 33 ° 3oda XXX : 1, | Counts.. eee. 1%)... urs. ae _| No. * ‘lint ( Ony..... 4 70 American Family, plain....3 27 Fruits. — ek th cn oi Extra Selects........ 160) Mink .... -.....-.., 0@ 1 10) Electric. —— Bros. & Co.’s Brands. : “++ 04 | Selects 1 40] Goon.................. 2@ 0). 7 Sada Cre 7% ole ss - ~ | Skunk 10@, 90 | NO. 2, Lime (70e doz) ..... 4 00 ee 9 Zephyrette... 10 Anchor Standards... 1 | oeeee Yi No 2 Flint (80¢ doz) 4 40 Cotton Oe % Long Island Wafers....... 11 —o vette etree 95 | = Lye ag en 1 ae OIL CANS. DD Marseilles.......... L. L. Wafers, 1 lbearton .. 12. | Clams .............. 1 25| Red Fox. ...... 25 | . oz. Oranges. Oyster. oa Shell Goods. | oo <--> = c br | 1 gal tin cans with spout.. 1 60 Wise ana Square Oyster, MAN. 6 | Oysters, per 100....... 1 25@1 50 | on ed Ley " a | 1 gal galv iron with spout. 1 7 y g Sq. Oys. XXX. 1 1b carton. 7 | Clams,’ per 100....... “ae. ca aie gal galv iron with spout. 3 00 Mexicans 150-176-200 @4 00 | Farina Oyster, XXX.. 6 | Gat House... jom) =o | 2 82) Salv iron with spout. 4 00 SWEET GOODS—Boxes. a — | Fi: i ae aaa 2 hie 5 On| 28a! galy iron with spout. 5 00 Lemons. Animas a 11% Nuts lt aa oy vg ooo pe 5 ge ~ galv iron with faucet 6 00 Bent’s Cold Water......... 12° ° | Martin. Dark........1 0o@ 2 50| 282! Tilting cans. inh : 00 Strictly choice 360s. @3 00| Belle Rose................ ee eee eee | ow ~ 50 | 5 gal galv iron Nacefus ... 9 00 Strictly choice 300s.. @3 50 | Cocoanut Taffy............ lage ee pea 7 aol ; Fancy 360s... ... @ Coffee Cakes.” a Almonds, Tarragona.. @I2i | Utler.....-...- q ro aged oetnae nn Si Pe nc “Foon nip ata eg ea ets a Se | Wines. Beane Pate. ot 0 | 5 gal Rapid steady stream. 9 00 Ex.Fancy 300s...... @4 00} Frosted Honey............. 12 onds, Ivaca....... | ‘ « Rear "e Go@15 (Oo | 5 gal Eureka non-overflow 10 50 Graham Crackers Almonds, California, | | #1 er 8 adite saatiodl i | Beaver...... .....2 00@ 6 00 | 3 gal Home Rule.. -10 50 Bananas. Ginger Snaps, XXX round. 7 snene @13 nH F o5 | 5 gal Home Rule.. 2 uy hi iii rene {| Brazils new @ 3 | Deerskin, dry. perlb. 15@ 2| 9 gal Home kule .12 00 Hi a a ee Oe. i @ 8 | Deerskin.grn, perlb 10@ 12% | 5gal Pirate King...... . 950 A definite price is hard to| Gin. Snps,XXX homemade 7 pyle a | Wool a LANTERNS. Single b ae | weenie. 2 85 | name, as it varies according to | Gin. Snps,XXX scalloped... 7 Walnuts, Grenobles @i3 | Washed . 10 @16 |No. OTubul 25 5 box lots, delivered... ...2.80| size of bunch and quality of | Ginger Vanilla............ g | Walnuts, Calif No.1. @10 | hee ea ae eo - 42 10 box lots. deity es | fruit Imperials giz | Walnuts, soft shelled | Unwashec 5 @i2 No. 1 Tupmmy.......... 6 50 0 box lots, delivered....... 2 7 | Truit. i ne i ee eee eee 4\ Calif. ai2 | Miscellaneous. | No, 13 Tubular Dash. 6 30 Qh hex late, delivered 2 6 ——- — 3 2 @l1 50! Jumples, Honey........... on Table Nuts a, fancy. ee | Tallow lw 1 Tub., glassfount.... 7 00 : *s Large bunches...... 1% @200| Molusses Cakes............ 1, | ae 8, Tanc @ie | a ' lNo. I ' Thomp & Chnte’s Brand. g 3 @ oo : recat nes 15 | Table Nuts, Choice. @10 | — Butter. 2 Tubular, side lamp. 14 oc Foreign Dried Fruits. Marshmallow Creams..... 16 | Becans, Small.. Oe | Giiccne. 3Street Lamp ...... “e Pretzels, hand made ..... 844 | Pecans, Ex. Large. eer 1 LANTERN GLOBES. Figs, c hoice Layers Pretzelettes, LittleGerman 614 | Pecans, Jumbos.. @lt |= SSS No. 0 Tubular, cases 1 doz. @'0. i Suear Cake)... I Hickory Nuts per bu., | Oil each, box 10 centw........ 45 Figs, gy ‘Smyrna Suttanas 09 2 | cues caer acs iis. No. 0 Tubular, cases 2 doz. SOO @13 | Sears’ Lunch.. 7% | Cocoanuts, full sacks ul a each, box 15 cents........ 45 Figs, Basgeals in Sears’ Zephyrette. . o | | Butternuts per bu.. Barrels. No. 0 Tubular, bbls 5 doz. 30 lb. bag: @7z Vanilla Square........... | Black Walnuts per bu Boeeene .. |... @i0% ech Hes... Dates, Fards in 101b Vanilla Wafers ........... iG | Peanuts. | XXX W.W-_Mich.dialt @ 8% | No.0 babe regel bull's ~—. See oe oe @s Pecan es... is Pancy, H. F.,. Game ¥ ww Michigan.... an @ 84% eases 1 doz. each. Deen, Reeds in 601b Mrait Cotree.......... 2...) 10 Coets @4 High Test Headlight. . @ 74 LAMP “WICKS. Canes os)... @6 Mixed Fienie.. ........... 10% | Fancy, H. P., Flags DS Gee.......... .... @ 9% | No. 0 per gross.. / sy Single box. ... .....3 00 | Dates, Persians,G.M. Cream dunibles............. 1. | Roasted 7 | Deo. Mentha .......... @ 8% | No. ( ner grees... ......... 25 5 box lot, delivered........ 295) K.,601b cases, new @ 6% | Boston Ginger Nuts........ i Choice, H. P., Extras. G@ i | Cylinder.............. oo Gos | Ne. 2 per wrome............. 38 10 box lot, delivered........ 25| Dates, Sairs 60 lb Chimmie Fadden.......... Choice, H. P.., Extras, Basite. 6. “Ma @Rt | Ne. Sper arose... .. 58 25 box lot, delivered........ 2% Clee 4. sc: @ 5% | Pineapple Glace............ 8 Roasted ......,..... @ 5% ' Black, winter......... @9% | Mammoth per dom. ... 2... 70 cenemee te one nen We rap dea eres REND SE MART ERD Ga PS APACS Cae PE eR IEN ic Rita a Rh aR IER eA PAS a ae ee ae oeaars Pes 22 THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN The Hardware Market. General trade, considering the near approach of inventory time, keeps up remarkably well. While dealers mani- fest a disposition to be cautious in their buying, they do not find it necessary to restrict their purchases as they have in previous months. In many lines, of goods that have been known to have reached the bottom price, dealers are buying quite freely, in anticipation of higher prices, a beiter feeling prevails in the entire market and a much more hopeful view is taken of the outlook. The large trade in the country are the principal buyers at this time, as they fee] well assured that merchandise pur- chased at present prices is a good in- vestment. Whiie in the main’ there has not been a very great change in prices, many goods are held steady at former figures. A few lines still remain irreg- ular and in an unsatisfactory condition. Other manufacturers are conferring with a view of obtaining better prices. Wire Nails—As the Wire Nail Asso- ciation disbanded December 1, prices at present seem to be irregular. We are pleased to note that at their final meeting the members made a _ revised nail card, which we believe wiil give much more general satisfaction to all. The base price now includes all nails from 20’s to 60's, so that when a dealer ncw quotes a price, he has something to sell at that figure. Many had an idea that when the Association went to pieces nails would go as lowas they did previous to the organization of the nail trust. This cannot be. At the time when nails were selling around the dol- lar mark, steel billets were only worth $13 perton. At the present time they are firm in the market at about $21. This difference alone will keep nails at least 50c per keg higher than the lowest price ever reached. By examining the nail card and noting the advances on many of the smaller sizes of nails, it will readily be seen that even at the present prices, as quoted for base sizes, some nails, like 3 fine and others, are really lower than ever. The present market price on nails seems to be about $1.70 rate at mull and $1.85 and $1.90 from stock. Barbed Wire—Manufacturers are now quoting prices for spring = shipment, which show an advance of $3 per ton over the present price. This advance is justified, owing to the high price of raw material, which price, no doubt, will be held during the present spring trade. We are quoting at present from mill painted barbed wire at $1.65, gal- vanized barbed wire at $1.90 and No. 9 painted wire at $1.40, with the usual advances for other sizes and extra for galvanizing. Window Glass—We are pleased to advise that all the trouble between the glass workers and the manufacturers has been adjusted and that all the facto- ries wiil start up December 14, com- mencing to make glass. Owing to the low stocks in all parts of the country, as well as in the jobbers’ hands, it is said it will take from three to four months for the mills even to make glass enough to bring stocks up to the ordinary aver- age. It is believed that after the first of the year, the price of glass will be advanced beyond the present figure. Trade in Different Parts of the Coun- ty—The general view of the markets of the different sections of the country, as given in special reports, is as follows: Chicago—The shelf hardware trade has been interrupted in some _ sections by severe winter weather and heavy snows. Heavy hardware is less active and jobbers are prepared for quiet trade for the remainder of the year. Baltimore—We are glad to report that the business for the last of November presents a decided contrast to the be- ginning of the month and that the un- certainty and stagnation which pre- vailed then have been succeeded by activity which shows a return of con- fidence and gives promise of better things yet to come. St. Paul—November closes witha fair average for the month, as to volume of trade. There is not much to be said of trade in its detail. Dealers are buying but little now until after the January inventory. With favorable weather their sales would be considerable until after the holidays, but this is uncertain trade at best and cannot be relied upon in making estimates for the year. Omaha—Judging from everyday re- ports, business in all sections of the country is undergoing a revival, but the fact becomes more prominent than ever that the bottom has been reached and that the future course must be upward. Cleveland—The lateness of the season precludes any great amount of trade, but throughout the country it is very much improved. All conditions are better than for a long time past. Portland, Oregon—Heavy rain and snow storms, unfrequent weather for November, have raised the streams, washed out railroad tracks and bridges and, consequently, interfered with busi- ness and trade in the past fortnight; otherwise business for the month makes a favorable comparison with that of cor- respcnding period of 1895. San Francisco—Trade still continues to improve. The different advances on Staple goods tend to create quite a de- mand, although the stocks at this time of the year on the Coast are running down, preparing for the annual stock taking. Louisville, Ky.—There is a fair tend- ency in all lines. Orders are more nu- merous and more sizable at the same time. Philadelphia—There has been a fair trade in wholesale hardware sales during the past week and this fair trade is all that we can expect naturally for the balance of the year. Matters are look- ing brighter, however, and even straws that rise from the surface and are car- ried off by the winds show the direction of the weather vane. —_——~e+.—___ His Incomplete Outfit. Benevolent Lady—My _ man, your clothes seem to be very ragged; can J do anything to mend them for you? Sloppy Weather—Well, ma’am, I have a button, and I would be very glad if you would sew a coat onto it. —_—e»___ The government of Cape Colony has forbidden the importation of fruit trees from Canada, on the ground that such are diseased. The Canucks are up in arms thereat and claim that the trees of the dominion are as free from disease as those of any other part of the world. The exportation of American horses to England has more than doubled with- in the last three years. During the first nine months of this year the exporta- tions reached greater figures than for any twelve months previously. —_—_>20.___ It is a good thing for a clerk to know when to speak and when to keep his tongue quiet. And the knowledge nec- essary in order to do these things is only acquired by observation. —_—_20—__ After Nov. 1, 1896, the retail cigar dealers will give you a light every time you buy an S. C. W. 5c Cigar. This offer remains good until further notice. A large number of hardware dealers handle THE Onll0 LINE FEED GUTTERS OHIO PONY CUTTER Fig. 783. No. 114. Made by SILVER MAN’P’G CO., Salem, Ohio. This cutter is for hand use only, and is a strong, light-running machine. It is adapted to cutting Hay, Straw and Corn-fodder, and is suitable for parties keeping from one to four or five animals. There is only one size, and is made so it can be knocked down and packed for shipment, thus securing lower freight rate. Has one 114 inch knife, and by very simple changes makes four lengths of cut. We also have a full line of larger machines, both for hand or power. Write for catalogue and prices. General Agents, Grand Rapids. SEW Sewers tat eae eons Send for Catalogue. FOSTER, STEVENS & CO., GRAND RAPIDS. REPRESENTATIVE RETAILERS. Geo. D. Van Vranken, Druggist and Bookseller, Cadillac, Mich. In the colonial days just prior to the American Revolution, the great-grand- father of the subject of this sketch came from the Netherlands and _ settled on the Mohawk River, near Albany, joining with the early settlers in sub- duing the wilderness, engaging in farm- ing. The family remained in this loca tion, contributing a considerable, ele- ment to the community known as the Mohawk Dutch. The early life of Garrett Van Vrank- en, the father of our druggist, was spent on a farm in the ancestral valley. But, in starting out for himself, he re- moved to Niagara Falls, where he en- gaged in the flour and feed business. Later, he became tollgate keeper on the original Suspension Bridge. He was married to Laura A. Fox, a lady of English descent. The family residence at this time was on Goat Island, at the brink of the great cataract. Later, in the spring of 1858, they removed toa farm near Paris, Illinois, and still later, 1862, he engaged in the boot and shoe business at Arcola, in the same State. George D. Van Vranken was born on the farm near Paris, June 21, 1860, and was two years old when the family re- moved to Arcola. He began his school life in that village, and was nine years of age when they removed to Plainwell in this State, where his father engaged in contracting and building. At the age of 13, death deprived him of a mother’s tender care. George remained in the village schools until the completion of his course, at the age of 18. He then en- tered the drug store of Crispe & Mer- riman as a student of pharmacy. After a year at this employment he went to Mancelona, to take charge of a drug store for W. S. Mesick, (now Congress- man-elect from that district), remain- ing in this capacity for a year and a half. He then became manager of the drug business of H. A. N. Todd at St. Ignace for one season, and then went to Cadillac, in 1881, and engaged with R. J. Cummer & Co., druggists and book- sellers, with whom he remained until 1888. At that time, having decided that his work for others had given him sufficient experience and capital to branch out for himself, he bought the drug store of Albert E. Smith, Nov. 22, 1889, and has since continued the business. THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN On July 21, 1886, Mr. Van Vranken was married to Nancy L. Kelly, of Cad- illac. The family comprises a boy of nine and a girl of seven. They reside in a comfortable home at the corner of Spruce and Sheldon streets. In religion they are Presbyterians, as had been the Van Vranken family for many years. Mr. Van Vranken's favorite recreations have been summer encampments with his family at points on Torch Lake, Crystal Lake and on Traverse Bay. At the installation of Cadillac Lodge, Knights of Pythias No. 46, he was one of the charter members, and he joined the Uniformed Rank upon its organiza- tion a couple of years later. His busi- ness has engaged his attention to the exclusion of much active lodge work, although he has served in the position of Vice-Chancellor of the Lodge and First Lieutenant of division in the Uni- tormed Rank. Nor has he had time to engage actively in political life, al- theugh an ardent Republican. He _ has taken some interest in municipal mat- now serving as member of Police and Fire Commis- ters and is the Board of t sion. Mr. Van Vranken is not a man of cranks and fads, but has yielded to the temptation to indulge a little in amateur photography. He first became interest- ed in this by taking a kodak on a trip to Florida, and has kept it up to quite an extent ever since. Mr. Van Vranken’s business has been successful from the very beginning. The growth has been steady and rapid and he has added other lines, as books and _ stationery, office supplies, photog- raphers’ goods, etc. While his success has been dependent on steady applica- tion, a natural pleasure in the work has been a contributing element. ——_+$—~> 0 > Characteristic Story of Fred Selleck. Fred Selleck, who had the reputation of being able to tell more whoppers within a given period than any other man on the road when he traveled for Hawkins & Perry a dozen years ago, is now covering the trade of Montana and Idaho for the American Eagle Tobacco Co. His hair is driven snow, but he is said to be as natty a dresser as he was twelve years ago and to be equally at home in a Sun- day school or a saloon. Anent his career with Hawkins & Perry, the Tradesman recalls an inter- esting incident. When he announced his intention of transferring his services to L. H. Randall & Co., he was over- drawn to the amount of $125, which he was unable to repay. Mr. Hawkins finally asked him for a note for the amount, which was cheerfully given. A year or so later, Mr. Hawkins approached one of Fred’s friends on the subject of purchasing the note, offering to dispose of the document for $25. The gentle- man said he would take the matter un- der consideration. Meeting Fred later in the day, he said: ‘*Fred, Lew Hawkins offers me your note for $125 for $25. If it is any ob- ject to you, I will purchase it for you.’ ‘Purchase my note?’’ replied Fred. ‘‘Wouldn’t do anything of the kind. It isn’t worth your while to trouble your- self about my notes. ’ A few days later Fred met Mr. Hawkins on the street and accosted him as follows: ‘*Lew, I understand you offer to sell my $125 note for $25. Do it, Lew, by all means. I'll make some more, and you sell ’em, and we'll whack up.’ now as white as the} Hardware Price Current. AUGURS AND BITS snell’s..... | Stamped Tin Ware..... 28 HOUSE FURNISHING GOODS -new list 75410 Japanned Tin Ware. a 204 10 Creme Ino Ward................. “new ‘list 40&10 HOLLOW WARE ae. hs . 60410 Kettles .... .. 60810 ee .. 60&10 —" Gate, Clark’s, 1, a . de 60&10 State. - per doz. net 2 50 WIRE GoopDs Bright... .. : 80 Serew Myee........ 80 oy ee 80 | Gate Hooks and Ey oe. ...... es 80 LEVELS | Stanley Rule and Level Co.'s. ...........dis 70 ROPES Sisal, 4 inch and a ae 6 Mania... ..... i | oS SQUARES | Seeel and from. ....,.... Lae ey cu 80 ie ee tevee... Mine : "SHEET TRON com. smooth. com. Moa Mia... $3 30 ® 40 em Meee. 1... 3 30 2 40 oe. 1h Oo e............ . 34 2 60 NOS. Ze eG 24........- . 55 = 7 1 Wes. 2a 0G 20..... <. 3 70 2 80 | No. 27 29 : oo 90 All ‘sheets ‘No. 18 and lighter, ‘over 30 inches | wide not less than 2-10 extra. | Mouse, choker. ELBOWS Com. 4 piece, 6 in .. ...doz. net 55 Corrmeetee 2 8 ce, 1d Adiaxagie. ai ae EXPANSIVE BITS Clark’s small, G18; larec, @p............... .go&10 yes’ 1 08, 2 ea oe. 2 FILES—New List ew Aion tt ...,... . T0&10 Nicholson's. — o 70 Heller's Horse. Rasps. . ...... oo. GALVANIZED “IRON Nos. 16 to 20; 22 and 24; 25 and 26; 27. 28 List 12 13 i4 15 16 17 Discount, 75 GAUGES Stanley Rule and Level Co.’s..........._.. 60&16 | 5 KNOBS— New List Door, mineral, jap. trimmings.... ....... 70 | Door, porcelain, jap. trimmings............ 380 | MATTOCKS ao eee............-.. ee, au $16 00, dis 60410 | Hunt Eye..... Wei aeente sacue ss he) Oo, Gas Glam | is... $18 50, dis 20&10 | MILLS Coffee, Parkers Co.’s.... - . 40 Coffee, P. S. & W. Mfg. Go.’s Malleables. .. 40 Coffee, Landers, Ferry & Clark‘s.. 40 Coffee, Enterprise......... 30 MOLASSES GATES” | Stebbin’s Pattern............ .....60ds10 | Stebbin’s Genuine. Lo. a Enterprise, self- measuring: ec, . 30 NAILS Advance over base, on both Steel and Wire. Steel nalis, base..... . -. Ce. i. boo Wire nails, base... .. 1 90 Go GO emeuiee es Base moo Me aovenre................ US Sadvanee......... ll 10 een ae Ss ee 20 Sanvance..........:... 30 Seerance. 45 Magvanee. 0-1... 70 Fine 3 advance... eS eaew a ca 50 Ouse 10 Sdvanee.......-. 2-1... 15 Casing 8 advance 25 Casing 6 advance. 35 Wicusn (0 Seivance ... .. -.......-..-... 5 Minieh S agyanee. S$ Sinise GAGeence....-. 45 Barrel % advance........ eu a 85 PLANES Obie Tool Co.'s, faney................- ae Sciota Bench . Se es _ 60 Sandusky Tool Co.’s, fancy.. @50 Bench, Peetqualty............ . @50 Stanley Rule and Level Co.'s wood.. 60 PANS Fry, Acme : . BOK10K10 Common, polishe al. ce TO& 5 RIV ETS lem and Tinwed |... ........-. ll 60 | Copper Rivets and Burs..............-....-. 60 PATENT PLANISHED IRON “A” Wood’s patent planished, Nos. 24 to 27 10 20 “B Wood's patent planished, Nos. 25 to 27 9 20 Broken p: ook ages 44¢ per pound extra. HAMMERS Maydole & Co.'s, new list........ : dis m3 | ins .. es .dis soe & Plumb’ ae dis 40610 Mason’s Solid Cast Steel. 30¢ list 70 Blacksmith’s Solid Cast Steel Haud 30c list 40&10 The prices of the many other qualities of solder in the market indicated by private brands vary according to composition. TIN—Melyn Grade | 10x14 IC, Charcoal.. os ‘+ eo a Ceareoa .............-. 5 % Bett te. Charcoal .............. oa Each additional X on this grade, 81.25. TIN—Allaway Grade pone 1, Chkareoe! ............... oo 5 00 1420 IC, Charcoal ...... l 5 00 10x14 IX, Charcoal . 6 00 Peers Charede).... 3... 6 00 Each additional X on this grade, $1.50. ROOFING PLATES Bixee IC, Charcoal, Dean.................... @ 14x20 IX, Charcoal, Dean . a 20x28 IC, Charcoal, Dean.. : 10 00 14x20 IC, Charcoal, Allaw ay Grade... 4 50 14x20 IX, Charcoal, Allaway Grade. _. oo 20x28 10, Charcoal, Allaway Giada 9 00 20x25 IX, Charcoal, Allaway Grade......... 11 00 BOILER SIZE TIN PLATE 14x56 IX, for No. 8 Boilers, | 14x56 IX, for No. 9 Boilers, f P& pound... 9 Wm. Brummeler & SONS, Grand Rapids, Pay highest Price in cash for Mixed Rags,Rubber Boots and Shoes, Old Iron and Metals. Drop them a postal for of- fer on “any old thing.” EVErY Dollar Invested in Tradesman Com- pany’s COUPON BOOKS will yield handsome returns in saving book-keeping, be- sides the assurance that no charge is_ forgotten. Write Tradesman Company, GRAND RAPIDS. isa este dh oe sone sr sehomksiatesdesis 24. THE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN It’s an Ill Wind That Blows Nobody Any Good. ‘*What’s that you have in your hand?’’ asked a curious customer of debonair Stephen Sears, as he watched the latter finger an unusual looking coin that seemed to open and shut at a touch of his Aladdin thumb. ‘*That?’’ said he of the sugar cookies and gracious manner; ‘‘well, thereby hangs a tale: A fellow gave that to me quitea while ago—a good triend of mine. He was in our place one day, and he had this trade dollar in his hand. Yes, it opens and shuts—like this,’’ and, Suiting the action to the word, he dettly pressed on one side, and lo and be hold! the top slid off sideways, disclos- ing a glass-covered square inside, to be used as a locket. ‘‘Yes, that’s the hang of it; and | think a good deal of it. | said to this fellow, this triend of mine, ‘Say! give me that locket. I’d just like to get hold o' that.’ No,’ said he, ‘1 can't let you have it. That's for my best girl! A fellow gave me that down in Kentucky. But I'll tell you what I'li do, Steve. If that girl goes back on me, you shall have the dollar locket!’ ‘All right,’ said I, ‘that’s a bargain.’ Well, do you know, it wasn’t two months before my friend’s_ brother dropped in on me with the coveted article. Here,’ said he, ‘take it—it's yours. Bob says he was a blank fool, aud she’s given him back all the things he gave her!’ ‘"So that’s how I came by it,’’ con- cluded Mr. Sears; ‘‘I got the locket, and my friend—well, he got the mitten.’’ —_—_—>_ 2 _____ Rating of Customers. From the Grocers’ Review. One of the things that every grocer who dues a credit business should do is to ubtain the standing of every ap- plicant tor credit before opening an account. There is a satistaction in having this information. Many grocers neglect to obtain any report until after the account is open and it Is too late to close the account witHout making a loss. Only a few weeks ago the Association secured a report on the standing of a party, who was found to be undesirable as a custumer; the report was sent out to the grocer who requested it, but he had neglected to inquire in time, and as a result he was stuck for a good- sized bill. This same party owed his neighbors large amounts and they had been equally neglectful. The question of spending a few cents in obtaining a report sometimes stands in the gro- cer’s way. This is bad and the grocer — no one to blame if he makes a bad ill. Recently we have made an arrange- ment by which the standing of any per- son in the city can be obtained for the small cost of twenty-five cents; to us it seems as if there is no reasonable excuse why a grocer should not know all about his customers. Certainly the price charged for the information should not be in the way. It is surprising how much information can be obtained as to a person’s standing when the right Man goes out to get it. We have one member who expects to get a report on every customer upon his books; this will cost him something, but think of the benefits, and of the sat- isfaction with which he will view his accounts if they are all right, and with what decision he can close up those that are found to be undesirable. Foresight is better than hindsight. ——_>2.____ An Inexcusable Error. Central Lake, Dec. 7—In setting up my article on ‘‘Cost Marks’’ last week your compositor inserted the engraving of that cost mark upside down, and I should be glad if you would reproduce it this week, t’other side up, so that your readers will not get the impression that I am entirely devoid of brains. GrEo. L. THURSTON. The Tradesman greatly regrets the circumstance and takes pleasure in complying with Mr. Thurston's sugges- tion. In order that the reader may note the connection of the cost mark to the subject matter, the entire paragraph pertaining thereto is reprinted : Next to letters come characters. The character cost mark is generally run on a system, and a system 1s usually rather easy to decipher. The old tit tat toe is probably the most common. I know an old mark, long since replaced, that runs like this: 2 ae 7 BG iT” 7 Feo eae -The 1 is the cipher. A dash to the left signifies 1 added. A dash to the right adds 3. But the hardest mark to discover is the mark without a system. | knew a watchmaker who used Greek characters. It made a very pretty mark, for he was a good writer; but should not recommend it to an indiffer- ent penman. a Received a Favorable Impression. From the St. Ignace Enterprise. While in Grand Rapids last week we spent some time in looking over the plant of the Michigan Tradesman, a truly admirable trade paper published in that city, with which all the leading business men of the State, and par- ticularly the retail trade, are familiar. On the occasion of a former visit we found an army of compositors at work. This time we found them supplanted by one of those marvelous inventions and iabor-saving devices, the type setting machine ‘Lhis unique and complicated piece of machinery distributes and sets up type automatically and with perfect accuracy, being operated somewhat like a type writer machine, by the use of a keyboard, by one person. Another takes the type as set up, justifies and places it in position, and the composing work of the paper is done. A_ lengthy description would be unintelligible to the uninitiated. It is sufficient to say that its work is really wonderful. The Tradesman is a publication of which the business community of the State may well be proud and its value to them is unquestionable. There is no business man who would not find it a great benefit to be on its subscription list. a From an Owosso Standpoint. From the Owosso Press. Our sanctum is visited weekly by one of the best all around commercial jour- nals we have ever met, the Michigan Tradesman. {ts market reports and prices Current are exhaustive, taking in every line of trade. Its literary charac- ter is elevating and practical, embrac- ing in its scope the choicest family reading. It is cutspoken in its criticism of commercial abuses and energetic in its efforts to correct them. It is the counselor and guide, furnishing weekly examples of what energy, integrity and Strict attention to business can accom- plish. Add to this a mechanical ap- pearance as pleasing asa pictured page. {t should be a visitor to every business house in Owosso. —_—__» 0. ____ Perhaps a Week. While passing by a clothing store, Some littie time ago, I saw a sign upon the door Which enterprise did show. ‘Suits made to order while you wait,” Upon the card I re»d, And, neatly tempted by this bait, I went inside and said— “T’d like to have a suit of clothes Made in an hour or two; To sit and read I here propose, Until your task is through. I'll pick the cloth I like the best And you shall measure me; Your tailors then shall do the rest While I sit here, you see.” The clothier answered with a grin, ‘Your order I will take, But ‘et me tell you, to begin, You're making a mistuke. That sign the wnole truth does not state; You've read its meaning wrong; Although we make suits while you wait, We do not say how long.” SUCCESSFUL SALESMEN. B. D. Palmer, Representing J. W. Fales & Co., Detroit. Benjamin D. Palmer was born ona farm near Macon, Lenawee county, Sept. 7, 1844. His parents on both sides were of English descent, and Mr. Palmer bears a striking resemblance to the typical Englishman in many: re- spects. He worked on the farm until 20 years of age, when he entered the dry goods house of F. F. Palmer, of Hudson, for whom he clerked ten years, when he formed a copartnership with J. S. Osgood, his brother-in-law, under the firm name of Osgood & Palmer, and embarked in the produce business at St. Johns. Three years later he retired from the produce trade and entered the clothing store of J. B. Shepard & Co., at St. Johns, with whom he remained two years. He then formed a copart- nership with Jas. Bristol and opened a grocery and crockery store at St. Johns, under the style of B. D. Palmer & Co. Three years later the firm sold the stock to Hoffman & Co., and Mr. Palmer went on the road for J. W. Fales & Co., of Detroit, for whom he has since covered the same territory every thirty days with- out intermission, except six weeks dur- ing the summer months when he _ takes his usual annual vacation. Mr. Palmer was married in 1867 to Miss Mary Stuart, of Tecumseh, and has one son, Rodney S. Palmer, who is a successful business man and _ agricul- turist at Elmsburgh, Wash, Mr. Palmer is a member of the K. O. T. M., U. C. T., M. K. of G. and A. O. U. W. He attends the Episcopal church. Owns one of the finest resi- dences in Central Michigan. He enjoys a good joke—especially if it is on the other fellow. He has never lost a dollar in speculation and never pursued any business which was not a thorough suc- cess. He is very conservative in dis- position, and has never done business for fun, and never paid less than 100 cents on the dollar. He is a general favorite with the ladies in his territory and it is currently believed that he would pitch onto the biggest man in the country if he attempted to insult a lady in his presence. Mr. Palmer has been a mem- ber of the Michigan Knights of the Grip since the early days of the organi- zation,and at the last annual meeting at Lansing he was elected a member of the Board of Directors, in which capac- ity he has given the organization faith- ful service and valuable advice. Detroit Meat Dealers Organizing. Detroit, Dec. 7—The retail meat deaiers of Detroit are organizing an as- sociation for the betterment of their trade interests. It is not a labor organ- ization, nor a union of boss craftsmen. Its field of operation is to be the com- mercial relations of its members with the public. Conrad Mathaie presided at the initial meeting, at which time 150 members, of the trade announced their intention of joining the movement. WANTS COLUMN. Advertisements will be inserted under this head for two cents a word the first insertion and one cent a word for each subsequent in- sertion. No advertisements taken for less than 25 cents. Advance payment. BUSINESS CHANCES. \ FANTED—TU BUY STUCK OF GENERAL merchandise; prefer same locateu within « ange Of twenty-five miles from Grand Rapids. Wil pay cash and good real estate for same. Address C. A., cure Michigan Tradesman. 157 ve SALE—STORE BULLUING, GENERAL stock and fistur s, lucated on country cruss rads, surrounded by good farming country. Will seli cheap. Address No. 155, cure Michigan tradesman lad Ke SALE—DRUG STOUCK, INVOICING about $4 0, and sture building and lot, valued ut $60), located in new and prospective growing town in Western Michigan; stock and building uew and in good shape; no other drug store within eight or fourteen miles; prefer cash, but will accord a little time on portion of sale. Ad- iress No. 154, care Michigan Tradesman. 154 i EXCHANGE—BES? i646 ACRES HEAVY hardwood timber landin Michigan, also 360 .cres farming land to exchange for goods, Pitles perfect. Will pay money difference if aecessary. Address No. 147, care Michigan Tradesman. 147 ILutARD AND POOL PARLOR FOR SALE at @ sacritice. Fine lunch counter, soda fountain, ete., in connection. Everything Al. November business amounted tu nearly #3Uu0. Best of reasons for selling. Address O. M. Cot- ton, Albion, Mich. 148 aprile menatigg Sehipitnns OF GROUCERIES OR crockery in exchange for Bay City prop- erty; any difference paid in cash. Address Box ‘3, Byron, Mich. 149 Ke SALE OR EXCHANGE—40 BBL. FULL 10ller mill, water power, in Southern Mich- igan. Address Opportunity, care Michigan ‘Tradesman, 152 EST OPENING IN THE sTATE—THE business men of Dorr offer a two-story frame mill building and two acres of ground to an experienced miller who will erect an engine room and equip the plant with power and roller process machinery. Address J. C. Neuman, Do r, Mich. KUG STOCK FOR sALE—THE BEST LO- cated suburban store in Kalamazoo, Michi- yun. Stock is clean; rent low. Address Hazel- tine & Perkins Drug Co., Grand Rapids, Mich. 138 {OR SALE—ONE KIT TINNER’S TOOLS, nearly new. Willsell cheap. B. W. & I. E. Hewitt, Maple Rapids, Mich. 137 YOR SALE AT A BARGAIN THE WAT- rous’ drug stock and fixtures, located at Newaygo. B+ st location and stock in the town. Enquire of Hazeltine & Perkins Drug Co., Grand Rapids, Mich. 136 VOR SALE—IMPRUOVED sv ACRE FARM IN Oceana county; or would exchange for merchandise. Address 380 Jefferson Avenue, Muskegon. 110 VOR EXCHANGE—TWO FINE IMPROVED farms for stock of merchandise; splendid location. Address No. 73, care Michigan Trades- 73 man. MISCELLANEOUS. W ANTED—POSITION AS CLERK BY LADY of 6% years’ experience Cun speak Hol- land. Address E. C. W. P., 542 North Front Street, Grand Rapids. 156 gegen tei WANTED—ANY COKPORATION or manufacturing company desiring the ser- vices of astrictly first-class, ali-round office man, ove who Cau market output at a profit, manage salesmen, look after corresponden:e, write aud place advertising, can secure the services of oue who has the best of references by addressing \dvertiser, care of Carrier 43, Grand Rapids. 153 JANTED—SITUATION AS CLERK IN A clothing, shoe or general store by a young man of 25. Best references. Six years’ expe rience. Address No. 145, care Michigan Trades- man. 145 W ANTED—POSITION As ENGINEER AND blacksmith by expert workman who holds first-class license from State of Minnesota. sawmilling preferred. Best of references. H. D. Bullen, 27 New Houseman Block, Grand Rapids 142 AP icCHIGAN STAMP WORKS, ALLEGAN, i Mich., rubber stamps, stencils, dies, seals, etc. Satisfaction guaranteed. M. A. Nelson, Proprietor. 135 EW MERCHANTS’ PRICE AND SIGN markers, $250 a set. Send for circular. Willi J. Weller, Rubber Stamps, Muskegon, Mich. 139 ANTED TO CORRESPOND WITH SHIP- pers of butter and eggs and other season- able produce. R. Hirt, 36 Market street, Detroit. 951 ANTED—SEVERAL MICHIGAN CEN- tral mileage books. Address, stating price, Vindex, care Michigan Traderman. 9869 ee Bt ‘ a = & ah eae apie Ree a She LUMBERMEN’S SUPPLIES LARGEST STOCK AND LOWEST PRICES. WHOLESALE GROCERIES AND PROVISIONS F. C. Larsen, 61 Filer Street, Manistee, Mich. Telephone No. 91. Hp-b Oooo boob brood bbb db bb bbe heheh nnn ee Oe we OUT UU UU UU UCU JESS JESS TOBACCO “Everybody wants them.” “You should carry them in stock.” For sale only by MUSSELMAN GROGER 60., JESS «FESS POPOV OOOO OUVOVU ST Lada bn bn baba be be bn bn bn bn tr be bn te br tnt by bn tn tn dn tn tp tp bp tp bn iy FFF GV VV VV VV OU UV ETOCOTTOCCOCOOS OOP PO OOOO FOV ITSES ETC IE SESS IFFT Ln Bahia Ln Ln be tn bn he hn he i hi hi Mi i Ma i Li Mi i he hi i da a tt i i wv Rant of competition availeth naught against the reputation of our SEYMOUR BUTTER CRACKERS which have achieved fame throughout the country wholly on their merits and have a stable foundation firm as the rock of Gibraltar. c and are the result of years of careful study and experience. Because—They are an all-around family cracker. : Because—They have a crowning flavor emphatically their own. Because—They are superior in hundreds of ways to other crack- ers which are claimed to be just as good. ON EVERYBODY’S TABLE—who values a wholesome and nutritious cracker. ARE YOU SELLING THEM? THE NEW YORK BISCUIT CO., GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. y | Because—They are made from the finest ingredients procurable e SAGAGREACGAGACA CA CA CA SCA CASCACACGACGACGACACA TRY HANSELMAN’S SUPERFINE GHOGOLATES FOR HOLIDAYS Order early and be in the push. Chocolate Nunkeys, Chocolate Cherries, Chocolate Montevidoes, Choc: late Brandy, Chocolate Clito, Chocoiste Opera Drops, Chocolate She'!] Bark, Chocolate Opera Caramels, Chocolate Nougat, Chocolate Peppermint, Chocolate Sour Orange, Chocolate Wintergreen, Chocolate S: ur Lemon. Chocolate Raisins, Chocolate Marshmallow, Chocolate Extra Pralines Assorted, Chocolate Angelique, Chocolate Extre Vanillas, Chocolate Almonds, Chocolate Pineapple, Chocolate Hand Made Small, Chocolate Hand Made Large, Chocolate Shoo Fiies, HANSELMAN CANDY Co., KALAMAZOO, MICH, SOAP is whaf you should advise your custom. ers. People who have used it say it is the BEST. Chocolate Filberts, Chocolate Pecans, Chocolate Walnuts, Also a full line of Confections in all its branches. OSE SEND US A Photogyaph «5... Mothey-in-Law OR THE BABY ee YOUR PET DOG YOUR STORE FRONT THE OLD HORSE THAT STRING OF FISH (You didn’t catch) YOUR OWN “PHYS.”’ you ARE NoTHING = || ANYTHING———— NOW-A-DAYS You would like to hand out to your friends IF YOU or customers on January Ist. We will ree produce it and get you up a Calendar with ARE NOT an individuality that won’t need a trade= ORIGINAL. mark or a patent. WE ALSO HAVE A VARIETY OF DE- SIGNS IN STOCK WHICH WE CAN FURNISH ON IMMEDIATE NOTICE. Don’t Hang Fire! Talk Now! TRADESMAN COMPANY, Getters-up of Original Printing. In Time of Peace Prepare for War Winter is coming and sleighs will be needed. We make a full line of Patent Delivery and “aP l6dSIF6 SIGICNS. WRITE FOR PRICE LIST. The Belknap Wagon Co., Our New Hub Runner. GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. reoTeleleleololeololeolelolololelelolelelelelelelololeloleoleleleoleleleleolejololelelelelelolelelelelele| ) The GAIL BORDEN EAGLE BRAND Condensed Milk | is not nvaled by any other brand of milk. This is the universal testimony of Consumers, Dealers and Jobbers, and accounts for the largely increased sales each year. The demand for é BORDEN’S PEERLESS BRAND x : Evaporated Cream See is — : rd — this indicates merit IT HAS NO EQUAL. For Quotations see Price Columns. | ODONQNDNDNDNNNNNN NNINNCNQNNIO NNN NN AGIVVVOVVNVCCWOOCOCOCC00d x HR OS SSCS = PIE eS eS eses aad QO0000000000000000 oo0000000000000000 A WE MAKE THE....... ih || __ FINEST POUND AND () OUNCE SCALES INTHE WORLD WA i BUT WE SPECIALLY RECOMMEND AND INSIST UPON MERCHANTS USING K ft ———- Set THE PROFIT SAVING WW MONEY WEIGHT SYSTEM WE EMBODY WITH THESE SCALES. Dayton money weight Plat- form scales. Capacity 100 pounds. ES PISA SASS ISR SAS MISES SISOS ESAS We can Prove that it's Money in Your Pocket CESSES AALS EASES ' CIS SS To use The Dayton Money Weight System The Computing Scale Co., Dayton, Ohio. scale. Capacity 28 pounds. Your choice of Platform and Bearings. SOS ee Ba eS BS aay OEE REESE fone