ts x pat WAG? 4 qe val of PUBLISHED WEEKLY hos SiON CRE Sw Pj A) (| TN cH ; —™ KC ys | Pi Py; : q S: 2\ ¥ ie al ) SR \ Pen Year Volume XIV. GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1897. Number 700 Ce ee ee ee a a ee eae SOGCSCSCC RCC ECHEHCSE CRC CCH GRO ORO Tees eO BeOS HO 8648 8 ee OSes HULU LUTE ae $32: --000@ @eeec =! Commence the ££ -2000@ @eee a ° = 2008 ; @eee “¢ New Year Right = 2208 @eece =238 Handle Ebeling’s Spring Wheat Flour. $s: cae bce gd winner. If you handle car = se08 Se 220@ Oecece-- 2008 @eeee- 3 JOHN H. EBELING, &: 238 GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN. $e: ee = ae Or you can get small lots from p ena so88 Goce wees S. S. SCHILLING. Sse-- pos PETOSKEY, MICH. meas: Bast $3: coos oe Seee aeees 4 Sec m3 WATSON & FROST, = =: 588 GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. §e:: =e Would be glad to quote you prices. = nose SOOSOSOSE SOD ORSSSOSESOSOROCOCCCCOCOCCOCOSOCESS:: SSeSES SESE SES ES ee te teeters estate te ee ee ester tiie wane 6 2 6 6 8 6 6 8 6 6S Ce Se Cee Se Se 8 6 Ce OF Ce ee ew 8 8 Se Se 8 Se Se Se eae = Rene ee ey _ Are You Pushing = your flour trade for all there is ists in it? Are you selling a flour that gives complete satisfaction ? Are you selling a flour that you can guarantee to give satisfaction refunded ? selling a flour that you know is or money Are you GSS AlsrA ae SCE RIEOS the best fur the money in the market? If not, you should sell “LILY WHITE” flour. We above. Valley City Milling Co. § GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Sameera somerset have described it DiS N Ale aGNAlE AEA CELA BUS Alumeenaeua eS NAleS is YOUR FORTUNE Not by lines of Palmistry but by Profitable Lines of Goods upon your counters. Attractive lines of confections from the Hanselman Candy Go, of Kalamazoo, PODOODOGDODOOOOOQOOQOODOOODOODOOQODQOOQODOODOOQDOOQGDOOQOOOQGOGOOS © THE FAMOUS S.¢ 5 CENT CIGAR. Sold by all jobbers. Manufactured by G. J. JOHNSON CIGAR CO., Grand Rapids. 8 ENTIRE BUILDING, 15 CANAL STREET. i, POOOOOOOOOOOOQOOQOOOGQGQOOOOQOGQOOQOOQOES BOLQOQLOHOSGOSGOOOSOOOOOOSS OOQO@DHOGOOO® GHGOOQHEOeKS V®OOO® —. OOO) yyvuvuvvvvvvuvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvwvvvvuvvvvvvvvvrvvvevvvv* PV FOE FOGG VU GO OOOO OOO OO OOF OOOO OF OG OOOO OF OE OOO OVO VOC Four Kinds of Coupon Books are manufactured by us and all sold on the same basis, irrespective of size, shape or de- nomination. Free samples on application. TRADESMAN COMPANY, aranp RAPIDS. yyeuvuvvuvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv~vvvuvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvuv™” habbbbbbbbhbbbbbbhbbbobolat> FOV OVO GV VV VV VV VV VY a & bp bn bn bn by bo by bo, br bn bn bn bn bby Gy > FV VV OV VV VV VU VV VT CSCC CS CUT CUVEE UCT ETC OTE CCC CC CUT OCC OTE CTC C CCC GT * AM CAKE FROSTING, Ready for immediate use. Simply requires ——. Always reliable and absolute'y pure. Manufactured by TORGESON-HAWKINS CoO., Karamazoo. Micx. Largest Assortment IRIN III III III INNIS Lowest Prices... IARI III III III III III 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 PRERBRPERERPERAPAAAAAALADALINS and it is located in one of the finest office buildings in the my, ime... 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 A Free Salt Seller, DIAMOND CRYSTAL SALT is a ‘‘free’’ seller be- cause it is free from all salt objections. No odor and no grit—nothing but pure salt. See Price Current DIAMOND CRYSTAL SALT C0., St. Clair. Mich. bbb bbb tp ta baba ta tr tata ta ba batr tr tatinsr GDI GDI ISSO SCSCSCSCSC SECO CTE Jackson Liquid Glue Makes friends and sticks to them. TO _ Biron apatns Ww LS 7 Renuka aaa Your jobber can supply you. FUG UU VUE VU OOO OE ETV OUTST OCUOU OTTO O OUT be ba bn bn bn bn be bn bo bo be br en Lr hn he hh Le i i i he hn bn Db i i i hn WPF PG GOOG OIG FE FOFF FFD FESTIVE FEF I pevwvvvvvrvvvvv—vvvvvvvvvvvvvwvvvvvvv rvuvuvuvuvuvvv—vvuvrvrvvvvvvvvv PUG UOC OwTGT OE GFO GTI OOO OU Strike while the Iron Is Hot and send us your order for OLD COUNTRY SOAP while you can secure one box free with every order for 10 boxes. (Trade Mark) frm eng | } has stood the test of time and is every where recognized as one of the leading brands on the market. This offer holds good for a short time only, being subject to withdrawal at any time. ALLEN B. WRISLEY C0., Chicago. a <& ma, SUBSTITUTE Gq ue Conca ; FOR =e) COFFEE aR : Meu J” MANUFACTURED BY oie a eel 0 H. STRUEBE, Sandusky, Ohio, Agent for Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. Travelers’ Time Tables. CHICAG Going ~: and West Michigan R’y Jan. 1, 1897- Ly. G’d. Rapids ........ :30am 1:25pm +11:00pm Ar, ChICGGZO... 0.5.2 .24:.- 3:00pm 6:50pm +t 6:30am Returning from Chi . Ly. Chicago............ 7:20am 5:00pm 11:30pm ur. G’d Rapids....... . 1:25pm 10:30pm + 6:10am Muskegon and Pentwater. ‘ Ly. G’d. Rapids.... .... 8:30 1 ar. G’d. Rapids......... 10:15am ..... :30pm Manistee, Traverse City and Petoskey. Lv. G’d Rapids 7:20am 5:30pm ........ Ar Manistee........... 12:05pm 10:25pm ........ Ar. Traverse City..... 12:40pm 11:10pm ...... Ar. Charlevoix... .... 3:15pm Ar. beer aurea SUP 65 cwacs See dies Trains arrive from north at 1:00p.m. and 9:55 .m. 7 PARLOR AND SLEEPING CARS. Chicago. Parlor cars on afternoon trains and sleepers on night trains. North. Parlor car on morning train for Tray- erse City. tEvery day. Others week days only. Gro. DEHAVEN, General Pass. Agent. DETROIT,“ sn Going to Detroit. Ly. Grand Rapids...... : feos 1:30pm 5:25pm a ee :40am 5:40pm 10:10pm Returning from Detroit. Ly. Detroit -....7:00am 1:10pm 6:00p nieces ce ‘ :10pm m Ar. Grand Rapids..... 12:30pm 5:20pm 10:45pm Saginaw, Alma and Greenviile. Ly. @ R7:10am 4:20pm Ar. G R12:20pm 9:30pm To and from Lowell. Ly. Grand Rapids...... 7:00am 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 Grand Rapids and Saginaw. Trains run week days only. Gro. DeHavEN, General Pass. Agent. Trunk Railway System Detroit and Milwaukee Div. GRAN Eastward. +No. 14 +tNo.16 tNo.18 *No. & Ly. G’d Rapids.6:45am 10:10am 3:30pm 10:45pm Ar. Ionia...... 7:40am 11:17am 4:34pm 12:30am Ar. St. Johns..8:25am 12:10pm 5:23pm 1:57am Ar. Owosso....9:00am 1:10pm 6:03pm 3:25pm Ar. E.Saginawi0:50am ........ 8:00pm 6:40am Ar. W.Bay C’y11:30am ........ 8:35pm 7:15am Ar, Pint)... 10:05am ........ 7:05pm 5:40am Ar. Pt. Huron.12:05pm ........ 9:50pm 7:30pm Ar. Pontiac.. 10:58am 2:57pm 8:25pm 6:10am Ar. Detroit...11:50am 3:55pm 9:25pm 8:05am Westward. For G’d Haven and Intermediate Pts.... 7:00am For G’d Haven and Intermediate Pts....12:53pm For G’d Haven and Intermediate Pts.... 5:12pm +Daily except Sunday. *Daily. Trains arrive from the east, 6:35a.m., 12:45p.m., 5:07p.m., 9:55 p.m. Trains arrive from the west, 10:05a.m., 3:22p.m., 10:15p.m. Eastward—No. 14 has Wagner parlor car. No. 18 parlor car. Westward—No. 11 parlor car. No. 15 Wagner parlor car. E. H. Hueues, A. G. P. & T. A., Chicago. BEN. FLETCHER, Trav. Pass. Agt., Jas. CAMPBELL, City Pass. Agent No. 23 Monroe St. GR AND Rapids - — Northern Div. Leave Arrive Trav. C’y, Petoskey & Mack...+ 7:45am ¢ 5:15pm Trav. C’y, Petoskey & Mack...t 2:15pm + 6:30am Cadillac...... + 5:25pm t11:10am 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. Leave Arrive PORTING oi is 5s cibin eo ovine’ os + 7:10am + 8:25pm ee is tees + 2:00pm ¢ 1:55pm Cincinnati. ....................% 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. Ly G’d Rapids.......... +7:35am +1:00pm +5:40pm Ar Muskegon........... 9:00am 2:10pm 7:05pm GOING EAST. Lv Muskegon....... .. +8:10am +11:45am +4:00pm ArG’d Rapids... ..... 9:30am 12:55pm 5:20pm +tExcept Sunday. *Daily. A. ALMQUIST, . L. Lockwoop, Ticket Agt.Un. Sta. Gen. Pass. & Tkt. Agt. 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 Volume XIV. Toe...... PREFERRED : BANKERS LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY w+000f 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. Home office, DETROIT, Michigan. | GOR WNDERS | , 9 AND 7 PEARL STREET. MICHAEL KOLB & SON, Established nearly one-half a century. Wolesle Clothing MIS, . Rochesler, N. ¥. All mail orders promptiy attended to, or write our Michigen Agent, William Connor, Box 346, Marshall, Mich., who will show you our entire line of samples. Mr. Connor will be at Sweet’s Hotel Thursday and Friday, Feb. 25 and “6, and at the Palmer House, Chicago, from Wednesday, March 3, until Thursday, March 11, inclusive. The Michigan Trust 6o.., 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.” Commercial Gredit 60., (Limited) ESTABLISHED 1886. Reports and Collections. 411-412-413 Widdicomb Bldg, Grand Rapids. THE z FIRE v INS. ¢ Y co. ¢ ra Prompt, Conservative, Safe. 3 3 J.W.CHAMPLIN, Pres. W. FRED McBarn, Sec. ® 990990000000 00000000960 Snedicor & Hathaway 80 to 89 W. Woodbridge St., Detroit, Manufacturers for Michigan Trade. DRIVING SHOES, MEN’S AND BOYS’ GRAIN SHOES. Smith Shoe Co., Agts. for Mich., O. and Ind. Tradesman Coupons Save Trouble Save Losses Save Doilars FROM FRESH TO SALT WATER. Despite the fact that the United States enjoys a half ownership in the great lakes of Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario, and the whole of Lake Michi- gan, the outlet to the sea from these im- portant waters is through British terri- tory. This is a fact which is not only hu- miliating to American pride, but, in time of war, would operate most seri- ously to the disadvantage of the great repubiic. There is, therefore, an anx- ious and deep-seated desire on the part of many people to create an artificial channel wholly in the territory of the United States, giving direct communi- cation for shipping from the lakes to the sea. In order to secure reliable information on the subject, by authority of Congress, a commission was appointed to ex- amine and report, and the report has been recently transmitted by the Presi- dent to Congress. It gives in detail, with maps and plans, descriptions of the several available routes from Chi- cago and Duluth through the lakes to the sea. The figures given show that the dis- tance from Chicago to the mouth of the St. Lawrence, at Pointe des Monts, is 1,698 miles; to the Atlantic Ocean, at Sandy Hook, the distance by the Cham- plain route is 1,642.5 miles; by the Mo- hawk route it is 1,440 miles, The dis- tances from Duluth are 67.5 miles greater. In order to get to the sea through home territory it is necessary either to enlarge the Erie Canal for the passage of ships, or make a route from Lake Ontario, at Oswego, to the Mohawk River, and thence to the Hudson, or to open a route through Lake Champlain to the Hudson River. Assuming a depth of thirty feet to be necessary, the length of the artificial channel to be constructed is 202.8 miles by the St. Lawrence route, 304.6 by the Champlain route and 272.3 by the Mohawk route. The proposed Nicaragua Canal is 170 miles long (fifty-seven miles in open lake), with six locks, lifting the traffic 110 feet above the sea. The new Pan ama Canal is forty-three miles long, with ten locks, and the total lift is 112 feet. By the Mohawk route a summit 444 feet high must be passed, whence the descent is made to Lake Ontario, 252 feet above the sea. Lake Erie is 573 feet above the sea, and to lift the traffic from Lake Ontario to this level will re- quire several locks. It will be seen that the Nicaragua Canal and the Pan- ama Canal, immense and costly as those undertakings are, must still be far cheaper than the aggregate of the arti- ficial channels to be constructed for either of the proposed deep waterways. The commission discusses at some length the various possible routes. These begin at Chicago and at Duluth, and there can be no question as to what the routes should be until the eastern end of Lake Erie is reached. Then the commission considers a ship route GRAND RAPIDS, WEDN ESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1897. through Western New York, along the general course of the Erie Canal, as not desirable. It would involve from 120 to 140 miles more of artificial canal than the route by way of Lake Ontario and the Oswego-Oneida-Mohawk route. It would be crossed by many bridges and might have as many locks as the other route, and would have a side _ hill location across lines of drainage for much of its course. Furthermore, it is considered desir- able to bring Lake Ontario into the line of deep-water navigation because of its local commercial possibilities. The question of a trunk route is thus re- duced to the natural course through the great lakes, and from Lake Ontario by the St. Lawrence to tide-water at Mon- treal or to Lake Champlain, and thence down the Hudson, or by Oswego and Lake Oneida to the Mohawk valley, and thence to the Hudson. Each of these three routes is considered as having in- dependent merits, but the enormous cost of any one of them must prevent for a long time its construction as a highway of commerce. AMERICA MUST RETALIATE. The way in which European coun- tries have long discriminated against American products, and the subterfuges to which they have resorted, to exclude them from their markets, have proven exceedingly exasperating to the Ameri- can people, and it would not be surpris- ing if a strong demand were made upon the next Congress to adopt retali- atory legislation. President Cleveland has already sounded the keynote in the case of Germany, by withdrawing from German tonnage the exemption tax which had been previously enjoyed, and no doubt other ways of retaliating could be easily found. While Germany is not alone among the European powers in discriminating against us, her hostility has been bolder and more far-reaching. Although com- pelled to withdraw the absolute pro- hibition against the importation of American meats which once existed, Germany has constantly tried to restrict the entry of American meat and pork products in every possible way. Charges that American pork is trichinous were trumped up on every possible occasion, and an almost prohibitive inspection system inaugurated. So burdensome have the exactions of the German government become, that the packing interests of the West have formed a protective association for the express purpose of combating this Euro- pean trade hostility, and an executive committee has been appointed for the purpose of devising the best method of offsetting the opposition of Europe. Recent cables from Berlin indicate that investigations made by the Prus- sian Minister of the Interior prove that the allegations that American pork is trichinous are groundless. Some time ago the Prussian Minister of the In- terior issued instructions to the heads of the government districts in Prussia to obtain, in cases where trichinae had been found in American pork, data Number 700 which would enable the American Gov- ernment to trace the offending shippers and officials. It now appears that only five out of thirty-three districts sent any reports of instances of trichinous Amer- ican pork, and these reports were not ac- companied with the data asked for by the Minister of the Interior, so that proof of the trichinous character of the pork is not forthcoming in a single in- stance. Of even these doubtful cases the number is only thirteen. The Prussian government has not yet published a report embodying this in- formation, and, owing to its favorable character to American meats, it is probable enough that it may never be published. Such a report would give mortal offense to the agrarians who are now a power in politics in Germany. GENERAL TRADE SITUATION. On every hand the greatest signifi- cance is attributed to the breaking up of the steel rail combination, the last of such organizations to endeavor to keep the price of a great iron product far above its normal value. Extensive or- ders were placed and the steel rail industry sprang into instant activity, although, in some cases, the companies took advantage of the decrease in price of their product, or were compelled by it to make a reduction in the scale of wages. In most other branches of man- ufacture there has been an increase of activity and many factories have re- sumed operation or increased force dur- ing the week. Notwithstanding the de- cline in steel rails,the general tendency of prices has been upward during the week,to an extent which would indicate that the low ebb is past in most lines of trade. It is interesting to note that the tend- ency in all lines of iron and steel manu- facture, except rails, has been upward. Prices have advanced for Bessemer pig and are firm for steel billets. The num- ber of iron industries to resume opera- tions during the week has been greater than for some time previous. The purchase by one speculator of 750,000 pieces of print cloths has had the effect of stimulating the cotton fab- ric market and there is considerable movement, with advance in prices. Cotton has declined slightly but wool continues active and demand is finally materializing for some of its manufac- tures. Wheat has fluctuated within a range of about 3 cents, with a general tend- ency downwards. Other grains have shown a weaker tendency. The leather and shoe trade is in a de- cidedly better condition than at the same season for several years. Eastern shipments are reported heavy and the outlook is decidedly encouraging. Money continues plentiful at the East- ern centers. Exports and imports have not been as favorable—the former in- creasing with a diminution of the lat- ter. Bank clearings have shown a con- siderable increase and failures have de- clined to 267, against 321 for the cor- responding week of last year. Bicycles Some Bicycle Advertising—McLaugh- lin Up to His Old Tricks. Written for the TRADESMAN. The most prominently advertised ar- ticle at this season is the wheel; and among the bicycle advertisements in the magazines at present, I believe may be found some of the best that have ever been written, and I will also ven- ture to say that there are some of the very worst as well. Among the former may be classed that series of illustrated adlets the Clip- per people are running in the Trades- man. Everyone in the lot tells some- thing of interest to bicycle riders; something of interest or information about the Clipper bicycle. They are all neatly and artistically designed and most of them are eye-catchers. ‘‘Rugged as its name implies :—* The Outing Bicycle’ ’’ is good, too, and it is something rather out of the common. Almost anybody would remember it, and associate qualities of durability and toughness with that wheel forever after- ward. A wheelman who has been read- ing the advertisements of the Trinity bicycle and who thinks he doesn’t want one of the wheels, would, I imagine, be rather hard to find. The Trinity wheel is so new that none of us have seen it, nor a picture of it, nor a de scription of it, unless at one of the re- cent cycle shows, but its advertising has been new and unique. The state- ments made have been emphatic and full of earnestness and they have im- pressed riders with the idea that the makers of this wheel know their busi- ness, that they are hustlers, and that they will produce the best that can be made. The Monarch people recently awarded some prizes for poster designs. If these posters were intended merely for. deco- rative purposes, the award of first prize may have been worthily bestowed; but were the object the advertising of Mon- arch bicycles, it seems as though the judges shot rather wide of the mark. The design thought best is a drawing of a lion and it is splendidly done. The trade-mark of the Monarch people is a lion’s head, but there is nothing in the design suggestive either of wheels or of the regular trade-mark of the company. The words, ‘‘Monarch Bicycles: The King can do no wrong,’’ might, with nearly as much propriety, be attached to the picture of adromedary. It is easy enough to quarrel with the adver- tisements of others, however, and _per- haps the Monarch people will sell enough wheels through the seductive influence of this poster to enable them to retire from business at an early day. + + + Some time ago the Tradesman got after Mr. Four Ex McLaughlin and gave that gentleman so_ hot a chase that he made his first compromise with the re- tail trade. He stopped the practice of throwing a handful of advertising mat- ter promiscuously into his packages of roasted coffee and enclosed it in an envelope. This was an improvement. Now, however, although his paper dolls are placed in the envelope, a smail Square printed circular is still ‘‘at large,’’ and it gets into the coffee mill and gums it up, and fills the customer's coffee pot with scraps of paper, just as of yore. For this reason, among others, grocers are becoming less and less will- ing to handle package goods and many merchants have thrown them out alto- MICHIGAN TRADESMAN | gether. It takes good judgment and considerable perseverance to work a package coffee community over into consumers of a superior article in bulk; but it can be done—has been in many places—and there is money in it for the grocer. Now I don’t want Mr. Mc- Laughlin to start a suit for damages against the Tradesman on account of this article; but if he can construe any- thing in it into a free advertisement for his goods, I am sure he is welcome to the notice. + + + ‘‘T always try to do the square thing between my customers and _ ‘the house,’ ’’ said a veteran traveling man recently, ‘‘but it’s mighty hard some- times to tell what to do. I never worked for a firm yet that didn’t want to make all the profit it could, and that man never lived who could get big prices in the face of competition and hold his trade. Most houses begin to sock on the profits as soon as a customer com- mences to get embarrassed, but I could never see the sense of that, for you only beat yourself in the end. Now I hada customer at Smith’s Lake who got in bad shape. He owed us and couldn’t pay and the house always shipped him ‘hard stuff’ if there was any in stock. I sold him three barrels of pork at $11.50 that cost us $10. That made us $1.50 a barrel, and it was enough, but the old man kicked when the order went in and said Jones would stand more’n that; said he’d stand another dollar. ‘What d'ye want to do that for?’ I asked. ‘You'll lose it in the end, anyway, and if you charge him fair prices now he won't owe so much when he busts.’ Well, that was the worst pork that I ever saw. It was a special brand, and just a little the rankest that ever went out of Grand Rapids. When Jones got it, he rolled the whole business into the lake. Sent him a dozen cheese one time— hard cheese—and he fired that all in the lake, too. There was a walk lead- ing from his store to the water, and he'd start those cheeses rolling, and then just stand there and watch ’em plunk. Next time he saw me he says: *There’s your cheese, right out there in the lake, chasin’ the pork.’ Dry goods, too. Got a lot of socks that wouldn’t sell, and he used ’em fer kindling. Ee’d throw a bundle of ’em in the stove, pour kerosene on ‘em and just watch ’em burn. Said socks beat any- thing he’d ever used. When he went broke he owed the gang—groceries, dry goods and shoes—about $4,500. We had $1,500 in it. I got there first and secured $800, but nobody else got a cent.’’ GEORGE CRANDALL LEE. _— OO News and Gossip of Interest to Dealer and Rider. The New York cycle show which closed Friday night was, as expected, the largest in both exhibits and attend- ance of any ever held in this country. The Cycle Board of Trade, under whose auspices the exhibition was given, very largely increased the handsome surplus already enjoyed as the result of similar exhibitions previously held. The opin- ion seems to prevail that there will be such exhibits in the future, notwith- standing the fact that they impose a tremendous cost upon the manufactur- ers. The interest shown at these ex- hibits leads to the urging of local ex- hibits with a view to their effect upon the retail trade. When it is remembered that the national exhibits offer no at- traction to the people other than the new makes of wheels and their adjuncts, the fact that many thousands attend every session—that the crowds invari ably increase from the opening to the close—certainly indicates a remarkable interest in the subject. If it is owing to a ‘‘wheel craze’’ there are certainly no indications of its abatement; indeed, there seems to be a constant increase. That such vast crowds should flock to see the almost imperceptible difference in the various wheels, discuss the points and relative merits of the great variety of saddles offered, and even to give attention to the minor articles of the wheelmen’s outfit, shows an interest which, to say the least, is curious. + ee The question of what is the best in saddles is one of engrossing interest. So much has been said and written up- on the injurious consequences likely to follow the use of poorly-constructed sad- dies, there is more attention given the matter than it really deserves. Not that there may not be injurious saddies, but that when there are such their injurious effects become quickly manifest. It is the experience of the oldest riders that the best saddle is the one most comfort- able to ride. There need be little con- cern as to the saddle if its use is not attended by any immediately unpleas- ant consequences. The comfortable saddle is the sanitary saddle. The in- experienced rider, in selecting a saddle, is most apt to consider softness as a most desirable quality. Longer experi- ence demonstrates that the firmer and most suitably shaped for comfort is the best, and a test in actual use is of more value than anatomical treatises and diagrams. ee The advertising of bicycles and bi- cycle sundries shows the greatest pos- sible diversity of methods and degrees of effectiveness. It is noticeable that many of the most prominent advertisers show the least ability in representing their goods in an attractive manner. Thus, to demonstrate the excellence of certain saddles and the opposite quali- ties of certain others, a section of the human skeleton is made the prominent feature of the advertisement. Such a repugnant feature can but cause sur- prise to any who may have given study to the science of advertising. And the same defect is seen in much of the ad- vertising of prominent wheels. One is characterized by a repugnant picture of an obese rider on a slender wheel, which seems, of course, entirely out of proportion. Now, to heavy people, to whom such advertisements are ad- dressed, there is the suggestion that they might present a similar appear- ance. The more common use of at- tractive, graceful pictures of well- formed wheelmen, and well-proportioned riders and wheels, is by far the most effective. k x x The winter exhibits are considered as marking the time for. the real begin- ning of the season’s business, that is the preparation for the retail trade. Of course, the placing of orders has been going on for many weeks, and ship- ments have gone forward to a consider- able extent, but these exhibits will mark a sudden and rapid increase in the movement; for a great proportion of the dealers have been waiting to see what improvements and novelties were likely to be developed, before placing orders. The season for the retail trade is so near that there will be a general rush, even of those who do not attend ihe shows, to lay in their stocks. NATE. grades. Pratt 239 T. na Few Weeks the festive bicycle salesman will be trying to con- vince YOU that his is the only “thigh grade’”’ bicycle. He will tell you all sorts of yarns and give you all sorts of reasons why you should buy a You may be told that Clippers are ‘“‘cheap wheels,”’ “never were high grade,”’ are ‘‘not up-to-date,”’ ‘‘run hard,’’ etc., etc. same story last year, and before the season had closed his so-claimed “thigh grade”? was selling at retail for less than Clippers are wholesaled at. Clippers have forced the prices of some standard $100 wheels to $75.00 and $80.00, and have come up like a cyclone into the ranks of the highest of high Buy a Clipper and get your money’s worth. wheel. This saleman told his customers the New "ar | anp | 2pips THEN gpa d RAPIDS, CLE (b- FICE. THE WORLD. A LINE OF BICYCLES FOR LIVE RESPONSIBLE DEALERS. THE TRUSS FRAME AMERICA. THE HAMILTON-KENWOOD. Write for Catalogues and Prices. ADAMS & HART, DISTRIBUTING AGENTS, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Getting the People Some Suggestions on the Wording of Advertisements. Written for the TRapEsMAN. There are two ways of writing an ad- vertisement—the right way and the wrong way. To go at the matter in the right way, there are a few rules one should follow: The first thing in importance is the heading. It should be bold, concise and truthful. It should be something out of the general order—something that by its uniqueness and originality will command attention at once. As | have said many times, it should have a direct bearing on the advertisement itself. Too much matter of a general sort in the advertisement is worse than not enough. Make it terse, crisp and to the point. Eliminate all words which are not a necessity to a tull understand- ing of what you desire to convey. Generalities should not be indulged in, but particularization is the life of an advertisement. Some particular ar- ticle should be made prominent, with the advantages fully set forth which will make that article a seller. Bring out your arguments in a manner so _ log- ical and clear that, when the reader finishes, he is convinced that yours are the goods he wants and will buy. There is nothing salable that may not be ad- vertised in such a way as will sell it. Only a few points are necessary in advertising any article, and they are plain and practical and of use to the buying public. Among them are the value of the article, intrinsically and usably, where to buy it and WHY it should be bought at that place. Repetition in advertising phraseology is a vain effort and of no avail. Once said, rightly, is enough. Verbiage brings forgetfulness—brevity insures remembrance. Take one thing at a time and have something to say of it which will com- mand the attention and confidence ot the reader. * * x Confidence is a prime requisite for success in advertising. It is of slow growth and results from an absolute backing up of every statement made in the advertisement by the goods sold and the manner of selling them. The _ hon- esty of one merchant in advertising is of benefit to every dealer, in that it be- gets confidence in the class as a whole. 4 + Advertising is the standard by which your business is judged. It is likea traveling man. No reputable house knowingly sends out to its trade a dis- reputable traveler, for he, like the ad- vertisement, meets the public, and from bim are their impressions largely gained of your business and goods. Shabby advertising brings shabby returns. e ee To one not posted, it seems an easy matter to be as natural and free in writ- ing as it is to talk, but in reality it is one of the most difficult things possible. To write an advertisement in a conver- sational, convincing manner, with no trace of snobbishness, vulgarity, stilted- ness—no straining after effect and with utter absence of artificiality—is a knack too few people possess. x Ke * One of the commonest things in mer- chandising is, to put it in a homely phrase, too big stock, too little advertis- ing. The merchant fills his shelves with all the goods his capital and credit wili stand, exhausting all his resources. Then, when it comes to selling them, he is cramped for cash and all expenses are cut down to the lowest possible notch. This includes advertising, which, as we know, is not an expense but an investment. With his money tied up in stock which sells slowly for lack of publicity, the merchant is too often seriously inconvenienced, when, with less stock and more advertising, he might be enjoying a profitable busi- ness. A little, well advertised, is far better than much, with no publicity. NEMO. =“ + = Below are a number of newspaper ad- vertisements which are to be com- mended as being excellent samples of what good advertising should be: ee © Where’s There’s Music There’s... Happiness in the Home! Not only that, but it refines and elevatesthe mind. Mu- sic is one of the best gifts to man. It sheds a blessed in- fluence all around; it helps to iighten one’s cares, and makes time pass delight- fully. GOOQOOOOSQOOQOOQOOOQOOOCS Look over our line of Musical Instruments. J. P. LOSEY. YALE, TICH. albenikilidditiegiiee GOOOOO® “Seeing Is Believing.” Unless we can get you to visit this store and ‘“‘see with your own eyes” just what we are doing to deserve your patronage, there is not half the opportunity for us to obtain it. Once you visit the store, however, and come under the witchery of our val- ues, you’re sure to be a frequent and legular visitor. Then we shall be satisfied, for no woman who fully understands and appreciates this store is likely to go elsewhere to buy dry goods. Just at present, we are offering val- ues in certain iines which should in- terest every shrewd, weli-posted buy- er. Read these prices and see if they do not appeal to your judgment and your pocket-book. Perhaps.... you are not entirely suited with the store where you have been buying groceries. Prices may be low enough, but quality not satisfac- tory, or quality all right and prices all wrong. In either case, you are invited to give ourgroceries a trial. It is well to impress on you the fact that the quality must be right, and the price attractive before we will admit any line of goods to our grocery stock; otherwise the seller i+ obliged to seek a less particular buyer. That's why we are able to lead. These assertions can best be proven to you through a sample order. Read this list and test our claims by trying some of the ar- ticles on which we quote prices. 0-0-0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-06 < MEE eCe CCR eR eeNNEEen ees MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Strategy Behind the Counter. The woman was one of those night- mares of busy clerks—a_ professional shopper— and she had the man at the dress goods counter take down half his stock for her examination, and after consuming nearly an hour of his time, she decided that nothing suited her ex- actly and rose to leave. The proprietor of the store was stand- ing in the door, as was his custom, and he always accosted the customers as they came out, to see if they had found what they desired. If a clerk failed to make a sale he generally heard from it as soon as the customer left. This particular clerk was in line for the chief place in his department, and he wanted it. He knew that if the proprietor should find out from the woman that her wants had not been supplied it would not be greatly to his credit, so he said: ‘*Madame, do you see that man stand- ing in the door?’’ ‘‘Yes.’’ ‘‘Well, if he should speak to you as you go out don’t be alarmed. He is a lunatic, but being a relative of the owner of the store he is allowed a great deal of liberty, as he is dangerous only at times.’’ The woman gathered her handker- chief and umbrella and started for the door looking a little nervous. When she was about to pass out the proprietor turned to her suddenly and said: ‘‘Madame, did you get what you wanted?’’ The woman uttered a frightened squeak, swung her umbrella at a parry, skipped out the door and fled up the street three or four doors before she slowed down to a fast walk. The proprietor, filled with surprise, went back to the dress goods counter and said: ‘‘What in the world was the matter with that lady who just went out?’’ ‘I'd like to know myself,’’ said the clerk. ‘‘She acted very queerly while she was back her. I really think she must be crazy.’’ And the proprietor evidently thought so himself, for he said no more about it. King Tommy’s Rise and Fall. Tommy was ruled b his father and mother, Tommy was bossed y his older brother. Tommy was tyrannized over each hour By a very small maid with the face of a flower, But one day Tommy was given a wheel And he felt like a king on a throne of steel. Now, a sudden rise from aserf to a king Has always proven a dangerous thing The people who come into power too quick Go up like a rocket and down like a stick. King Tom, before the first day was done, Was Emperor, Sultan and Czar in one. He owned the pavement, he owned the street, He ran the officers off their beat. He frightened the coachmen out of their wits As he scorched right under their horses’ bits. Pedestrians fled when they saw him approach; He caused disaster to carriage and coach, For he never turned out and his pace never slowed; His bell was a signal to clear the road. And [ would not repeat, indeed, not J, What the truckmen said when his bike went by. King Tom only winked in their eyes with a grin, Proud of his power to make them sin. And bolder and bolder each day he grew, And faster and faster his bicycle flew; And he was certain he owned the earth And all that was on it from girth to girth. And he always got off without hurt or scratch, Till all of a sudden he met his mutch. Reigning one time in his usual splendor, He came face to face with a Cable’s fender. He rang his bell for the right of way; But a biker may ring till his hair turns gray, And a Cable Car or its Cousin Trolley Will pay no heed to that sort of folly. All that King Tom recalls of that day Was riding into the milky way, Where he saw all the stars in the heavens. Well, There isn’t much more of his reign to tell. He gave his wheel to his brother Bill And walks on two crutches—and always will. And he says, as he looks at his wooden leg, **T went up like a rocket and down like a peg.” ELtLta WHEELER WILCox. To grocers is a Business Tonic To consumers is a delightful and sought-for confection. . . MINCE PIE Are you handling it? The New York Biscuit!6o. Grand Rapids. 4 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Around the State Movements of Merchants. Plainwell—Young & Tefft have opened a new market. Nashville—Fred Baker has opened a confectionery and fruit store. Shepherd—Judson H. Scott succeeds Walker & Scott in the drug business. Charlotte—J. H. Green has purchased the clothing stock of J. Levy & Sons. 3irch Run—MclIntosh & Hover have discontinued their general store busi- ness. Fairgrove—J. R. Hamilton has pur- chased the drug stock of Chas. Moore- land. Cass City—Simeon Ostrander suc- ceeds L. E. Karr in the furniture and undertaking business. Rose City—Jacob Litman has sold his dry goods, clothing, grocery and boot and shue stuck to S. Langsberg. Harrisville—Kahn & Michelsen suc- ceed Sandorf, Kahn & Co. in the dry goods, clothing and shoe business. Sand Lake—H. Blackburn has closed out his meat business at Trufant and opened a meat market at this place. Cambria—R. Franks & Co., dealers in dry goods, clothing and boots and shoes, have dissolved, J. M. Isenstadt retiring. Munith—Walton & Co. have sold their general stock to Freeman Salis- bury, of Middleton, who will remove it to that place. Benton Harbor—Hutt & Anderson, proprietors of the Benton Harbor Hard- ware Co., have dissolved, Geo. Ander- son succeeding. Big Rapids—W. H. Swift has sold his interest in the grocery firm of Bar- ton & Swift to his partner, who will continue the business under the style of C. W. Barton. Shelby—F. W. Van Wickle has solda half interest in his drug, grocery and commisson business to C. D. Lewis and the style of the new firm will be Van Wickle & Lewis. Orangeville—Eli Nichols has sold bis general stock to J. M. Burpee, who re- cently sold his grocery stock at Way- land to C. A. Ryno. Mr. Nichols has been in business since 1854. Owosso—L. O. Underwood, who has been in the employ of the Johnson Bak- ing Co. for some time, has leased the business. E. M. Johnson will give his entire time to the wholesale business. Lansing—The Colonial Insurance Co., New York,and the Home Mutual Insur- ance Co. of San Francisco, both stock fire and marine companies, have been authsrized to transact business in Mich- gan. Pentwater—D. D. Alton and a silent partner have purchased the interest of Will J. Hopper in the Crescent drug store, which will be under the efficient management of Mr. Alton. Mr. Hopper returns to his first love, the dry goods and millinery business at Fremont. Middleville—J. W. Armstrong has purchased the Dr. Hanlon brick build- ing, on the north side, and, after re- modeling same, will move his drug and wall paper stock from the store on the south side, where he has been located for several years, to the north side store. Mackinaw City—W. E. Robinson has purchased the fishing business of D. A. Trompour & Co., and in a few days, as soon as the business of the old concern can be settled up, Mr. Robin- son’s name will be substituted in all business transactions for that of the old firm. Lake Ann—O. C. Fish, who has al-| | ways been considered one of Lake | | Ann’s most prominent citizens, filed a/| jtrust deed Feb. 9, covering property amounting to about $870 and naming M. L. Lake and C. S. Linkletter as trustees. Since that date Mr. Fish’s whereabouts have been unknown. St. Johns—A difference of opinion having arisen between H. V. Hughes and some of the other stockholders of the Alderton Mercantile Co., Mr. Hughes has resigned the position of Secretary and relinquished the manage- ment of the business, having disposed of his stock in the corporation to Mr. Alderton. At the annual meeting of the corporation, held Feb. 15, the tollowing officers were elected: President, Geo. A. Alderton; Vice-President, Ed. P. Waldron, Secretary and Treasurer, F. M. Spaulding. Manufacturing Matters. Mt. Pleasant—Chas. S. Moore con- tinues the hoop manufacturing business formerly conducted by Prince & Moore. Detroit—The Enterprise Foundry Co. has filed articles of association. The Capital stock is $5,000, of which $1,200 is paid in. sailey—The Bailey creamery has been leased by Chris. Hansen and Thos. Hagadorn, of Trufant, who will con- tinue the business: Benton Harbor—Geo. Butzbach suc- ceeds Butzbach & Schultz in the pro- duce and fruit business and the manu- facture of fruit boxes. Standish—The Standish Electric & Manufacturing Co. has merged its busi- ness into a stock company under the style of the Standish Electric Co. Lakeview—C. M. Northrop’s cold storage building collapsed last week, the owner having finished getting in his ice only the day before. The loss to the building is about $1,000. The creamery machinery is not damaged, Thompsonville—The Thompsonville Cooperage Co. has bought from the Thompson Lumber Co. the lots and store building now occupied by Mr. An- derson. Extensive alterations and re- pairs will be made on the property as soon as the weather will permit. Bradley— The Bradley Creamery Co. has been organized here with a capital stock of $3,375 for the purpose of build- ing and equipping a creamery, which will begin operations about March 15. The officers of the corporation have not yet been elected, operations so far be- ing conducted under the supervision of a building committee consisting of B. 3urlington, A. Deuel, S. S. Fox, W. R. Fox and Joseph Faunsler. - > 0. — The Wrapping of Packages. Written for the TrapEsMaN. Wrapping packages, in the larger stores of the cities, is confined to a de- partment and is reduced to a science, but in the retail stores of the villages and smaller towns each clerk wraps up whatever he sells. It is hard for one to realize the im- portance of neatly-wrapped bundles. Buyers are full of whims, if I may use the word, and it often happens that an illy-wrapped parcel, trifling though it may seem, is the cause of the loss of that particular customer's trade. Merchants cannot be too particular about this. It should be insisted upon that every bundle be wrapped up as carefully and neatly as it is possible to do it. I was told, the other day, ofa merchant who drilled his employes as carefully in this matter as if it were a trade by itself, and, in fact, it is, or should be, an important part cf aclerk’s business, An incident in this connection was told me the other day: A wealthy man in Wilmington, Delaware, had been, for a long time, accustomed to buy his Cigars in a certain cigar store, and, as he was a heavy smoker, using only the highest priced brands, his trade was valuable. It chanced, one day, thata clerk sold him his usual quantity for the day and, upon the gentleman’s request to have them made into a package in order to save breakage, the salesman wrapped the cigars ina slovenly man- ner and handed them to the buyer. | That was the end of his buying in that store. He transferred his trade toa place where his instincts of order and neatness were not outraged, although otherwise he had been perfectly suited with the goods at the old place. A merchant who has his best business interests at heart will insist that goods sold be wrapped neatly, and a good clerk will always do it. —_—_>+ +> The Produce Market. Apples—Local dealers ho!d carefully selected Spys and Steel's Red at $1.50 per bbl. and other varieties at $1.25. Butter—Fancy dairy is scarce and higher, on account of the falling off in receipts, commanding 12@14c per Ib. Factory creamery has advanced to 20. Cabbage—so@55c per doz., according to size and quality. Celery—15c per bunch. Cider—$q per bbl., including bbl. Cranberries—Cape Cods have ad- vanced to $2 per bu. and $6 per bbl. Eggs—So far this week the receipts have not been equal to the demand, but the return of warmer weather is ex- pected to bring an influx of shipments. Handlers hold candled stock at 12%@ 13¢, pickled and cold storage being slow sale at 7@8c. Honey—White clover is in fair de- mand at 124%@13c. Buckwheat is not so salable, bringing 8@t1oc, according to quality and condition, Lettuce—15c per Ib. Onions—The recent sharp advance is well maintained, dealers still paying 75¢ for all offerings of choice stock, holding in a small way at $1 per bu. Potatoes—Handlers pay 11@12c for stock in carlots on track. In a small way dealers find no difficulty in obtain- ing 18@2oc per bu. Squash—In light demand and ample supply at 3c per Ib. Sweet Potatoes—Kiln-dried Ilinois are in only fair demand, commanding $2.25 per bbl. 2 ___ The American Hog Is Vindicated. From the New York Shipping List. The frequent charge that American pork in Prussia is a detriment to pub lic health and should be excluded has fallen to the ground by a thorough in- vestigation, which was pressed by the United States Minister in Berlin. An official Government report utterly dis- proves the allegations, but an effort is made to prevent the report from being published, as it would be an excellent recommendation of American hog prod- ucts. The United States Minister is now endeavoring to procure a copy for the State Department, but he is not cer- tain of securing it. There isa faction in the Prussian Legislature favorable to the unrestricted importation of Ameri- can pork as a wholesome and cheap food for the masses, and when the facts of the investigation are officially made known the government will be asked by this faction to give reasons for con- tinuing the prohibitive tariff regulations on the American products, _ The whole trouble was caused by rival German concerns, who packed diseased meat in American packages, according to the disclosures made in the investiga- tion, : _—_.-2-6__ No advance on Gillies New York teas, Phone Visner, 1589. In the Still Night. Bowers: ‘‘Livewell has grown so stout that his wife has put three V’s in his trousers.’’ Powers: ‘‘I must be growing thin then, for my wife always takes them om. ———__ ><> Something Saved. Mrs. Gadsby : leave us.’’ Mr. Gadsby: that. ‘Bridget is going to ‘Well, I’m glad of She’s broken everything else.’’ feck tea a a The authorities in Pittsfield, Mass., have recently added to the fire depart- ment’s apparatus a sort of restaurant on wheels, or ‘‘night lunch’’ cart, a vehicle stocked with doughnuts, sandwiches and coffee, which follows the engines when the department is called out to fires. Elkhart Egg Gase Co. Manufacturers of Egg bases and Fillers are placing on the market a GROCERS’ DELIVERY CASE This case being shipped folded flat. goes at low frei. ht rate, and occupies little room on count- er. Containing a complete filler, carries eggs safely. Will be printed with your “ad” free when ordered in thousand lots. Price $10.0 per thousaud. Can be returned and used many times. We are largest manufacturers Egg Case Fillers in U. 8, and our cold storage filler is not equaled. Our farmers 12 doz. case is made to’ set in back of a@ buggy and is just the thing to bring eggs to market in ‘te adapammanaerengpneeine _ na | MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 5 Grand Rapids Gossip The Grocery Market. Sugar—Last Wednesday prices were advanced Xc on all hards and 1I-16c_ on all Nos. from 1 to 8 inclusive, and I-16, on Nos. g to 12 inclusive with other grades unchanged. Thursday, No. 4 was advanced 1I-16c, since which time the market has been strong, with many in- dications of a higher range of values. Coffee—The war between the package coffee houses is still on, although no cuts in price have been made this week. The trade in this and other markets is going heavily to package coffees, to the detriment of trade in bulk. Fish—The Lenten season has not yet had effect on this trade, although it is measurably affecting the trade in salt fish. No changes are to be expected in prices even during the Lenten season, as the visible and probable supply of fish will doubtless take care of the de- mand. This line of meats has had fewer fluctuations during the year past than any other line. This is not because of the larger demand, but the lighter sup- ply. Neither the Great Lakes nor the inland lakes of the State furnished their usual amount of fish the past season. Oatmeal—There is no general recov- ery from the recent lapses in the mar- ket. It is thought by buyers that the advances on oatmeal by the manufac- turers was caused by mills that over- sold and named high prices to protect themselves. Sales were made for im- mediate needs only at the high prices, but being above the reasonable level _they could not be held. Syrups and Molasses—‘‘The Trades- man did good work some years ago in exposing the short count nuisance in the pickle business,’’ remarked a wholesale grocer the other day, ‘‘and it is now in order for it to use its influence in put- ting an end to another abuse which has crept in the grocery trade in some sec- tions, but has not, so far as my knowl- edge goes, reached the Grand Rapids market. I refer to the custom of some jobbers having syrups and molasses put up short measure. This is a_ short- age which can be easily detected by the dealer by simply rolling his barrel or other package onto the scales, noting the gross weight and dividing by 12%. A gallon of syrup or molasses weighs prac- tically 1114 pounds and the package, as a rule, will weigh a pound to the gallon, so that a computation of this kind will disclose the existence of any consider- able shortage. I would suggest this plan to the readers of the Tradesman, believing it will post them to that ex- tent that they will refuse to be imposed upon by disreputable dealers who are seeking to make a small extra_percent- age by adopting this sort of practice.’’ Crackers—-Staple brands have been reduced in price tc per Ilb., and other grades are affected by the downward movement, but not to so large an extent. In view of the demoralized condition of the market, the Tradesman feels im- pelled this week to withdraw all quota- tions, as the market is practically open and is likely to remain so for some time to come. Provisions—There has been much of steadiness during the week in a general way, and meats and pork are firmer than a week ago, while lard is slightly lower at Chicago. The supply of hogs at Chicago has fallen short of expecta- tions, and this appears to have given some strength to the market sentiment. The fact remains, however, that prices of hogs are relatively above a parity with corn, and that the abundance of corn, far in excess of any requirement before another crop will be harvested, gives assurance of a continuance of low values for this grain, which will prob- ably continue to be a factor in shaping the market for pork, so that any strik- ing advance, for some time to come at least, is not reasonably to be counted on. ——__> > _ Some Comparisons Showing the Fu- tility of Free Telephones. The last general telephone directory issued by the Bell Telephone Co., in Grand Rapids, was dated May 1, 1806. It contained twenty-five pages of names —in ail 1,800—the highest telephone number issued being 1448 and the actual number of telephones in service being 1,481. Three supplementary lists have recently been issued, showing new tele- phones alleged to have been put into service as follows: Offices Residences May 1 to Dee. 1, 1896 22 84 Dec. 1 to Jan. 1, 1897, 5 lil Jan. 1 to Feb. 1, 1897, 13 64 40 259 Total in nine months, 299. As there has been no revised list of the May, 1896, subscribers issued, in order to ascertain the exact number of Bell phones in use, the names of all subscribers whose instruments had been removed, to the certain knowledge of the writer, were crossed out, and the remainder determined by crossing out the names of those reported by the operator at the central office as being no longer connected—which methods resulted in showing 660 teiephones in actual use on December 1; and it is estimated that since Dec. 1 the Bell Co. has lost 120 subscribers, making the present number of connections 839. Reference to the supplementary list issued by the Bell Co. this month dis- closes several very amusing subterfuges which have been adopted to pad out the list and make it appear larger than it really is. For instance, it will be noted that the two telephones in the Democrat office are repeated three times each, as follows : 21, Daily Democrat. 23, Daily Democrat. 21, Grand Rapids Democrat. 23, Grand Rapids Democrat. 21, Democrat, Grand Rapids. 23, Democrat, Grand Rapids. These two instruments have been in service for several years under the num- bers ‘‘21-1 ring’’ and ‘‘21-3 rings ;’’ and while the change in numbering adds _ to the list of names, it does not increase the actual number of instruments in service. Because of the difficulty in eliminating the duplicates, as indicated above, it is probable that the actual number of instruments in service is less than the 839 above indicated. A comparison of the above with the figures furnished by the Citizens Tele- phone Co. as to the actual number of telephones in service is of interest: Oct 19896 o6524.. 2. Se 1,554 Nov tee ee ee 1.698 ey fee “1.770 Ren eee ae 1,813 Hebi ie ter 11837 The Citizens Co. has not lost a single telephone subscriber because of the free service of the Bell Co. The following comparison is interest- ing: Citigens phones in ge... 1,837 Bell phones in use, mostly free........... 839 Excess of independent phones. ..... 998 Also the following : The Citizens Co. (with competition)..... 1,837 The Bell Co. (May, 1896, without com.)..1,481 Excess of independent telephones... 356 Grand Rapids Retail Grocers’ Asso- ciation. At the regular meeting of the Grand Rapids Retail Grocers’ Association, held at Retail Grocers’ Hall on Tuesday evening, Feb. 16, President Winchester presided. Thirteen applications for membership in the Association were received and, on motion, accepted. They are as fol- lows: H. J. Grit, 114 Jennette. John Y. Dykstra, 233 Seventh. R. Lindemulder, to5 Alpine. T. Van Kruller & Co., 127 Alpine. O. A. Anderson, 278 Fifth. A. Vogel, corner Second and Lane. A. Beamer, 57 Fourth. Jesse S. Valentine, 161 Turner. G. E. Carter, 240 Scribner. Thos. Hart, South Division. Heman Parish, 43 Fountain. J. Lambrix & Sons, 222 West Bridge. Marguerette Conneley, 47 Eleventh. Chairman Winchester, of the Com- mittee on Flour, asked further time to conduct the work inaugurated some time ago. A. W. Rush asserted that, in his opin- ion, the sale of flour by the retail gro- cers is about the whitest ghost that haunts the trade. J. J. Wagner insisted that the mills ought not to retail flour; that that part of the business should be left to the re- tail grocer. J. Geo. Lehman called attention to the fact that the city millers made faith- ful promises two or three years ago that they would no longer sell flour direct to the consumer. As a result of such promises, many Grand Rapids grocers received orders from the mills for flour which had been placed with them, but for some months back the old abuse has been allowed to creep in again. He stated that Mr. Rowe, of the Valley City Mills, talked very favorably some time ago in regard to placing flour on the re- bate or discount plan, and he _ believed the millers would be willing to enter into an arrangement of this kind if the dealers would agree to handle city flour only. He did not believe the millers would be willing to stop selling flour to farmers, but thought they could be _per- suaded to put an end to the sale of flour to consumers in the city. Mr. Rush stated that the millers had what is laconically described as a ‘“pudding.’’ They dump the flour down at the door of the grocer in quantity, take the cash for it, and the grocer peddles it out in small quantities at lit- tle or no profit and takes his chances on getting his pay at that. Some arrange- ment should be made whereby the _ gro- cer can at least secure enough profit to equal the interest on the money he lends the miller with which to conduct his business. Mr. Lehman stated that, if the local trade were te discontinue the sale of outside flour prices would, in all prob- ability, advance. Mr. Rush stated that it made very little difference with the grocer what price he paid for flour, so long as he se- cured a living profit thereon. Speaking for himself, he said he would be will- ing to stop handling any but city brands. Mr. Wagner stated that, in his opin- ion, less outside flour was being sold here now than at any time for years. When there is a considerable difference between outside flour and local brands, the people naturally take the foreign flour, but when they are on a parity, so far as price is concerned, they naturally insist on having city brands, in prefer- ence to outside goods. Frank J. Dyk moved that the Com- mittee be requested to continue the work for which it was created—the at- tempt to secure some concession from the mills in the way of a rebate or dis- count on flour sold at stipulated prices, to be established by the millers—and also that the Committee use its best en- deavors to secure from the millers an agreement to discontinue the sale of flour at retail to consumers in the city. Adopted. A. W. Rush, chairman of the Sunday Closing Committee, stated that he had interviewed several municipal officers on the subject and that, in his opinion, such an ordinance as he had _ suggested at a previous meeting would meet with favor at the hands of the Common Coun- cil. He suggested the preparation and circulation of a series of petitions ask- ing the Council to pass the ordinance. n motion of Mr. Wagner, the Com- mittee was requested to communicate with the Retail Meat Dealers’ Associa- tion, with a view to securing the co- operation of that organization, draft the desired ordinance and prepare the necessary petitions with as little delay as possible. Secretary Klap read a letter from the Secretary of the Detroit Retail Grocers’ Association relative to the proposed amendment to the wages exemption laws, which was laid on the table for the present. Treasurer Lehman reported a balance on hand of $271.48, and the meeting adjourned. ———~>2>—__. The Grain Market. The prices on wheat have declined fully 3c per bushel during the week. This is contrary to the laws of supply and demand, but by the simple force of the money power, which at present holds sway, prices are depressed. Tak- ing the actual facts into consideration, prices should have turned upward, in- stead of downward. Argentine shipped only about 100,000 bushels, against 800, - ooo bushels during the corresponding week last year. Shipments from this country (Argentine) during three weeks were only 160,000 bushels, against 1,720,000 bushels during the corres- ponding week last year. Our visible decreased 1,227,000 bushels during the week, against 193,000 bushels during the corresponding week in 1896. The situ- ation is stronger than it was last No- vember, when May wheat sold at 85 7c in Chicago. Foreigners are holding off, simply because they see the droop- ing prices on this side. However, this country 1s now in a position to dictate prices. The bear element is in the sad- dle and for the present, at least, every strong argument is totally ignored. It is a question how long they can con- tinue in this path. Many mills, both in the spring and winter wheat sections, have contracted their output, but are now shut down, and many others are running very light; but a change will come, when everyone will say, ‘‘I told you so.’’ Wheat is getting scarcer every day. Chicago holds about 10,000, - ooo bushels, of which probably 5,000, - ooo bushels is available, and on the strength of this 60,000,000 bushels have been sold. The receipts are limited, but the exports and consumption go on just the same. Now the question arises, Where are we to get the 60,000,000 bushels of wheat to supply the short sellers of May wheat? The flour trade is fair, but more business could be done were it not for the high price and scar- city of wheat. A reckoning day must come before long. There is no change in the coarse grain market, nor will there be much change until the volume is reduced to where it can be more easily controlled. There is no speculation in these grains at pres- ent. The receipts during the past week were: wheat, 37 cars; corn, 9 cars; oats, 8 cars. The receipts of wheat were about normal, but very large for both corn and oats. Notwithstanding the decline in prices, local millers continue to pay 82c for wheat. C. G. A. Vorer. ——_—__2___ D. G. Newberry, shingle mill opera- tor at Germfast, has opened a _ grocery store at that place. The Clark-Jewell- Wells Co. furnished the stock. GOTHAM GOSSIP. News from the Metropolis---index to the Market. Special Correspondence. New York, Feb. 13—When a holiday here comes on a Friday, it means that practically there will be no business un- til Monday. Besides, we have had a severe snowstorm and this has inter- fered with speedy deliveries of goods on train or boat. There have been few features of interest during the week. The committee that is investi- gating trusts has been taking a vacation and no further developments have oc- curred, but the Trust (big T) trembles not. Coffee remains quiet, about the most interesting item in this connection be- ing the announcement of a man owning some eighty retail groceries that he will sell Lion coffee at 15c. This is below the department store quotation. There have been about the usual transactions on the street, sales Thursday reaching something like 5,000 bags. The mar- ket shows a decline of five points. Warehouse deliveries for three days ag- gregated 72,000 bags. Rio No. 7 1s quotable at 9%c. Mild coffees are steady and holders adhere firmly to rates previously made. Sales have been mostly on private terms. Granulated sugar at 43{c has been in better demand than for a long time and the outlook is very encouraging. Prices are fractionally higher, the market be- ing largely oversold, and orders are taken subject to delay. Arbuckle’s big refinery 1s being pushed to completion as rapidly as a large force of men can do the work. Raw sugars are very firm, with importers asking higher figures. There has been a quite satisfactory business in high grades of Japan teas; but, for the greater part, transactions have been slow. Prices are low and sales at auction have attracted very few buyers aside from the usual attendants. The satisfactory condition in the rice market noted last week still cbtains and the market presents the most encoura- ging aspect. Advices from abroad are of a character indicating that large sup- plies are still being drawn upon to meet the wants of Iudia, and it certainly seems as though the present were as good a time to buy as we shall see for some time. Of the canned goods market the less said the better. It was only three or four weeks ago that everything seemed in a most flourishing condition, and all hands expressed the opinion—or at least the hope—that we had reached the turn- ing point. To-day we have a market about as dull as it has been at any time. Prices are depressed and the bottom seems to have fallen out. However, brokers are not discouraged. They pro- fess confidence in the future and say, ‘You just wait until after April, and you'll see a different state of things.’’ So we are waiting. Lemons and oranges have both been in usual demand, with, perhaps, more interest than usual displayed in the latter fruit. Bananas and pineapples are in very light request, bananas es- pecially being extremely dull. Pepper shows more strength and, with much smaller supplies, dealers main- tain that the market will advance very materially. Cloves are firmer. Other lines are practically unchanged. In molasses and syrups there is no change to note in either. O. K. prime molasses, 24c. There is a little better feeling in but- ter and the supply and demand are now about equal. Extra Western creamery, 21'%c, best State creamery, 2oc. Cheese is very firm. Quotations are firmly adhered to and all concerned are in a happy frame of mind. Exporters are showing an unusual amount of activ- ity and altogether a very satisfactory condition of affairs prevails. Supplies of eggs have been more than equal to the demand and we have rather a depressed condition. Prices show some weakness and a lower range can be looked for very soon. MICHIGAN TRADESMAN The bean market is quiet and the de- mand is rather light. No changes have | been made in quotations of any im-| portance. Sensible Advice for Women Clerks. Clinton Locke, a writer in The Living | Church, has the following advice for | saleswomen, which is extremely perti- | nent and valuable: One of the first things I would say to} working girls is, ‘‘Do your work well.’’ | [here is this great difference between young working men and working wom- en: The former expect to keep on at that work, while the latter usually look on it as only a temporary experiment, which they will give up at the time of their marriage. This has a tendency to lead young working women to learn a thing only superficially, and to do it just well enough to be kept at it. I do not mean that women deliberately re- solve not to be thorough, but an uncon- scious influence says to them all the while: ‘‘It is not worth all the atten- tion necessary to attain perfection, for shall soon be leaving this, and will not think of it again.’’ Now, this is unsound reasoning, and is only covert dishonesty—only a roundabout way of leceit. Doing a thing well is not only zood for the work and for your em- ployer’s interest, but it is good for you, for your character, your truthful- less, your consistency. So, take my idvice, and do what you have to do as well as you possibly can. Then, do not be so independent, as you call it (though very often it is sim- ply impertinence) toward the customers whom you serve. The unbearable man- ner, the disdain—not in words, but in looks—the inattention of many women clerks in the stores, is a subject of gen- eral complaint. I grant that you are very much tried by the unreasonable- ness and the utter disregard of your teelings shown by the women on whom vou wait, but men clerks have to bear the same, and yet they seldom act as you do. You often hear people say they would much rather be waited on by a man than a woman. It is simply because of the lofty indifference as to whether they are suited or not with which some saleswomen treat their cus- tomers. So many of you seem to be afraid you will not be thought ‘‘ladies. ”’ Now all that is very absurd. One of the first marks of a lady is patience, courtesy, calm endurance of disagree- able things. This word “‘lady’’ has been so abused, of late years, that in the best society you seldom hear it. A party of duchesses and countesses in England would speak of themselves, and be spoken of by their friends, as women, and it is the same in this coun- try. Do not be guilty of the amusing tolly of calling yourself a saleslady or a forelady. You laugh, yourself, at wash- lady and cooklady, and the whole com- munity would laugh if the foremen in the factories where they are employed took to calling themselves ‘‘foregentle- men.’’ A friend of mine was quite taken aback when she was told by the ‘“‘cooklady’’ that her ‘‘swillgentleman’’ wished to see her in the back vard. Never be ashamed of the noble word ‘“woman.’" It seems to me to convey more than its equivalent in any other language; that dignity, that reserve, that sweet helpfulness, which gather around you wherever your sex is men- tioned, in public or private. —_—_»-—.___ An amusing incident recently occurred among the students at the Madison Dairy School. Great stress is laid on keeping everything neat and clean and a certain number of students ate de- tailed each afternoon to scrub. Printed instructions are given each boy, and among other sentences occurs this one, ‘‘Use warm water and plenty of elbow grease.’ One of the boys, on receiving his sheet of instructions, read it over very carefully and then asked, in an anxious sort of way, where would he find the can of elbow grease? The savings banks of New York State show an increase in surplus, but a de- crease in deposits, for 1896. a zy @ : hing Green § = When You See Anything Green s = Think of Vinkemulder. @ e When You Need Anything Green 7 A Send Your Order to Vinkemulder. a @ Wesel Fruits and Produce, sell them at mail order prices. Try us fora yearortwo We . @ are now making up list of customers who want our price list. Send us your name, and e s keep posted on our market prices = ’ HENRY J. VINKEMULDER, Grand Rapids, Mich. e BOUOROROLONS TOTO ESC TOROROTOHOROKOROROROCROROROROHOHOBE EEDS The season for FIELD SEEDS such #s CLOVE® and TIMOTHY is now at hand. We are prepared to meet market prices. When ready to buy write us for prices or send orders. Will bill at market value. $ MOSELEY BROS., < Wholesale Seeds, Beans, Potatoes, 26-28-30-32 Ottawa St., Grand Rapids. GDDOQDOQODODDOOE QDHDDOQOQ©DOODQODODODOD"E QDOHQDOQQOQOOQOQOQOGOOOOQOOQOOQDOOOE APPLES Any kind $1.50 per barrel. SWEET POTATOES, CAPE COD CRANBERRIES, SPANISH ONIONS, ORANGES, LEMONS, FANCY WHITE CLOVER HONEY. BUNTING & CO., 20 & 22 OTTAWA STREET, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH- O © @ e @ @ © © @ © 2 © peseceaececaans VHOQDOOOOQOODO©OQOOQOOGQOOOO e © ANCHOR BRAND OYSTERS Prompt attention given telegraph and mail orders. See quotations in price current. F. J. DETTENTHALER, Grand Rapids, Mich. MCOPPOPOGQOOQOOOOQOQOQOGDOOOOQOQOQOOQODOE© SVSvsvsvSrxOGvxs GCOOQQDOOQOQDQDOOQOGDOOH, M. R. ALDEN COMMISSION ll tf EXCLUSIVELY 98 S. DIVISION ST., GRAND RAPIDS. HEN FRUIT ——- Is always seasonable. Eggs “just laid” get the very highest market price with me. Write me R. HIRT, JR., Market St., Detroit. ®DOQOOOOOOO © @ @ @ © © @ e P ERKING & HESS, ss" Hides Furs, Woo! and Tallow We carry a stock of cake tallow for mill use. Nos. 122 and 124 Louis St., - Grand Rapids. ¢ OOOOO0 04 00000000000000006606666006066060606606060006 THE 00000000 <_< atl atl all alll al at TRADESMAN Reaches the buyer The buyer sells the goods--- The goods you have to sell The moral is plain—USE THE TRADESMAN, LARGEST PAID CIRCULATION. NA ee he PE ENE pO Ne Bia as ore ara aarematedl MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 7 Profit in Soda Water. L. N. D. in the Helper. There are thousands of persons in the confectionery and baking lines who would put in a soda fountain if they knew anything about it. They have not, as yet, the faintest conception of the profit that can be made from a single fountain, rightly managed, and they do not realize that one of the best-paying investments in retail trade lies uncul- tivated at their elbow. Added to the number of these per- sons, there are many more who have reached the stage of owning a fountain, from which they are already deriving a good profit, but, in some vague and in- distinct way, they realize that they are not working the investment to anything like its full capacity. They know that where they are making cents, other and brighter people, with no better facili- ties of location, are making dollars, and they naturally want to understand the business a little better and see wherein they can improve their present income. To each of these two classes The Helper may, perhaps, justify its name by giving some practical sugges- tions about the dispensing of soda water, and a few facts as to the profit which may be made from this legitimate branch of the business. It was Motley, the historian, who said, ‘‘Give us the luxuries of life, and we will do without the necessities.’’ Mdd as the saying sounds, there are many persons who very nearly justify it in the conduct of their affairs. Nearly everyone has pin-money to spend for the little dainties and delicacies which appeal to the palate. Soda water is one of those delicacies. Its appeal is prob- ably keener and more frequent than is the desire for candies and sweets, in the same way that an appetite for thirst is stronger than an appetite for food. In a very true sense, each helps the other. Few persons, when drinking a glass of soda, can overlook the temptation to carry away a few sweets, and vice versa. Naturally these remarks must be qual- ified for certain localities, as, for ex- ample, a little country village. No man is so clever that he can build up a soda water business where the popu- lation is scanty, or where the people are unable to pay five cents for an oc- casional luxury. But wherever a rea- sonable number of people are gathered together,and wherever money is spent for car fares, candy, amusements, cigars or ice cream, it will always be spent for soda water. Putting it in still another way, in any town or city where a bar-room can be supported, there is certainly a soda water constit- uency. The proof of the statement that soda water is a profitable branch of business is not far to seek. Druggists are contin- ually buying new fountains, but who ever heard of a druggist putting a foun- tain out of his store because there was no business for it? Is it not the uni- versal experience that the constant change in fountains means simply that the trade has outgrown the capacity of the apparatus, and that where the drug- gist formerly did a business amounting to hundreds of dollars, he now has a trade reaching up into the thousands? These figures are not imaginary. There are many well-authenticated cases of druggists who, starting their first foun tain, and building up a trade of two or three hundred dollars, have, in a series of years, without any special advan- tages of exceptional location, developed a business in soda water alone of from $15,000 to $20,000 a year. Start, then, with the idea that the opportunity to make hundreds of dollars a year is open to anyone who will in- stall a good fountain in his store; the opportunity to make thousands of dol- lars a year is open to the man who can realize how rare good soda is, and can see, in that fact, the opportunity tor him to build up a constantly enlarging, permanent custom therefor. Not all soda is good soda. Asa drink, it per haps varies more, and is more sensi- tively affected, than either tea or coffee. Many persons drink poor tea or coffee, for the simple reason that they know nothing better. But let them enjoy good tea and coffee for a while,and they will take no more of the poor stuff that is accepted as tea or coffee in nineteen families out of twenty. Now, not one person in twenty knows what fine soda is, but in just this one fact lies the golden opportunity for the enterprising baker or confectioner. Teach them what good soda is, and they will repay you liberally for the instruction. Next, consider for a moment the mat- ter of a fountain. Your business is go- ing to grow; do not make any mistake in the selection of your outfit! The question is not what your needs are _to- day, but what they will be two years hence. It is a wise maxim that you should buy for future needs, and not for the present. You will find many bargains offered you in second-hand fountains, but as a rule they are not near as cheap as they look. Appear- ance counts for a great deal in the dis- pensing of soda water. You can enter a restaurant and, no doubt, enjoy a meal whether the surroundings are con- genial or not. But one must eat food. It is a necessity, whereas the drinking of soda water is a pure luxury, a matter always of choice, and, with the present plentiful supply of soda fountains in every block, it is always possible to make your choice between two stores, and probably the majority of purchas- ers exercise this prerogative. Ask yourself whether a glass of water tastes as good when drunk from a dip- per at a public iron fountain on the sidewalk as it does when served ina thin, delicate glass in the dining-room of a first-class hotel? In either case it is the same pure water, but in the for- mer instance the temptation, the at- tractiveness, the inducement, are all wanting. You drink merely to satisfy your actual thirst. Now apply this same idea to soda fountains. gee are really thirsty, the old-fashioned, dingy fountain will, no doubt, be acceptable to you. But nine persons out of ten, as experience shows, will always prefer to walk a few steps down the street for the added attractiveness of the fine fountain. Then, too, the size of your fountain shows every customer the ex- tent of your soda water trade, and this means the amount of pains and effort that you have put into it, and the measure of success that you have achieved with it. The size of the foun- tain tells whether soda is a specialty with you, or an ordinary, uninteresting detail of your business. It is wise ad- vice, therefore, to select a new foun- tain, and as large a one as you can reasonably hope to require at the end of a year or two of successful effort di- rected at this branch of your business. Next, as to tumblers. Ask yourself another question—whether coffee drunk from a heavy, thick cup weighing nearly half a pound is as refreshing and delicious as if served in a dainty cup of thin French china? We must admit that the little minor details are of great importance in a business of this nature, where so much depends upon the temptation or inducement which is embodied in the mere appear- ance. It will be urged that thin glasses cost more and are easily broken. This is true; but do not rumsellers use thin tumblers and thin glass? Will more glass be broken in the drinking of soda} water or in the drinking of rum? Are soda water drinkers, as a rule, less ap- preciative of refinement than dram drinkers? The fact is that the very frailty of a glass makes it luxurious. Some of your customers may not know the difference between good soda and poor soda, but there is not one of them who will not recognize the advantage of a thin glass. Now a word as to quality. Give as little soda as you wisn! Make your glasses as small as seems to you wise! But insist that the soda shall be fine soda and finely served. Do not exper- iment with your own flavoring and juices, The bottling of juices is a com- plete business in itself; it has to be done under the most careful and exact- ing conditions, the fruit selected with extra care, in a locality where it is very low in cost, and by experts who know the various brands and qualities of fruit, and are able to choose them at sight. The process of making the rich juices is not a secret, but, on the other hand, it is not given to everyone to ac- complish it. Buy your flavors and juices, then, and do not try to manu- facture them. The saving (which may appear to you large) in using home- made extracts can scarcely be greater than one-tenth of a cent a glass, and for that one-tenth of a cent the whole suc- cess of your new business is jeopardized. Good soda (the very best) need never cost you more than two and one-half cents a glass, and this allows you a full 1oo per cent. of profit. It is not wise to take risks with a business which pays so handsomely as this. It goes without saying that soda must be served ice cold. Surely the most expensive of all supposed economies is the economy of ice. There are many ways of protecting ice so that it lasts much longer; wrapping it in three or four thicknesses of newspaper wili go far toward retarding the process of melting ; but beyond this it is nct safe to economize. Have plenty of ice, and use it freely. The money thus ex- pended, like bread cast upon the waters, will come back handsomely with a lit- tle waiting. It is not, perhaps, necessary to go into the enumeration of the many little delicacies and nicer points which go to make up the difference between good soda and bad soda. These little deli- cacies start with the fountain (which is, really, more than half the battle), and then -.go on down through many minor points, all of them important, because the business we are considering is one which must be tempting to be anything more than merely prosperous. The difference between a profit of hundreds of dollars and a profit of thousands of dollars, whether in a confectioner’s, a bakery, or a drug store, is the simple difference between a second-hand, dingy fountain and a new and_ improved make; between luke-warm soda and that delicious drink which is cold as ice; between thick tumblers and the delicate glass which tempts the visitor; between bungling service, dirty hands and soiled linen, and the careful and painstaking cleanliness which every soda drinker so appreciates. We em- phasize these matters, not because of any lesser excuse than the fact that such niceties pay the profits. Itis a mistake to think that soda is pretty much all alike. There is no justification for this theory in actual experience. When two dealers, within a stone’s throw of each other, divide the business so that nine- tenths of it goes to one store, and only one-tenth to the other, it is time to wake up and ask ourselves the reason which lies behind this fact. It is use- less to contend that the majority of peo- ple do not know good soda from poor soda. They need only to locate the store which sells the former, and they are regular customers of that fountain thenceforth. a Business and Pleasure. ‘‘Highmore, what are your plans for your spring vacation?’’ ‘Il am going to Nevada in March to see the Corbett-Fitzsimmons fight, and then I expect to come back by way of South Dakota and get a divorce.’’ a The returns for the Manchester canal seem to bear out the supposition that it is not such a ‘‘white elephant’’ as has generally been supposed. The tonnage for the month of December footed up to 181,144 tons, or an increase of about 4o per cent. over the same month of 1895. The increase in revenue is put down at 42 per cent. for the same period. ee ee The official returns of the German quinquennial census have just been published and show a remarkable in- crease in the population for the past five years. The total population was found to be 52,279,901, against 49,428,470 five years ago. The increase of 2,851,431 1s made up of 1,430,418 males and 1,421,013 females. ONIONS Nuts Figs Oranges Honey Cranberries Are still advancing. Our Michigan Selects, red or yel- Buy now. low, are fine, so are our.... Lemons Sweet Potatoes STILES & PHILLIPS, Both Telephones 10. 9 NORTH IONIA ST., GRAND RAPIDS. Reed) EULA Vs ae 127 Louis St., Extra Fancy Navels Extra Fancy Cali- | fornia Seedlings. ALLERTON & HAGGSTROM, Jobbers of Fruits, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. GLLLLILLIFIFIISIT ITS ORANGE VALENCIAS SEEDLINGS NAVELS b BANANAS, LEMONS, CRANBERRIES, ETC. J. M. DRYSDALE & CO., WHOLESALE FRUITS AND PRODUCE, SAGINAW, E. S., MICH. IV VEO VV SVU SVVUSVUNVSIVV DVO SMSO SUSE SOD OO SOOM, Fancy stock at close prices. WA ABAAAALAS. Pure Mincemeat is the “‘Upper Crust”’ from MEADER & KNUTTEL, WEST SAGINAW. 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 guarantee 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 arrearages are paid. Sample copies sent free to any address. Entered at the Grand Rapids Post Office as Second Class mail matter. When writing to any of our Advertisers, please say that you saw the advertisement in the Michigan Tradesman. E. A. STOWE, Epiror. WEDNESDAY, - - - FEBRUARY 17, 1897. THE CRETAN DIFFICULTY. Europe is becoming _ thoroughly alarmed over the situation of affairs in the Mediterranean. It is now admitted on all hands that the powers have a formidable difficulty to cope with, and it is very apparent that there is a lack of harmony among them. They had about agreed upon a line of policy with respect to the Armenian question; bu: the revolt in Crete, coming suddenly and unexpectedly, opened up problems in which conflicting interests were in- volved. It is almost impossible to suppose that Greece undertook to foment trouble in Crete and sent a fleet of warships to prevent the landing of Turkish troops, without having had some secret en- couragement from one or more of the great powers. The certainty of that fact has made all the powers suspicious of each other, so that there is really very little prospect of any united action on the part of Europe in solving the Cretan difficulty. Already there is a disposition shown to allow matters to take their course. Should there be no intervention, Turkey will be sure to send troops to Crete, and any attempt on the part of Greece to prevent it will lead promptly to war. Turkey is already massing troops on the Grecian frontier, and is preparing to send a large force to Crete. There is, therefore, imminent danger of a clash. Should Greece, by a sudden ‘‘coup de main,’’ succeed in annexing Crete, the powers would probably make no opposition, but would quietly ac- cept accomplished facts. having been the aggressors, however, it is difficult to see how any of the powers can attempt to prevent Turkey from at- tacking Greece. Decayed as is the Ot- toman Empire, the Turks still have a formidable army, and they are excellent fighters; hence Greece is attempting a very serious task which it may well be doubted she will be able to accom- plish without outside assistance. Many of the continental papers de- clare that England is back of the at- tempt to absorb Crete, and point to the fact that the British fleet in the Medi terranean has gradually increased toa strength of forty vessels. If Great Britain has really connived at the course of Greece, then what was the underly- ing motive? That is a difficult ques- The Greeks. tion to answer, and the people who have given rise to it content themselves with mere assertion, without attempting to assign motives. It is barely possible that Great Britain might desire to force the hands of Rus- sia and France. There is no doubt that those two powers had resolved to act together in solving the Turkish problem, and had matured their plans. [he Cretan trouble has created a diver- sion and disrupted all combinations, thus placing Great Britain in a better position to gather together the threads of the situation. The formation of a powerful Greek state would bea stum- bling-block in the way of Russia, while the confusion which a war between Tur- key and Greece would engender would enable England to work out some of her pet schemes undisturbed. In the meantime the latest reports state that Greece has notified the powers that she will resist the landing of Turk- ish troops in Crete in every way in her power. That notification, of itself, is sufficient to constitute a casus belli. In fighting strength, Turkey is vastly superior to Greece, and were the Turks allowed a free hand, and were not han- dicapped by a depleted treasury, they would make short work of their ambi- tious neighbors. The Turkish army is thoroughly well organized and, on the whole, is well armed. Making no al- iowance for the horde of irregular troops that could be put in the field, the Turk- ish army, including the Nizam and the various classes of the reserves, aggre- gates 700,000 men, divided into 583,200 infantry, 55,300 cavalry, 54,720 artillery ind 7,400 engineers. Fully 1,000,000 men could be pressed into service in time of war. The regular or standing army, exclusive of reserves, on a peace footing numbers 200,000 men. The standing army of Greece num- bers 25,000 men, but it is expected that, on a war footing, about 200,000 men could be put in the field. Greece could also count on the Cretan and Mace- donian rebels, an assistance difficult to properly estimate. It is possible, also, that Bulgaria might make common cause with Greece. Such assistance would prove very formidable, as the Bulgarian army is as well armed and as well disciplined as any in Europe. Its peace footing is 40,000 officers and men, and, in time of war, Bulgaria could probably put in the field 400,000 men. She has a population of about 4,000,000 souls. A notabie result of the bicycling craze is that in England the demand for skilled mechanics has become so strong that young men are turning away from business offices and entering factories, where they can earn two or three times the wages they would receive as clerks. Already the merchants of Birmingham are beginning to complain of the diffi- culty of obtaining young clerks. Edu- cators have for a long time been wor- ried by the ugly fact that our public schools turn out boys fit to earn a liv- ing for the moment only by office work. [hey only know how to read, write and cipher; any further knowledge they must acquire by an_ apprenticeship which requires more time often than their parents can afford to support them, while their school training tends to de- velop a distaste for manual labor. In many communities an attempt to remedy this condition of things has been made by the establishment of schools for man- ual training. Perhaps the trouble here described is to be very largely remedied by the bicycle. THE IRON COMBINATIONS. In the organization and management cf combinations and trusts there seem to be two very different methods pursued. In such combinations as the oil and sugar trusts, the policy seems to be to depend upon the reduction of the cost of production and distribution in every possible way to secure the furnishing of the product at prices to exclude com- petition—a policy which cannot be con- sidered inimical to public interests, so long as the wages of the producers are maintained and the prices are kept be- low what they would be by the ordinary operations of competitive trade. That many of the leading combinations are pursuing this policy seems likely to be demonstrated by the investigations now under way in New York. There is another policy pursuea in many instances in which the only con- sideration seems to be the enhancement of the prices of productions to the ut- most at which they can be maintained. Less attention is given to the lessening of the cost of production and distribu- tion, but every influence is brought to bear to secure the control of all com- petition and then an arbitrary scale of prices is demanded, as high as it is possible to secure. This class of com- binations is sufficiently exemplified in the iron and steel trusts and pools which have been undergoing disintegration during the past few months. It appears to have been the policy of these organizations, during the period of depression, to maintain the scales of prices at figures which nearly com- pleted the paralysis of production, hop- ing that returning business activity would force returns even upon such un- reasonable schedules. The fallacy of this expectation has been sufficiently demonstrated by the utter demoraliza- tion which has overtaken most of the iron combinations. In the early weeks of the resumption of business activity the demand for the combination prod- ucts began to be filled by outside pro- ducers which the combinations could not control. Thus, in the nail industry, the great proportion of the nailmaking machinery of the country iay idle while a new plant was being installed to sup- ply the demand at greatly reduced prices. The consequence was the dis- ruption of the combination and the re- duction of the prices of nails to one- half the former scale in less thana week. The history of this branch of iron manufacture has been repeated, in vary- ing degrees, by a number of others, un- til, with the breaking up of the steel rail combination, it would seem that prices have come to the standard pre- scribed by the laws of supply and de- mand. The breaking up of the rail combination is of the utmost signifi- ‘cance in the movement toward business activity. Under the inflated prices which had been so long maintained the railroads refused to place orders except for small lots for the imperative need of repairs. The great plants of the country have long lain idle, keeping great numbers of operatives out of em- ployment, railway extension has been hindered and the iron and steel industry dependent on the rail manufacture has likewise suffered. The indications are that no single incident will have so great a bearing on the return of general business prosperity, outside the settle- ment of the political distractions, as the final collapse of the rail pool. The Tradesman sees a peculiar sig- nificance in some of the circumstances attending these changes in the iron in- dustry in that a prominent factor rep- resents the policy which has apparently made the Standard Oil Company a per- manent institution. For a considerable time the John D. Rockefeller interests have been preparing for gigantic oper- ations in the iron industrial field. Prac- tically, the limited mining properties have been acquired in the most access- ible of the Superior regions, and fleets of the most economical ore carriers have been constructed for the conveyance of the product down the lakes to the mar- kets and works. Thus, in these opera- tions economy of production and handling seems to have been the first consideration. Now these movements are about to assume their place in the iron industry of the country; but the restricted conditions which have so long existed are not favorable to such a movement, and there is more than co- incidence in the fact that prices are at this particular time brought down to the right commercial basis for this country and the world. This breaking up of the combinations does not necessarily imply that there are to be no more iron monopolies, but it means the end of those which depend for profits on unreasonable inflation ot prices. It will be the policy of the com- ing monopolies to keep prices where they will be enabled to compete in the markets of the world. There is little doubt that the influences actuating the present movement have taken into con- sideration the fact that the natural ad- vantages of American production en- title us to such competition, and this is the goal for which they are striving. The importance of this movement to the general trade of the country can scarcely be overestimated. While to meet the new conditions it may be nec- essary to cut down wages to some ex- tent, it is better that hundreds of thou- sands should be at work at moderate wages than that a few thousands should be kept at artificial scales. Already American exports of iron and steel are beginning to cause apprehension in English markets. Considerable ship- ments are being made, both from Bir- mingham and Pittsburg, which are be- ing sold at less than the English mines and works can produce them. The English economic journals see in this an abnormal result of trade demoraliza- tion in this country, but they will soon awaken to the fact that it is a manifes- tation of new conditions in which the Americans are simply taking their nat- ural advantages in cheap production and improved methods to claim their proper place in the world’s industry. It is probable that, so far as the ac- complishment of any material work, out side the consideration of appropriation bills, Congress has about completed its session. There are three measures of considerable importance, whose friends hoped would become laws this session which seem likely to be left for the coming Congress. One of them, the treaty with Great Britain, is of great political importance, while of the others the immigration bill is of considerable economic significance, and the bank- ruptcy bill is one engaging the interest of the business world. It will bea matter of general regret that complete action is not taken on all of these with- out the delay of passing over to an- other Congress. In Paris it is estimated that there are no less than 50,000 victims of the mor- phine habit. | t ‘A BIT o> HISTORY: SUPPLEMENT or MICHIGAN TRADESMAN. ‘NORTH BERWICK: Me- 1870: iy -NORTH BERWICK: Me- 1875- ay A AS ‘ay N\A ANY AN Ae AY ANE A X\ ee a lb i eae iecieiabalaae naan AY yy BAY EY a AY ED | J AT NORTH BERWICK: Me- A Li J.LPREscott & Co..." "21 MANUFACTURERS. °* ape above bit of Pictorial history illustrates the growth and present development of the largest Stove Polish industry in this or any other country. The number of gross of Enameline sold annually being more than double that of any other Stove Polish. QUALITY WINS. Enameline is now regularly carried in stock by the wholesale trade of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, South Africa, Australia, Norway, Sweden and Germany, who are supplied from our DISTRIBUTING DEPOTS AT New York, Cuicaco, St. Louis, SAN FRANCISCO, PITTSBURGH, CLEVELAND, CINCINNATI, MontTREAL, LONDON, LIVERPOOL, GLASGOw, Carpe Town, MELBOURNE, HAMBURG. It. PRESCOTT & CQ, Jay Street, NEW YORK. NEW YORK OFFICE ,1! JAY ST. H [LOVER] re A BIT OF HISTORY. a ec a MPLE FACTS concerning the growth of a great business are of public interest. When any industry has reached such proportions as to become a real factor in the current history of the commercial world, the story of its development is worth reading. Such a story is told on this page. The business of J. L. Prescott & Company, who now manufacture more stove polish than any other firm in the world, had its beginning in a humble way only a quarter of a century ago. In the Spring of 1870, in a small village in Maine, Mr. J. L. Prescott began the manufacture of stove polish. A one-story shed, about sixteen by eighteen feet in size, constituted the whole plant, and the output of about five gross per day was carried to the railroad station in a wheelbarrow. Year by year, solely through the merit of the goods made and the personal effort of the manufacturer, the sales increased until in 1888 they reached about 18,000 gross, when Mr. A. LL. Prescott and Mr. C. O. Littlefield, under the firm name of J. L. Prescott & Company, succeeded to the business. They soon prepared and put upon the market the first paste stove polish which ever proved to be a success, christening the new product, ENAMELINE, ‘‘The Modern Stove Polish.’’ Confident that they now had what the world wanted, they began to make it known by extensive advertising. Their expenditure for the first year was equal to twice the amount of their capital at the beginning of the year. They believed in ENAMELINE, and were not disappointed, as the demand for their goods, resting primarily upon their real merit, which was made known by liberal advertising, soon made it necessary to run their plant night and day, and called loudly for larger facilities. The development of their business was the first purpose of the firm, and year by year the appropriations for advertising were larger and larger, until now the figures reach hundreds of thousands of doliars annually. Increased factory facilities were yearly provided, to handle the rapidly increasing volume of business. It soon became evident that ENAMELINE was to be the world’s stove polish, the demand even then reaching beyond the American market, and that a new location must be selected near one of the great centres of commerce, where adequate facilities for manufacture and shipping could be provided. ‘The very logic of the situation, led to the selection of New York City for the new head-quarters, and in the Spring of 1896, an extensive factory, constructed after modern plans, was put in operation at Passaic, New Jersey. The five gross per day of 1870 had then grown to between three and four carloads daily, and the product was being distributed to every English speaking country on the globe, also to Germany and Scandinavia, from warehouses conveniently located as noted on the other side of this sheet. The year 1896 has witnessed the largest growth of any in the history of ENAMELINE. ‘Two additions to the main factory, and three separate buildings are now being erected at Passaic. The combined length of these new buildings is nearly four hundred feet, and when completed, will practically double the present capacity of the works. The sales for the year exceeded one-half the stove polish consumed in the entire world during the year and were nearly three times the amount made by any other single manufacturer. The reader can better appreciate the phenomenal growth and magnitude of this business from the following facts. Nearly three million feet of pine lumber are now used annually for shipping cases. About five tons of tin plate are used each day in making the tin boxes in which ENAMELINE is packed. This amount of tin plate, when spread out, would cover nine acres. Paper labels are put upon each of these tin boxes. These labels are now bought in one hundred million lots. About fifty gallons of paste are used each day in putting the labels upon the boxes. All Wholesale and 97 per cent. of the Retail grocers, also nearly all House Furnishing, Stove and Hardware dealers of the United States sell ENAMELINE. This brief sketch, which is a characteristic one of American enterprise, will do more to sustain the confidence of the trade, by its plain statement of facts concerning the history of ENAMELINE, than much vain boasting, which has no more substantial foundation than the fertile brain of the paid writer. BLACKENE, ‘The Modern Benzine Paste Stove Polish,’ is made and guaranteed by the same firm, and is to the Stove Dealer what ENAMELINE is to the Housekeeper. SS The trade are often imposed upon by irresponsible parties, who claim that their paste stove polish will not dry out or harden in the box. From E fey Ene noveay) y ge, such parties there is no redress when the goods spoil. There need be no Pca y aCe : : : Peas ake we in aly case prove in the least defective, the manufacturers will gladly redeem ALLS loss on ENAMELINE, as it is guaranteed to keep perfectly, and should it it in cash. Ro amg A omen ee MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 9 SOCIALISM AND IMMIGRATION. Foreigners constantly express aston- ishment that there should be so many evidences of the extensive spread and strong hold of socialism among the American people. In European countries, where social classes are established and protected by law and one man is better than another by virtue of his connection with such a class and pcssesses and is guaranteed by law the enjoyment of superior or ex- clusive privileges, it should be expected that many people in the lower classes, knowing that they can never attain to the benefits of the higher, should revolt and desire to see put in operation a leveling-down process which shall de- stroy all social distinctions and specially protected social classes. It might be natural enough, under those circumstances, for the lowest classes to desire to drag down the higher; but in a democratic republican country like the United States, where the law neither creates nor recognizes social classes, and where any individual may aspire to the highest official posi- tion in the nation and may compete for supremacy in wealth or in political in- fluence, it is astonishing to foreigners that there should be any great move- ment to level down and to destroy social prestige and to confiscate and distribute private property. It might be supposed that, ina country like this, every indi- vidual animated by honorable ambitions and spurred on by the fact that all suc- cess is open to him so far as_ opportu- nity is concerned would be striving to elevate himself socially and financially, and that any desire to drag all down to one common level would be an unheard- of thing in the United States, But the contrary is true, and the as- tonishing fact appears that socialism has gained a powerful foothold in this country and claims millions of adher- ents. The most astonishing fact of all is that socialism, under its party name of Populism, prevails most—perhaps al- most exclusively—among native Ameri- can people and not among the foreign- ers who have become American citi- zens, so that, if democratic liberty and free institutions in the Great Republic should be overthrown by a socialistic party, no matter under what name, it would be done by the American people themselves and not by the foreigners who have come among them. It is difficult to-explain such a re- markable state of affairs, so absolutely contrary to all the accepted theories of the effect of human freedom, but it is a fact, established by history, that the citizens of republics in every age have either feebly or voluntarily surrendered to despotic rule, and have changed their institutions, which guaranteed the freedom of the individual, for one that virtually made him a slave or serf. It seems that people who become too indolent to improve their opportunities and to use the exertions which are nec- essary to advance them in the social or pecuniary scale seek to prevent the use and enjoyment of such advantages by others and to drag down all to the low- est level of stagnation; but this is not the case with the Europeans who come to America to better their condition. On the contrary, finding themselves, for the first time in their lives, in a situa- tion where all opportunity for advance- ment is open to them, they at once seek to make the most of it, and the result is that, in nearly all, if not all, the cities and towns of this country, many of the most prosperous and successful men are those of foreign birth. They have known what it is to be borne down by laws which chained them to the lowest social positions, and which denied them all opportunity for advancement save under the most rigid restrictions. In this country they find themselves not only permitted, but fully authorized to engage in the competition for every social, financial and political prize in the land, being only denied admission to the highest executive office of the re- public, but eligible to everything else; and they are not slow to take advantage of the situation. It is true that the proportion of for- eigners in the prisons and asylums of the United States is unduly large, but it is because the criminal and pauper classes of every people in the world have found here a haven from the _pur- suit of justice in their own countries, and abundant opportunity for plying their nefarious avocations. But the in- dustrious and honest immigrants of every superior race who have come to this country have, almost without ex- ception, prospered and advanced in all that makes success in life. They are not the socialists, they are not the Pop- ulists. They have something to lose and nothing to gain by socialistic and radically-leveling laws. They want no confiscation and distribution of prop- erty and no dragging down of men from the high social and financial sta- tions they have gained by their own exertions. Such immigration is not damaging, but is a benefit to the coun- try. If the criminal and pauper classes could be kept out there would be no hue- and-cry against immigration to this country. Men and Meat. “‘It is a fact that there are more cranks coming to butcher shops than you'll find anywhere else,’’ observed the butcher, as he sharpened his knife, and carved away at a quarter of beef lying on the block before him. ‘‘I sup- pose it is the trouble cf trying to satisfy the cranky husbands with meat that does it.”’ The butcher’s wife smiled brightly in assent and carried on the remarks be- gun by her husband, in. her own way: “It is harder to please a man with meat than with anything else that is put on the table. I know that, al- though my husband is a butcher and can tell me just what to get. I have seen that man turn up his nose at the most beautiful steak at breakfast and at dinner time grumble because he could not have just that particular cut. They are the most inconsistent people on earth. ’’ ‘*Who—-butchers or men?’’ ‘“*‘Men. I don’t think butchers are worse than other men; but there is something in meat that brings out all the crankiness in a man’s nature. It is not the woman’s fault that she cannot be pleased with the meat that is offered to her by the butcher. She would be willing to take most anything, but she knows that she has that hungry, disagree- able man coming home to dinner, and that the chances are he will complain about his food, whatever may be set be- fore him. If I had my way, J would make every man buy his own meat. Then he would know what it is.’’ “*Good !’’ said the smiling butcher. a s At Louisville a tenor singer who sued a theater manager for breach of contract demanded a jury of musicians, in order that they might be competent to judge of the quality of his voice, as he in- tended to sing for evidence. GRAND RAPIDS IN 1850. Written for the TRapDESMAN. Thus far in my recollections of Old Grand Rapids, I have given only the business side of active life in those early days, in contrast with that swarm- ing hive in every branch of mechanical! industry and mercantile progress, the Grand Rapids of 1897. A brief sketch of Old Grand Rapids from a social standpoint I hope will not be con- sidered out of place in this medium, but serve to revive pleasing memories for some of your readers. It has been often said, ‘‘Music hath charms;’’ and nowhere can this be so fully realized as in the social circle of a comparatively isolated community. The local musical talent of Grand Rapids, both vocal and instrumental, was of a high order. In the front rank of these local artists were my old friends, Peter R. L. Peirce, and his gifted wife, whose clear soprano notes are singing in my ears as I write. Mrs. Thomas B. Church (mother of the famous New York artist, Fred B. Church), for thirty years organist in old St. Marks church, had but few equals as a performer, and was a successful teacher of the art she so dearly loved. Mrs. John C. Wen- ham, whose fine voice and musical ed- ucation made her a successful teacher of vocal music and the piano, filled with sacred song the old Congregational Church at the corner of Monroe and Division streets as regularly as_ the cburch bells broke the stillness of the Sabbath morning. Mrs. Wenham's brother was the late Dr. D. W. Bliss, Surgeon-General of the U. S. A. Both of the ladies last named are living in Grand Rapids and, | am told, retain their devotion to music and its charms the same as in the days of which | write. In a former contribution I spoke of Old Grand Rapids as peculiarly a church-going people. I have no doubt the exquisite musical repast that church- goers were sure to enjoy had much to do in giving Grand Rapids the reputation of being a city of Sunday observers. Without railroad facilities, Grand Rapids was thrown upon her own re- sources. No concert halls or any public place of amusement. Visits of concert troupes or exhibitions of any kind were few and far between. Occasionally a quartette company, a soloist, or com- pany of ‘‘Swiss Bell Ringers’’ would have the courage to face a fifty-mile ride in a stagecoach, when one of the churches would be_ used as an audito- rium. These occasional visitors were always well patronized and well pleased with their financial success and the hospitality of a cultivated audience. Any celebrated attraction on the Detroit boards was sure to be met by an ap- preciative delegation from Grand Rap- ids. I recall a very pleasing excursion of this kind that occurred later on when the Swedish Nightingale, Jenny Lind, visited Detroit. This pilgrimage was at the suggestion and under the direc- tion of the music-loving critic and ar- tist, Peter R. L. Peirce, mentioned be- fore, and his estimable wife. I believe there are still living in Grand Rapids some old residents who will recall with the most pleasurable emotions that in- describable musical feast. Home talent in various ways supplied the want of public entertainments inthe way of concerts, lectures, tableaux and frequent social gatherings, always ac- companied with the best of vocal and instrumental music, and dancing when circumstances were favorable. The only passport necessary to these social gatherings was a clear bill of mental and moral worth. Old and young alike mingled together in one common round of innocent enjoyment. Society was not divided into sets involving caste. Money cut no figure in these events. Lawyers and doctors, clerks and other employes, mechanics and artisans—all met on one common social level. The clergymen of the various churches mingled in the general enjoyment, thus tempering exuberant mirth and adding dignity to the occasion. No social gathering was complete unless the gen- ial face and form of the Reverend F. H. Cuming of old St. Marks was seen mingling with the merrymakers. No less conspicuous was the presence of the Reverend Francis A. Blades, of the ‘‘little church round the _ corner’’— Methodist—on Division street. Of tall and commanding stature-and courtly manners, he mingled in the festivities with a becoming dignity all his own. In addition to these sources of enjoy- ment, frequent sleighrides out to John W. Fisk’s old Lake House, built partly of logs, with its long low dining room turned into a dancing hall, and the bountiful collation that followed made up the program of Old Grand Rapids’ amusements. My memory vividly pictures some of the characters whose company gave life and character to these social events. The portly form and jolly face of War- ren P. Mills might always be seen where the fun was unconfined. The Hon. Thomas B. Church, Judge Solo- mon L. Withey, Edward E. Sargeant, Wilder D. Foster, Noyes L. Avery and others discussed the current events and literature of the times. John and Peter R. L. Peirce, Carlos Burchard and Wm. J. Wells, with their jokes and repartee, kept up a round of merriment not easily forgotten. The supper served, music and song made up the balance of the evening’s entertainment. The home life of many of these old families was a marvel of domestic felicity that is pleasant to recall, but I am admonished that this is not the place to unveil their beauties. From scenes like these the seeds of Grand Rapids’ hospitality have grown. W. S. H. WELTON. Owosso, Mich. en The Philadelpha Times notes a curi- ous coincidence at a quiet family hotel in Philadelphia. One of its regular patrons is a man from a distant city, with the rather unusual name of Beebe. Sometimes his visits are a month apart ; sometimes only a week. It happens, however, almost invariably that when- ever he = arrives another gentleman named Beebe, from a different city in ‘another part of the country, comes and registers the same day. Sometimes one arrives first; sometimes the other. They do not know each other and have never seen each other, but each has noticed the coincidence and enquired about it. Sometimes one puts off an expected visit, and then, strange to say, some- thing intervenes to postpone the visit of the other. There is no doubt about its being a strange case of continued coin- cidences, and without any collusion or premeditation. a A story, claiming to have its origin in the sacred press, is going the rounds of the secular press, about an Irishman and a Frenchman who were disputing over the nationality of a mutual friend. ‘I say,’’ said the Frenchman, ‘‘that if he was born in France, he is a French- man.’’ ‘‘Begorra,’’ said Pat,‘‘if a cat should have kittens in the oven would you call them biscuits?’’ < se panccinana ina MICHIGAN TRADESMAN A Grocer’s Scheme Relative to Co- operative Distribution. Stroller in Grocery Worid. It is all very well to congratulate our- selves that we live in an advanced gen- eration, and all that, but I tell you if I were a retail grocer I would a ‘thousand times rather have lived twenty-five years ago than to-day. Why, the life of the retailer of the last generation was‘aSbed of roses compared with the troublous existence of the modern grocer. I’m not sure whether the present retailer, badly as he is situated, isn’t in better shape than the retailer of 1922 will be. Every day the retailer is getting It. Every day brings new schemers to com- pete with him and to outdo him. Every day the prices get lower and the pronts smaller. Tell me, has he it as easy as the grocer who did business before com- petition got this way—before the_day of cutters and of schemers? Why, twenty- five years ago all the retail grocer had to do was to sell goods and pocket 25 or 30 per cent. profit. He didn't ‘have to meet the cutter, and everything he sold netted him a good percentage. One day last week a young fellow in a small Vermont city unfolded to me a scheme which just shows how many new things are constantly coming up to push the grocer down. This fellow I speak of learned the grocery business as a clerk, and several months ago opened a store of his own. He hasn’t made a success of it, because he hadn’t enough ready capital and be- cause he couldn't get any. He’s a good business man and could have suc- ceeded under favorable circumstances. I like the fellow and he confides in me a good deal. **Well,’’ he said, when I entered his place last week, ‘‘I’ve got a scheme.’’ ‘There are others,’’ I observed. ‘‘That’s all right,’’ he said; ‘‘there aren't any others with my scheme.”’ I’m not a believer in schemes. So many of my own have turned out badly. So I said, resignedly : **Well, if I must hear it, let me have it and get it over with.’’ ‘Tf you don’t change your tune before I’m through, I shall be greatly mis- taken,’’ said the young fellow. Then he unloaded. ‘*My store here ain’t paying me,”’ he said. ‘‘I haven’t made $8 a week clear out of it any week since I started. That ain’t much for a man witha wife to keep, is it?’’ Being a bachelor, i declined tu ex- press myself. ‘*Now, the scheme I propose to work is this,’’ he continued. ‘‘I have selected a list of forty of the best families in the town. I know they will average $13 worth of groceries and provisions every week. I shall go to them and offer to let them have everything they buy at actual cost, provided they pay an aver- age of 75 cents a week as salary to me. I shall be acting as sort of manager for a store owned, 1n a way, by forty differ- ent families. Do you see?’’ I certainly did, and I lost my breath as I thought of the condition of the other grocers of that town if that scheme worked. ‘‘It’s a great scheme,’’ went on the young fellow, enthusiastically. ‘‘ Forty times $13 is $520 worth of goods I shall be selling every week. If each one of the forty pays me an average of 75 cents a week, I shall be making $30, with my business assured and no need to worry. You see, where a family only uses $10 worth of stuff a week they won't pay me 75 cents a week, while a family that uses $20 will pay me a little more. ‘‘And they'll save enough to make it worth while, too,’’ he said. ‘‘Takea family that uses $20 worth of groceries a week and that pays me, Say $1 salary. They’ll save a clean $2 on the deal. A grocer makes about 15 per cent. on his goods, which would be $3 on $20 sales. They'll] save that $3 minus the $1 I get. The same way with the family that only uses $10, and that pays me 50 cents. They’ll make a dollar, don’t you see?’’ **Have you tackled any of those forty families yet?’’ I asked. ‘*Oh, no,’’ he said, ‘‘I don’t expect to for a month yet. Oh, and there’s another end to it!’’ he ejaculated. ‘* You see, new people will be coming into the scheme all the time. As fast as it gets about, more and more will want to get in, and so the money [| make will mcrease all the time. In fact,’’ he said, modestly, *‘in time I expect to have the only store in this town. ’’ ‘*Well, you mark my words,’’ I said, ‘‘you’ll have trouble in making your families believe tbat this isn’t some big fake. You can’t make them believe that your idea isn’t to get their trade, seli them goods at regular prices and then collect 50 cents or a dollar every week beside. ’’ “‘T’ve thought of that,’’ he said, coolly, ‘‘but two things will prevent the scheme failing through it: In the first place, I think I may say that my repu- tation in this town is absolutely unim- peached. I’ve lived here thirty odd years; | was born here and so was my father before me. I know everybody, everybody knows me, and knows, be- sides, that when I saya thing [ mean it. And then there will be ways of finding out whether I’m selling goods under other grocers who make a profit. [| shall ask, and even insist, upon every cus- tomer making it his business to investi- gate, too. Oh, I expect to have some littie trouble in getting the thing started, but after it’s once on its feet it’ll go like a snowball !’’ As the young fellow argued I began to see the entire feasibility of the idea. I believe, now, if the thing is managed properly it'll succeed; 1 didn’t think so at first. And if it does succeed what is to become of the other twenty-four grocers in that town? What is to be- come of the grocers of the other towns where the same scheme wil! be worked when it gets to be known? Verily, verily! we are come upon times of bitter trouble! ~~ 9-@-.- When a dentist in China is pulling a tooth for a patron an assistant hammers on a gong to drown the cries of the victim. A Dodrotten Fool. I was the only passenger in the car. Midway of a block another came in. His hat was crushed and his clothing daubed with mud. Fora long time he sat in gloomy meditation. Then he hitched up toward meand said: ‘‘I guess I’m the dodrottenest fool running loose in this town!’’ ‘‘So?’’ I said. ‘‘Yes, sir. I ain’t got sense enough to be let go without a guardeen. See that car up ahead there?’’ Idid. It was half a dozen blocks away. ‘* Waal, sir, I run like sixty for more’n a block to ketch that car.’’ ‘‘Couldn’t catch it, eh?’’ ‘-Yes, I could. That’s. the trouble. I did ketch it, and I gin the conductor a dime on the hind platform an’ he gin mea nickel change. Then somehow I up an’ dropped the nickel overboard. I hollered to the conductor to stop the car, but he wouldn’t do it so I ups an’ jumps off back’ards. Look a’ my clo’es. When I got up that car was out o’ reach, sol had to wait for this one.’’ ‘‘Did you-find your nickel?’’ ‘‘Oh, yes; found that right enough. Lost my car, split my clo’es and skint my back jest for the grat- ifyin’ privilege of pickin’ up that doddeen nickel an’ givin’ it to this con- ductor. I used to think Bill Thomp- son was the dingedest fool agoin’, but I guess I’m close onto him.’’ ‘‘What did Bill do?’’ ‘‘W’y, don’t you know? Bill’s dog got his head stuck ina pitcher, and Bill cut off the head to save the pitcher, and then broke the pitcher to get the head out.”’ oO A Novel New Fruit. The strawberry-raspberry is said to be a fine and novel fruit. It is described in the Southwest as a dwarf raspberry, growing only fifteen to eighteen inches high, spreading considerably, sdon forming dense clumps of solid green foliage. The plant itself is handsome; its bright green foliage resembles that of a rose. The large, pure white, wax- like flowers, with snow-white stamens, are even larger than a single rose, and produced in great abundance. QS, y JAMO BISMARCK @ CAROVI he three leading brands in the State and the best that can be produced for the money. Increase your trade by handling them. Free samples of Jamo and Bismarck to introduce them. ROASTED COFFEE W. J. GOULD & CO., IMPORTERS AND COFFEE ROASTERS, . DETROIT, MICH. 7979907 S555 el 4 4 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN JANE CRAGIN. Will the Tables Turn at Colorado Springs? Written for the TRADESMAN. There were three letters lying on Jane Cragin’s lap, as she sat in her room at sunset looking into the glowing west. One was from Cyrus Huxley, saying that he was to start for Colorado Springs on the following Monday morning ; another was from Mrs. Willowby, and the third was from ‘‘Auntie’’ Walker. They did not seem to be of much interest, for Mrs. Willowby’s letter soon fell to the floor, where it was allowed to remain, Cy’s numerous sheets had been carelessly gathered together and crowded halfway into the envelope, while Mrs. Walker's apology of a letter was crushed in the little woman’s band. Pikes Peak at sunset is always companionable. It has its moods as we have ours; but, as if determined that the sun should never go down on its wrath, it is sure to be itself when evening comes, and talks and listens as its visitor wills. Jane and the mountain had become acquainted early. The acquaintance had ripened rapidly into the firmest friendship; and it soon became com- mon for Jane to sit in the fading day- light and, after a while, totalk freely to the mountain, who liked to pillow its head upon the sunset and listen to the fair-haired woman, who learned to tell it without reserve whatever was passing through her mind. ‘‘It seems strange to me,’’ she said as an argosy of purple cloud with silken sails floated close to the mountain and dropped anchor into the golden sea, ‘‘it seems strange that that woman should want to write to me such a letter as this,’ and the crumpled paper again protested under the compressing fingers. ‘‘Is it possible that she hopes to en- lighten me in regard to anything that pertains to Cy? Have I ‘summered and wintered’ with him to be told at last that he is unlike some Kentucky colonel of a couple of generations ago, and that he is equal to a whole family of Evanses in the resenting of an insult?’’ There was a pause then and the mountain made reply—a pleasing one, for Jane smiled as she listened, and soon again began: ‘‘Was there any- thing ever quite so silly as Lilian Wil- lowby’s twaddie! Her corn-colored gown and her slangy ‘Dick’ are the only ideas she has managed to ring the changes on. Cy comes in asa sort of laughable sideshow, and then she finds it necessary to make up for that by fool- ishly trying to make believe that she likes him. Her corn-colored gown and her coming wedding have affected her mind, I guess. It’s so fortunate for Cy that he’s a self-made man and, so, ‘en- titled to much respect!’ Humph! Poor Cyrus! If I didn’t know that he was laughing this blessed minute at that silly woman with her airs and her nonsense, I might be induced to give him a little of that sympathy which he doesn't ask for because he knows he doesn’t de- serve it and wouldn't get if he did ask for it. ‘‘T sometimes wonder if it wouldn’t have been just as well if he had made up his mind to go to Los Angeles. I honestly think, if he regards his peace of mind and rest of body, Colorado Springs is one of the worst places in the world, if not the worst, for him to come to at this particulartime. For his peculiar complaint the climate here this season is positively dangerous. in just the condition to yield to the at- tacks of a most insidious disease; and it does seem to me that the man is rash to expose himself to what, without the slightest doubt, will prove fatal. ‘*Suppose the cliniate should be found favorable, however, I wonder if I could have that fellow here in the same hotel, remembering as I must—and ought—re- member the mean game he tried to play, and not give him a dose of the same medicine he tried to force me _ to take. There’s where I think Cy shows his want of wit. But that is like all of *em—there isn’t a man in the world who won't play his pranks with the woman he ‘loves with all his heart’ and all that nonsense ; and then, when he finds he is getting the worst of it, he comes whin- ing around and admits that ‘he did wrong,’ and ‘made a fool of himself,’ and ‘didn’t think,’ and ‘if his heart's dearest love will only forgive him just this once, you know!’ And then they expect that’s all there is to be of it, and they have such confidence in ‘the dearest woman in the world’ that they put themselves in her power and are mightily aggrieved if she even hints at making the most of the opportunity given her. That’s what Cy’s doing, only he isn’t quite sure of the ladylove part. That's one place where he’s right! Now I don’t know why it wouldn’t be a good thing for hin—I know I should enjoy it—to give him a sample of success in the same field where he has made such a conspicuous failure. I know I could rely on my friends here to carry out any such un- dertaking. I can see Captain Walker’s face light up with that radiant smile of his, the minute I suggest to him this opportunity of benefiting his fellowman! I can see Mr. Smith’s professional look trying to crowd back out of sight the intense delight at the prospect of worry- ing the man until life shall be found a burden. I—I—don’t know—whether Dr. Day—”’ It must be that the mountain broke in here, for Jane Cragin’s face became thoughtful as she sat resting her head upon her hand and gazing into the pur- ple twilight that veiled in shadow the mighty mountain before her. In the gloaming she placed side by side the two men who had drifted into her life with no desire to drift farther. The one she had always known to be just and generous and true. In season and out of season, she had found in him but one fault, a love for her, with the un- dying hope that some day, when she would, her love should crown him king. There at his side was another. A few weeks only of golden summer had meas- ured their acquaintance. They had, in- deed, been often thrown together. The morning had seen them walking in the sunshine; the hot noon had found them in cool retreats where the swinging hammock held all that was dear to him on earth, and the only voice she cared to hear read to her as she swung; and the evening shadows that wrapped the mountains at Manitou wrapped them in thesame soft mantle as they walked homeward together in the starlight. She had, indeed, ‘‘summered and wintered’’ with the one; but, in all that summer- ing and wintering, had she known the deepening joy that these few summer weeks had brought? If she should turn from him after Cy had come, would he, to win her favor, resort to Huxley’s measures? There lay the difference be- tween them: The one, from childhocd up, had known the influences of refine- His system, as the Doctor would say, is vironment, and she had largely helped him. Both were large of heart. Both were respected by those who knew them. Both knew how to get on in the world and how to make the most of them- selves. The balance, so far, stood even between them. What was it that drew her to the one and, while it did not re- pel the other, had kept her from him all these years? She could not trust her- self to answer. She was not willing, just yet, to answer. But she dreamed of a pair of eyes, large and dark and handsome, that looked down into her own with something like a benediction in them. And then she thought of the years of devotion that had blessed her life, and wondered, as women will, whether her duty did not call upon her to repay that devotion with the only recompense devotion craves! RICHARD MALCOLM STRONG. a Weather experts are just now com- mencing to pay studious attention to animals, which are often better weather indicators than the expensive instru- ments in the weather bureaus. Most ani- mals are exceedingly sensitive to changes in the weather. A small green frog has been found in Germany which always comes out of the water when cold or wet weather isapproaching. The frogs are caught and kept in glass jars half-filled with water and with a tiny ladder up one side. The frog sits high and dry on top of his ladder several hours before a storm, and when it is going to be clear he climbs down to the bottom. ——___~> 2. ______ The shoe and leather trade of Balti- more has an invested capital of nearly $7,000,000, and the amount of the whole- sale and manufacturing trade of the city in this line is estimated at $16,000,000 annually, the retail and customs trade adding $4,000,000 more. The Ghost of John Gear. In his coffin bed John Gear lay dead, But John Gear’s Fhost stood near; And the clergyman talked at the funeral, And the Ghost bent low to heir: The waiting Ghost ot the man who wss dead. He lingered to hear what the clergyman said ; So the clergyman spake and the people wept, And _ Ghost looked on and the dead man slept— And the dead man slept. ‘“*The man who is dead,” the clergyman said, ‘Was the true true salt of the earth; Who shall gaugethe go dof his well-s; ent life And the measure of his worth? For he was a mau of the olden type, Of the honest, noble, sterling stripe.” Shame fell on the Ghost as he stood nigh, For he alone kuew these words were a lie These words were a lie. And the Ghost was afraid and was sore dismayed As he heard the words of praise; And he thought of the wreck and the wrong he had done Through the stretch of the lung-gone days; And a woman’s face that was blanched with tears 1 oomed up from the vast of the clamoring years; And the Ghost, while he heard all the praise of ihe priest. Felt burn es his forehead the mark of the Beast— The m+rk of the Beast. And the priest preached on, but the Ghostof ohn Heard naught but the woman's tears; For the silent tears of ber silent life Were thunder in his ears And the priest still preached with his words of oT And the Hace loomed up from the long-gone aays; The priest ‘still praised and the people wept, And = Ghost passed on and the dead man 1 saci The dead man slept. Sam WALTER Foss. a a It bas been truly said that it is not al- ways the merchant who does the largest business who makes the most money. A big trade with a poor system for handling it brings only disappointment. The merchant who wishes to perma- nently succeed will adopt the best known system tor handling the transac- tions occurring between his salesmen and his customers. — ee Motor cars capable of drawing three wagons carrying ten tons cf produce are about to be introduced into Liver- pool. The Staff of Life should be made of the best flour —flour that embodies the great- est quantity of nutriment and strength-giving properties. If GRAND REPUBL _ a @ ment; the other had made bis own en- and please every flour cus- tomer of your establishment, we could not expect to enjoy a continuance of your flour trade. Considering flour customers on our books, we know our brand is all we claim for it. in price current. Ball-Barnhart-Putman Co., GRAND RAPIDS. | | | did not meet this requirement | | | the number of Note quotations MICHIGAN TRADESMAN When thes clerk fortets to “charge it; the customer gets get nothings the goods and you One of the greatest sources of loss in retail stores is the failure to charge goods sold on credit. Clerks put up the goods and deliver them all right, but forget to make the proper entries. In that case the customer gets the goods and you get noth- ing. The National Cash Register systems prevent losses of this kind, and furnishes as well a complete check on all transac- tions between clerks and customers. Send us your name, address, business and number of clerks employed, and state whether or not you employ a cashier, and we will send you a beautifully-printed pam- phlet describing a system for use in stores like yours. Address Department D, The National Cash Register Company, Dayton, Ohio, U.S. A. aaa oe MICHIGAN TRADESMAN I3 The Proper Place for Woman. It is reported that, in the course of a recent lecture, Felix Adler went so far as to assert that woman’s proper place is home. There is nothing strikingly original in that proposition, considered by itself; but Mr. Adler is also credited with the saying, uttered on a former oc- casion, that home is man’s_ proper place. The two propositions, taken to- gether, convey a statement of profound social philosophy. Neither the one nor the other of them is likely to be sub- jected to a direct denial, but there will be a disposition on the part of many critics to qualify them both. Men, of course, must work, and housekeeping is not in their line. Moreover, a man who is always in the house becomes more or less of a nuisance to his women folk. They like to see him at his meals and they feel safer when he is within doors after nightfall. They like to go out with him, and, if he is not an altogether im- possible sort of person, they will some- how manage to enjoy his society. In- deed, it has even been intimated that the favorite study and pursuit of wom- ankind is man. Still it is necessary to draw a line, and it must now and. again occur to every ciose-observing, deep- thinking family man that his personal charm, as well as his business interests, will suffer if he remains forever in evi dence at his own fireside. The woman, too, has interests, rights and duties that occupy a good deal of her time and often take her from her home. She must visit her friends, and especially those who are in need of cheering up, or of any kind of help, that she can give. She probably be- longs to various charitable asSociations, and it will be admitted that organized charity is in many instances largely de- pendent upon womanly sympathy, tact and mother wit. Then there are the demands of culture. The wife and mother, if she be of a cultivated circle, is expected to be also something of a student. It may be that she is a mem- ber of some society devoted to the study of Browning, Shakespeare, Dante or Aeschylus. And then there is the whole wide realm of art. To all this, add exercise, physical culture. It is well known that the men of ancient Greece attached as much importance to the de- velopment and training of the body—or at least gave as much time to that work —as to the cultivation of the mind; but the physical culture of the women of ancient Greece appears to have been neglected. There was no running of races, no wrestling, no quoit-pitching, no hurling of javelins, no charioteering for them. Whether they suffered more from dyspepsia and nervous troubles than the ladies of the present time can- not be decided by positive authority ; but, in the absence of evidence, the contrary may be assumed. It was not considered the correct thing for them to show themselves away from home, and what exercise they got was in the discharge of their household duties. ‘‘We have changed all that,’’ however, and the girl of this period is becoming an athlete. Yachting, driving, riding to hounds, bicycling, swimming, ten- nis, golf, and even cricket playing, are among the accomplishments of the mod- ern maid and young matron. It is easy to see how some desirable results may be produced by this multi- tudinous variety of feminine pursuits. The intellect, the heart, the body, al- ways alert, always engaged in some wholesome or beneficent activity—what a beautiful combination of graces may be expected! But, after all, is not the home in danger of being left too much in the background? It has been re- marked that the test of civilization in any country is the condition of its women. It is one of the crowning glories of the present age that, beyond all others, it has recognized the woman’s intellectual equality with the man. So far so good; but if women, as a rule, are to take up the learned professions, or go into business, what is to become of the home? Well, then, some one asks, ought women never to study and practice medicine, never to fit them- selves to serve as book-keepers, clerks, reporters, editors, artists? If woman may teach, why may she not write a re- port for a newspaper? And if she may write a report, why may she not argue a case in court or make a speech on a platform? The questions come thick and fast enough, but the answer to them all is that they ignore the real ground of objection. There is nothing wrong in a woman's doing any of the things just mentioned. On the contrary, it is often best that sne should do them. There is room and there are especially appropriate places for women in medi- ‘cine, in journalism, in trade, and, of ‘course, in almost every philanthropic enterprise. The point is not that the work is unfit for her hands; it is, rather, that the woman’s vocation is home-building, and that the world can- not afford to have her neglect it. To be sure, there are women who will never marry. There are other women who are compelled by circumstances to work behind a counter or atadesk. And there are other women yet who are driven by the force of a special genius, or who are irresistibly prompted by their love, for a particular kind of work, to adopt some profession, or to devote themselves to some branch of art. Neverthelesss, it would be extremely unfortunate if girls generally were sent from school and college to the office or, the shop as boys are sent, and were taught to regard marriage as a mere in- cident in the course of a life of busi- ness. Mr. Adler was right when he said that home is also the man’s proper place. It is his first duty to provide for the comfort and happiness of that home. There his heart should be while he is working for it elsewhere. When he re- turns at the end of his day’s labor, he expects, and he has a right to expect, that his wife will be there to welcome him. And let this be remembered, when a man finds his pleasure away from home, there is something very serious the matter with that home. FRANK STOWELL. —_+>#.__ Tobacco Adulteration Abroad. In England, according to official re- ports, tobacco is adulterated with sugar, alum, lime, flour or meal, rhubarb leaves, saltpetre, fuller’s earth, starch, malt-coomings, chromate of lead, peat moss, molasses, burdock leaves, com- mon salt, endive leaves, lampblack, gum, red dye, scraps of newspapers, Cinnamon stick, cabbage leaves and straw brown paper. The record of its sophistication here is not officially cer- tified, but there is no reason to surmise that our tobacconists allow those of perfidious Albion to exceed them in business ability. —_—_~> 0» ___ One of the provisions of the Greater New York charter, a provision existing in the present law, is that the walls and ceilings of every tenement house shall be whitewashed at least once a year. The definition of tenement house is so framed that it includes the most beauti- ful and expensive apartment houses in the city. a Le Another Solution of the Prison Labor Problem. Written for the TRADESMAN. The first thing to determine is the object of the prison. ‘lo most people it seems a place where law-breakers are punished. What! All law-breakers? No, only those convicted of breaking some statutory law. (Many of the un- written laws are broken daily, with im- punity.) There is a better use for prisons than making them penal insti- tutions. Make them a refuge for those who are not so constituted that self- control, at all times and under all cir- cumstances, is possible. Yes, make them still more. Give the inmates a chance to make restitution, in a meas- ure, for wrongs committed, and they will do better work and do it more wiil- ingly. Instead of giving the State or a number of contractors (many of them are veritable robbers) the profits of the convicts’ labor, send it to recompense the wronged ones; or, in case that is impossible, send it home to the mother, wife or children of the prisoner. Nothing is of so reforming a nature as work and plenty of it, and any law that hinders any man from doing his level best is an unjust one and should be repealed. There is no reason why the products of prison labor should be branded or tabooed. They should be sold on their merits only. The vexing question of competition with free labor would then count for nothing. What difference does it make to me, if I wish to purchase a suit of clothes or furnish my house, who manufactured the ar- ticles I wish to buy? All I am consid- ering is the quality of the article and the price to be paid therefor. If prices are maintained on a par with living wages paid men who have families to support, I am no more apt to buy prison-produced goods than otherwise. The only question to be taken into con- sideration is quality. Some will say that there would be no profits to recompense either the wronged ones or help to support the dependent ones, as most of the prisoners are not self-supporting. Perhaps, under the present management, they are not. But, pray tell me, why need this be so? There are no children, no invalids, no insane and few women prisoners, the larger portion confined being young and middle-aged men, who, if outside, would not only be self-supporting, but would support, on an average, four others. Some are, at the present time, agita- ting the idea of making convict labor repair our highways. seem practical. Either the men must be hampered by ball and chain and so be able to only half work, or it would cost too much to guard them when lib- erty is almost within their grasp. But the greatest objection to this question is the coming in contact of young people with criminals. And I think there are but few grown people who would not shrink from traveling alone a_ road where it was known convicts were working. Give them work inside the prison walls. ALICE HARRISON. —_—__~»>_8+_—__ The Tale of a Worthless Check. It was a bad debt or it never would have happened. ‘I’m ina dreadful hurry or I would go down to the bank with you,’’ reit- erated Bolton, passing over his signed check. Hazelton took it ruefully. ‘Tt wouldn’t take you more than fifteen minutes,’’ he suggested ; ‘‘then I wouldn’t have to be identified.’’ ‘*But I must catch the 3 o’clock train This does not|t out of the city,’’ and with the word Bolton began to straighten his desk. ‘*Anyhow,’’ thought Hazelton, ‘‘a piece of paper is better than nothing. Only the cashier may think I'm a ninny to take Bolton’s check for $150.’’ But Hazelton went at once to the bank, taking with him a business ac- quaintance who had a deposit there. The paying-teller looked the check over and turned to the depositors’ bal- ances. Then, excusing himself, he walked out of his cage to consult with the cashier. ‘*Looks bad,’’ suggested friend. Hazelton smiled gulping way. ‘*We shall have to refuse payment of this,’’ said the teller, again appearing at the window. ‘*No funds?’’ queried Hazelton. ‘‘Insufficient funds,’’ returned the teller. It was a delicate situation on the part of the teller, but Hazelton felt none of it. ‘*Has he got any money here?’’ he demanded. The teller admitted that he had. **How much?’’ There was some quibbling, but finally the teller admitted that there was $13! to the credit of Bolton. ‘*Well, here,’’ blurted Hazelton, ‘‘I’ll take the $131 and call it square.’’ The teller told him that he couldn't do it; that he must pay out the full $150 or nothing. Hazelton picked up the check and turned away from the window. ‘‘Do you know,’’ he said to his friend, ‘‘I believe that Bolton worked that scheme purposely, knowing that I wouldn’t protest the check and knowing also that the teller wouldn’t pay it?’’ His friend thought as much, too. ‘*And to think that the whelp owes me $150 and has $131 right there where I can’t touch it!’’ He was kicking into the mosaic of the floor, when all at once he straight- ened up. Hazelton’s in: a sickly, ‘*By George! I’ve got it!’’ ‘‘What?’’ and the friend’s_ eyes opened. But Hazelton had already turned to the writing-table and was filling out a deposit slip. ‘*See here,’’ he exclaimed, after a moment, turning about with a slip of pink paper. It read: ‘'Credit to the account of Henry Z. Bolton $19,’ and below was the signa- ture of Hazelton. With this slip and a handful of change Hazelton passed to the receiving tel- ler’s window and took 2 receipt for $19 deposited to the credit of Henry Z. Bol- ton. Then he walked up to the paying- teller’s window, presenting the check again, together with his receipt. ‘‘Bolton’s funds are sufficient now, I believe,’’ he suggested. The teller looked at the receipt, smiled, questioned the receiving teller through the wire partition, turned and paid to Hazelton two $50 bills and five ens. ‘*Well, by hokey!’’ was all that the friend could say. As for Hazelton, he was too full for utterance of any kind. Bolton is still out of town. But I shouldn't be surprised if he drops dead in that bank the next time he presents a check there! And from the way Hazelton chuckles it is easy to see that he wouldn't be a mourner at Bolton's funeral. 2» ____ They Will Appreciate It. Show your clerks that you appreciate their good efforts, and that you are do- ing your best to help them and to make any extra labor as easy as possible. The interest you take in their welfare —although it may be for your own good —will cause them to take. an increased interest in yours. Consideration and kindness cannot fail to produce good results. Instead of finishing the day with a tired-out lot of clerks, whose only thought is to get through with each customer with as little trouble as possible, you will have a bright, cheerful band of real helpers trying to sell all the goods they can to. every buyer. etneenenteanetentie ia Aenea oe ree a Ma mene 14 Shoes and Leather Pertinent Suggestions for Live Re- tailers. From the Shoe and Leather Gazette. ‘‘Judge their worth by the months they wear,’’ is a good phrase used by a successful advertiser. : ‘*No guarantee on colored goods’’ will be the burden of the manufacturers’ song this year. Retailers should take the cue. Pointed toed shoes are called for in all grades for spring, both in men’s and women’s, although women are _ particu- larly fond of them. Broad-toed bicycle shoes possess one advantage over narrow-toed—when used against the front tire as a brake they are not drawn in between the forks and the foot hurt. More women are wearing calfskin shoes this winter than in years. The styles are handsome and possess that peculiar quality dubbed ‘‘stunning.”’ Women like them and they’re sensible. An English concern sends out a dozen left shoes made to measure on applica tion, the customer selecting to suit him- self, returning the remainder with a re- mittance, whereupon rights to mate are shipped him. Bull-dog toes for women have not proven popular in the East, where the Bull-dog tor men caught on first and has held on tenaciously since. Wom- en's taste seems better in this case than men’s, so far as looks go. It is predicted that cheap rubbers will be made in large quantity the coming season, but that they will not be as much in demand from retailers as they have been, the complaints proving altogether too numerous. Dealers in glazed kid find it necessary to wipe the chill off the stock in cold weather in order to make it come up smooth and bright. Retailers will do weil to tollow the same rule with kid shoes before showing them to custom- ers, giving them a brisk, quick rub with a cloth. A French oddity is a pantaloon guard which looks not unlike a very short- handled spoon with a flat surface in place of the bowl. This flat piece is inserted between the heel and the sole, the ‘‘handle’’ portion sticking out and upward, preventing the trousers scraping the ground. One St. Louis retailer is helping the suffering poor these cold days by pay- ing ten cents a pair for the old shoes of customers and presenting them to charitable institutions. Of course, it is a business idea, the ten-cents-per-pair feature attracting customers, but it is none the less charity. Competitors are wondering how a cer- tain retailer can sella well-known brand of rubbers for 9 cents, as he advertises. It's very simple. He paid 25 cents per pair for them, they being old stock, odd sizes, old-style toes and generally out of date. All that is necessary is to lose 16 cents a pair. Business is being done by lastmakers now on shorter lasts. In toes that are not extreme points requiring consider- able length in order to make room for the toes widthwise, consumers do not like too much leather for their money, but prefer shoes somewhat shorter. The chief reason, however, for this is that the toes break down. Long vamps give much the same effect as a long shoe, but extremely long vamps are not grow- ing in favor. A suit was recently decided which had its inception in the death of a big healthy man caused by tight shoes. A short time ago a young lady vain of her figure committed suicide in New York because of misery resulting from injury to her spine by tight lacing. It would be well to advise customers against contracting the various parts of the body too much. Shoes too tight usually result in complaint and some of it is sure to be against the dealer, no matter how little merited. In Mexico small feet are an economy and large feet an expensive luxury. Shoemakers charge according to size. Even then shoes are not expensive, a very good pair being made to order for MICHIGAN TRADESMAN $7 Mexican money, or.$3.50 in our money. Shoemakers make from 50 cents to $1 a day Mexican, and some of them do first-class work. Their work is all hand work, even to the pegs, which they whittle out by hand. Most of the lower classes don’t bother with shoes at all, wearing a sort of sandal consisting of a piece of leather tied onto the foot. ~~» 2. Rainy-Day Boots for Women. From the New York World. One rainy day last week a perceptible flurry of iiterest was aroused among the women who were paddling about on upper Broadway. It was caused bya woman who was evidently a sworn champion and exponent of rainy-day club principles. She wore a short, very short, skirt, a neat little reefer, a water- proof Alpine hat and _ triumphantly marched along without a suspicion of an umbrella. What attracted most attention, how- ever, was the boots which this very ad- vanced and apparently very comfort- able voung woman wore. The absence of rubbers, overshoes, leggins, or any of the ordinary clumsy accessories of a rainy-day garb was very conspicuous, and the manner of the young woman seemed to express her satisfaction with her own excellent arrangement for dis- pensing with useless paraphernalia and keeping her feet and skirts dry at the same time. The rainv-day boot, which was the most conspicuous feature of this cos- tume, merits a detailed description. It is one of the most representative prod- ucts of end-of-the-century feminine in- ventiveness. Miss Marguerite Lindley, an enthusiastic champion of exercise, hygiene and short skirts, is understood to be the patentee of this boot, but doubtless it represents the combined in- tellectual energy of many women whose active energies all work towards the same glorious end. The beauty of the new boot jis that it is entirely water- proof. The vamp is of viscolized finish, and the upper of soft chromo- finished kid, which is perfectly pliable and does not restrict the motion of the ankle. The upper portion of the boot top is of some porous material, permit- ting of ventilation and giving an orna- mental value at the same time to the upper part of the boot. The boot is laced the entire length, and when it is considered necessary there are ankle supports. of firmer leather. The boot reaches nearly to the knee, but its porous quality and the variety in its make-up prevent its be- ing the frightfully clumsy affair that high boots usually are. The woman who wears it is not vulnerable at any possible point and can brave floods and snowstorms with equal alacrity. Startling affair as it is, the rainy-day boot is something to be welcomed. Any one familiar with bicycle boots will detect a great many points of sim- ilarity between the rainy-day boot and its immediate predecessor in this par- ticular department of inventiveness. The bicycle boots which have been worn by women for some time doubt- less paved the way to this newest inno- vation. And any one accustomed to wearing a stiff, heavy bicycle boot will welcome its more pliable successor with enthusiasm. The new boot does not tire the leg, does not make the foot feel like a lump of lead, does not grow stiff through the repeated action of mud and rain and in other ways avoids the ob- jectionable features of much of the foot- gear worn by riders of the wheel. Women who have a passion for color and for having everything to match have decided that their rainy-day boots must match their rainy-day costumes. While black is of course the color most worn when skies are gray and streets are wet, some altogether charming waterprocf costumes are made in dark blue, ecru, red or even violet. In these cases the boot is of the required shade, and is therefore very expensive. A dark blue boot is a very pretty and dainty affair, but it cannot be had for a song, and the women who aim simply to keep dry will probably be quite contented with the simple boot that fulfills its function so admirably. Good Things Said by Up-to-Date Shoe Dealers. We’re making a fine display in our show cases and windows of evening slippers—give you an idea of all the newest things. We show the handsom- est slipper styles and the best variety at lowest prices. No finer stock—not an- other so fine. Young women consider our store the big center for evening footwear.—P. T. Hallahan, Philadel- phia, Pa. Shoe Talk. Ours is the plain kind. No long arguments are necessary to turn our goods into cash. With us, solid leather means solid leather—no more, no less. Two dollars per pair means two dollars of good honest shoe leather.— Printers’ Ink, New York,N. Y. Up to the present time no such shoe prices have ever been made, and it’s just possible you'll never have another opportunity as good.—T. P. Cartwright & Co., Omaha, Neb. Johnson’s on top of the shoe pile. The other fellows are barking at our heels, but we don’t mind little things like that. We lead on.—Johnson’s Shoe Palace, Altoona, Pa. Shoes for men, women, children— thousands of pairs. The bad fortune of money-losing is good fortune to the thousands who are money-finding in these bargains.—John Wanamaker, Phil- adelphia, Pa. In buying my hand-sewed welt shoes you are guaranteed to get shoes that will not rip, that are flexibie and yielding to the foot, and will always remain smooth on the inside; no nails or pegs to ruin feet, stockings or tempers.—A. J. Cammeyer, New York, N. Y. Boys’ and girls’ $1.50 shoes for 85c. A large factory that had been waiting for better times concluded it wouldn’t wait any longer—and we have their en- tire output at our own price.—Marks Bros., Philadelphia, Pa. t Sata ba ba tn bat br bn ban hr br tn Lr La Do br hb Mr La bn bi Mi bn a i di i tt i i i i ht ht te a tg Ags = yy AE! fident that we can please you. rwevvvvvVvVvVvVVTVTVvVTVCVCVCeVCVC CCC CCCCCCCT FUVCUOCOOOCOOCOOCCCOOCOCOCSCGCSOSCOGCOSCCCSTGTOS POPP OOO GOOG OOOO SISSIES ISITE SG AINDGE, KALMBACH & GD. Id, 14, 16 PEARL STREET MANUFACTURERS AND JOBBERS OF BOOTS, SHOES AND RUBBERS We are now receiving our new spring styles in all the new colors and toes—the nobbiest line we ever had. You should see them before placing your order. Our prices are right and we feel con- Agents for the BOSTON RUBBER SHOE CO. Sa bun intn tn Minn hn hr Mn Mn Mn a Man Mn Mi Mn Ma Mr Mr Mn Mr Mn Me Ma Ma a ha Mn Mr i Ma Me i he a he he te he te i i et i rvyvvuvvvvvvvvvYyVvVvVvVvVTVrVTVTVTVTTTVTCCCC?T OOP PPO GFF EV FOG TEGO TSG IWS TO OO TPF SFO IIS SSIES EIEIO IIE SII I Misses’, Children’s. FFF GF GG FG GO FG GG SVG UY SboS oS ddd GO bn by by, by bo bn bn bn bn bn bn bn bn bn bn bn bn le, bn bn POD 9OOGHOOOS 90000000 00000000900000000000000000000000 In selecting your spring stock, do not omit adding our celebrated line of .. . OHINESE OALF GOODS to your SHOE department, if you want the very best values for yourtrade. Every pair has our name on the shank. HEROLD-BERTSGH SHOE 60, GRAND RAPIDS. : : : 0OOOOOO In Men’s, Women’s, 9909000990 00000000 000000000 Zim o rey of tie G ty Cz If you will send us your sizing-up orders,on;... Y CHS? wy RUBBERS infil" THE GOODYEAR GLOVE HIRTH, KRAUSE & CO., Grand Rapids, Mich. ‘chats q Bh I gai IE DD BREA GC ELSES OR i Tie ee KES UTI GEA Sn ainan eam i : ee i. 4 = The Grace of Disgrace. Russell Gardner in Money Saver. She is a handsome woman. He isan ugly man. Together they present as striking a contrast as Venus and Cyclops would have made. I have known them for years, and can remember, as if it were but yesterday, when Fred Darwin was as fine looking as if Apollo himself had in him a coun- terpart. To-day I am an old, worn-out rem- rant of humanity, retired from the —" hustle of a competitive business life. Sitting on my _ shady porch this hot September morning, I had let my daily stock report slip away into dreams, aud once more I was the active senior mem- ber of Mason & Ryer, jobbers of boots and_ shoes, the best-known firm on the street, and doing more business and with the finest line of trade of the whole bunch. I was sitting at my desk, running rapidly through a pile of orders just brought in by my head salesman, Fred Darwin. He had come to me nearly ten years before, as green a country lad as ever sought the city to win a fortune or wreck a life. When he presented himself, hat in hand, in my private office and asked for a ‘*job,’’ T had run my eye—-I aiways bad a keen eye—over his tail, straight figure, scanned the frank, handsome face, looked into his miid blue eyes, and made up my mind he had in him the stuff that makes men. I hired him. In five years he was a salesman, as good a man as ever laid out a line of samples. And now, after ten years in my service, he had come to make a request. Forgive me if I ramble, for 1 am an old man, almost in my dotage, and my head is not as clear as it was before I ceased to be Mr. C. E. Mason, of Ma- son & Ryer, and became simply Mr. Mason, retired. My wife—she’s dead these four years —was of an old aristocratic family with high notions about blood, and with but one idol, and that idol our only child. Grace was a beautiful girl, with the same rich dark eyes and hair that had made her mother seem to me like one of the goddesses of ancient time. We had been married ostensibly against the will of her father and mother. They had ‘‘blood’’ notions, tco; but appearances require money in order to be kept up, and blueblood, no matter how deep its indigo, must lose its caste unless it has yellow gold tu help it circulate in the proper channels. So I, who had the necessary prop for the tottering aristocrats, was tolerated. Wife and I never had a thing ia com- mon until God sent our baby girl. Then— There! there! I’m chatter ing over matters that are dead and of no interest to you; but an old man must be pardoned if he wanders, specially on a sultry morning when he dozes in his armchair. Fred was always for business first; so he turned in his batch of fall orders— and they were of the size and kind that make a business man smile in spite of himself—then he said: ‘*Mr. Mason, I’m going to ask you for—’’ I broke in—‘‘Fred, I’ve thought over the business you've been doing, and your faithful service to us, and have decided to make your saiary one thousand dollars more, commencing the first of this month.’’ You see, | thought this generosity on our part would sort of stagger him, and I felt he was going to strike for more money. Nota bit of it. He calmly waited until I had got through my oration. ‘*Mr. Mason, that thousand a year will come in very handily just now, for the step 1 am going to take is one that the more money I have, the more com fortable it will be for my partner.’’ ‘What! going into business for your- self?’’ I broke out, for it made me feel weak to think of losing him. “*Yes, Mr. Mason, provided I get your consent. You see it’s this way, MICHIGAN TRADESMAN sir; my prospective partner and I have known each other some time; we've talked over matters carefully; we real- ize the opposition we are going to meet; we will not start for a year at least, aud, finally, we concluded that I should come to you, Mr. Mason, you who have been such a friend to me, and ask your advice, "’ When he said they would not start for a year, { grew sort of magnanimous. ‘‘Well, Fred, are you sure you are suited to each?’’ ‘Certainly, sir; my partner that is to be is a perfect jewel, clear headed, conservative, brilliant, knows my_ in- come, my savings, and thinks the world ot me.’’ ‘" That’s the way to figure, my boy,’’ I said to him, for his enthusiastic man- ner had warmed me up on the subject. ‘*Do I *know him, Fred?’’ I added. ‘The party of whom I spoke is very well known to you,’’ and | thought the boy was sort of smiling, as he turned half away and picked up his hat. ‘‘Mr. Mason, suppose I bring my partner that is to be in to see you some day, and we can talk things over.’’ “Bring him up to the house this evening ; and if he is what I judge him to be from your description, why, I'll do all I can to give you a lift, for I’m not the one to stand in the way of as good a man as you are, Fred.’’ ‘* Thank you,’’ he said, and was gone. That night at home (my wife had gone out to some five-o'clock gossip party), Grace and I sat on the porch, I smoking and thinking, she patting Ted, the big brute of a mastiff that had been her playfellow when only a chick of five, and her daily companion now at twenty. ‘‘Father, Ted's getting awfully ugly lately. Hear him growl, and I only laid my hand on him just as light as could be. He’s a lovely big fellow!’’ A snap and a snarl! followed the com- pliment, and with a slight scream, Grace jumped up and came over to me, her face paie with her half fright. ‘‘Why, father, he never did that be- fore. What has happened to him?’’ ‘*Dog days, dear,’’ I mumbled, too deep in my thoughts to pay much at- tention. ’ **Grace,’’ I broke out, ‘‘you know Fred Darwin."’ 1 thought she started nervously, but as that brute, Ted, just then madea move, I judged him responsible. ‘*Of course I know him. Haven’t you brought him here lots of times?’’ ‘*Yes,’’ I said dryiy, for somehow I felt then as though I had been a fool. ‘“Well, Grace, I guess he's going to leave me. He talked to me a good deal to-day about taking a partner, and he’s going to bring the infernal idiot here to-night to talk things over. He ought to be here any moment."’ ‘‘T must go in the house and dress, father,’’ and Grace started for the side door. As she neared Ted, he sprang up and half growled as she swept past. ‘*Confound the dog, what ails him!’’ I muttered, and instantly forgot him in the arrival of Fred, who came briskly up the walk, dressed as slick as a good shoe drummer on seventy-five bundred a year knows how. ‘*Where’s your partner, my boy?’’ I said,after we were seated and had light- ed our cigars. ‘Be here in a few moments, sir; you see, sir—’’ just then a vicious growl followed by a shriek brought us to our feet. Fred sprang down the steps, and I saw him pull out his pocket-knife, opening it as he ran. Behind a big elm, only a short distance from the house, was Grace, her wide, staring eyes fixed in terror on Ted, every mus- cle of his huge body knotted and swelled into rigidity by his fury, his bloodshot eyes and dripping mouth tell- ing plainly that he had gone mad, and was seeking the death of his mistress. Neither moved as we rapidly ap- roached. Only a low, fierce snarl rom the monster now lashing his tail and making ready for a spring. I never knew exactly what happened. I have a vague remembrance of a man rushing between Ted and the tree; of the quick spring of a huge body, a snap, a growl, screams and curses, a flashing knife, the quivering body of a dog, and over it, with face bloody and arm crushed, a human form that tottered and fell as if dead, directly on top of the brute he had conquered. My servants had come at the sounds of the scrimmage, and lifting up the limp, torn body, they carried poor Fred to the house. A doctor soon arrived, and anxiously we awaited his verdict. ‘‘Mr. Mason, he’ll live. The dog did not get at him with his teeth; his ugly paws and sharp claws did this frightful work,’’ and he pointed to the lacerated face that bore no resemblance to the handsome Fred Darwin that had come up my walk so smilingly only a short time since. ‘*Doctor, will he ever be able to see again?’’ I asked in awe-stricken voice. **With God’s help, yes,’’ he answered simply. Just then Grace came silently in, and kneeling down by the quiet figure, she wept, Saying again and again: ‘Fred, I love you, I love you!’’ A_ scratched, trembling hand moved feebly toward her bowed head, and over the pitiful bandaged face crept what seemed to me the smile of a god. That was ten years ago. The ‘‘partners’’ are coming up my walk now. She is leading him, for his steps would stumble but for her; she luoks into the ugly, distorted face and says something. I can guess what, for around his scarred mouth creeps the same smile I saw when she first said, ‘‘I love you.”’ I’m drowsy, and in this happy pic- ture I feel a perfect content, and cannot help a thrill of satisfaction in what my wife’s aristocratic relatives called the ‘disgrace of Grace.’’ —-—~>-0>—_--— Men of genuis may wear frayed pan- taloons and go with unkempt hair, but worn-out trousers and scraggy hair are no marks of genuis, for those things the tramps have also. 15 LH REN 4 e successors to REEDER BROS. SHOE C0. Michigan Agents for Lycoming and Keystone § Rubbers and Jobbers of specialties in Men’s Lumbermen’s Socks. Lycoming Rubbers Lead all other Brands in Fit, Style and Wearing Qualities. Try them. 00000006 9600860 : ¢| This stamp appears Pingree pI? on the Rubber of > p> all our “Neverslip” Bicycle and Winter 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. | ae (| , in | ll Ct PINGREE & SMITH, Manufacturers. —_<=g —? —_<=g> 7 — ——- —=g> ——- — > —_<=g> ———- —<=g> —- <=> —— —2 —_—g> NS GENERAL STAMPEDE FROM THE CURSE OF CREDIT SNTITPTETETETETEHENERETE TENET Hundreds of merchants are now aban- doning the old-time credit system and discarding the pass book for the cash and coupon book system, which en- ables the dealer to avoid all the losses and annoyances nected with the credit business. If you are a victim of the credit business and desire to place your business on a cash basis, send to us for a cata- logue and samples of our several kinds of coupon books, which will be forwarded free on application. TRADESMAN COMPANY, GRAND RAPIDS. Ubdbdbdadadadaddaded inseparably con- SUMMA aaabab bab dbdbdadbdbad 16 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Growing Importance of the Clerk— Shortcomings to be Avoided. It is well for the clerk to appreciate at its full value the fact that sticks out everywhere that business to-day is not what it was a few years ago. People are more easily drawn away from one Store to another than they used to ke. The petsonality of the merchant hasn’t the potency that it once had. Consum- ers distribute their patronage more to- day than ever. If they think they can buy cheaper at Brown's, they will look at Smith’s first and then at Brown’s, unless Smith’s clerk can hold them. It devolves upon the salesman to make up by his treatment of the customer for that which is lacking or is supposed to be lacking in the goods or the price thereof. * * x The clerk is really of far greater im- portance than formerly. People expect more to-day than in former years, They want more guarantees, more promises, and those guarantees strictly lived up to. The clerk, to the patron, is the propri- etor. He talks for the merchant, prom- ises for the merchant and is, asa _ mat- ter of fact, the merchant’s mouthpiece. He must conduct himself in full ap- preciation of this fact. He should rec- ognize the importance of his duties without permitting his mind to become burdened with the impression that it is his own importance. There are plenty _of men who are ready and anxious to take his place and do his work as well as or better than he does it. ++ + A good clerk must understand that customers become piqued on very slight cause. They know they can buy what they want somewhere else. No _ par- ticular store has strings on them. No one merchant is the only pebble on the beach—that is, ordinarily. Where there is competition the customer must be handled with kid gloves. He must be more than satisfied. He must. be pleased. Very often a tradesman can hold trade on higher prices than his competitors by such generous treatment that they are willing to pay more in or- der to receive treatment that pleases them. The importance of this feature of modern business must not be over- looked—and it is the clerk who is the agent for extending this business-bring- ing treatment. It is his duty to see that he exerts himself to the utmost in this particular. ee Manley M. Gillam, formerly advertis- ing manager of Wanamaker’s Philadel- phia store, writing in Brains, notes a case in point. ‘‘A lady bought two pairs of shoes which were to have been delivered free. When they came the expressnian collected thirty cents. On her next visit to the store soon after, a report was made of the overcharge. A supercilious underling, with an air of condescension and a tone and manner of disbelief in her truthfulness, told the lady a number of things that she must do in the way of identification and proof before her case could be acted upon. She did nothing, preferring to lose the thirty cents rather than be raced about, cross questioned and treated as a false pretender. One of the pairs of shoes turned out very badly. That settled it. She would neither re- turn the shoes nor report them. She has no further use for that store. She is set in her prejudice against it toa degree that is really unreasonable. + + & ‘Now, as a matter of fact, that store is conducted on liberal lines. The proprietor would not for a moment countenance the cavalier treatment of his representative. If he were told of the bad service the one pair of shoes gave, he would be more than glad to make the matter right, either by giving a new pair of shoes or by returning the money. He has been put in a wrong light by his employe. He has lost trade that he could easily have kept, that he was entitled to keep. I said some of these things to the lady, but she was piqued and burt and insisted on taking her trade elsewhere. The real fly in her ointment is that supercilious under- ling. She does not want to see him again or be seen by him in that store. If she were an aggressive body she would go to the firm or crush supercil- iousness with cold disdain. She is not. She is a shrinking creature, but proud. There are myriads more like her.’’ eS More trade is lost, probably, through the shortcomings of clerks than any other one thing. Once a clerk snubs or slights a customer, that customer is pretty sure to avoid that clerk and that store in future. It’s the same way if a patron is obliged to wait. Not long ago, 1 was waiting for a purchase to be wrapped up for me in a grocery store. A man came in with a kerosene can. A clerk standing near the door talking to a friend about a party the night before never offered to attend to the newcomer, notwithstanding he was the only one at leisure in the establish- ment. The new arrival, noting the triv- ial trend of the conversation, showed his disgust plainly. ‘* Do you keep coal oil?’’ he asked. ‘‘Yes, sir,’’ answered the clerk, interrupting himself, but in- stantly resuming his social gossip. ‘‘ All right, you can keep on keeping it,’’ re- turned the newcomer, starting for the door. ‘‘I wanted it for use to-day, not next week.’’ The clerk madea wild dash, grabbed the can and hustled back to fill it so fast that his coattails trailed out straight behind. When he returned, the customer took the oil, paid for it and then remarked most emphatically, “Young man, 1 have just moved into the next block. I shall need groceries and this store is nearest, but let me tell you now that, if this is a sample of the business methods of this place, the sum total of the trade you get from me won't be sufficient to pay for the matches you use on the cigar case!’’— Shoe and Leather Gazette. A The Looks of the Store. Nath‘l C. Fowler, Jr., in Hardware. Misers have lived in hovels. Rich men have lived in dug-outs. Poor men have lived in mansions. Men of shoddy have lived in palaces. By the house we live in so may we not be judged, but so will we almost al- ways be reckoned. ; Many a clerk on his little pay is dressed better than his employer, but he is no less a valuable clerk for that. There are branches from even the straightest beaten track of safety, but the law of averages accepted by the majority is less dangerous to follow than even the successful rules of ex- ception. The well-dressed man is more likely to be a prosperous man than the man of shabby overcoat, and the poorly-dressed man is more likely to be an unsuccess- ful man than the man with tailor-made clothes. The beautiful office may be a den of swindlers, but it is more likely to be the business home of profitable business. Keep the dust out of the way. Let the sunlight in. Make the clerks wear clean collars and clean cuffs. Supply blacking and brushes. Have plenty of clothes brushes, So long as comfort, convenience, and eye-pleasing luxury appear to accom- pany successful business, just so long will these things count in profit-build- ing. Simos or overcoats or anything else may be sold in the store of darkness and dust, but more shoes and more overcoats and more of everything else are sold in cheerful places, well furnished and conveniently arranged. _ The most successful factories are well kept, roomy, with the best of sanitary arrangements, and each girl or man has a locker, a cake of soap and a wash- basin and towel. The most successful retail stores are those of good location, plenty of room, every convenience, and artistic arrange- ment. There may not be necessity for solid mahogany desks and leather-cushioned chairs, but there is every reason why the office and the store should have some of the comforts of home and the appearance of painstaking arrangement. Cleanliness is the most economical, the most healthful, and the most ap- preciated business essential. Plenty of light is necessary to plenty of business. Plenty of comfort means more work and more profit. Neatness of store, neatness of office, neatness of clerk, neatness everywhere, are absolutely necessary to the success- ful conduct of any trade. Even the dirtiest lines need not be all dirt, for dirt where dirt should be is not dirtiness. Dirt where dirt should not be is dirty business. The most careless clerk is not care- less in the office and store of careful- ness. 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, CINCINNATI, TOLEDO, BUFFALO, UTICA, BOSTON and TORONTO. PosTAL Cano - One Cent. UnitedSintes-Amerten, | ————=———. 4 US S100 +S FOR tHe BOONE SS Omer Ca x TOAS met, ¥ Clon Anne ee For only one cent you can have an expert examine YOUR LEAKY roof and tell you why it leaks and how much it will cost to ‘‘stop that hole.” We have had 28 years’ experience in this busi- ness, and are reliable and responsible. We have men traveling all the time and can send them to you on short notice. All kinds of roofs put on and repaired by H. M. REYNOLDS & SON, GRAND RAPIDS OFFICE, CAMPAU & LOUIS. DETROIT OFFICE, FOOT OF THIRD STREET. ®Z.-B_.AB .W,. A, . AB, .A, A.A. ea -~AW A.A, . AW, . QA, . QA, . A... eA .e . Liew *: POPE OE EE’ IO IDO OD OD OOD OOOO Doe A e zm, - DEALERS IN A ILLUMINATING AND LUBRICATING W ‘ STANDARD OIL G0. iP <— — LI LO. LO. LO. LP. LI ° ~~’ ,’ ® NAPHTHA AND GASOLINES W a Office and Works, BUTTERWORTH AVE., “a GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Bulk works at Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Manistee, Cadillac, Big XQ Rapids, Grand Haven, Traverse City, Ludington, Al- yy xe legan, Howard City, Petoskey and Reed City. ie — MI LI. LO. LO. LO. LP. LO. a. o ae o ° ° oN a” ° LP. °, b Highest Price Paid for Empty Carbon and Gasoline Barrels. '— LMI. LP. '— LP. 'e "LO. LP. LI» aad ° ° oS << ~~, Se com > Rabie uel ccteh ac saat wi SA oo na ATLAS oo Wo scanned RRS Ti, 4 * ‘ 4 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 17 CommercialTravelers Michigan Knights of the Grip. President, Jas. F HAMMELL, Lansing; Secretary, . C. Stacut, Flint; Treasurer, Caas. McNo.try, Jackson. Michigan Commercial Travelers’ Association. President, S. H. Hart, Detroit; Secretary and Treasurer, D. Morris, Detroit. United Commercial Travelers of Michigan. Chancellor,H. U. Marks, Detroit; Secretary, Epwin Hopson, Flint; Treasurer, Gro. A. Rrey- NOLDS, Saginaw. 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. Ty wer, H. B. Fair- CHILD,Jas. N. BRADFORD, J HENRY DAWLEY,GEO. J. HEINZELMAN, CuHaAs. 8S. ROBINSON. Lake Superior Commercial Travelers’ Club. President, W. C. Brown, Marquette; Secretary and Treasurer, A. F. Wrxson, Marquette. Gripsack Brigade. It is easy to sell goods when your whole ‘heart is in your work. Let your purposes be as straight as the rails upon which you travel from day to day! People are kicking because they have the grippe. Traveling salesmen carry theirs all the year around without a murmur. Harry Metziger, formerly with Fisher Bros., of Fort Wayne, is now with the National Paper & Supply Co., of Elk- hart, Ind. The number of commercial travelers in the world to-day is estimated ata round million, of which the United States justly claims one-fourth. Time is said to even up all things. The time sufficient to pay off an ordi- nary debt varies in the different states, according to the statute of limitation. *Long before the iron horse had been broken to harness the man of samples was in evidence, not as numerous as -he is to-day—but he was here, all the same, hustling after trade. The man on the road to-day may think he has obstacles to contend with, and he has some, of course, but they are not to be compared with what they were twenty years ago. The average value of a silver dollar is said to be 75 2-10 cents. There are lots of men on the road, however, who will not know the value of a dollar even after reading this. Wm. Boughton (C. E. Smith Shoe Co., has been confined to his room for a week by illness. He is on the mend, however, and expects to resume his work on the road in a few days. It can be unhesitatingly claimed that the journeying of the commercial trav- eler, unlike that of the ordinary traveler, is a general commercial and economic educator, and that it is directly of great interest and profit to every man, woman and child in the land, and that there- fore the general system of traveling salesmen must be considered a great public benefit, and as such entitled to every possibie encouragement from our Government. A Marquette correspondent writes: The most successful meeting Ahmed Temple, Mystic Shrine, ever had was held here Feb. to. Ten novices crossed the hot sands and, while Ahmed Temple numbers among its members the repre- sentative men of the Upper Peninsula, it is proud to include a few commercial travelers. The boys are ever ready to work—they will do anything, from rid- ing the camel to washing the dishes. The Illustrious Potentate, F. E. Ketch- um, knows how‘! anxious the’, boys ‘are to help things along and he appointed three of them on the reception com- mittee and was mean enough not to provide an expense account. What en- tertaining can a commercial traveler do without an expense account to work? He did not even let up on them there— he called on them for after-dinner speeches. Because he weighs about 250 pounds, he thinks he can use the boys as he pleases. He isa capital toastmas- ter, just the same, and the boys all swear by him. Mr. Ketchum is Assist- ant Superintendent of the D., S. S. & A. R’y. Alex. Simpson acted as Con- ducting Arab. The hotter the sands, the more profuse were Alex's smiles. W. R. Smith and H. C. Work would have made handsome Arabs had their pants been creased. J. R. McKeand was very deaf and _ he continually re- quested ‘‘louder.’’ All in all, every- body was satisfied and all were very libera! with compliments for the newly- elected officers, who did their work without a break. —_—_—>2~._____ Fun on the Road. ‘*What did you save from the fire at the hotel last night?’’ was asked of a traveler. ‘*I saved paying a four days’ board bill,’’ was the reply. eae ae Jack (to hotel clerk)—Gimme zer besht room in zer houshe. Hotel Clerk (blandly)—Sorry, sir; I’m full. Jack—Zhat so? So’m I. Good night. +e x Head of Firm (going over expense account seriatim)—What of this item, Mr. Fuller; funeral expenses $5 in your expense account? Mr. Fuller—Oh, that was the cost of burying my sorrow when I learned that King Bros. had the day before given a heavy order to one of our competitors. HO - Will Cover the Entire State. From the Boot and Shoe Recorder, Feb. 10, 1897. John H. Darrow, who has a_perma- nent address at Lansing, Mich., and who has been representing the Central and Northern portion of that trade for C. L. Weaver & Co., exclusive rubber boots and shoes, Detroit, since they first commenced in business, has been en- gaged by Edward R. Rice, of Buffalo, and will have the entire State of Mich- igan, selling the Joseph Banigan Rub- ber Co.’s goods. Mr. Darrow wil] make Detroit, Mich., his permanent head- quarters. “8 The St. Ignace Enterprise has been changed from blanket form to magazine form—the same size of the Tradesman. The change is certainly in the interest of the readers and advertisers; whether it will prove equally advantageous to the publisher will be demonstrated by time. The innovation enables the edi- tor to carefully classify his matter, so that even the cursory reader can readily turn to the department which is of most interest to him. The Tradesman com- mends the enterprise of the St. Ignace publication to other journals of similar character. —_—_-+~>-2 2 Indications point to a large and_ suc- cessful convention on the occasion of the semi-annual meeting of the Michi- gan Retail Grocers’ Association, to be held in this city March 3 and 4. Refer- ence to the list of topics selected for presentation to the members discloses a wide latitude of discussion and action, including nearly every perplexing prob- lem now confronting the grocery trade. The monthly report of the Grand Rapids Gas Light Co. shows net earn- ings during January of $14,472, com- pared with $14,030 during the corres- ponding month last year, a net gain of about 3 per cent. Michigan Hardware Association President, HENRY C. WEBER, Detroit; Vice-Pres- ident, Cuas. F. Bock, Battle Creek; Secretary- Treasurer, HENRY C. MINNIE, Eaton Rapids. Michigan Retail Grocers’ Association President, J. WisLEk, Mancelona; Secretary, E. A. Stowe, Grand Kapids; Treasurer, J. F. TaTMAN, Clare. Next Meeting—At Grand Rapids, March 3 and 4, 1897. Traverse City Business Men’s Association President, Tuos. T. Bares; Secretary, M. B. Houiy; Treasurer, C. A. HAMMOND. Grand Rapids Retail Grocers’ Association President, E. C. WincHESTER; Secretary, HOMER Kuap; Treasurer, J. GEO. LEHMAN. Regular Meetings—First and third Tuesday evenings of each month at Retail Grocers’ Hall, over £. J. Herrick’s store. Owosso Business Men’s Association President, A. D. WHIPPLE; Secretary, G. T. Camp- BELL; Treasurer, W. E. COLLINs. Jackson Retail Grocers’ Association President, Byron C. Hrix; Secretary, W. H. Por- TER; Treasurer, J. F. HELMER. Alpena Business Men’s Association President, F. W. GitcuRist; Secretary, C. L. PARTRIDGE. Lansing Retail Grocers’ Association President, F. B. JOHNSON; Secretary, A. M. Daring; Treasurer, L. A. GILKEY. Grand Rapids Retail Meat Dealers’ Association President, L. J. Katz; Secretary, Pump HILBER; Treasurer, S. J. HUFFORD. Winter Meeting of the Michigan Retail Grocers’ Association. Grand Rapids, Feb. 15—-The semi- annual convention of the Michigan Re- tail Grocers’ Association will be held in Pythian Temple, Grand Rapids, Wednesday and Thursday, March 3 and 4, convening at g o'clock on the day first named. Every grocer doing busi- ness in Michigan is invited to attend the meeting and participate in the pro- ceedings of the convention, as matters of great importance to the trade will come up for discussion and action. Owing to the convention occurring at the same time as the Democratic State Convention, those who desire to attend can obtain half-fare tickets at any _ rail- way station in Michigan, good going Tuesday and Wednesday, and good re- turning Wednesday and Thursday. It is proposed to hold business ses- sions Wednesday forenoon and afternoon and Thursday forenoon. An _ entertain- ment feature will be provided for Wed- nesday evening in the shape of a com- plimentary banquet, tendered by the Michigan Tradesman, to which repre- sentatives of the wholesale grocery and allied interests of the State will also be invited, Among the special topics already as- signed for presentation at the conven- tion are the following : ‘*How the food laws should be en- forced’’—Hon. E. N. Bates, Moline. ‘‘The exemption laws again’’—Rob- ert Johnson, Cadillac. ‘‘Co-operative buying among. gro- cers’’—N. H. Beebe, Big Rapids. ‘*My experience in shipping produce outside of Michigan’’—E. E. Hewitt, Rockford. ‘‘TIs the basket branding law enacted by the Legislature a desirable one’’— John W. Densmore, Reed City. ‘‘What effect has the sale of butterine on the price of dairy butter’’—J. Ma- son, Clare. ‘‘Retail grocers’ associations; their objects and benefits’’—W. H. Porter, Jackson. ‘Reasons for the January slump in eggs’’—M. R. Alden, Grand Rapids. ‘*The peddling manufacturers’’—E. Marks, Secretary Detroit Retail Gro- cers and Butchers’ Protective Associa- tion. ‘*The retail grocer’’—W. H. Porter, Jackson. ‘*Relation of wholesale and retail gro- cers’’—Wm. Judson, Grand Rapids. _‘‘Value of Equality to the Retail Grocer’’—H. Sanger, Secretary Michigan Wholesale Grocers’ Associa- tion, ‘‘Where Are We At?’’—P. F. Trea- nor, Saginaw, E. S. ‘* Attitude of the New Administration Relative to the Food Laws’’—E. O. Grosvenor, Monroe. ‘‘Thirty Years a Grocer’’—Julius Schuster, Kalamazoo. ““Some Requisites to Success as a Grocer’’—O. P. DeWitt, St. Johns. ‘‘How to Overcome Competition’’— D. S. Fleming, Jackson. ‘* Effect of City Competition on Coun- try Towns’’—W. H. Whitmarsh, Milan. Believing that our Association is des- tined to accomplish much good for the grocers of Michigan, and confident that you will feel like doing your share to assist in the good work, we earnestly invite you to be present on the occasion of our midwinter convention. Come ene; come all! Jess WISLER (Mancelona), Pres. E. A. Stowe (Grand Rapids), Sec’y. THE WIERENGO MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN. Steam Heat, Electric light and bath rooms. Rates, $1.50 and $2.00 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 strictly first-class house, giving every detail painstaking at- tention. NEW REPUBLIC Reopened Nov. 25. FINEST HOTEL IN BAY CITY. Steam heat, Electric Belis and Lighting throughout. Rates, $159 to $2.00. Cor. Saginaw and Fourth Sts. GEO. H. SCHINDHETT, Prop Commercial House Iron Mountain, Mich. Lighted by Electricity, Heated by Steam. All modern conveniences. IRA A. BEAN, Prop. $2 per day. A CLEAN SHAVE while you take a snooze is quickest acquired at FRED MARSH’S barber shop in Wonderly Building, at Grand Rapids. f a — Young men and women attain greatest financial gain by securing « course in the Business, Shorthar d, English or Mechanical Drawing Departments of the Deiroit Bus ness University, 11-19 Wilcox St, Detroit, Mich. Send for catalogue. W. F. Jewell, P. R. Spencer, GOLUMBIAN TRANSFER COMPANY CARRIAGES, BAGGAGE AND FREIGHT WAGONS 15 and 17 North Waterioo St., Telephone 381-1 Grand Rapids. Sa ee DOO! peipateeneee SELL THESE CIGARS and give customers good satisfaction. Is MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Drugs--Chemicals MICHIGAN STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY. Term expires C. A. Busses, Traverse City - Dec. 31, 1896 S. E. PaRKILL, OWusso~ - - Dec. 31, 1897 F. W. R. Perry. Detroit - - Dec. 31, 1898 A. C. ScouMACHER, Ann Arbor - Dee. 31, 1899 Gro. GunprRUmM, Ionia - - - Dee. 31, 1900 President, S. E. PARKILL, Owosso. Secretary, F. W. R. Perry, Detroit. Treasurer, GEO. GuNDRUM, Ionia. Coming Examination Sessions—Grand Rapids, March 2 and 3; Star Island (Detroit), June 28 and 29; Sault Ste. Marie, Aug. ——: Lans- ing, Nov. 2 and 3. MICHIGAN STATE PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION. President. G. C. Pamitres, Armada. Secretary, B. ScoRoupDER, Grand Rapids. Treasurer, Cuas. Mann, Detroit. Executive Committee—A. H. WEBBER, Cadillac; H. G. Cotman, Kalamazoo; Gro. J. Warp, St. CiarR; A. B. STEVENS, Detroit; F. W. R. Perry, Detroit. The Drug Market. Alcohol—Unsettled as to grain, but there is no further change in prices. Balsams—Copaiba, jobbing values are fairly maintained. Tolu is being steadily held, but Peru is dull. Beans—Al!l varieties of vanilla are firm as to quotations, under restricted supplies and a steady demand. Tonka, inactive, but values for jobbing parcels are fairly steady. Bismuth Preparations—No changes; the undertone Is steady. Cantharides—The stronger feeling in Chinese mentioned last week has cul- minated in an advance. Russian, no quotable change, but steady. Cassia Buds—With available supplies very light and the market steady, the recent advance is being firmly main- tained; and the tendency is upward, holders not being willing to sell, and business is confined to small parcels. Cinchonidia—Some improvement as to enquiry, values steady. Cocaine—Feeling is unsettled, partly owing to the reduction in prices for crude, and partly to cable reports of competition between makers across the water. Cod Liver Oil—Consuming demand has continued active, but as markets abroad are easier and there is more or less pressure to realize, prices show no betterment. Colocynth Apples—Fair demand as to samll parcels, and quotations are main- tained. Cream Tartar—Quiet but firm. Cubeb Berries—Holders are exhibit- ing a steadier feeling, but there is no mentionable change in prices. Essential Oils—But few changes to note. Anise has heen reduced, and is weak and tending downward, due to abundant crops of seed and easier pri- mary markets. No change here as to cassia, but firmness prevails at sources recent of supply. Peppermint, easy, at the recent reduction. Wormwood is still firm. Flowers—Quiet, so far as the general market is concerned, little business go- ing forward outside of small jobbing transactions in leading descriptions. Glycerine—Moderate consuming de- mand is reported, with prices ruling at the former range. Gums—Asafoetida, demand good and market firm, and the tendency is up- ward. Camphor, enquiry good and values firm. Leaves—Short buchu, active consum- ing demand and, with values firm, the tendency is upward. Senna, very good consuming demand and _ quotations steady. Lycopodium—Values are lower, un- der the influence of liberal stocks and more or less pressure to realize. Menthol— Market continues inactive; prices are somewhat nominal. Morphine—Tone of the market is easy, in sympathy with the continued weakness in opium, but manufacturers’ prices are unchanged on tne old _ basis. Opium—Market is depressed’ and values have been further reduced, on account of continued absence of demand and some pressure to realize, together with continued free arrivals. Seeds—Nothing specially new and general trading slow, transactions be- ing chiefly in jobbing parcels. Sponges— Market is reported as firm at the various sources of supply and prices are well maintained for all de- sirable varieties. Sugar of Milk—Demand for powdered is still active and the output of manu- facturers is meeting with ready sale. Prices firmly sustained. 9-2» Liquor Legislation for Pharmacists. From the Pharmaceutical Era. In the New England States the liquor question is a source of perennial dis- turbance. Particularly is it a vexatious factor when it must be considered in its relations to the drug business. In the desire to regulate the drink evil the temperance people, the law and order organizations, look upon druggists as born law-breakers, and impose such regulations that the legitimate sale of liquor for medicinal purposes is made almost impossible, or, erring on the other side, frame regulations which actually tempt to infractions, virtually putting a premium on wrong-doing. It is right that druggists should not be prevented by exorbitant license from using liquors for legitimate medicinal purposes. Therefore, the merely nom- inal sixth class Jicense fee in force in Massachusetts is a good thing. Then, too, it is right that the’sale of liquors for beverage uses should be taxed highly in proportion to the prevailing senti- ment of the community. The trouble comes when the distance between these two extremes is great, as in Massa- chusetts, for this very difference invites unscrupulous persons to operate drug stores under the low tax as a blind for illegal traffic in liquors. So has reputable pharmacy suffered the re- proach brought upon it by this con- scienceless class. _ The Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy is the instrument of the law, and en- joys almost autocratic power in its exe- cution. The board says whether any druggist shall be trusted to observe the requirements of the sixth class license, and the board can revoke the pharma- cist’s license of any one proven to have violated the liquor regulations. And Massachusetts is to be congratulated upon having such a board of pharmacy as it has, one which has nobly per- formed the duties laid upon it. Its judgment, activity and thoroughness are worthy of all praise. We are not competent to argue the merits or demerits of any particular liquor law. This is a matter requiring the most careful consideration, but on general principles we hold and have often asserted that the legitimate use of liquors in the drug business should not be hampered by any restrictions (or very light ones at most), while on the other hand law-breaking of any descrip- tion should be visited upon the drug- gist aS upon any other; perhaps the penalties for such acts should be heavier in his case, as his responsibility is greater and his duty clearer, making his failure to discharge them the greater crime. No maudlin sympathy should be accorded the dram-selling druggist. He is a pest of the most noxious de- scription. We leave the minute and detailed study of the question to those who are better qualified for it. Ours only to commend all efforts to rid the drug trade of the black sheep within its fold, to further all legislation which con- cerns the druggist’s rights and priv- ileges, and at the same time definitely marks where these end and the possi- bility of abuse thereof begins. We want to commend, therefore, the mo- tive actuating the druggists of New Hampshire, who, we learn, are antici- pating the passage of a bill which is practically a copy of the Massachusetts pharmacy law,and provides for the sell- ing of liquor by registered druggists, who shall be licensed for that purpose, and who shall be liable to severe penal- ties in case any liquor is sold for il- legitimate uses. It also provides, and this is an unique provision, stringent punishment for persons wha may pur- chase liquors from druggists for use as a beverage. We hope the druggists of New Hampshire will secure an act just and satisfactory in all its pro- visions. This contemplated one may not be all that is desired, but its pur- pose is plain, and, therefore, to be commended. ~~» 20-2» Manufacture of Cigar Ribbons an Im- portant Industry. From the New York Sun. One New York firm alone turns out yearly an average of more than $200,000 worth of cigar ribbons and on these employs nearly 500 hands. Until 1868, it is said, cigar ribbons were manufac- tured here. The use of silk ribbons to tie up cigars originated in Cuba. The Spaniard’s patriotism impelled him to choose the national colors of red and yellow, and at the present time these two colors, separate or in combination, are still the favorites. The first rib- bons were made in Barcelona and were the rich crimson-scarlet, known as the Figaro, the vivid yellow of the Cabanas and Partigas, and the red and yellow of the Espanola. The first domestic ribbons made were of cotton, ofa pale yellow with a brown stripe running down the center, and these were speedily followed by a ribbon made wholly of silk. In 1868 a cigar manu- facturer in this country conceived the idea of having his name printed on the silk ribbon, which had hitherto been plain, and also the shape of the cigar. This was at first done in black, then in colors, and eventually in silver and gold, with embossed work and coats of arms. Then the name was woven into the ribbon instead of being printed. Many of these ribbons are still in use on expensive goods. Woven ribbon is very valuable as a trade-mark, since it is impossible to duplicate it in small quantities. In 1868 the first ribbon factory was established in this country by a man named Wicke, who established a small factory near the East River. It was operated by two Swiss. The demand for the ribbon increased, and in 1870 the profits were so good that a four-loom factory was started and operated by Swiss weavers especially imported. Only two widths of what is termed ‘‘Londres’’ ribbons were then made. In 1887 there were more ribbons used in proportion to the total number of cigars manufactured in this country than in any other year, and since then the bundling of cigars has steadily de- creased in favor of the system of pack- ing twenty-five or fifty in a box without ribbons; but so great has been the in- crease in the number of cigars made, now over 4,000,000,000 yearly, that the ribbon business has not decreased, but has steadily held its own. The raw silk for the ribbons is im- ported direct from Japan and China. There are ninety-four styles of cigar ribbons made, varying in width from one-eighth of an inch to an inch and a half. United States ribbons are sold in Canada in preference to the English make, although the duty on our goods is heavier. Some of the machinery is very interesting, especially that used for weaving in the name of the firm in black. Some years ago the gereral public was bitten by a cigar ribbon fad and many ribbons were sold by cigar dealers to make lambrequins, sofa cushions, etc. A woman in New Haven made a table mat of 450 separate ribbons and it fetched $160, while a cushion made _ by a cigar manufacturing firm as a com- pliment to an actress, whose name was used as a trade-mark, cost $250 simply for the needlework and time expended on it. +> 9» Saves His Snow. From the Washington Evening Star. ‘‘l always save my snow,’ said the keeper of a downtown boarding house, ‘‘and have now on hand three barrels full. That will last me until the next snow, when I hope to pack away another sup- ply. For freezing ice cream, puddings, Roman punch, and other things in that line snow is much better than ice, for the reason. that it can be packed into the freezer easier. It is also colder than ice, and works much more rapidly than ice, besides doing the same work with half the quantity of salt and with much less trouble. It may be a Yankee trick, for I learned it up in Vermont, but it is a good one, I assure you. I have al- ways a numper of empty barrels in the cellar, and I get the men who come in for a free meal to fill them. They are always glad to do the work, and I am glad for the result, for it saves me con- siderable in my ice bill. When the snow is put in barrels they should be covered up to keep out the air as much as possible. The temperature now is such that there is not much melting. Last winter my ice bill was so small in comparison to what it otherwise would have been that the ice man complained. My boarders did not, however, for, as the snow cost me but little, I could afford ice cream oftener than other- wise.’’ PATENT MEDICINES Order your patent medicines from PECK BROS. 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, $8.00 M. Rothschilds, 4% inch, 65.00 M. Napoleons, 54, inch, 70.00 M. All packed 50in a box.} We invite trial orders. Morrisson, Plummer & Co. 200 TO 206 RANDOLPH ST., CHICAGO. ; MASTER’ _Y UMA" The best 5 cent cigars ever made. BEST & RUSSELL CO.. Cuicaco. .Represented in Michigan by J. A. GONZALEZ, Grand Rajids. Sold by Alpine ae o en imme aie nae Nas MICHIGAN TRADESMAN © WHOLESALE PRICE CURRENT. Advanced— White Lead, Red Lead. Declined—Opium, Oil Anise. Acidum Aceticum...........- 8 8@3 10 Benzoicum, German 7%@ 80 DON. 4.45.25. @ 1 Carbolicum ......... 27@ «39 eo H@ 46 Hydrochlor......... 3@ 5 Niteocum ..2:...,..< 8@ 10 Oxatcum ........... 1 12 Phosphorium, dil... @ 6 Salicylicum. ........ 45@ 50 Sulphuricum. ...... 1%@ = 5 Temnicum .......... 1 40@ 1 60 Terao... .._. 36 Ammonia Aqua, 16 deg... 4@ «6 Aqua, 20 deg........ 6@_=—sé#8 Carbonas. .. 2:5... <. 12@ «14 Chloridum .......... 122@ 14 Aniline Biack... ............ 20@ 2B ee 80@ 1 00 We se os. 45@ Yellow. ............ 20@3 0 Bacce. Cubewe........ po.18 13@ 15 Juniperus........... 6@=Ssi#8B Xanthoxylum.. .... 53@ 30 Balsamum Copaiba a) oe 80 Peru. :- 22). eos @ 2 60 Terabin, Canada.... 40@ 45 Wetutan... = - > ere teense @ 51 40 lbs .. 300 260 30 | Scotch, in bladders......... 37 gop Soo a 1 30| Below are given New York | 99-7025 1b — @ gy | Wlbs........ 88 % 25 | Maccaboy, in jars........... 35 No. 4 Carpet... ........... 1 15| Prices on package coffees, to| {n_ a OSs) Sibe........ 69 61 14] French Rappee, in jars..... 43 Parlor Gem... 1.22.1... 2.00 whieh nthe wholesale dealer - Se = mee oe @ 1% FLAVORING EXTRACTS 10 SPI ae Common Whisk............ 70 | dds the local freight from| “\/ cent ilessin bags : wae Whisk vitttt:+ Ol New York to your. ehipping lg cent less in bags ia MINCE MBAT. Whole Sifted. Warehouse. _........_. .. 2 95| point, giving you credit on the Raisins. Jennings . ihieak: dias a ces - ant. pee Pete a 9 CAKE FROSTING invoice for the amount of D.C. Vanilla ’ . SE vassia, China in mats....... 10 Nacretoin. per doz....... 2 49 | freight buyer pays from the| London Layers3Crown. 1 60 long Cassia, Batavia in bund... 20 "eek deer E eee aina i fiz 40 | market in which he purchases | London Layers5 Crown. 250 20m 5. 1 20 MATCHES. Cassia, Saigon in rolls...... 32 - in Case assorted Hav- | to his shipping point, including | Dehesias............._.. 350 5 : Cloves, Amboyna........... 15 ors—lemon, vanilla and rose ; 3 0z...... 150 > } : I . weight of package. In 60 1b.| Loose Muscatels2 Grown 5% iz Diamond Match Co.’s brands. | Cloves, Zanzibar............ 9 CANDLES. cases the list is 10¢ per 100 lbs. | Loose Muscatels 3Crown 6% 40z.. ...2 00] No. 9 sulphur............... 1 6 | Mace, Batavia.... ... ..... 60 eee enone ...7 | above the price in full cases. Loose Muscatels 4Crown 734 . Con. 3 00 —— MEIOP sl, 170 rn fan¢y....... 2... .60 = ae 6 Achpkin ee ee \ No. 8...4 00 ye ; goa Ee Re SE rere cape 1 10 ey Bete £0 ee ee Ee FOREIGN. ae co mport. Parlor... ..::. 4 00 eseer Ginn: ne . ar CANNED GOODS. McLaughlin’s XXXX...... 14 5 oe gp ean oe ehnggion ope Manitowoc Peas . gr ot eae e Curcamts. No. 27.1 25 MOLASSES. eet, Singapore, white... .i2 2 ‘ Das ; 'e ,enOL.. ee a Marrowfat....... 100) vaney City % gross ... me, | Patkas bbls... @ 4% | No. 3 T.2 00 New Orleans. eae 4i Bi tk. * ide E. J... .......... 130] peltx « gross... "4 4p | Vostizzas 50 Ib case @ 1% No. 4T.2 40] pack — lakeside, Cham. of Eng.... 1 40| Hnmmel’s foil % gross. gz | Cleaned, b @ 5% ee va - BSCE ee 12 eside, Gem, Ex. Sifted. 1 65| Tummel’s tin % gross 1 4g | Cleaned, packages........ @ 6 Ce ae Scar een oe Batavia ............. = a a Kneipp Malt Coffee. Peel. 2 oz. ve) See asia beet tees e teens. anal Cloves, aes : 30 ter Bak le B- 1 lb. packages, 50lb. cases 9 ; Coe ee eee ree ee ee a Cloves, Zanzibar... 15 a. aaa ee ee — r1 lb. packages, 100 1b. cases 9 a = = b +H _ vf Half-barrels 2c extra. Ginger, African... 45 Breakfast Cocos 42| CONDENSED MILK. | Orange American 101b bx @12 co PIPES. ginger, Goobin.... 20 eg , Jamaica..... si ares tees. i Raisins ee ee eee 1 70| Mace, Batavia... 2.20.1! 70 Eotton, 40 ft, per doz....... 1 00} Gail Borden Eagle.........6 7% . | No. 8...2 40| Clay, T. D. fullcount...... 65 | Mustard, Eng. and Trieste. .20 —— = s per os bee i » Crown Se eee 6 % Outen 28 ie boxes.. @ 7% MH No. 10...4 00| Cob, No. 8..............2... 1 a. Trieste. .-. 0... ; per oon... .. Oe 7 ultana 1 Crown... @ &% 1 No. 3 utmegs, ............... 40@*0 Cotton, 70 ft. per doz.......160| Champion ........... »...450| Sultana 2Crown . @9 ESS. 2%. 3 POTASH. Pepper, Sing., biack 1.2 Jogts Cotton, 80 ft, per doz....... 180| Magnolia ......._.... 4 25| Sultana 3 Crown... @ 9% No. 37.135) 48 cans in case. Pepper, Sing., white....15@18 Jute, 60 ft, per doz......... 80} Challenge. ;........--........ 3 50} Sultana 4Crown........ @ 9% No. 4T 1 50) Babbitt's..................: 4 00 | Pepper, Cayenne........ 17@20 Jute, 72 ft, per doz.......... S Oe 3.35 Sultana 5 Crown........ @10%4 Penna Salt Co.’s........... S00 PARe 18 NOES oer ‘cha I Pe Pa plate icin A dk i sibaltaiseaaearotasencsieanbinentimrcomoectiennenee i | ’ a. AA dani ee aa MICHIGAN TRADESMAN . aisticusbinaanaienaindtindlictinemaatindnanindinetemnetemtetniniamsardimanain tedden aie SS eee eee eet 2! SOAP. Laundry. Armour’s Brands. Armour’s Family.......... Armour’s Laundry. : Armour’s Comfort......... 2 80 Armour’s White, 100s...... 6 25 Armour’s White, BOR... 3 20 Armour’s Woodchuck .... 2 55 Armour’s Kitchen Brown. 2 00 Armour’s Mottled German 2 40 JAXON Single DOL. oe. 2 8 5 box lots, delivered........ 2 80 10 box lots, delivered....... 2 75 JAS. 8. KIRK & CO.’S GRANDS. American Family, wrp'd....3 33 American Family, unwrp’d.3 27 Domes. oe a 33 COMnee 2 2% SAVORS 2 50 Dusky Diamond, 56 oz. 2 10 Dusky Diamond, 58 oz...... 3 00 Diue budia 220 e228 ee 3 = — ee a ee ae 37 ORS Se 3 6 Poona Bros. & Co.’s ee oh Cotton 5 MIARSCIIGS. i 4 00 MAGSCOY 3 70 Brand. Henry rs pa 2 85 5 box lots, delivered... 1! 2 80 10 box lots, delivered....... 2 25 hex lots delivered 2 65 Thompson & Chute’s Brand. Sener POE. so... 8 80 5 box lot, delivered........ 2% 10 box lot, delivered. ......2 7 25 box lot, delivered Single box . 5 box lots, delivered .... 10 box lots, delivered........ 2 50 Allen B. Wrisley’s Brands. Old Country, 80 1-lb bars ..2 15 Good Cheer, 60 1-1b. ee BS Uno, 100 3{-lb. bars... eo Doll, 100 10-02. bars.........2 25 Scouring. Sapolio, kitchen, 3 doz ..... 2 40 Sapolio, hand, 3 doz........ 2 40 SODA. eee ee 5% Kegs, English _. : = STARCH. Sienna 4 Corn. 40 1-lb packages............. 6 20.416 packages: ...;.......- 614 Kingsford’s Silver Gloss. 40 1-lb packages............. 6% Gib pores. es... 7 Diamond. 64 10c packages ........... 5 00 128 Se packages......... .. 5 00 82 10c and 64 5c packages...5 00 Common Corn. SOT) PORGR.... -. 6s i 5. 15k 5 St PORGR. te 4% Common Gloss. Lib. packages... 5... cl. 4% S-ip. packag@en... 6. 4... 4% 6-lb packages............... 54 40 and 50 1b boxes. ao Oe MONtGS ... 7. 2% SYRUPS. Corn. Barrels.. pee eceeccc © ie Halt bbl 14 Pure Cane. Were io ee ate ay 16 ee 20 RIOD ooo oi oe a we sls os 25 STOVE POLISH. L.P sS era ated S° No. 4, 3 doz in case. tee & 5O NO. G, 3 doz in €ase.-.... |. ? 20 SUGAR. Below are given New York prices on sugars, to which the wholesale dealer adds the local’ freight frum New York to your shipping point, giving you credit on the invoice for the amount of freight buyer pays from the market in which he purchases to his shipping point, including 20 pounds for the weight of the barrel. Cab tear 0 see DOM es 4 838 OES 4 63 roweered -..... wt... 4 *3 AXXX Powdered...........4 ON ee 4 63 Granulated in bbls... ...... 4 38 Granulated in bags.. -«.4 30 Fine Granulated... ..:...... 4 38 Extra Fine Granulated..... 4 50 Extra Coarse Granulated...4 50 Diamond Confec. A........ 4 35 C sonfec. Standard A......... ; 25 TABLE SAUCES, Lea & Perrin’s, large..... 4 = Lea & Perrin’s, small. ....2 7 Haliord, igme.....-.. 3 75 Halford small. _..- oe Salad Dre ssing, large ues 4 55 Salad Dressing. small a. 2 65 TOBACCOS. Cigars. G. J. Johnson Cigar Co.’s brand. > ........ 35 H. & P. Drug Co.’s brand. CERISGSIS cs 35 00 Clark-Jewell-Wells Co.'s a New riek: 92. 3S 35 VINEGAR. Eeroux Cider... ....; .: a 10 Robinson’s Cider, 40 grain....10 Robinson’s Cider, 50 grain. ..12 WICKING. No.0, pergross.. -).2........ 26 No. i per gross 30 No. 2) per gross... 40 No. 3, per gross 7 Fish and Oysters Fresh Fish. Per Ib. Whitehsh. .-...... @ 8 Trout a QQ. 7 Black Bass.......... @ 10 ee @ 12% Ciscoes or Herring. . @ 4 PERSE cs @ 10 Live Lobster....... @ 18 _— Lobster... .. @ 2 Deca woe ats. @ Ww Haddock Chee eee @ 8 No. 1 Pickerel...... @.8 Be @ 7 Smoked White...... @ 8 Red Snapper. @ Col River Salmon.. a & Mackere! .......... @ 20 Oysters in Cans. F. H. Counts... ...:.. @ 38 F. J. D. Selects... ... @ Ww elects es @ 2 F. J. D. Standards. . @ 2 AMeNOre. @ 18 EE @ 16 Pavorite:.-.. 2.225... @ i4 Oysters in Bulk. Oounia oo... ook 2 00 Extra Selects........ 1 60 MOrects.. 6.6 2... 1 40 Mediums.. 1 10 Baltimore Standards 95 CNM es 1 25 Shranpe. 3... @12 Shelli Goods. Oysters, per 100....... 1 2%@1 50 Clams, per 100...... - 90@1 00 Candies. Stick — ee _ 2K | Cut oat... 3... ; ReOmere co . Standard H. H...... Standard Twist..... etre oe Boston Cream...... Mixed Candv. Competition......... peundard. 2.0... POQQOR sxc 0 COnserve.. 2.00... RR RO SOMO oo. oo es English Rock....... Kindergarten....... French Cream...... Dandy Pan... Valley Cream.. .... Fancy—In Bulk. Lozenges, plain..... Lozenges, printed. . CHoc Drons. . |. Choc. Monumentals Com Invope......... Moss Drops......... SOUr Drops... .... Imperials ........... Fancy—in 5 Ib. Boxes. @50 Lemon Drops....... pour Drops... ..... Peppermint Drops. . Chocolate Drops.... H. M. Choe. Drops. . Gum Drops; ...-... Licorice Drops...... A. B. nog mg a Lozenges, plain.. Lozenges, printed.. Imperials Woo... Mottoes rie Molasses Bar ... Hand Made Creams. 80 60 Plain Creams... : Decorated Creams... Serge Hoek... Burnt Almonds..... 1 25 Wintergreen Berries Caramels. No. 1 wrapped, 2 Ib. boxes No. lw eect, 3 Ib. boxes oe No. 2 w rapped 2 Ib. _ boxes a Carcass... ce Fore quarters......... Hind quarters........ — Ne So. Dressed... .... 4... POOR SHGuIGerS .- .. leat Bard: 3 Careass ... Spring Lambs.. Veal. Careass PS ve ww @OHOHASANSS WOOK OHOHI IOS bh we x 3 —_ DWH IUD ee OO EOEEENee QHO PS vw ee wk we Fresh Meats. — ws er he UI 00 GD Cp He UT ~ = ® OBO OHOH OOPHHaSA NID co an Crackers. The N as follows: Butter. Seymour Nak .-.. Seymour XXX, 3 lb. carton PamuyAa5 CL Family XXX, 3 1b carton.. Salted XXX Soda XXX Soda ie 3 1b carton. Soda, Cit Long Island Wafers L. I. Wafers, 1 1b carton “ Oyster. Square Oyster, XXX. Farina Oyster, XXX Cocoanut Taffy.. Coffee Cakes..... Frosted Honey.. Graham Crackers _ Ginger Snaps, XX Marshmallow Sugar Seeegoaee os Sears’Lunch........... iets Sears’ Zephyrette. . Vanilla Square........... Vanilla Wafers... Pecan Wafers. Fruit Coffea, (00000 ts: Mixed Picnic Chimmie Fadden . Pineapple Glace............ . Y. Biscuit Co. quotes Salted XXX, 3 lb carton... Repheretir ae cae Sq. Oys. XXX.'1 Ib carton. SWEET GOODS—Boxes. Aree ee: Bent’s Cold Water......... Bete Boge 20... ee X round. Ginger Snaps, XXX city.. Gin. Snps,X XX home made Gin. Snps,X XX scalloped. . Ginger Vanilla... ...s2 50": SPROHIOUN oo. Jumples, Honey........... Molasses Cakes............ Marshmallow Creams..... Pretzels, hand made ..... Pretzelettes, Little German Cee oe Cream Jumbles ............ Boston Ginger ~myeg Cee. Grains and Feedstuffs Wee 83 Winter Wheat Flour. Local Brands. PebenGs 5 00 mecond Patent. ...:. 6... 4 55 Ps 4 30 OR 3 $0 Graham .. Cees - 430 Buckwheat 000000007) : = ra Bee orale ie cg cea oc ace count. Flour in bbls., 25¢ per bbl. ad- ditional. Worden Grocer Co.’s Brand. Coane tee 4 45 Yee 445 Quaker 6... 2... 4 45 Spring Wheat Flour. Olney & Judson’s Brand. Cereagta, 68.200 4 Coronas ie 4 50 Ceresota, —.. 4 45 Ball-Barnhart-Putman’s Brand. Grand Republic, \%s........ 4 60 Grand Republic, _ - 458 Grand Republic, 4 445 Worden eB Co.’ s » Brand, Laurel, Xs. 4 60 Laurel, \4s.. ‘a 59 Laurel, %s. on ee 2 Lemon & Wheeler cx 2 oe roman We Parisian, Me 4 50 Parisian. —-—.... 445 Bee 15 Gragiaieg 1% Feed and oe St. Car Feed. screened ....10 75 No. 1 Corn and Oats....... 9% Unbolted Corn Meal....... : 25 Winter Wheat Bran... .. 00 Winter Wheat Middlings.. "10 00 Screenings 8 00 The O. E. Brown Mill Co. quotes as follows: New Corn. Car tote cS Less than ear lots...... 25 7. Car lots. .... 19 Carlots, clipped... Lo ae Less than car lots......._. 23 Hay No. 1 Timothy cariots pe 9 50 No. 1 Timothy, ton lots ...11 00 Fruits. Oranges. California Seedlings. oie. 8, @2 2 126-150-171 0-200. ...... 2 50> fo California N Navels. 6 .. @3 (0 ee @3 2% a... @3 50 O-17G6-2 ......... @4 00 Valencias in Cases PO a \ @4 50 cme. Strictly choice 3tvs.. @2 50 Strictly choice 300s.. @2 50 Paney 3606...... ... @3 00 Ex.Fancy 300s...... 3 25@3 50 Bananas. A definite price is hard to name, as it varies according to size of bunch and quality of fruit. Medium bunches...1 25 @ 1 50 Large bunches...... 1% @2 00 Foreign Dried Fruits. Figs, Choice Layers 1 @10 Figs, New Smyrna i ee @i4 Figs, a in 30 Ib. Dae... 7 Dates, wae in 101b boxes @s8 Dates, Fards in 601b —.. ....... @ 6 Dates, Persians,G.M. K., 60 1b cases, new @6 Dates, Sairs 60 Ib Canes @ 4% Nuts. Almonds, Tarragona. . @12 Almonds, Fvaca...-... @i1 Almonds, California, soft shelled......... @i2 Brasilia new. .-.. 2... @7% Bitperts .... 3c... @iv Walnuts, Grenobles . @i2 Walnuts, Calif No. i @10 W alnuts, soft shelled APNE ei: @12% Table Nuts, fancy.. @li Table Nuts, choice... @10 Pecans, Med... @9 Pecans, Ex. Large.. @10 Pecans, Jumbos.. @12 Hickory Nuts per bu., CORO MEW. 2.656: @ Cocoanuts, full sacks @3 7 Butternuts per bu.... @ 60 Black Walnuts per bu @ 7% Peanuts. Fancy, H. P., Game COCRR @ 4% Fancy, H. P., Flags Mogens @i7 Choice, H. P., Extras. @ 434 Choice, H. P., Extras, aoested ..-..... @ 5% Provisions. Swift & Company quote follows: Barreled Pork. Clear back... Short cut. rie... . Bean ... Family Dry Salt ome. Belles |. -. .. res Extra shorts.. Smoked oe Hams, 12 1b average .... Hams, 14 lb average Hams, 16 1b average Hams, 20 lb average..... Ham dried beef ......... Shoulders (N. Y. se Bacon, clear.. ' California hams.. Boneless hams... Cooked ham.. Hl Lards. in ‘Terces. Compound. ........--.,.. Nee 59 lb Tubs.......advance 80 1b Tube. ..:.- _ advance 30 Ie Tis advance Zo ib Pais... advance 10 Dy Padis..... .. advance Sib Pails... advance 3 1b Pails....... advance Sausages. Bologna ver. B Bue Mes ll Boneless . Kits, 15 Ibs. 4% bbls, 40 Ibs. Kits, 15 Ibs.. \% bbls, 40 Ibs... % bbls, 80 lbs... Casings. Hi — —_ Seen Butterine. Rolls, dairy. Solid, dairy...) |, ee Rolls, creamery ...... Solid, creamery ...... Canned Meats. Corned beef, 2 lb.... Roast beef, 2 Ib Potted ham, Ys. a Potted ham, ‘s....... Deviledham, ¥s.... Deviledham, ‘\%s Petted tongue i4s....... Potted tongue Xs.... one Corned beef, 14 Ib....... 2— On we mold ie oo SRR aE SwustrsSoao ae Ser ws wee Sed NESS ag RRC a a Hides and ows Hides. Green Fare Cure... PolCace | ||. Hing, green... |. Mink Cured... ...._. 6 Calfiskins, green.... .. @ Calfskins, cured...... 2G Deaconskins ......... 2 @30 Pelts. Sieartgegs 8... |= SG Eames os. 23@ Gid Woeel...... -... 4 Furs. ae 300 Ce 30@ RO ae We Muskrats, spring..... 14@ Muskrats, winter.... 9@ Red Fox eS, 80@ Gray Fer... 30@ Cross Pox .......... 25 @5 Badecr.............. Sage Si Cat Wie .......... 1g 3 Cat, House. .......... 10@ : Fisher Bs eee g ec). 3 00O@ 5 6 Lynx. --.0@2 Martin, (Dark. 1 50@ 3 Martin, Yellow . ‘me 1° oo... ........ 4 50@ 7: oe 1 L0@ 2 eee 7 00@15 PCR V ON es 2 WG 6 Deerskin, dry, perlb. 15@ Deerskin, gr’n, per lb Pelts. : Perkins & Hess pay as fol- 10@ ese ae w eee 3 | 3 gal Home Rule.. 5 5 Wool. Waencd .. ..,.c.. 10 @I6 Unwashed ..... 5 @l2 — Tallow . 2. @& Grease Butter... ee | @ Switches... ine Ginseng. 0). 2 50@2 7 Oils. Barrels. xXx W. W.Mich.Hdlt W W Michizan......-. High — Headlight. . Deo. a. a Gee ey acice ss 2 lech, winter... ‘Crockery and Glassware. AKRON STONEWARE. Butters. ear. er dos.......... 50 1 to 6 gal., 2 ear... 54% 8 gal., per gal . Soec. 6% Poeal pereal..._.... .. bh 12 gal., per gal..... 6% 15 gal. meat-tubs. per ‘gal. 8 20 gal. meat-tubs, per gal.. 8 25 gal. meat-tubs, per gal.. 10 30 gal. meat-tubs, per gal.. 10 Churns. 2teGeal. pereal....._.. 5% Churn eer perdoz... % Milkpans. 4% gal. flat or rd. bot., doz. 60 i gal. fat orrd. bot.,each 5% Fine Glazed Milkpans. \% gal. flatorrd. bot..doz. 65 1 gal. flutorrd. bot.,each 5% Stewpans. % gal. firepruof, bail, doz. 85 1 gal. fireproof, bail, doz.1 10 Jugs. 4 al. per dog. 40 4 gal.. per doz.... a £tO@Senl pergal......... 1% Tomato Jugs. % gal., = Oe s. 70 1 gul., ch 7 ‘ Corks lor 4a gal., per doz.. 2U Corks for 1 gal., per doz.. 30 Preserve Jars a Covers. 4% gal., stone cover, duz... 75 1 gal., stone cover, doz.. i100 Sealing Wax. | 5 lbs. in package, perlb... 2 LAMP BURNERS. NO. O San. 0... . -— Ra tim... 50 Ao See 7a TOMUGE oe 50 mecuriiy, No. b............. 65 mecutry NO. 2 ............ 68S Neer ae Climax.. wou. 2 oO LAMP CHIMNEYS_Common. Per box of 6 doz. No. 0 Sun. oe SO ieee... 1 88 No. 2 hum... 27 First Quality. No. 0 Sun, crimp top, wrapped and labeled.... 2 10 No. 1 San, crimp top, wrapped and labeled. 2 No. 2 Sun, crimp top, wrapped and labeled .... 3 25 XXX Flint. No. 0 Sun, crimp top, wrapped and labeled.” 25 No. 1 Sun, crim top, wrapped and labéled. Lo No, 3 si uo 2 Sun, crimp top, wrapped and iabelea Hist CHIMNEYS—Pear! Top. No.1 Sun, wrapped and IARENOG ce 3 70 No. 2 Sun, wrapped and “oe ee ei 470 oa wrapped and iabeled = 4 8% No. 2 Sun, “Small ‘Bulb,’ , ir Globe hare. 80 La Bastie. No. 1 Sun. plain bulb, per C08 1 2 No. 2 Sun, plain bulb, per on 1 50 No. i Crimp, per doz.. 1 35 No. 2 Crimp, per doz.. .. ee Rochester. | No. 1, Lime (65c doz)...... 3 50 5 | No. 2, Lime (70¢ doz).. -- 406 No. 2, Flint (80e doz)...... 4 70 Electric. No. 2 2, Lime (70c¢ doz) ..... 4 00 No. 2, Flint (80c doz).... . 4 40 OIL CANS, Doz. 1 gal tin cans with spout.. 1 25 | 1 gal galv iron with spout. 1 65 2 gal galv iron with spout. 2 $7 3 gal galv iron with spout. 4 00 5 gal galy iron with spont. 5 00 5 gal galv iron with faucet 6 00 oa) Pilting cans.......... 9 00 5 gal galv iron Nacefus ... 9 90 Pump Cans » gal Rapid steady stream. 9 00 gal Eureka non-oy parer 10 50 gal Home Hule.... ...... 12 00 gal Pirate King.. eee 9 50 LANTERNS. No. G'Tubular..... Le tcee oe No. §8 Fubular... ...... 6 50 No. 13 Tubular Dash. 6 30 No. 1Tub., glassfount.... 7 00 No. Tubular, side lamp. 14 OC | No. 2 Street bamp ...... 3 75 LANTERN GLOBES. “ | No. 0 Tubular, cases 1 doz. each, box 10 cents. ....... 45 No. 0 Tubular, cases 2 doz. each, box 15 cents........ 45 | No. phage emg bbls 5 doz. enon, Dos... No. 0 ‘TPubuiae, bull’s eye, cases 1 doz. each. LAMP WICKS. No. 0 per gross.. : No. 1 per gross.. No. 2 per gross..... eee NO. & per erese....<..... Mammoth per doz......... SERRE 22 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Hardware The Hardware Market. General trade continues quiet, al- though for February we see no special cause of complaint. Dealers in certain localities are buying quite freely and in a majority of cases are placing liberal orders for spring shipments. Collec- tions are not as good as could be wished, but dealers are doing the best they can, and are pushing collections in their re- spective localities. If we could have plenty of good sleighing, both trade and collections would be much better all around. Wire Nails—There is no special change to note in this line, but manu- facturers have evidently got enough and are refusing to name as low prices as they did in January. It is believed that an advance will take place at any mo- ment. Barbed Wire— A great many orders have been placed for spring shipment and the mills are all running night and day to fill orders. It is believed that prices will soon advance in this line and the dealers who have placed their orders will be glad to see it come. Window Glass—The market is firm and an advance is noted for March 1. Lead Pipe——Has advanced 25c, caused by an advance in pig lead. It is said an advance in shot no doubt will soon occur. Sheet Iron—-But little moving and no effort by the milis is being made to urge buying. Bar Iron—Firm. Gas Pipe—No change to note. >. Have You Any of these ‘‘Competitors?”’ The retailer who uses the coarsest sort of straw paper finds a competitor in the dealer who uses high grade and sightly paper. The retailer who uses cheap stationery and sends in bills irregularly in an un- tidy envelope finds a strong competitor in the man who uses attractive bill- heads, neat envelopes, and who does everything connected with the book- keeping systematically, regularly and in style. The retailer whose assistants make errors, delay in deliveries, make mis- Statements, has no show alongside of a competitor who is noted for correct deal- ing, promptness and truthfulness. The retailer whose clerks are untidy in personal appearance has a strong competitor in the store where the boys always wear polished shoes, have a clean collar, a coat free from grease, hands clean and finger nails tidy. The retailer who economizes in gas or illuminating oil is not in the race with the brilliantly-lighted store. The retailer who is ignorant of the nature of the goods he sells cannot com- pete with the man who knows all about them. The retailer whose clerks make mis- takes in giving change cannot keep abreast of the store where no such errors occur. The retailer whose clerks forget to enter goods sold a credit customer is sure to be outdistanced by the one whose system prevents such costly care- lessness. The retailer who neglects his front window and counter display helps along the business of his competitor who challenges attention by new, tasty, fresh and novel displays. The retailer who keeps behind in the procession and lets other merchants try new goods is always chasing to catch up with the competitor who keeps up with the times. The retailer who never reads a trade journal goes rapidly to seed, as com- pared with the fellow across the way who is always posted. Tbe retailer who never advertises is the one who contradicts his neighbor that there is money to be made in business. The retailer who overbuys, who fails to overhaul the stock frequently, is badly handicapped, as compared with the other chap who buys frequently and always turns the stock over often enough to keep it bright and fresb. The merchant who offers good goods, gives effective, prompt and polite serv- ice, conducts his business in relation with his customers methodically and satisfactorily, can always charge a frac- tion more and retain his trade as com- pared with the merchant who does not meet these requirements. It is not so much what is charged, within reason- able limits, as the quality of the goods and the method of handling them that bring the most desirable custom. What is desirable custom? The custom that buys intelligently and critically and pays promptly, and a few cents this way or that makes little difference to such custom.—Brains. ——___» ¢ Some Business Philosophy. Cecil Bradford Winsborough in Furniture News. Never doubt, for in it is the element of failure. You may be the world’s creditor, but it is going to hustle you to keep your accounts collected. The world never stops rotating and unless we keep pace with it, we slide down and off of it into oblivion. Genius is a rare thing—so rare, in- deed, that it does not in a natural state exist. Hard work is the mother of genius. Envy not the man who has made a success. It profits you nothing. Rather take him as an example and do like wise. Determination, when backing a motive not wholly right, often wins overa more just one because its defenders lack courage. Make the world your friend by being cheerful at all times and in a little while the necessity for following this rule will have been obviated. Don’t be deluded by the thought that your neighbor is better off than your- self. Remember that you have never seen into his closets. Be considerate, but not bashful. Don’t be afraid of yourself, for you are then your worst enemy. There are enough fighting upon the other side. The man who is ever diffusing upon the impending collapse of the universe is so near-sighted that he cannot see beyond the confines of his own abode. The man who is really great is his own ancestry. So waste no time in worshipping the achievements of your forefathers, for upon their merits you are to win no battles. Discontent with your condition will never alter it. Get on good terms with yourself and your environment and then go to work calmly to pull yourself out of the mire. Bear in mind that you are a part of this world; that you have the same rights as every individual, and are priv- ileged to accept of every opportunity that God has bestowed upon man. There is no degree of success impos- sible if you possess ability and are willing to pay the price in endeavor necessary to obtain it. Remember others are bidding against you. ‘*He awoke to find himself famous,’’ so says the daily press. But in a lengthy article we find no mention of the morning this same individual awoke to find that he had to cook his own break fast. ene ea ea A bill has been introduced in the Connnecticut Legislature providing that the only constituents of beer shall be hops, barley malt and water, that each package shall bear a certificate to that effect, and that health officers shall have purview of the matter. 2-2 William Waldorf Astor is said to own 4,000 houses in New York City, and his estimated yearly income is $6,000,000. —_—_>9.>___ About 10,000 bales of tobacco are now stored in the bonded warehouses at Tampa. Half Rate Excursions to Detroit. The Grand Trunk Railway System will sell excursion tickets to Detroit and return, good going February 22 and 23, valid to return on all trains up to and including Feb. 24, on account of the Michigan Club annual meeting, Michi- gan League of Republican Clubs, Re- publican State Convention. For full particulars apply at D. & M. depot or at the city office, 23 Monroe street. Jas. CAMPBELL, City Pass. Agt. a Easily Altered. Lady of a Certain Age:, ‘I like this dress, but it doesn’t match my com- plexion.’’ Candid Clerk: ‘‘Oh, that’s but a trifle; you can alter your complexion to suit!”’ oO A movement has been started in St. }’ Louis with a view to the separation of the liquor saloons from the groceries in that city. © SAP PAILS... That will hold Sap AND SYRUP CANS .. Which do not Leak. Our sap pails are full size and are guaranteed not to leak. They are made almoststraight, flaring enough to pack con- veniently. Our syrup cans are double seamed, both top and bottom, with packed screws. Prices lower than ever. Send for special quotations. WM. BRUMMELER & SONS, Manufacturers and Jobbers of Pieced and Stamped Tinware, Dealers in Rags, Rubbers and O!d Metal, 200 S. Ionia St., Grand Rapids. Telephone 640. © e e e : We carry in stock all sizes of Cauldron Kettles, including : 3, 5, 6 and 8 Pails 22, 30, 45, 60 and 90 Gallons The Kettles we handle are superior to many as to smoothness, weight and finish. We are making special low prices, which will be quoted up- on application, stating how many and what sizes are wanted. Foster, Stevens & G6. 4 ————— ips Gee HARD TO PLEASE. Pen Picture of an Experience Com- mon to Every Merchant. Written for the TRADESMAN She was a small, dried-up, freckle- faced woman with scraggly, sandy hair twisted into a mean little knot at the back of her head, and she wore one of those black straw things about the size of a dollar bill, by courtesy called ‘bonnets. ”’ Evidently the fickle goddess had not smiled on her for some time and she looked as though she was_ experiencing a protracted run of hard luck. She entered the store as one who is momentarily expecting to be accosted by confidence men, and who courts rather than avoids such an experience. At the time ot her visit I was quite a prominent feature in the store, for I stood squarely in the middle of the room and there was not another soul in sight, but the lady studiously avoided seeing me. She seeemed to be inter- ested in the contents of the ribbon case and I hastened in that direction, but had no sooner approached the locality occupied by the article in question than she was suddenly called across the room, attracted by a beautiful display of laun- dry soap. I’d rather sell ribbon than soap any day, but one mustn't be too particular in dull times, so I walked over to the grocery counter and was just making a laudatory remark anent the particular brand of soap which we were most anxious to dispose of when her eye caught the gleam of polished steel in the cutlery case and she instantly be- came absorbed in the contents thereof. Acting under the impression that she might be in need of a good (we keep none other) pair of scissors, I ambled to- ward the hardware end of the institu- tion, determined to make a sale. But just then the lady started for the shoe department, and as there is only a narrow aisle leading thereto, I got her safely cornered. **Something in shoes, ma’am?’’ ‘‘ITd’no. Guess not. ’S that all the shoes you got?’’ ‘‘Well, no. We're just getting in some new goods in that line, but we have an excellent stock now. What sort of shoes would you like to see? Something for yourself?’’ ‘*O, you needn’t bother. I just thought I’d come over an’ see what kind of a town this was, but I don't see *s it’s anything great.. Guess I’ll wait an’ git my shoes to East Jerdan. That's where I most alles trade.’’ ‘*There’s a splendid wearing shoe,’’ said I, making a selection that I knew a judge of shoes would be pleased with. “It's first class in every respect, and I’m sure it would please you.’’ ‘*How much?”’ ‘*Two dollars. ’’ ““‘Two dollars!’’ she exclaimed, scarcely looking toward it, ‘‘why we buy them same shoes in East Jerdan fer a dollar an’ a half. That's an awful price fer them shoes, but I s’pose you think you wouldn’t git it ef you didn’t ask it.”’ ‘* Perhaps this is more like the East Jordan shoe,’’ I ventured, showing a very fair, low priced-article. ‘‘Them? Hub! How much d’ye p’tend to ask fer them?’’ ‘*One fifty.”’ This time she displayed a little more interest; but just as I had begun to think that perhaps she was going to buy something after all, she remarked: ‘*Them’s the same blamed shoes Boos- oe Reece ae a ee ent eee eee MICHIGAN TRADESMAN inger sells fer 89 cents on his cheap counter. ”’ Of course I tried to make her under- stand that she was mistaken; but she wouldn't have it that way and at length she asked: ‘*How much be ye payin’ no eggs?” ‘Eighteen for butter and thirteen for eggs. ‘Is that all?’’ “| Yesima. |” ‘*Cash, eh?’’ ‘“No. All trade.’’ ‘*Why can’t you pay as much as they |p do in East Jerdan?’’ ‘‘Don’t know. That’s every cent they're worth at present. Have you some to sell?’’ ‘‘No. I hain’t got none to-day, but I thought I’d ask. Someone might want to know.’’ ‘‘You were looking at the Wouldn't you like some of that?’’ ‘I d’no. Do you trust?’’ ‘‘No. That’s out of our lines nowa- days. Everybody pays when he buys.”’ She gave a snort of disapproval, turned her back to me and went on sur- veying the goods on the shelves. Then she began a running fire of query and comment : “*Got any suits o’ close?’’ ‘‘No'’m, we don’t handle clothing.’’ ““Then you ain’t got none?’’ ‘No, ‘‘Huh! I thought you p’tended to keep everything. Got any bunnets?’’ ‘‘No, we don’t carry milliners’ goods, either. You'll find those at Sander- son’s,”’ ‘*They hain’t no bunnets, neither. I s'pose you’ve got tincture of rhuberb?’’ ‘‘No’m. That’s drugs. You’ll find it at Vaughn’s,”’ ‘*No rhuberb an’ suits o’ close! hunderd?’’ ‘‘Chop,’’ I think, is a Canadian word. It means ground feed, and is an ab- breviation of ‘‘chopped stuff. ’’ ‘*Well, we don’t sell that, either, so I don’t know the price. They have plenty of it at Walbrecht’s grist mill.’’ ‘*No chop, no rhuberb, no bunnets an’ no suits o’ close! Got any barb wire?’’ ‘*No, ma’am, we haven’t. Fisk Brothers keep a beautiful line of barbed wire and I am sure they have just what you want. Their store is right over there.’’ ‘‘No barb wire,’’ said she, medita- tively, ‘‘an’ no chop, an’ no rhuberb, an’ no bunnets, an’ no suits o’ close, an’ they won't trust! I don’t see what any- body wants to trade here fer.’’ I had been getting pretty tired of the conversation, especially of the latter part of it, so when she finally enquired if we had any first-class salt pork my spirits began to revive. ‘‘O, yes. Lots of it,’’ I replied. ‘*Any flour?’’ "Yes mm. **An’ codfish an’ crackers an’ an’ onions?”’ ‘*Yes, got ’em all.’’ ‘‘An’ beans an’ corn meal an’ pepper sass?’’ ‘‘Yes ’m. Plenty.’’ ‘Well, then, if I was you I'd go to work an’ eat up a lot of ’em an’ see if I couldn’t get fat.’’ Geo. L. Tuurston. ——_~»>e>___ It is rumored that a Russian govern- ment commission is elaborating a statute whereby the working day will be fixed at ten, eleven or twelve hours, ac- cording to circumstances, and at nine hours for night work. The regulation is to apply to the whole of Russia. ... fer butter soap. no bunnets an’ no How much is chopa cheese Hardware Price Current. 23 HOUSE FURNISHING GOODS Stamped Tin Ware. . " - new list 75410 Japanned Tin Ware.. 20&10 Grasite tron Ware................- new list 40&10 AUGURS AND BITS HOLLOW WARE Re Ce ee 60410 es oe... ——ies 60410 Jennings’, imitation ./2.22.2222722222 222° COG | Ser es 8. - 60&10 HINGES AXES 5 09 | Gite; Clark's, 1, 2,8... eee eee e nee. dis 6010 First Quality, S. B. Bronze ................. DO per doz. net 2 50 First Quality, D. B. Bronze................. 9 50 WIRE GOODS — Quality, S. B.S. Steel...... 2 0........ 5 50 Bright 80 rst Quality, D. B. Steel ................... —o Milne siteeneceseisssecss BARROWS OO 80 ee, Sg eS aR 812 00 14 09 | Gate Hooks and Eyes....................... 80 Gatge net 30 00 LEVELS BOLTS Stanley Rule and Level Co.’s............ dis 70 I . 60.£10 Sisal, % inch and — 6 Carriage Gwe ee 70 to 75 | Manilla rere sented ae 9 RO es ea SCE ee SQUARES BUCKETS — ont) — es eae, 80 Wel pie TY ANG DEVEIS.... - 2... ees ee cence reeseees ~— 83% Te BUTTS, CAST SHEET IRON Cast Loose Pin, fignuréd......... ........... 70&10 com. smooth. com. Wrought Narew 75&10 pag - Me $3 30 #2 40 Nos. 15 to 17. S. 2 40 BLOCKS Nos. 18 to 21.. 2 6C Oramary Tackle. 70 | Nos. 22 to 24.. 270 Nos. 25 to 26.. 2 80 CROW BARS Ss 3 80 2 90 BSE eC per lb 4| Allsheets No. 18 and lighter, over 30 inches CAPS wide not less than 2-10 extra. SAND PAPER boa _ J. teat rete ee eee eee e te cee Beret CO Eigse sect 10 ee dis . ots ae = - SASH WEIGHTS a Sede ge [IN nn es ne per ton 20 00 TRAPS CARTRIDGES Sicel Game ce 6010 iim Five... .. 2... 50& 5 | Oneida Community, Newhouse’s....... 50 Central Fire oe a 2& 5 | Oneida Community, Hawley & Norton's 70410810 Mouae, Chamer..... i. per doz 15 CHISELS Mouse, Geitsion,................ per doz 1 2 CE ee 80 = SOCKCE Weaming. .......... 2.21... ea 80 | Bright Market.. ee 6 MOcnOe COUNee SO Annealed Maree v6) OCHO G Ne 8u re Ae = OO ee 62% a DRILLS Coppered Spring Steel. . eas Cue eee, Moree’s BIC StOCKR _._ 60] Barbed Fence, galvanized ................. 210 Taper and Straight Shank................... 50& 5 | Barbed Fence, painted..................... 1% Mearse's Taper Shaik..................... . dO& 5 HORSE NAILS ELBOWS Ae - —_ - | Putnam.. eee ao cael eves eas - net 1 = Or dis 10&10 PCE dis 40&10 WRENCHES Baxter’s Adjustable, nickeled.............. 30 EXPANSIVE BITS COCR Genee 50 Clark’s small, $18; large, #26................ 30&10 | Coe’s Patent Agricultural, wrought ....... 80 Ives’, 1, $18; 2, $24: 3 Lo... og | Coes Patent, matieable..................... 80 MISCELLANEOUS FILES—New List ESE ereuansinaiee ss 7 50 INGW POMC 8 TOGE0 | Pompe, Clatew 80 Nicholson's ee ee ate i a) Sevawa, Now Fast oo... 85 Heller's Horse Kaspa....-........ -60&10 | Casters, Bed and Plate............. .... 50&10&10 GALVANIZED IRON Penpers, Aracricg..................... 50 Nos. 16 to 20; 22 and 24; 25 and Ree ee oe METALS—Zinc List 12 13 ce ie Oe ere Cente es 634 Discount, 75 Pee 6% GAUGES SOLDER vl l L Me eee 12% ay Bae a — The prices of the many other qualities of solder lew List in the market indicated by private brands vary Door, mineral, j Grimes... 70 | according to composition. Door, porcelain, a. Srrneeriigs. 80 _—— Grade MATTOCKS 10x14 IC, Charcoal.. ae 85 75 Bie Bee... ec. iG GF dis GOG10 | 4098 IC ChasGoal .....8 8... 88. 5 75 es Eve. ek. $15 00, dis 60&10 | 20x14 IX. Charcoal .............. . -@ ERO ee nc. 818 50, dis 20&10 Each additional X on this grade, 81.25. MILLS TIN—Allaway Grade Comce, Parkers Cos... .......... 2... rt Meee 0) COCOG 5 00 Coffee, P. S. & W. Mfg. Co.’s ee St) ) dees 1, Chasooe: 1... 5... 51... 8... 8 Coffee, Landers, Ferry & Clark’s........... mt Wee Ee Chareoe?........................... 6 00 Coffee, Enterprise eee ee tec els rt PR COE ok een cco 6 00 MOLASSES GATES Each additional X on this grade, $1.50. Stebbin’s Pattern.. oe Sad ROOFING PLATES RE NN. cL 5 14x20 IC, Charcoal, Dean........ a 5 00 Enterprise, self-measuring ....... a $4neg TX Charcoal, Dean oo... oo... 6 00 NAILS Ztree IC, Charcoal, Dear, ...... 0... 46... 10 00 . 14x20 IC, Charcoal, Allaway Grade......... 450 Advance over base, on —_ Steel and Wire. | 14x20 IX, Charcoal, Allaway Grade......... 5 50 Steel nails, base..... ... 1 60 | 90x28 1C, Charcoal, Allaway Grade......... 9 00 oe 20x28 IX, Charcoal, Allaway Grade......... 11 00 ee Oe a BOILER SIZE TIN PLATE ee 10 56 for No. 8 Bdilers, ee 20 | iaxee IX’ for No.» bolle’ {Per pound... 9 a 30 3 — eee dae dee eeuedc flues Lk. “ 45 Fine 3 advance... oT 2 93] WM. BRUMMELER & SONS, GRAND RAPIDS, Casing [ advance. ae tresses = Pay the highest price in cash for Casing 6 advance............. 35 MIXED RAGS Finish 10 advance ...... . P5 : Finish 8 advance............. 5 RUBBER BOOTS AND SHOES, Finish 6 advance........ a 45 OLD IRON AND METALS. Wemewen Oe SVAMOG i] PLANES for otter on “Any Old Thing.” Ohio Tool Co.'s, fancy..... cee ce oes @50 Pen ENG oe es 60 Sandusky Tool Co.'s, fancy................. @50 eneh MratQualty.... 2... oo. eon cc seks @50 Stanley Rule and Level Co.’s wood......... 60 PANS De ROG ee 60&10410 Common, polished......... 70& 5 RIVETS Iron and Tinned . ee! Cad nae 60 Copper Rivets ane Gu 60 PATENT PLANISHED IRON ‘““A” Wood’s patent planished, Nos. 24 to 27 10 20 “B” Wood’s = atent planished, Nos. 25 to 27 9 20 Broken packages \e per pound extra. HAMMERS Maydole & Co.’s, new list........ oe 3334 eas ee oe beesh uak bruni cu cl 25 Werkes & Plums... oc dis 40410 Mason’s Solid Cast Stee -30¢ lis 70 Blacksmith’s Solid Gast Steel Hand 30¢ list 40&10 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. 24 FORCE OF FOLLY. Futility of Attempting to Limit Profits by Law. Matthew Marshall in New York Sun. The principal feature of last week’s stock market was the drop in American sugar, attributed to the investigation of the company’s affairs now making by a committee of the New York Legislature; and the resulting fear of hostile legis- lation. It would be uncharitable to as- sume that any member of the com- mittee, or that any of the editors of the newspapers which are egging it on, is speculating in sugar stock for a fall, and the onslaught on the company may, therefore, be presumed to be one of those unreasoning outbursts of journal- istic animosity against successful enter- prises, of which we have seen so many during the past few years. The Ameri- can Sugar Refining Company is nota ‘‘trust,’” nor is it a contederation of several corporations. It is a single concern, incorporated in the State of New Jersey, and it conducts its business Strictly according to law. Whether the profits of that business be great or small may be an interesting subject of en- quiry, but it certainly cannot be made the basis of legislation by the State of New York, The burden of the clamor against the Sugar Refining Company, as it is of that against all the other so-called ““trusts,’’ which are at present the ob- jects of vituperation by the press, is not that the price it obtains for its product has been artificially torced up above a natural level, but that its profits are, in the opinion of its assailants, greater than it should be permitted to make. Refined sugar has never been so_ cheap as it is now, nor has the excess of the price obtained for it over the cost of the raw material ever been so small. Yet, because of the enormous transactions of the company, its aggregate profits are correspondingly great, and for this rea- son alone the demand is made that something shall be done to reduce them. Precisely how the reduction is to be attained nobody has suggested. Breaking up the company and compel- ling it to scatter its business among a number of smaller concerns might effect it; but this would also increase tne cost of its product, and, necessarily, the price paid for it by the consumer. In the case of the gas companies the reduction of their profits is sought by a compulsory reduction of the price charged by them for their gas. The fact that the Legislature cannot fix the wages of the laborers nor the cost of the materials employed by the compan- ies in their operations is not consid- ered as having any bearing on the ques- tion. The price of gas is to be estab- lished by law and the companies must do the best they can with their employes and the furnishers of the materials they use. That since they first began opera- tions the price at which they have sold their product has steadily diminished from $10 per 1,000 cubic feet to $1.25 per 1,000 cubic feet, while their plant represents investments worth many mil- lions of doilars more than their original Cost, is used as an argument against them. The newspaper decree has gone forth that they are making too much money and that they must be compelled by law to make less. Fortunately, or unfortunately, for the other great industrial enterprises, the stocks of which are dealt in by specu- lators, their profits are not as yet large enough to excite the animosity of dema- gogues. The American Cordage Com- pany, after two reorganizations, is bare- ly maintaining its existence. The Whisky Trust, the Cotton Oil Com- pany, the American Tobacco Company, the Lead Company, the General Elec- tric Company, the Leather, the Rubber and various similar combinations are earning small dividends or none at all. Coincident with these failures to secure great profits we have had lately an- nouncements of the dissolution of the Nail Trust, of the Bolt Trust, of the Glass Trust, and, this last week, of the Steel Rail Trust. It appears, there- fore, that these supposed monstrous and MICHIGAN TRADESMAN oppressive monopolies are more danger- ous to those who embark money in them than they are to the public. Conceding—which is doubtful—that legislation can, in all instances, as it indisputably can in that of gas, suc- cessfully reduce the price paid by the consumer for any article of large con- sumption, the; exercise of the power is still wrong in principle and impolitic in effect. The right to forbid the com- bination of capital in large masses for business purposes is ostensibly derived from the old common law against con- spiracies in restraint of trade. Jn the dark ages, when transportation was diffi- cult and costly, and when the purchase of the entire supply of food in any spe- cial locality was easily effected, the civil authority intervened, and, by de- claring monopolists criminals, protected the poor against their exactions. The reason for this interference has long since passed away, and now the rule can justly be defended only on the broad ground that, whenever people think that the price of any article is extortionate, they have the right to reduce it by legal enactment. Putting the matter on this basis, it follows not only that the prices charged by corporations and combina- tions of individuals may rightfully be regulated by law, but that those made by individuals and partnership firms should be subject to similar control. hus it has been shown, incidentally, in the course of investigating the affairs of the American Sugar Refining Com- pany, that the roasting of coffee isa business which yields enormous profits. Coffee is certainly an article of as gen- eral consumption as gas is, and if the price of gas is to be fixed by law, that of roasted coffee should be fixed by law also. Newspaper publishing is also very profitable. The proprietor of one of the journals most conspicuous in de- manding a reduction in the price of gas boasts of an income of a million of doi- lars a year and that the daily circulation of his paper is more than 500,000 copies. Surely the law ought to interfere here if anywhere, and cut down his profits, as well as those of the gas companies, for the benefit of his readers and his adver- tisers. . Legislative limitation of the profits of a business, whether conducted by cor- porations or by private individuals, is, therefore, an arbitrary exercise ot power, resting solely upon the principle that might makes right. In the contest between producers and consumers the power of numbers is thrown in favor of the consumer and against the producer, and the producer must submit to what- ever the consumer demands, unless his business is such that he can withdraw his capital from it without loss, and cease to carry it on, where, however, as in the case of a gas company or other owner of a factory that is valueless for any purpose but that for which it was built and equipped, he must make the best of the situation that he can, and take the small profit graciously allowed him rather than none at all. That this is tantamount to confiscation without compensation need not be demonstrated. The policy of limiting profits by law to the amount that will satisfy, not those who embark their capital in un- dertakings which minister to the wants of the community, but their customers, tends to discourage such undertakings and thus to deprive the community of the benefits it would derive from them. Say what we will of the sordidness of the iove of gain, it is the force that has produced all the great commercial and financial improvements of civilized na- tions. But for it, Columbus would never have discovered America, these United States would never have been settled by European emigrants, and our railroads, telegraphs, steamers, manu- factories, and all our other wealth-pro- ducing agencies would never have come into existence. While some of these agencies have enormously enriched their owners, multitudes of them have had the opposite effect. We see the successes; but the failures are out of sight and out of mind. if, now, the principle is to be established that busi- ness success shall be restricted within the limits prescribed by hostile legis- latures, while for failures no compen- sation is to be made, the average gain will become too small to tempt men in- to ventures involving any risk of loss. If the public is to share in all the gains, while the individual is to bear all the losses, the partnership will be too oner- ous for any one to enter into it. For the same reason, improvements in in- dustries already established will come to an end. Now, every manufacturer is constantly on the alert to reduce the cost and to improve the quality of his product, in the reasonable expectation that he is to be rewarded for his pains by an increased profit. Let it once, however, be understood, that if he _ in- crease his profit he will be robbed of the greater part of it by legislation, and he will make no effort to obtain the in- crease. Were it not for the passion and the prejudice that have been enlisted in its behalf, the proposition that the legis- lature should interfere between buyers and sellers, and, while leaving the buyer free to buy or not as he pleases, should compel the seller to sell at the buyer’s price, would be scouted as grossly contrary to justice. No one will contend for a moment that the seller of groceries, dry goods, horses, cattle, land, houses, stocks, and bonds should not be permitted to ask what he pleases for what he has to sell, and to accept or reject the buyer’s offer as he may judge best. Yet this privilege, which is granted to all other dealers, is to be withheld from the sellers of sugar and gas on the ground that these articles cost much less than is asked for them, and, therefore, should be sold for less. If the same principle were applied universally, there would be an end of all trading. If the attempt should be made to force a man who bought Chem- ical Bank stock twenty years ago at $1,000 per share to sell it at $1,100 a share, on the ground that $100 per share was a reasonable profit, we should all condemn it as monstrous. Or, if be- cause a lot in Broadway cost its owner originally but $10,000 he should be com- pelled by law to rent it for $1,000 per year, because Io per cent. per year is a reasonable return on his original in- vestment, that, too, would be scouted as unreasonable. Yet we have a legisla- tive Committee enquiring into the orig- inal cost of gas and gas plants and of sugar refineries and refined sugar with the view of limiting the profits that gas- makers and sugar refiners shall be al- lowea to derive from their business! The force of folly can no further go. i a Flour and Feed. The enquiry for flour during the past week has been good and a fair volume of business has been booked. Prices are ruling relatively low, as compared with the supply of cash wheat, of which there seems to be but little in farmers’ hands, and they are slow to part with the cereal until some- thing definite is known in regard to the crop now in the ground. Purely specu- lative influences are dominating the market and its course up or down of a few cents is very uncertain for the next few weeks. Ultimately, a strong de- mand will, no doubt, put prices ona higher level. Pure winter wheat flour is now in good demand and the city mills are in a position to make all the wheat they can secure into flour. Bran and middlings are in good de- mand at higher prices. Feed and meal are in good demand with prices ruling low. Wm. N. Rowe. __ WANTS COLUMN. _ BUSINESS CHANCES. 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 25cents. Advance payment. OR SALE—A GOOD ESTABLISHED BAK- ery and grocery business at Traverse City. Owing to other business interests I will sell my entire stock of groceries, bakery business, etc., in exchenge for good residence property in Traverse City, Mich. Geo. Gane, Traverse City, Mich. 215 OR SALE—LIVERY BARN AND STOCK, A store with agricultural implements and harness shop; 10 per cent. off for cash. Ad- dress No. 216, care Michigan Tradesman. 216 ANTED—-STOCK OF GROCERIES OR me:chandise. In writing give full partic- ulars. Address No. 214, care Michigan Trades- 214 man, PRACTICAL MAN WITH CAPITAL WILL find good investment in a well-established wholesale grocery business by addressing P. P. Misner, Agent, Muskegon, Mich. 203 JEAL ESTATE IN THIS CITY WORTH $4,000 to exchange for stock of groceries or general merchandise; difference paid in cash or taken in mortgage on property. Address y., care Carrier 26, Grand Rapids. 209 ANTED—A SMALL STOCK OF GOODS, shoes or hardware preferred. Address No. 205, care Michigan Tradesman. 205 OOD OPENING EOR A METAL WORKER with some capital. lIoffer the plant, tools, machinery, catalogues, good will, ete., of the Metal Stamping & Spinning Co., for sale or rent. Would retain an interest in the business with the right man. Franklin B. Wallin, Treasurer Wallin Leather Co., Grand Rapids. 5 OR SALE, CHEAP—NEW LAMB KNIT- ting machine but little used. Does splen- did work. Cost $60. Address Lock Box H, Latty, Ohio. 204 O EXCHANGE—HEAVY HARDWOOD timber and farming land; title perfect, and cash to exchange for goods. Address 208, care Michigan Tradesman 208 a OPPORTUNITY FOR SAWYER AND cabinet maker. Mill and other machinery set. Home market for product. Timber cheaper than ever known. H. G. Cady, Pine Bluff, Ark. 216 it XCHANGE FOR LIVERY STOCK--60 ACRES of excellent land near LaFontaine, Ind. Can lease it any time for oil and gas. Large wells near by. Price, %6.000. Address N. H. Winans, 3 and 4 Tower Block. 200 NOR SALE—STOCK OF GENERAL MER- chandise, including drugs. Only drug store intown, M H. McCoy Est., Grandville, Mich. 198 OR SALE AT A BARGAIN—A WELL-KEPT stock of general merchandise in a very good town Address A. B., Grant Station, Mich. 196 POR SALE—STOCK OF GROCERIES _IN- voicing about $1,000, in a live Michigan town. Good trade, nearly all cash. Good reasons forselling. Address 197, care Michigan Trades- man. 197 VOR SALE OR EXCHANGE— FOUR MODERN cottages in good repair—three nearly new, all rented—for sale, or will exchange for clean stock of dry goods. Address Lester & Co., 211 North Ionia street, Grand Rapids. 194 NOR SALE CHEAP—GOOD 60 ACRE FRUIT and grain farm, seven miles from Ajlegan; good buildings; dandy location. Or will ex- change for a stock of dry goods. Address No. 185, care Michigan Tradesman. 185 OR SALE OR EXCHANGE FOR STOCK OF merchandise—Forty acre farm near Hart, good buildings, 900 bearing fruit trees. Address No. 179, care Michigan Tradesman. 179 | apse SALE FOR CASH—STOCK GROCERIES and crockery invoicing between $3,000 and $3,500; good location; good choice stock. Will sell cheap. Good chance for someone. Ad- dress D, Carrier No. 4, Battle Creek, Mich. 177 UBBER STAMPS AND KUBBER TYPE. Will J. Weller, Muskegon, Mich. 160 OR SALE—AT A BARGAIN THE WAT- rous’ drug stock and fixtures, located at Newaygo. Best location and stock in the town. Enquire of Hazeltine & Perkins Drug Co., Grand Rapids, Mich. 136 OR SALE—IMPROVED 8) ACRE FARM IN Oceana county; or would exchange for merchandise. Address 380 Jefferson Avenue, Muskegon. 110 NOR EXCHANGE—TWO FINE IMPROVED farms for stock of merchandise; splendid location. Address No. 73, care Michigan Trades- man. 73 MISCELLANEOUS. ANTED—%6 ELM, 16 OAK CHAIRS, 80 feet of settees, 6 Rochester lamps, 24 win- dow shades, carpeting and matting tor a hall 26x55. Geo. E. Bliss, Maple Rapids, Mich. 217 ANTED—POSITION BY REGISTERED pharmacist; wages moderate; strictly temperate; can furnish very best references as to character, ability, ete. Address No. 211, care Michigan Tradesman. 211 PUR RENT—A MODERN BRICK STORE room, one of the best corners in city of +0,000. Two-story and basement, 26x140, occu- pied since built as a first-class dry goods store; always successful. Address Sarah E. Kyger, 515 North Hazel St., Danville, Iil. 212 Yi ARTES Position AS SALESLADY BY young woman of several years’ experi- ence. Expertinfurand cloak business. Will work for moderate salary. Mrs. Fannie Parrish, 330 No. Ionia St., Grand Rapids. 213 a WANTED — GOOD GROCERY salesmen to sella rattling good specialty as a sideline. Good salesmen make $50 to $100 extra permonth. Write for particulars. State business and experience. The Standard Ac- 201 count Co., Elmira, N. Y. ED ANTED—POSITION BY EFFICIENT, EX- perienced stenographer and book-keeper. Address, B.C. E., Box 97, Muskegon, Mich. 202 ANTED—SITUATION AS CLERK IN clothing, furnishings and shoe trade, or traveling salesman, by married man of 27, with Six years’ experience in business. Address No. 187, care Michigan Tradesman. 187 ANTED TO CORRESPOND WITH SHIP- pers of butter and eggs and other season- able produce. R. Hirt, 36 Market street, ~~ Mae $ sReees” # i AD On bn bp by bb bp bn bn by ty by bb hr br be bn bn bn Oo be br hr hn hr Dn ht, GFUVUVVVUVUVUVUVU EU VUU UU UV UVUUUVUVUVUVU VV VV VY 99990000 00000006 00000000 Our celebrated Thin Butter Crackers will be trade winners for the merchants who know them. Christenson Baking Co., Grand Rapids. GFUVVVVUVUVUVUVUVUVUVY lanl oO \9 ya Drab hb A ADA AAAAA AAA $ | : : : : wl. We solicit correspondence in—_—= ..- TIIXED CARS... FLOUR, FEED and MILL STUFFS GUARD, FAIRFIELD & CO., Allegan, Mich. a Gaba Dn bn bn bn tn bn br br Mr hr tr hr i Lr i Ma i i i i Mi i ti i i hi i a i i i i i ha ti i i i i i ti i i i i QOL OO OO OOD OD OO DOD OF FOSS GSS SSS JESS| JESS TOBACCO “Everybody wants them.” “You ee carry them in stock.” For sale only by MUSSELMAN ROGER C0, JESS JESS be Oana bn br hr hn hn hr hr hn har hi hi hi hi hi Ma Ms Mi La Mi Ma i Mi ha hi i a i i i i i hi hi i Mi hi i i hi i i i i i a OOP GPO OSS IISS STS STITT ETTITTTITTIIE be by bn by bn by bn bn bp bn bp bn be bi br hn be br be i hn hi i i hi i i i hn hn an nn POO POO OOOO EO ST OTST OFTSTTSCSTWOTCCCUwvevvvw vy Our New Spring Fabrics Are now ready for inspection. WASH GOODS of all kinds from the cheapest 5c Ginghams to fine grades as high as 2oc. PRINTS, Hamilton, Windsor, Pacific, Garner, American, Simp- sons, Allens, Cocheco, Merrimack and Washingtons in all new colors and designs. DRESS GOODS, Plaids, Mixtures, Coverts, Plain and Fancy Weaves at from 74% to 42\c. per yard. Be sure and see our line before buying. P. STEKETEE & SONS, Wholesale Dry Goods. GRAND RAPIDS. ON ORORoNCRORONORONOHORORONORORONOROROHOROROROHCHOE Our traveling salesmen are now showinga complete line of —~~—w-—aae } Men’s : : ‘| Furnishings Special attention given to all mail orders. VOIGT, HERPOLSHEIMER & CO., Wholesale Dry Goods, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. CHARLES MANZELMANN MANUFACTURER OF BROOMS AND WHISKS DETROIT, MICH. J. A. MURPHY, General Manager. FLOWERS, MAY & MOLONEY, Counsel. The Michigan Mercantile Agenoy SPECIAL REPORTS. LAW AND COLLECTIONS. Represented in every city and county in the United States and Canada. Main Office: Room 1102, Majestic Building, Detroit, Mich. N. B.—Promptness guaranteed in every way. Alli claims systematically and persistently handled until collected. Our facilities are unsurpassed for prompt and efficient service. Terms and references furnished on application. IN OUR 24 YEARS: eer iis ter our superior quality "Une OF © GOW by abandoning the time-cursed credit system, with its losses and annoyance, and substituting therefor the GOOUPON Book SUStéM which enables the merchant to place his credit trans- actions on a cash basis. Among the manifest advant- ages of the coupon book plan are the following: No Forgotten Charge. No Poor Accounts, No Book-keeping. No Disputing of Accounts. No Overrunning of Accounts. No Loss of Time. No Chance for Misunderstanding. el bal I We are glad at any time to send a full line of sample books to any one applying for same. Tradesman Company, Grand Rapids, QOLOOGWVGOOOCOOOWOOOOOE GROCERS! Please remember this: More than twice as much nameline TheModem STOVE POLISH is sold each year than of any other brand of Stove Polish on earth. Why? Because it’s THE BEST. TIME IS MONEY LIFE IS SHORT 4 Ne DSN \ lp , And Rapid Transportation is ae aN a A a Necessity ...... Pe eee To secure the most prompt delivery of goods at the least ex- penditure of time and money it is essential that tne mer- chant have a delivery wagon of the right sort. We make just that kind of a wagon and sell it as cheaply as is consist- ent with good work. For catalogue and quotations address 4 BELKNAP WAGON CO., GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. OVD DD DO OF DDDOOD OODLE ODDOODO > Warning! rH All persons are warned against using any infringement on Weighing and Price Scales, : and Computing and Price Scales. The simple using of infringing scales makes the 7 user just as liable to prosecution as the manufacturer or selling agent. Ce We Own All the Foundation Patents on Computing or Price Scales, and & Have Created and Established the Market and Demand for such Scales. @ ) Consult Your Attorneys CBs ‘ Before buying scales not made by us; you will save yourself much ligitation and ex- pense by consulting us or your attorneys respecting the question as to whether such @ scale is an infringement on our patents. We will be pleased to furnish you or your Z attorneys with more specific information on the question of infringement when you in- (> eh form us what kind of machine you are offered. A Respectfully, > The Computing Scale Co., Dayton, O., U. S. A. \ We have Important Infringement Suits Pending in the United States Courts Per Ira C. Koehne, Attorney, Ms in Different parts of the Country, against Manufacturers and Users of In- Washington, D. C. and Dayton, 0. eo Sringing Scales, and We will soon bring Other Suits. bot DASH \ DEG D DY nN Z D “ oD wy Z DY OD) Dy SD) Z ED) x = = WCC OCOCOCOCOCOCOCOCOCOCOCOSE D Za 2 m a . aN