PUBLISHED WEEKLY Volume XIV. GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1897. TRADESMAN COMPANY, PUBLISHERS Sst $1 PER YEAR “. BAB ws Number 702 To grocers isa Business Tonic To consumers is a Delightful and Sought-for Confection ARE YOU HANDLING IT? THE NEW YORK BISCUIT CO., GRAND RAPIDS. Vivette Batiste (papered) Prints - 4 25 cases American and Central Park Shirting Prints (fullstandard) - | - Lodi Shirting Prints - - - - 3% Merrimack Shirting Prints - - ay 3% American Indigo Prints - - 4% Hamilton medium and dark Prints fancies) * Great American, Unbleached Cotton 4-4 z 2 inch double fold Cashmere (colors a black) 10 OM est Percales, 36 inch, new work 9% Cretonne Percales, 36 ‘inch, new work - 6% 28 inch Percales, new work - - - 5% P. STEKETEE & SONS, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. GS CHARLES MANZELIANN MANUFACTURER OF BROOMS AND WHISKS DETROIT, MICH. oe DEALERS IN ILLUMINATING AND LUBRICATING NAPHTHA AND GASOLINES Ofiice and Works, BUTTERWORTH AVE., GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Bulk works at Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Manistee, Cadillac, Big Rap- ids, Grand Haven, Traverse City, Ludington, Allegan, Howard City, Petoskey, Reed City, Fremont, Hart, Whitehall, Holland and Fennville. Highest Price Paid for Empty Carbon and Gasoline Barrels. BLL. LL. LO LM LM Me Me. LM. ° (MI. LO. LO. LO. LA. MO. LMP. <—_—-> g.2.2.252; €€Seeeeee Hides, Furs, Wool and Tallow We carry a stock of cake tallow for mill use, Nos. 122 and 124 Louis St., - Grand Rapids. Sabb oobia er eV eee VV bb baba ob ib _—_—ereewewe OSSOGH6G GG Gb db bina $$$66$6666666646466464A44 45 bhbbbiost ON NN FF PVP OV VU OV VST VCS NN NO PE VSO VV VV VCC S se Op Op Op by tp bp by Dp bn ty te bp by bn bn tp tp hp te bn hp bp tp Op bp Op it Bp Op by bd i i i On i i i DO GOO OO ECE OOOO OOOO TOD TD OT TODD ODOT OO VV JESS| JESS pitt VvuVvvV VVUVVVVTVeVTVTVvVvuVeTVvVeVvVeVeVeeVeVVVVVYY PLUG AND FINE CUT TOBACCO “You should carry them in stock.” For sale only by SSL ERC JESS ‘(JESS OP OOP SSIS IIIS IIE STITT ITS PPPPPPPIPIPIPAIS 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 Bid’g, Detroit. Offices also in CLEVELAND. CINCINNAT', TOLEDO, BUFFALO, UTICA, BOSTON and TORONTO. “Everybody wants them.” Abb bbb bbb Db DDD OO OOO bb be bn bn br bn bn bn br thr a i i i Bi i i he Ai bb 64 4b 6 bb DDD bb A bb baba taba J. A. MURPHY, General Manager. The Michigan Mercantile ACéNGY 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. All claims systematically and persistently handled ‘until collected. Our facilities are unsurpassed for prompt and effieient service. Terms and references furnished on xpplication. IN OUR 24 YEARS 222 2° aSee anes ME OF FLOWERS, MAY & MOLONEY, Counsel, BARCUS BROTHERS, Manufacturers and Repairers, Muskegon. BO OOOOSHOS GHGGHHGHHOOSSOOSHOO99009 0008 habbo bbbbbbotaot FOV VUVVVVTVvVvVvVTVTVUVVUVUVUUUCVU UCU UCT EEC OOEOE OOO UVUV EY @ 1 © S 7 $ Christenson Baking Co., - Grand Rapids. yuevuvvvvevuvovvrvrvvvvvvvuvvwvvvvwvvvrvvrwvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvivvn i i hi i a hi i i a hi i a hi hi hi hi hi hi ha ha hi hi hi i hi i hi hi hi hi hn hi hi hi hi hi hi hi hn hi i hi hi i hn hl Strike while the Iron Is Hot and send us your order for Our celebrated Thin Butter Crackers q 4 4 4 4 4 will be trade winners for the : merchants who know them. 4 4 4 4 q 4 Db bhbbh dbo bhbhba ad re er PFUGVUVUVVVUVUUVUVY 3 SELL THE PEOPLE §@ WHAT THEY WANT you can secure one box free with every order for 10 boxes. A liquid glue or cement al- i ii] ways ready for JACKSON oe mena Does not dry "ALLEN BWRISLEY'S down. im TiN i Does not ¢ mould or spoil. has stood the test of time and is everywhere 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. CAKE FROSTING, Ready for immediate use. Simply —— beating. Always reliable and absolutely pure. anufactured by TORGESON-HAWKINS CoO., Kavcamazoo, Micnx. OOK | | § AND7 PEARL STREET. DIAMOND CRYSTAL NOER’ |] SALT makes trade—keeps trade— will do the same for you. See Price Current. DIAMOND CRYSTAL SALT CO., St. Clair, Mich. OLD COUNTRY SOAP while} }; ALLEN B. WRISLEY C0O., Chicago. IF YOU AEM TO GET ‘THE- BEST. YOU WILL HIT by abandoning the time-cursed credit system, with its losses and annoyance, and substituting therefor the GOUDONBOOK System ¢ 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 Loss of Time, No Overrunning of Accounts. OVO © No Chance for Misunderstanding. Weltare glad at any time to send a full line ofosample books to any one applying for same. Tradesman Company, Grand Rapids. DODO) on are ree O ‘ see . AS A DESMAN Volume XIV. GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1897. Number 702 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. The Michigan Trust Go. Grand Rapids, Mich. Acts as Executor, Administrator, Guardian, Trustee. Send for copy of our pamphlet, ‘‘Laws of the State of Michigan on Descent and Distribution of Property.” Commercial Gredit 60., Limited) ESTABLISHED 1886. Reports and Collections. 411-412-413 Widdicomb Bldg, Grand Rapids. sh Prompt, Conservative, Safe. J.W.CHAMPLIN, Pres. W. FRED McBam, Sec. 99000000 00000000000000- — ° abba ba dabdoa baa » ef by be Lo by bo bo by bo br bh The... PREFERRED BANKERS LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY sais of 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. LAOLB GOON Established nearly one-half a century. Wholestle Glothing Mirs, Rochester, W. Y. All mail orders promptly attended to, or write our Michigen Agent, William Connor, Box 346, Marshall, Mieh., who will show you our entire line of samples. Mr. Connor will be at Sweet’s Hotel, Grand Rapids, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, March 23, 24 and 25. BUTTER of all grades wanted. Daily quotations to you at your request. Our offerings for butter and eggs will com- mand your shipment. R. HIRT, Jr., MARKET ST., DETROIT. Tradesman Coupogs Save Trouble Save Losses Seve Doilars Grand Rapids Retail Grocers’ Asso- ciation. At the regular meeting of the Grand Rapids Retail *Grocers’ Association, held at Retail Grocers’ Hall, Tuesday evening, March 2, President Winchester presided. Twenty-five applications for member- ship were received and the applicants accepted as members, as follows: Hartman & Metzger, 346 Fourth. E. Van Der Stolp, Broadway. H. C. Wendorf, 32 West Leonard. John Ley, 60 West Leonard. John Mulder, 69 West Leonard. J. Seven & Sons, 151 West Leonard. Folkretsma & Dekker, 301 West Leonard. John Clement, West Fulton. T. Blink, 374 West Leonard. J. C. Sedam, 113 South Division. Harmelink Bros., 300 South Division. A. Ghysels, 62 West Leonard. A. Moore & Co., 323 South Division. B. Doyle & Son, 319 South Division. G. Van Dam, 276 Lagrave. Jacob Datema, 704 Madison. Frank Gaskill, 202 East Bridge. J. LeRoy, 247 West Bridge. A. D, Fisher & Co., 445 Lyon. C. H. Paddock, 600 South Division. Brown & Eaton, 701 South Division. C. M. House, 588 South Division. W. F. Huyge, 589 South Division. Jos. C. Coade, 663 South Lafayette. A. Hoogendorp, 279 Alpine. E. C. Winchester, chairman of the Committee on Flour, stated that the Committee had interviewed the city millers, who authorized the Committee to state that if the Association would pass a resolution favoring the adoption of uniform prices on local brands of flour, and stay by it, and also favor city brands in the sale of flour at retail, and secure the signatures of a majority of the grocers of the city to such an agree- ment, they would undertake to establish uniform prices for the sale of flour at retail and maintain such prices in spite of opposition, so that it remains to be seen whether the grocers are willing to take a strong stand for the purpose of getting the cutters cut off and securing a uniform profit at all times. A. W. Rush asked why the jobbers favored pushing outside flour. He fa- vored a oe in the methods of handling flour from the miller by which the retailer agrees to handle no flour except goods that sell through the regu- lar channels. W. R. Burton stated that the city mills sell flour to his customers all around him and deliver it quite as promptly to them in small lots as they do to him in bulk. In his opinion, the millers should restrict the sale of flour to any but regular merchants and farm- ers who bring in wheat. A. W. Rush again enquired why job- bers had put in foreign brands. In his opinion they put in foreizn brands be- cause the millers had ignored them right along. He deplored the fact that there is no system in the handling of flour and insisted that it devolved upon the retail dealer to devise a plan which will enable the business to be put on a good sound foundation. He advocated the adoption of a resolution that the retailer buy flour of jobbers only and suggested that the Committee be instructed to pre- pare an agreement embodying these fea- tures, Henry Vinkemulder stated that this was a question of large proportions, in- asmuch as the mills would insist that the retailers handle none but local brands or at least give the preference to’ brands of local manufacture. Frank Dyk deplored the sale of flour at little or no profit, as at present con- ducted. Mr. Burton stated that he was not afraid of the prices promulgated by them so much as he was of the inter- ference of the manufacturer in placing his goods direct with the consumer. Mr. Vinkemulder offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted : Resolved—That this Association place itself on record as unanimously in fa- vor of having an established price on flour. Resolved—That in case the city mills assist us in securing this result, we show our appreciation by showing our prefer- ence for city brands. Mr. Rush,chairman of the Committee on Sunday Closing, presented the draft of an ordinance which he had_ prepared on the subject for presentation to the Council. On motion of Mr. Dyk, the report was accepted and adopted and the Com- mittee requested to continue the work. Homer Klap offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted : Whereas, The Michigan Retail Gro- cers’ Association is to hold its annual convention in this city on March 3 and 4, therefore, Resolved, That the members of the above named organization be invited to use the room of our Association as headquarters and for committee work, with free access to our stationery and such other courtesies as are at our com- mand, There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Prior to the meeting a can of tickets covering the Visner prize was raffled by Messrs. Vinkemulder, Klap and Wit- ters, resulting in ticket No. 1o1 winning the prize. ——~> > The Drug Market. Acetanilid—Market unsettled, prices irregular, demand only so-so. Alum—Movement fair on consuming orders and values maintained. Arsenic—No further large sales to re- port of powdered white; however, the market is steady, in sympathy with the continued firmness across the water. Balsams—Copaiba has continued to arrive in abundance and, in conse- quence, the stringency of the market has been relieved and the tone is easier; prices are unsettled. Tolu, demand is reported as improved and quotations are firm. Peru, stronger, on both sides, and spot values have advanced. Beans—Only a moderately active mar- ket is noted for all varieties of vanilla; Mexican are firmly held. All kinds tonka quiet. Cacao Butter—Market quiet for bulk, although prices are well sustained. Cantharides—Market is practically devoid of Chinese, which is being held out, and values are again higher. ‘Cassia Buds—The spot supply is nearly exhausted, small lots ‘only being obtainable, and the inside quotation has been advanced. Castor Oil— Movement is of average volume and values are firm at the hands of manufacturers. Cinchonidia— Demand prices fairly steady. Cod Liver Oil—Market dull and quo tations easy, under the influence of fa- vorable reports as to the new catch, and holders are selling freely. limited, but Colocynth Apples—Limited jobbing request, but steadily held. Cream Tartar—Movement fair as to moderate quantities, and manufacturers’ prices are being maintained. Cubeb Berries—Demand still light, but values are ruling steady. Cuttle Fish Bone—An average amount of stock is being absorbed by consum- ers and prices are sustained. Epsom Salts—Demand light; prices show no change. Essential Oils—About as last week so far as leading descriptions are con- cerned, the general tone of the market being steady. Gums—Asafoetida, still active and strong. Camphor is a trifle unsettled, especially foreign refined. Importers have withdrawn from the market, wait- ing to receive advices by mail explana- tory of cables reporting a movement in London, with a marked upward tend- ency in prices. Juniper Berries—Fair consuming de- mand for small parcels, and the de- pleted stock of prime quality is being firmly held. Leaves—Short buchu, good steady de- mand and values remain firm. Senna, consumers are purchasing freely, but business is almost entirely of a jobbing character, and prices show no mention- able change. Mercurial Preparations—Still steady, owing to the firm position of quicksil- ver, and manufacturers keep up quota- tions. Morphine— Buyers still feel uneasy, on account of the prevailing weakness in opium. Naphthaline——Increased interest is being exhibited as the season for con- sumption approaches, but no change to note in values. Opium—Only moderate demand and mostly of a light jobbing nature; the tendency of prices is still in buyers’ favor. Orange Peel—Business is going for- ward only as to small parcels, but quo- tations may be said to be fairly steady. Quicksilver—Consuming demand is moderately active and prices are strong- ly maintained. Quinine—More and more perplexing grows the situation. The manufacturers have advanced the P. & W. brand. No manufacturers, however, are making fresh contracts, all still limiting deliv- eries to regular customers on old con- tracts. Second hands report demand as active, but as supplies are light and offerings few, business is somewhat re- stricted. Values have continued to harden. Seeds—Canary has advanced abroad, and the tone of the market is, there- fore, somewhat _ steadier. Russian hemp, firmer, with values’ higher. Rape, still firm and prices are again higher. Cables state that none of the old crop is left, recent purchases having taken all offerings. The spot market is reported as nearly bare, and round lots would be difficult to obtain. English is being firmly held. Celery, consumers, it is said, are anticipating wants and the jobbing business is referred to as active. MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Bicycles Distinguishing Characteristics of the 1897 Wheel. In every annual bicycle exhibition of late years the prediction has been made that the bicycle has reached its full or- ganic development, and that future ex- hibitions will show but little change ex- cept in the matter of details. The first impression made upon a visitor to the great exhibition recently held at the Grand Central Palace, New York, was that there has been less visible change in the bicycle during the past twelve months than in any year that preceded ; and tbe conviction deepens that the present diamond frame, ball-bearing, chain-driven, wood-rimmed, pneumatic macbine is destined to remain as the permanent type of the modern bicycle. re This conviction is strengthened Ly the fact that the present exhibition is re- markably free from what might be called the ‘‘freak’’ bicycle. Inventive genius, which a few years ago was making persevering efforts to devise a bicycle that should differ in its organic construction from the type which was rapidly gaining exclusive control of the field, has now directed its attention to the beautifying of its external appear- ance and the perfecting of its mechan- ical details. - + + Commencing with the frame, it is no ticeable that the tubing is slightly larger, an inch and an eighth and an inch and a quarter being common. Nearly fifty per cent. of the high grade wheels have tubing for the rear forks and a few use tubing of an oval section, both being adopted with a view to reducing the tread, which has been brought down to about four and a half inches in many of the wheels. A noticeable feature that adds greatly to the symmetrical ap- pearance of the wheels is the use of the oval shaped tubular crown on the fork in place of the square pattern. The crank hanger is lower than last year, some makers dropping it as much as three inches belew the level of the hubs. a There has been an all-round advance in the construction of the bearings. Balls are slightly larger and the rider who has more than his share of ““nerves’’ will appreciate the introduc- tion of ball retainers, which enable each set of balls to be removed with their own cup and prevent the possibility of their being lost during a general clean-up of the machine. Much ingenuity is shown in the effort to produce a dust-proof bearing, and the telt washer is freely used. * * * The good old method of attaching the crank to the crank-shaft by means of a plain key is conspicuous by its absence. It has been thrown aside, not because it was unmechanical, but because it was so difficult to remove, especially by un- skilled hands. The most common de- vice is some modification of the jointed crank-shaft, in which the crank is formed in one piece with the shaft, the latter being spliced in the center by some form of interlocking device. In some cases the crank-shaft and one crank are formed in one piece, and a very few machines have the two cranks and the shaft in one continuous for- ging. Almost all of these devices allow the crank shaft to be removed without disturbing the bearings. + + + Despite the many promises regarding the chainless bicycle made early in the year by prominent manufacturers, there is nothing to show that it is likely to replace the chain and sprocket ma- chine. One leading maker exhibits a bevel gear wheel which is about the same weight as the standard machine and has the compact appearance and the dust- proof qualities which are the chief recommendation of this type of wheel. There are a few other chainless wheels of various patterns and excellence; but it is evident that we shall have to wait at least another year before there will be many of them seen upon the road. The large sprockets which have been in favor in England are making their appearance in this country, and as the mechanical grounds on which they have been introduced are sound and prac- tical, they have probably come to stay. The large sprockets reduce the tension in the chain and lessen the strain upon the bearings and the frame. There is noticeable a tendency to raise the gear of this year’s wheel ; the change is com- pensated by lengthening the cranks from six and a half to seven inches. By this combination it is possible to reduce the rapidity of the pedal action and yet maintain the same tractive effort in the wheel. In general it may be said that the gear of the roadster has been raised from the 68 and 72 of last year to from 72 to 76 for 1897. There are several two-speed devices shown, most of which operate on the rear wheel. For the weaker riders who wish to ride the hills in a cross-country run, the two-gear bi- cycle is an excellent device, and it is safe to say that it has come to stay. Before leaving the question of driving gear, it should be mentioned that sev- eral devices of considerable merit are shown which seek to overcome the slid- ing friction between the chain and the teeth of the sprockets. In some cases the rollers are on the chain, in others on the sprocket. Closely allied to these devices are the gear cases which were shown in two or three designs at this year’s exhibition. Except on the ground of appearance and weight, the gear case has everything to recommend it, and it is quite possible that it will grow in favor as its merits are appreciated. To take such elaborate care to protect the other wearing parts of a machine and yet allow the most important parts of the driving mechanism to grind them- selves to pieces in a sticky mixture of oil and mud is, to say the least, a Strange inconsistency. At the same time the gear case widens the tread, adds to the weight and destroys the symmetry of the machine—and this is sufficient to kill its chances of adoption, at least tor the present. *x* * * The wooden rim reigns supreme, and one well-known firm, which last year made a specialty of aluminum rims, is offering wood rims as an optional alter- native on its high grade wheels. Great ingenuity is shown in devices for pre- venting the warping and splitting of the rim—a defect which now seems to be fairly overcome. < * * There is no advance so marked as that shown in the production of a com- fortable saddle. From the days of the primitive ‘‘bone shaker’’ the saddle has been the most faulty element in the make-up of a bicycle; but to-day the problem has been solved by designing the seat on so-called hygienic prin- ciples, and it is not the tault of the market if the 1897 rider does not sit his machine in comfort. - ‘The single tube pneumatic tire is ap- parently destined to become the pre- dominant type, although the well-known double tube variety is still used by sev- eral of the leading makers. * * * In the matter of general attachments there is shown an infinite variety of bells, brakes, lamps and cyclometers of handsome design, and all the etcetera that go to make up the equipment of the 1897 wheelman.—Scientific Ameri- can. ——~>-4<>__—_- Tke Chicago Chronicle advises bicy- clists holding accident insurance to ex- amine their policies and see if they are protected by its terms. A bicyclist in London held an accident policy which provided for payment in case of damage or death while riding on a ‘‘ passenger train, passenger steamer, omnibus, tram car, dog cart, coach, carriage or other passenger vehicle.’’ While on his wheel an accident occurred by which he was killed. It was held, on the ap- plication of his heirs for payment of the policy, that while riding on his wheel he was not within the terms of his in- surance. The judge, in deciding the case, said that no claim could be made, any morethan if he had been ‘‘on skates’’ at the time of the accident which caused bis death. In this coun- try generally the law has held that bi- cycles are ‘‘vehicles’’ in the intent of law. Butto avoid trouble wheelmen and wheelwomen holding accident insurance should have their policies so amended as to specify the bicycle risk. 2 0 Efforts are being made by railroad officials to induce the Canadian govern- ment and the provincial authorities to bear a part of the expense of rebuilding the famous Victoria bridge at Mon- treal. The cost is estimated at $1, 500, 000. It Was a Cold Day. ‘‘Brrr!’’ said the man from Potato Creek, crowding up to the stove. ‘*Purty cold.’’ ‘*Yas,’’ said the grocer, ‘‘it is purty frosty for the time of year. I see it went 25 below in Helena, which, I think, is a good thing that the town has_ them last two syllables in its name, or it would be about as hard to believe as some of them yarns of old Ananias over there. ”’ The man with the ginger beard looked up and said: *‘Who you callin’ ole An- aniast Any one of ye ever ketch me in a lie?’’ ‘*No,’’ said the grocer, ‘‘I guess you never was ketched in a lie yit. Anyone that kin lie as fast ez you kin ain’t liable to git ketched.’’ ‘* But, speakin’ of th’ cold weather,’’ said the man with the ginger beard, ‘‘I ° Zuess it was about as cold in Winnipeg in the fall of ’65 as I ever See it, er anybody else. ’’ ‘*How cold was it?’’ asked the man from Potato Creek. ‘*Wal, ez fur ez degrees below zero goes, I can’t tell you uothin’ about that,’’ said the man with the ginger beard, ‘‘fer they wuzn’t no thermom- eters long enough fer to measure it, but I do know that when we wanted to git water to drink the ice was froze so hard that we had to heat it red hot ‘fore it would begin to melt.’’ Ee Le Too Meaty for Him. The Pastor—I don’t see your husband at church any more. The Wife—No, he never goes now. **What’s the matter?”’ ‘‘Why, you know, he’s a vegetarian, and he says there is too much meat in your sermons to suit him.’’ —_—-—~> A bill has been introduced in the Wisconsin Legislature for the removal of the seat of government from Madison to Milwaukee, on condition that the latter city donate a three-acre site, provide $1,000,000 for a capitol and build an executive residence. "Ssasesasasesesmy, A Gentleman’s Mount oe and Handsome Bicycle $100 ADAMS & HART HF Local and State Distributing Agents, [2 WEST BRIDGE STREET. ; _a little while. MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Cheap Bicycle Scheme and Large Purchases of Paint. From the New York Sun. ‘Talk about your Cuban heroes!’’ said a resident of the suburbs. ‘‘Why, you ought to see the way the fellows down my way are buying paint! Gal- loms and kegs and oceans ot it. Enough to paint their houses inside and out and everything else in sight. And most of ‘em calculate to have fifteen or twenty dollars left over for a carriage theater party. Down my way the biggest thing a man can do is to havea carriage theater party. The carriage meets him at the station and he don’t have to walk home through the mud in the dark. Come and live down my way if you want to discover what a blessing side- walks are. Well, that’s what the fellows are Calculating to do: have a carriage theater party with the money that’s left over. And all this time Brownsmith is walking as chipper anc unconcerned as if the tellows weren't plunging reck- lessly into paint. ‘“*Maybe you don’t know why all the fellows shculd have happened to think of paint at the same time. Well, you would know if you lived down my way Every fellow seems to think that he could sell his house quicker if he only had a little more paint on it. And now every one of those fellows is chuckling to himself in his sleep all night long because he is dreaming that just as soon as the leaves are out and the grass is green and the flowers are blooming and everything is lovely and the paint is dry, some chump will come along and offer him half his asking price for the house. And he hugs himself, as he thinks how he’ll make that chump’s head swim, he’ll take him up so quick. ‘*What’s that got to do with heroes? Why, ain’t I telling you about Brown- smith? Naw, they’re not going to paint him. The paint’s for the houses, | tell you. Don’t you know Brownsmith? You would if you lived down my way. He’s a good sort of fellow. Always get- ting up some scheme or other and try- ing to get you to go into it. It was he who got up that sixteen dollar bicycle club. You never heard of that, either, I suppose. Well, you wouldn’t have heard of much else if you had lived down my way. He’sa sort of mechan- ical genius, has a workshop at his house, and all that sort of thing. The plan seemed all right on the face of it; but then that’s Brownsmith’s business to put things to you in a plausible sort of way. You see, he came across a cir- cular from a wholesale dealer in the various parts that make up a_bicycle— rims, frames, ball bearings, and every- thing else, and he got a-figuring and made out that a full set would cost him about $17. ‘*Now, Brownsmith is a_ practical kind of fellow in some ways, and he was just shrewd enough not to commit himself before he was sure. It just shows how cooney he is when he didn’t try it on his own bicycle, but went and borrowed a friend’s. He took it all apart and scattered the pieces about, and then tried to see if he could get them together right again. Then he got another friend to ride the bicycle after he had put it together, so that if it didn’t work he could say that the other fellow busted it. Got a nerve, Brownsmith, hasn't he? It worked all right, and he wrote to the dealer to send on one full set of bicycle parts.” The dealer wrote back and asked if Brown- smith was a dealer in or manufacturer of bicycles, and said that if so he would be happy to fill an order for a dozen sets or more at $200 a dozen; but he wouldn’t send less than a dozen. ‘*Brownsmith was bound to have that bicycle for $17, and he set to thinking. Then he thought of the idea of that club. You never lived down my way, so you don’t know how it is with the fel- lows all winter. If a man goes in for literature, he talks literature all winter; and if he goes in for progressive euchre, it’s progressive euchre all the time; and if he rides a wheel, he doesn’t think of - anything else but about buying a new model in the spring, and saves all his money to have the price ready. Well, when Brownsmith told the fellows how he could buy bicycles in pieces for $16.67 each, and how he could screw them together for nothing, just out of friendship, they nearly hada fit. He was the most popular fellow ’round there, and they’re thinking of electing him Mayor now. ‘*The hero? Why, Brownsmith’s the hero! Ain’t I been telling you how he’s walking around chipper and _ uncon- cerned, just as if nothing was going to happen? Don’t you see that he’s got those fellows all worked up to thinking that they’re going to save from $58.33 to $83.33 each on their new 1897 model bicycles, and that they’ve been chucking the money they’ve saved on their new bicycles into paint, and that they’re dreaming about selling their houses with the paint? Just think what their disap- pointment and rage will be when they find that he can’t screw those bicycles see! Can't he screw them together? Of course he can’t! Can you screw a lot of wheels and springs together to make a watch? I guess not. ‘*They don’t suspect nothing yet, but when they do I'd rather face Weyler than them. Yet Brownsmith is walking about as chipper and unconcerned as ever. If that aint’ a hero, I'd like to know what is.”’ —__—_2.___ The Hardware Market. With the approach of spring there is a quickening in the demand for goods. Jobbers report many assorted orders for the retail trade, but both jobbers and retailers are disposed to buy in small quantities, the demand from their cus- tomers not being sufficiently pronounced to justify them in laying in heavy stocks. A general improvement, how- ever, is to be noted. The increased business in some lines of staple goods, such as nails and heavy hardware, is regarded as excellent indications, as advances in prices also go with it. Gen- eral lines of hardware remain without change, although some lines are still low and irregular, which is often made by both jobbers and manufacturers to induce the dealer to buy. Wire Nails—At last the tide has turned and the extreme prices which have been made on wire nails have been withdrawn by all manufacturers and prices have advanced 5@toc per keg. This advance seems to be war- ranted by the very large amount of ton- nage which has already been placed, as well as the increased cost of steel bil lets. The price is very firm at the ad- vance and it is believed by those who have kept close watch of the market that another slight advance will be made shortly and that $1.50 at the mill will be as low as wire nails can be bought within the next thirty days. Dealers who placed their orders early in the season for future shipment and price guaranteed can now see the wisdom of their action, as their goods will come to them in March and April and will be billed at the low price prevailing when order was placed. It is to be hoped they will be wise and keep this ad- vance in their own pockets and not be silly and give it away to the first man who comes into the store. Barbed Wire—The same condition prevails in the barbed wire market as the wire nail market. The consequences are that wire has advanced roc per cwt. on both plain and barbed. It is quite certain that this price will be main- tained and that further advances follow shortly. Window Glass—As the Association of window glass makers seems to be very strong—they having been enabled to advance the price the first of March 5 per cent.—it is confidently believed that the price will be maintained and that further cutting in prices will be largely restricted. Shot—Owing to the advance in pig lead, all articles or merchandise of which that is the base, have felt the effects of same and manufacturers of shot have advanced their prices 5c a bag. If the advance in pig lead con- tinues, we may look for still further ad- vances, > No Right to Ask It. Customer—Say, that shirt you’ve got oe in the show case is fifty cents, isn’t itr ‘ Merchant—Yes, sir. ‘‘T see it’s got a No. 15 neck, too. That's the size I wear. I want one just like it.’’ ‘*Yes, sir. Here’s one that we think is a little better at the same price.’’ ‘‘This doesn’t suit me as well. I want one of the same kind as that one out there.’’ ‘‘Yes, sir. How will this style do? You. notice it has a better binding around the—’’ “*No; that isn’t what I came in to buy. I want a fifty-cent shirt of the kind you’re exhibiting in that show case. How many more times have I got to tell you?’’ ‘‘That’s no better shirt than these I’m_ showing you. In fact, it isn’t as good. We haven't more shirts like that, anyway.’ ** All gone but that?’’ ‘Ves, (Sie. -‘‘All right. I'll take that one.”’ ‘Well, I guess not. That’s my sam- ple. —_—_»~2<+___ One hundred thousand dollars for a suit of clothes is the latest yarn from Idaho. Five years ago Morris Yenzel, a tailor in Moscow, in that State, made a suit of clothes for a miner, taking in payment 5,000 shares of Leroi stock, then quoted at a cent a share. An Eng- lish syndicate now wants to buy the Leroi mine, but refused to do so unless it could get all the stock issued. The 5,000 shares were advertised for, and suddenly it dawned on the tailor that he had them. He has demanded $20 a share for his holding. Druggists’ Alliance of America. From the Pharmaceutical Era. Judson D. Russell is a young man who is getting up an association of re- tail druggists ostensibly for their bene- fit. Incidentally, Mr. Russell expects to improve his own fortunes by the scheme, and if it proves successful there 1S no reason why he should not do so. Mr. Russell is a bright young man, who was once a page in Congress at Wash- ington. Afterward he acquired a facile use of language as a newspaper reporter in the West. More recently he secured a position in a retail drug store in the East, and discovered, what all admit to be a fact, that the retail drug trade of America needs to be organized. Since last October he has been perfecting his scheme, which contemplates nothing less than a grand insurance company, which will ye ae its members in case of a lawsuit resulting from a mistake in compounding a physician's prescription and reimburse any member up to a cer- tain amount for damages obtained under such circumstances. Starting with this idea, the scope of the association has been extended in various directions, as may be seen by the prospectus of the organization, 2,000 copies of which have already been printed and circu- lated. Before sending out the above Mr. Russell, who was then located at No. 34 Bond street, New York, had some ele- gant tickets of membership printed at a cost of $100. These tickets were dis- posed of in New York, Brooklyn, Jer- sey City and Newark, N. J., and Rus- sell soon had a comfortable fund as a nucleus for the capital of the new in- surance company. He then proceeded to form a general committee on organi- zation. More than a month ago, os received an encouraging number o replies to his circulars, Mr. Russell de- termined to prosecute his canvass throughout New York State. Soon after he was at Hornellsville, N. Y. He then went to Buffalo, with his headquarters at the Mansion House, where he was re- ported to have fallen ill at last accounts. tT During twenty-one months of Mayor Swift’s administration in Chicago there has been a decrease of nearly $2,000,000 in the pay rolls of the city. methods. ask. Pratt 241 T. | NUTSHELL Wou ll make no mistake in buying New Clippers; you pay for no records, no diamonds, no lost accounts, (Clippers are sold for cash), no expensive advertising bills ($1.00 per wheel is our limit, and you pay that dollar), no extravagant expenses of any sort. worth of your money in bicycle and good business You pay enough profit to enable the dealer to take care of you. enable us to take care of him and do it cheerfully. You pay less, you get less. There is a quality point below which it is unsafe to go. cheaper bicycles, but they would not be so good. No wheel the equal of the Clipper can be made and sold through legitimate channels at a less price than we You get the He pays us enough profit to We could build MADE D aY y P THE ann |fpn 2 FUed. | THERE'S MONEY IN i oI 0-0-0-0-0-0- 9° WHEN YOU have the right bicycles at the right prices there is no trouble about selling them and making good profits, ‘if you are protected.” This idea of trying to SELL a bicycle that any business man in your town can buy as cheaply as you do is ridiculous. a profit, cannot establish a price and keep it, cannot do business. Geta line of You cannot make BICYCLES on which you get exclusive selling rights, establish your own selling price, make a profit, feel satisfied with yourself aid everybody else. ters” for Wintons, Keatings, Cycloids, Columbus and Stormer Bicycles ON WHICH YOU ARE PROTECTED by a contract, as our agents. We name liberal discounts to dealers, giving them the most complete line of cheap, medium priced and high grades,as well as juveniles and Tandems, ever offered Catalogues and terms on application. STUDLEY & JARVIS, Grand Rapids, Mich. We are “State Distribu- MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Around the State Movements of Merchants. Schoolcraft—S. W. Haugh, undertaker and furniture dealer, has removed to Fulton. Coldwater—W. E. Howe has pur- chased the grocery stock of Densmore Cramer. Muskegon—Dr. J. C. Nolen has pur- chased the millinery stock of Mrs. J. Kreuter. Dowagiac—E. E. Anderson has _pur- chased the boot and shoe stock of Con- nine & Allen. White Cloud—Mrs. M. Coffman has opened millinery and dressmaking par- lors at this place. Fairgrove—Dr. Hamilton has _ pur- chased a drug stock at this place and will open a drug store. Orion—French & Garey, undertakers and furniture dealers, have dissolved, Wm. E. French succeeding. Detroit—Gruber & Wilson, manu- facturers of brushes, have dissolved. Jas. Wilson continues the business. Grand Haven—G. Van Den Bosch & Son succeed G. Van Den Bosch & Bro. in the carpet and crockery business. Port Huron—J. Lohstorfer, of the Corner drug store, is confined to his home with inflammatory rheumatism. New Lothrop—E. C. Brenneman and O. J. Swartz,of Laingsburg, have opened a clothing store in the Burpee building. Albion—Geo. H. Cooper succeeds Cooper & Hunter in the clothing, hat, cap and men’s furnishing goods busi- ness. Reed City—The grocery stock of Samis Bros. has been purchased by H. R. Niergarth, who has moved the stock to his store. Ovid—C. N. Race has purchased a half interest in the Chapman grocery, the name of the new firm being Chap- man & Race. Saginaw—R. K. Logan has purchased the stock of the Michigan Wall Paper & Decorating Co. owned by E. A. (Mrs. E. S.) Crawford. Owosso—Wyckoff & Co., of Laings- burg, have opened quarters in the Beebe building, where they have started a stove polish business. Battle Creek—Mrs. Lillian Keyes has leased the store building at 47 West Main street, in which she will opena millinery establishment. Pontiac—C. M. Brooks has rented the store next to his drug store, where he will open up a stock of wall paper, paints, oils and curtains. Saranac—The E. T. White Clothing Co. has opened a clothing store here. The leading spirit in the enterprise is Emmett White, of Portland. Traverse City—John Dago, formerly of Maple City, has leased: the Helm store building, in Fernwood, and will embark in the grocery business. Ithaca—J. Miller, successor to Miller Bros., has sold his grocery stock to C. H. Frost, of Ovid, who wili continue the business at the same location. Atwood—John Smallegan has sold a half interest in his general stock to John Smith, of Holland. The new firm will be known as Smallegan & Smith. Ionia—Oppenheim & Sons, who have occupied the Higer store for the past two years, have closed up their business and removed the stock to Jackson. Swartz Creek—The general stock of F. W. Fuller has been sold at auction to satisfy creditors. William Barrie & Co., of Saginaw, are the heaviest cred- itors. New Lothrop—Frank Stewart, of Chesaning, will remove his stock of hardware into the Gillett store. He has also bought McKay & Beatty’s line of hardware. Holland—Will Van Zanten has pur- chased the stock of the Holland Tea Co., formerly managed by Paul Tanis, and will continue the business at the same stand. Shaftsburg---W. J. Gleason is remov- ing his general stock to Lansing, where he has another store. It is rumored that a business man fom Lansing will soon occupy the store thus vacated. Manistee—Jorgenson & Hansen have purchased the Gross property, on the corner of Third and Sibben streets, and after making necessary repairs will move their grocery stock into the double front. Saginaw—Edward F. Fleury, for the past few years associated with Heaven- rich & Co., has severed his connection with that house and with William E. Robey will open a new shoe store about April 1. Marquette—F. & H. Fuedstein will remove their general stock from Mari- nette to this city, opening a department store on Washington street. The change will occur between March 15 and April 1. Jackson—The dry goods men _ here came together last Monday evening ané decided to go on standard time in the matter of closing stores. All dry goods stores will close at 5:30 standard time hereafter. Port Huron—H. C. Knill, proprietor of the Central and Knill’s drug _ stores, has embarked in the grocery business, having purchased the stock in the Queen Anne grocery store, and placed his son in charge. Ovid—J. H. and W. H. Robson have purchased the hardware stock of Thomas & Stanton and will continue the busi- ness under the style of Robson Bros. Mr. Thomas will remain in the store for the present. Albion—The drug firm of Armstrong & Barber has been dissolved. Dr. E. L. Barber continues the business. B. D. Vaughn, of Bellevue, the former pro- prietor, is behind the counter as pre- scription clerk. Alma—J. W. S. Opdyke, of Saginaw, formerly manager of the Alma Mer- cantile Co.’s store in this city, bas pur- chased the bankrupt stock of Medler & Rogers and will continue the business at the same location. St. Ignace—The general stock which Benda & Co. had purchased for their new store in Ohio, will soon arrive here. As their building was burned, therefore nothing remained for the firm but to stay with us. Hartford—-Hartford has petitioned the Legislature to authorize the issue of $12,000° bonds, as a bonus ffor the re- moval here of the Pine Grove basket factory, which employs from fifty to seventy-five men during the basket sea- son. Jackson—D. S. Fleming has sold the bulk of his interest in the Parker & Fleming Co. and will go to California to engage in a different line of busi- ness. He expects, however, to reside at Jackson and make that his head- quarters. Ann Arbor—G. B. Mason, formerly of Bassett & Mason, druggists, has taken the position of manager of the drug stock of the late john Moore. The stock is owned by Charles Ludlow, son- in-law of Mr. Moore, to whom it was assigned by Mr. Moore. Marshall—Geo. H. White, the veteran general dealer, died suddenly a few days ago while pursuing his usual duties in his store. Deceased had been iden- tified with the mercantile interests of Marshall since 1854, when he entered the employment of his father. Big Rapids—Wm. C. Hangstorfer, who retired from business two years ago on account of ill health and has since been engaged in buying and shipping cattle, bas resumed business here, bav- ing opened a wholesale and retail meat establishment at 128 Michigan avenue. Reed City—Mrs. H. L. Baker has sold her interest in the millinery firm of Morse & Baker to her partner, Mrs. J. W. Morse, who will continue the business at the same location. Mrs. Baker will remove to Ionia, where her husband has an interest in a jewelry store. Manton—Chas. H. Bostick has pur- chased the drug stock of his brother, Dr. J. C. Bostick, who recently re- moved to Benton Harbor to engage in the practice of his profession. C. H. has had entire charge of the business for several years and has demonstrated his ability ds a manager and pharmacist. Marquette--The Manhard-Jopling Co., Ltd., has sold its stock of hardware to the Marshall-Wells Hardware Co., of Duluth, to which place it will be moved and a new company organized under the management of E. A. Moye, who for six years has been manager of the Man- hard-Jopling Co., Ltd. It is thought that M. R. Manhard will continue in the hardware business alone. _ Detroit—Bruce Goodfellow, of the Mabley & Goodfellow Co., asserts that Representative Fuller’s proposed law to regulate department stores could not be enforced, because the Legislature has no power to say what goods a merchant can or cannot sell, as long as he con- ducts a legitimate and respectable busi- ness. Even if the bill became law, it would make no difference, he states, with his company’s plans for the big store in the Majestic building. Detroit—Rudell & Armstrong, com- mission merchants, has secured a ver- dict of $2,003.11 against the Ogdensburg Transit Co. In July, 1894, during the railway strike in Chicago, the Detroit firm sold about $2,700 worth of potatoes and onions to a concern in that city. As the railroads were tied up, the tran- sit company undertook to deliver the goods in Chicago within forty-eight hours by boat. This, the commission firm alleged, was not done, the value of their goods being greatly depreciated by the fact that the strike was over be- fore they arrived. The verdict was to cover the difference between what was received for the goods -and what they would have been worth had they been delivered on time. Manufacturing Matters. Scottville—John Fitch and A. Vogel contemplate embarking in the manu- facture of baskets here. - Allegan—The paper mill has shut down for an indefinite period. There is a possibility that it may be converted into a strawboard mill. Stanton—Jesse Holcomb has ‘disposed of his interest in the feed mill to his sons, Samuel and William, and. the firm is now Holcomb Bros. Coldwater—The Finch Shoe Co., of Springfield, Ohio, has purchased forty acres of land within the city limits and will plat same into lots for the purpose of raising sufficient funds to erect and equip a factory for the manufacture of sboes. Dollarville—The Danaher & Melendy Co ’s sawmill has begun cutting for the season. Muskegon—Jasper H. Stanfield and H. K. Firth have organized the Stan- field & Firth Co., to manufacture the house mail box invented by Mr. Stan- field. Traverse City—C. H. Phelps, of Chi- cago, is in the city, endeavoring to effect an arrangement for the establish- ment of a veneer factory. Mr. Phelps has the necessary machinery. Reed City—T. R. Welsh and C. T. Kerry have formed a _ copartnership, to be known as the Welsh & Kerry Manu- facturing Co., to manufacture tin plate boxes and polished maple flooring. Some new machinery has been added to the mill, among which isa band re-saw. Fife Lake—At a meeting of the creamery stockholders they voted to al- low E. Hagadorn to sell the entire plant to the best advantage possible, pay off all obligations and divide the balance among the stockholders. Mr. Hagadorn reported that he could sell the machin- ery for $500. Detroit—Articles of association of the City Iron and Wire Works have been filed with the county clerk. It is capi- talized for $10,000, $4,500 of which is paid in. The stock is held by Eldridge Tf. Bacon, 299 shares; Erastus H. Chamberlain, 150, and Malcolm C. Yerkes, one share. Detroit—Articles incorporating Larn- ed, Kellogg & Co. have been filed with tbe county clerk. The purpose is the manufacture and sale of clothing. The capital stock is $5,000, all paid in. The incorporators are Aivin E. Larned, Wm. H. Kellogg, David Carter and David 5. Carter, all of Detroit. East Tawas—The White mill of the late Holland & Emery Co. has been se- cured by Temple Emery, who will at once prepare for an extensive season’s work. He has secured logs sufficient to last for several seasons. Many fami- lies will remain who othewise would be obliged to seek work elsewhere. It is reported that he will also put a stock of goods in the store. Bronson—The business men _ have finally succeeded in raising a cash bonus of $5,000, which ensures the es- tablishment of a large cement plant here as soon as the necessary buildings can be erected and the machinery installed. The plant will cost upwards of $100,000, having a capacity of 500 barrels of cement a day. From eighty to 100 hands will be employed, at good wages. Detroit—The Petrolle Tile Co., Ltd., has filed articles of association with the register of deeds. The object is stated as the manufacture and sale of cement and artificial stoneware in all forms, and especially in roofing and flooring tiles, crockware and builders’ mate- rials) The capital stock is placed at $25,000, with $10,000 paid in, and_ held as follows: . Adolph Freund, trustee, 950 shares ; Adolph Freund, to shares; Emanuel J. Cohen, 30 shares; Ignatz Freund, 1o shares, Kalamazoo—The Wilson Foundry and Forge Co. has filed a trust mortgage on its plant in favor of A. J. Mills, trus- tee, securing the following creditors in the amounts named: Hilton Wilson, $371; Kalamazoo National Bank, $308; Miller & Ryder, $100; Isaac Wing, $14.83; St. John Plow Company, $22.93 ; Charles Reddington, $47.50; Kalama- zoo Wood and* Coal Company, $34.41; Samuel Van der Burg, $27.50; Jay Ever- ett, $44; Arthur Bonsor, $43; Rosabella Wilson, $2,140; Thomas Wilson, Jr., $1,042; Edward Wilson, $499. iene seston ill Caen as MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Wyandotte—The Michigan Alkali Co. will shortiy begin the erection of an enormous plant for the manufacture of caustic soda. The new building, for which contracts have already been let, will be of steel, 200x400 feet in size, and will be ,in readiness by June 1 to turn out 200 tons of soda per week. Over 100 men will be employed in the new build- ing, and the machinery will be of the most improved design. The project is the idea of Capt. J. B. Ford, President of the company, and his grandson, J. B. Ford, Jr., General Manager. Ishpeming—Despite numerous ru- mors, the mines of Ishpeming have not yet decided to reduce wages, and there is good ground for hoping that they will not do so. They have been more pros- perous in the last year than the proper- ties of other mining districts and can afford to pay higher wages in conse- quence. As a matter of fact, the Ishpeming mines have paid _ better wages than have the mines of any other city or district for the last ten years, and, they are still doing so. Even a re- duction of 10 per cent. would still leave wages higher here than they are in other districts. Saginaw—If the people of Saginaw ever had a good opporutnity to get a first-class manufacturing institution to add to the many already here, that op- portunity is presented to them now, but it can only be accomplished by vigor- ous and prompt work. For several days Secretary Johnson, of the Board of Trade, has been in correspondence with the A. J. Phillips Co., of Fenton, with a view to securing that organization to locate here. The company is engaged in the manufacture of door and window screens, in which they have built up a large and growing business. It is nota new concern but one having a capital of $100,000 and a surplus of $26,000. It employs 11c men the greater part of the year and runs all the year around. It pays in wages $37,000 and the output last year was $184,000. The company has several reasons for leaving Fenton. One is that it has not the proper ship- ping facilities and it has so grown that it must rebuild a good portion of its works anyway. Then again, according to the Fenton papers, it has not been treated right by the village council in the matter of side tracks. The village is to vote soon on giving it certain priv- ileges and the indications are that it will not be carried, and, if it is, the sentiment of the company is very much in favor of moving if it can get just the right place. 8 Strictly Up-to-Date in Every Respect. A reporter of the Tradesman recently called at the factory of the Enterprise Neckwear Co., located in the Kortlander building, and was surprised and pleased to note the evidences of prosperity and progressiveness. A large force of com- petent workmen are employed and the variety of the styles and patterns turned out is certainly a matter of congratula- tion. Although the enterprise has been in operation only a few years, it has al- ready succeeded in building up an ex- cellent business and has acquired a rep- utation for variety and completeness of line and up-to-date styles which has given them a wide popularity. Michigan merchants have discovered that it is not necessary for them to go East to get the best there is to be had in the neckwear line, and many dealers in other states are now depending altogether on the Enterprise Co. for their supplies in this line, as they have come to realize that they can obtain better goods for the money than at any other market, besides being in close touch with the base of supplies, so that they can obtain sort- ing-up orders on short notice and at small expense of transportation. Grand Rapids Gossip C. Kaleward has opened a grocery store at 305 Central avenue. Peter Braam, meat dealer at 104 Fourth street, has retired from trade. Chas. E. Sherwin has opened a gro- cery store at Wayland. The stock was furnished by the Clark-Jewell-Wells Co. Cederholm & Nelson have embarked in the grocery business at Traverse City. The stock was furnished by the Ball-Barnhart-Putman Co. C. Kalawart has opened a grocery store at the corner of Highland and Central avenues. The Musselman Gro- cer Co. furnished the stock. John Miller has removed from Trav- erse City to Cedar Run, where he has opened a grocery store, the Ball-Barn- hart-Putman Co. furnishing the stock. The Clark-Jewell-Wells Co. has taken possession of its new quarters in the Clark building. The work of settling is not yet fully completed, but orders are being filled promptly. Chas. Oltman and Harm Ritzema have purchased the grocery stock of J. D. .Ritzema & Co. at 663 Grandville avenue, and will continue the business under the style of Oltman & Ritzema. B. Van Anrooy has sold his grocery stock at 343 West Bridge street to A. D. Clary, formerly of the grocery firm of A. D. Clary & Co., of Bendon, who will continue the business at the same_loca- tion. Mr. Van Anrooy will continue the baking powder business. ——_> 2. — The Grocery Market. Sugar—All grades of refined were marked down %c Monday, except Nos. 15 and 16, which were reduced 1-16. Local demand is fairly good. Coffee—The roasters’ war and the cut in the price of roasted coffee has had a more or less demoralizing influence on the sale of green coffee of those grades in some sections, while in others there has been quite a demand for low-grade roasting coffees, which are becoming scarce. Tea— Buyers appear to be holding off somewhat, in expectation of a business revival, which has not yet materialized. Stocks are small everywhere. The week has witnessed no changes in price, and there is no prospect of any immediate fluctuation, at least until April, when an opening of the market is expected. Canned Goods—Tomatoes are un- changed. The full price is still ruling on new goods, with some old stock still floating around at a discount. No de- cline in the market price is expected, and the statistical position of tomatoes would certainly warrant an advance. Corn is rather neglected, and a trifle easier. There is more disposition to sell than was the case a few weeks ago. The demand for peas is still small, with a slight demand for high grades. Fish—-Prices show no_ particular change and give no prospect of any fluctuation. Cod is not selling very well in Michigan, although the Eastern markets report an increasing activity. No further advance is probable. Herring and lake fish are both neglected, with the price of both unchanged. Provisions—The present plentifulness of hogs and liberal manufacture of product do not appear to be looked upon by the trade as discouraging features. Prices of hogs have strengthened, and are 10@15c per too pounds higher than a week ago, for prominent markets. In the provision trade there is more ani- mation, and a more confident feeling prevailing, with a fair advance in prices of leading articles, compared witha week ago. ——___> 0. Flour and Feed. More and more as the weeks go by does it become apparent that a very large curtailment in the use of wheat flour has taken place during the past winter, and for this several reasons may be ascribed. The chief one seems to be the unusually wide difference of cost, as compared with all other kinds of bread- stuffs, such as rye flour, buckwheat flour, oat meal and corn meal, all of which have been and are now selling at very low prices. The second, and per- haps the next in importance, is on ac- count of the great army of people throughout the larger cities and towns of this country who, being either out of employment or only partially employed, have simply been obliged to buy the cheaper food products. On the other hand, stocks of flour are not large and, as spring opens and the people become employed, a much more active demand for flour is looked for, which will, no doubt, further enhance values until after another crop is gathered The city mills are running along at the usual gait booking some good orders for March delivery. Bran and middlings are scarce and in good demand, with prices well sustained. Feed and meal are moving slowly, with prices nominally unchanged for the week. Wm. N. Rowe. —__» 2+ The Produce Market. Apples—-Local dealers hold 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 14@15c per lb. Factory creamery, Igc. Cranberries—Cape Cods have ad- vanced to $2 per bu. and $5.25 per bbl. Cabbage—s0@55c per doz., according to size and quality. Celery—15c per bunch. Cider—$4 per bbl., including bbl. Eggs—Strictly fresh have declined, owing to large arrivals, candled stock commanding 13@14c. Pickled and cold storage are practically out of market. Honey—White clover is in fair de- mand at 123¢@13c. Buckwheat is not so salable, bringing 8@1oc, according to quality and condition. Lettuce—15c per lb. Onions—The market is weak and the demand is slack. Dealers still hold their stocks at $1 per bu. Potatoes—Dealers hold carlots at I1c for white eating varieties and 15c for Rose suitable for seeding purposes. In a small way dealers find no difficulty in obtaining 18c per bu. Squash—In light demand and ample supply at 3c per Ib. Sweet Potatoes—Kiln-dried Illinois are in only fair demand, commanding $2.25 per bbl. —_——~> 0-2 Meddled with Water. Dobson: ‘‘What became of that man who had twenty-seven medals for sav- ing people from drowning?”’ Dockman: ‘'He fell in one day when he had them all on, and the weight of ‘em sunk him.’ —--—~> 2 > Dry Goods Buyers Express Surprise At the extensive assortments shown this season by the Grand Rapids jobbers, P. Steketee & Sons. They compare fa- vorably with the New York markets and there is an economy of freights and time over Eastern shipments. 8 Gillies’ N. Y. Great Clearance Tea Phone Visner, 1589. Sale now on. The Grain Market. Wheat has been dragging along rather heavy during the week and values have declined fully 2c. The exports, as well as the receipts, were light. The world’s shipments were only 2,600,000 bushels, being the smallest amount shipped dur- ing any one week in the last ten years, notwithstanding the weekly require- ments are 7,500,000 bushels. The visible showed a decrease of 1,418,000 bushels, which is fully 500,000 bushels more than was anticipated, leaving the visible 43,735,000 bushels, or fully 21,000,000 bushels less than at the same time last year. Prices are beginning to firm up and the market to-day is where it was one week ago. We have often asked through the valuable columns of this paper, How long can we continue to export and not have an advance in the price of wheat? The shipments from both coasts, this week were only 2,672,- ooo bushels. Had we shipped the usual amount, our visible would have shown double the decrease. Buyers on the other side are beginning to look around to see where their supply is coming from. They have been lulled into the belief that, owing to the depressed con- dition of the market on this side, there is. plenty of wheat back in farmers’ hands. However, they will find they are mistaken. Up to within a short time they have been taking wheat that was purchased at !o@15c less than present prices, but as the supply of wheat pur- chased at lower prices has been shipped out, they are not as willing buyers, es- pecially at the advanced prices. Just give us a few weeks, with even the small exports of the last week, and our visible will be melted away faster than any one anticipated and so rapidly that foreigners will be willing buyers at the maximum. One strong feature was that St. Louis paid 5c over Detroit prices when she usually pays 4c_ under. The world’s visible decrease was 4,000, - ooo bushels. We surely think that prices will advance considerably above the present quotations. Owing to the depressed prices and the scarcity of wheat, the city mills have not been running as strong as_ they otherwise would. Orders are coming along faster than they have been and we naturally expect a steady demand for our product. The receipts during the week were: wheat, 51 cars; corn, 8 cars; oats, 9 cars—rather above the normal. Local millers are paying 82c_ for wheat. Cc. G. A. Voier: —___~>2.—___ Purely Personal. W. W. Hatch is negotiating with the business men of Caledonia, with a view to locating a steam roller mill there. He-asks a bonus of $1,000. Wm. F. Sandell, of Belding, is about to open a bank in New Baltimore uyder the firm name of Wm. F. Sandell & Co. Chas. E. Hills, also of Belding, will be Cashier. Horatio B. Lewis, who for the past four years has held the office of Secre- tary of the Elk Rapids Iron Co., has been tendered and accepted the posi- tion of Treasurer and General Manager of that corporation. The promotion has come to Mr. Lewis solely on the ground of merit and long experience in the business. +-0eoe Lily Devereux Blake suggests as one rule for married happiness that the wife should not always ask the husband where he is going when he goes away and where he has been when he comes back. 6 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN How a Thief Was Detected and Frus- trated. We had been missing stuff for some time. For six weeks dress lengths and remnants had been systematically and regularly disappearing. I could notac- count for them and Joe, my assistant, declared that he bad notsold them. The last theft, for theft it must be, was a seven-yard piece of black grenadine worth eighteen dollars. We had been busy all day, and a customer to whom I had shown this piece of goods earlier in the day had returned with the intention of buying it; but it was nowhere to be found. Joe and I turned over and over the goods piled upon the counter, which during the rush of trade we had not had time to put back on the shelves. But our search was fruitless. The piece of goods was gone. ‘*Joe, are you sure you didn’t sell it? ‘“No, I didn’t sell it,’’ Joe replied; ‘but I remember distinctly showing it to an old lady who admired it but said it was too expensive for her. Knowing that it would be apt to get mussed if left as it was, I folded it as we always do goods of that class and laid it one side—right on this pile of goods here. I remember this circumstance because the old lady bought a brown serge for a house dress, and had it charged to Mr. Bascomb, who, she said, is her son.’’ ‘‘Bascomb, the head book-keeper? I didn’t know that his relatives were here.” ‘*She said she had been here only about six weeks, having come to visit her son for a month or two.”’ Six weeks! It was within that time that we had missed the first piece of goods. I made up my mind to watch. everybody closely, and Mrs. Bascomb in particular, resolving, however, not to mention my suspicions to anyone. “Come, Joe, get a move on you and help put these goods on the shelves. It’s almost six o'clock and we don’t want to work over time when it’s unneces- Sary.”” I reported the loss of the goods to our manager, who seemed to think that we did not keep our eyes open. ‘*Do you suspect anybody?’’ **No—not exactly. ’’ ‘‘Well, then, suspect everybody, and ithe chances are that you'll find the guilty party.’’ Several days went by. Joe and I had been watching carefully but nothing | was missed Justa week after the theft of the grenadine Joe pointed out to me Mrs. Bascomb, as she stood waiting for the elevator, which was just at the end | of my department. I walked down the | aisle past her to get a good look at her | face. The moment I did so I made up| my mind that I was on the right track | —if I was any judge of physiognomy, | the owner of that face was not to be| trusted. She looked to be about fifty- | eight or sixty years of age. She was re- markably well dressed, in a handsome black satin gown and a long beaver cape. Ordinarily, she would have been the last person in the world to suspect of being a shoplifter, if one was to judge by her clothes. The woman, on coming down, did not visit my counter, but I saw her looking at laces and gloves. That evening, as Joe and I ‘were straightening up our stock, the manager came to me and said: ‘‘Well, Mr. Allan, you are not the only one who has had goods stolen. The people in the lace department report the loss to-day cf a piece of very fine lace, worth over thirty dollars; and in the glove depart- ment a pair of three dollar kid gloves is missing. I believe the store is being systematically robbed, but how to pre- vent it puzzles me. I had given every clerk in the house strict orders to keep his eyes open, and have been on the lookout myself; but it has done no good. ’” ‘It seems a very difficult thing to de- tect the thief,’’ I replied, ‘‘but I have suspected a certain person ever since I missed that piece of black goods; and, if I may leave my department the next time I see this persor in the store, I think I can do some successful detective work, ’”’ ‘*Why, yes, if you think you are on the right trail, go ahead. If you catch this party I'll give you twenty dollars.’’ Two days later, while Joe was gone to lunch, I was busy showing a couple of ladies some dress goods that we had just received, when Mrs. Bascomb came to my department, and began turning over a number of dress lengths and remnants which were displayed on the end of the counter. I stepped for- ward and politely asked her to takea seat, saying that I would be at liberty to wait on her in a few minutes. She replied pleasantly that she was in no hurry and would spend the time while waiting in looking over the remnants. Keeping a sharp watch on her, I re- turned to my customers. While appar- ently giving my undivided attention to the sale in hand, I was also keeping an eye on Mrs. Bascomb. Having made the sale, I was putting the goods into the carrier to be sent to the desk for in- spection, when I saw my suspected pur- loiner lean over the pile of remnants and adroitly tuck one under her cape! Taking a transfer check from my book, I quickly wrote a note and ad- dressed it to the manager, asking him to take a stand where he could watch the person upon whom I was waiting. I put the note into the carrier and sent it to the desk with the goods I had just sold. ‘‘Now, Mrs. Bascomb, if you will be seated, | shall be pleased to wait on you.’’ And I showed her a large line of goods, noticing, as I was doing so, that the manager had taken his stand behind the opposite counter. The lady finally made her selection. Before cutting off three yards of the cheap material she had chosen, | care- fully removed to one side all the goods which I had shown her. Making out her bill, I entered the three yards at a dollar and a half and ‘‘one remnant twenty dollars.’’ In pleasantest voice and with suavest manner I said to her: ‘Your bill is twenty-one dollars and fifty cents.’’ ‘“Why! what do you mean, young man? I bought only three yards of fifty cent goods.’’ ‘"Yes, I know that,’’ I said, reaching quickly over the counter and throwing the corner of her cape high on her shoulder, exposing to the manager’s view the remnant of goods tucked under her arm. The manager at once took her in hand: ‘‘Now, Madam, owing to the disagreeable facts in this case, your best plan is just to pay the bill Mr. Allan has made out; otherwise, we will have you arrested.’’ The woman saw that there was no es- cape, and, opening her pocketbook, at once paid the bill. Handing her the package, the manager told her that it would be better for her never to be seen in the store again. And she never was. -When pay day came, I received the twenty dollars, with the hearty thanks of the firm. Mac ALLAN. ~} Lhd ebb BARNEART PUTMAN COMPANY WHOLESALE GROCERS COR. IONIA AND LOUIS STS., GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. 1897 t Tt " Eee 23 Scccraaeeaeeny . ae + - t ¢ ; sttte rite a ee MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 7 The Importance of Buying Right. Stroller in Grocery World. There is no doubt at all but that the right sort of buying will make a_ grocer rich. To be sure, he must have a few other qualifications, but if he knows how to buy, he’ll get there. Lots of people think it’s harder to sell than to buy. Wrong. If you buy right, by which I mean if you get your goods a little lower than the other fellow, you won't have any trouble getting rid of them. If you and John Smith are sell- ing the same goods, don’t you see, and you, by your brainy buying, are able to sell them cheaper than John, don’t vou see you'll get the trade as soon as_peo- ple find it out? This about the tenor of an informal little lecture I gave a gang of loungers in a grocery store up in Long Island last week. I was in there and the sub- ject came up and I gave them the best I had. The proprietor of the store agreed with me so enthusiastically that I began to wonder why he wasn’t rich. Surely, I argued to myself, if this man realizes the importance of buying like this, he must be a successful grocer. And then I looked around the store and changed my mind. It was a dirty, neglected place, with dust on everything, and dis- order all about. Screw loose some- where, I thought. By and by the loafers drifted out and the grocer and I were left alone. ‘‘I’m glad to find one grocer who agrees with me about this buying busi- ness,’’ I said. ‘‘So many of them think they know it all. They think the whole business lies in selling, while it’s just the contrary.’’ ‘“That’s right,’”’ said the grocer, em- phatically, nodding his head vigorous- ly; ‘‘your head’s level there, young man. I’ve studied buying for fifteen years and I think I’ve got it down pretty fine. Look-a-here.’’ He took me back in the store and showed me five cases of canned goods he had just got in. FFM MA MASA A A A A A A A IN IN IN IV “*See them?’’ he asked. ‘Well, they’re just a_ lettle swelled. Not enough to hurt ‘em; people can’t tell the difference, anyway ; just as good as any tomatoes in this town.”’ ‘‘What did you give for them?’’ I asked. ‘Forty-five cents a dozen. Same goods that are a-sellin’ at a_ dollar. Now, don’t you see what a bulge I’ve got on these other fellows?’’ I said nothing. The loose screw was beginning to show itself. ‘“These other fellows would be glad enough to git these,’’ he said, ‘‘but they didn’t know where. There’s a jobber in New York that makes a sort of specialty of these ‘ere goods, and he’s put me onto lots of good things. Here’s sumpin else. ’’ He led the way to a barrel of oatmeal. ‘*Had worms in,’’ he said in a whis- per, ‘‘but not enough to hurt anybody. Got this way under the price. I can sell five pounds of oatmeal for what Jenkins down the street gits for three pounds. Say I won’t git the trade? Well, I guess! ‘*Then there’s eggs,’’ he continued. ‘*There’s lots of fool business about eggs. Lots of fool grocers think they've got to pit the very best goin’, see that they’re fresh, and all that sort of thing, an’ I tell you it’s all dod-rotted foolish- ness. Why, I git eggs here that [ only pay 12 cents a dozen fur. They been in the ice house, but they’re just as good, every bit, as the fresh eggs. So, you see, I can sell fresh eggs for 4 or 5 cents a dozen less than Jenkins.’’ ‘‘Fresh eggs?’’ I asked. “Oh, well,’’ he laughed, and winked, ‘‘they passes fur fresh, all right. No- body knows the difference. ’’ ‘*How long have you been buying this way?’’ I asked, abruptly. ‘‘Why,’’ he said, confidentially, ‘‘I only got onto the idea ’bout a year ago. Before that I used to pay big prices fur everything. ’’ ‘‘How does your business since you commenced buying this way compare with the year before?’’ I asked. ‘*Oh, well, it’s fell off some,’’ he said, ‘‘but then the hard times is to blame fur that. I'll be all right as soon as they git past.’’ Just then a slim young fellow slipped past on a bicycle. ‘“There goes Jenkins,’’ said the gro- cer, enviously. ‘‘I don’t see how the mischief he can afford to buy a_ wheel. His wife rides one, too. Why, he only Started in business a year and a half ago.’’ ‘‘ Does he get hold of these bargains, too?’’ I asked. ‘‘Not muchee,’’ chuckled the grocer. ‘“Not muchee. He don't even know nuthin’ about ’em. I’m the only man in this town that gits ’em.’’ ‘*See here, my friend,’’ I said after a minute, ‘‘I want to have a plain word with you. Do you know you're simply ruining your business?’’ ‘*Whvy, what—”’’ ‘‘Hold on,”* I said, ‘‘when I get through I'll listen to you. You treat all your customers as though they were dumb idiots. You think they haven't sense enough to know that you're palming off a cheap limed egg fora fresh egg. You think that you can give them wormy oats for the real fresh ar- ticle. My dear sir, permit me to say that you are the fool; you are the idiot. You say your business has fallen off. It’s funny to me you have any left at all. You say it’s funny Jenkins, or what- ever his name is, can buy two wheels. Why, I have no doubt at all but that he has dozens of your old customers, who found you weren't giving them decent goods. Now, you just think over what I say, and see whether I haven't told the truth.’’ The poor grocer had dropped into a chair and as I finished he didn't say a word, simply stared straight at me with a dazed look. I went out, and as I turned the cor- ner, a hundred feet away, I saw him still sitting there. GMS WS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AF AS bs SO ANG D Ante Ae OAS: SIMI SIV MGI SGU MU UU Position of the Retail Merchant. H. M. Hyde in Hardware. The retail merchant stands between the manufacturer and the consumer. He represents the largest class of busi- ness men in existence and makes up the backbone of every community. During panics and hard times the re- tail merchant is called on to give credit to the laborer and the mechanic. He is expected to carry on his shoulders, until prosperity comes, half the popula- tion of most cities. When suffering exists, the retail merchant is the first man appealed to for charity. In times of public festivity he, above all others, is expected to contribute liberally. A city is known by the reputation of its retail merchants. They keep up its credit; they give employment to a large number of people; they keep money in constant circulation; they supply the necessities and luxuries of its people. The retail merchant should, therefore, be the most enterprising of all business men. He should bea good advertiser. He should understand human nature. He should have tact. Every year the retail merchant meets with keener and more bitter competi- tion; every year the margin of his profits is cut down; every year more and larger demands are made on him. The retail merchant, therefore, more than any other class of business men, needs the most perfect system in con- ducting his business. If he wishes to be successful he must employ the latest labor and money-saving devices. He must be ready when good times come to reap the long delayed harvest. Everything points to the coming of good times in the near future. There isan abundance of crops in this country and a failure of crops abroad. There is a certainty of a stable financial policy for years to come. There is renewed activity in the iron and steel industry, which lies close to the bottom of all commercial prosperity. There is a feel- ing of confidence, which more than any- thing else tends to make business good. | | | | | PAS Ae PAS DP AD Ae PA eA ee me aS SITTIN TIN MMII INIT ITIP ITI TIN INIT 2 fi - Eh z= Ze ze =. ze oe ak 3 az gs aS 3s . s ae ° 3& 3 =e GF ZB : BG 2B = IMPORTERS AND JOBBERS, aE ae se 3 le N I 9 H. 3 3s Ze ae Em = ec This is the season of the year when great quantities of canned goods are consumed and we want to 3 od Si e say in this connection that we are prepared to supply your wants with as fine a line of goods as can be Ss ie Ss ie procured in any market. Our Lakeside Peas, Dinner Party fruit and vegetables, Duchess Corn, Succotash and s eS Fs ie Lima Beans and Quaker canned goods are fine enough to suit the most delicate taste, and the prices are 5 ie z such as to bring these goods within the reach of all. We carry an immense line of other canned goods, S = 3 ic such as Vegetables, Fruit, Meats, Fish, Sardines, Lobster, Shrimps, Salmon, etc., in fact everything that you Za i Zs is could possibly want. Canned goods form only one department of our business and all other depart- Ss is zg ng ments are replete with choice seasonable goods. If you are not already buying the larger portion of zg ie Z = your goods from us, we should like to have you begin at once, as we know it would be mutually advan- z BS g tageous. Please try it and be convinced. z = Zi 3 3 wa 3 be Se BMPS A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A ss WS MS AS AS As As obs Sak TIMI INIT IININ IIN I NINIIININ IT IN I IID IN IN INI INI IN IN NID IN IN ITIP aD AON ee me MICHIGAN TRADESMAN CHIGANSRADESMAN 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, EpitTor. WEDNESDAY, - - - MARCH 3, 1897. THE CHARTER MUDDLE. In the presentation of the revised city charter for the action of the Legis- lature there is so much of absurdity and disagreement that that body despairs of doing anything with it until it is brought to represent greater unanimity of sentiment. Grand Rapids, more than the average of cities, labors under the disadvantage of petty interests and cliques in the different departments of municipal administration. Thus the pulling and hauling between the Exec- utive and the Council over the nomina- tion and confirmation of city attorney and other officials bring disagreement as to the mode of filling such offices; and the long and bitter factional fight in the poor department is also taken to Lansing for settlement; and so with other matters until it is no wonder the legislative committee is put to its wits’ end and is forced to refer the muddle back for agreement. As if there was not enough otherwise to make confusion worse confounded, the advocates of city ownership of elec- tric lighting thought to carry their views by saddling a provision to legalize the action taken two years ago, which had been already dceided adversely by the courts, The most remarkable thing about this attempt was its folly; and of course it was quickly thrown out when the subject came before the committee. This leaves the matter in such a shape that, if anything more is done, it must be by a new beginning, which is pro- posed by calling for its decision at the spring election. THE LEXOW INVESTIGATION. The investigation of the trusts and corporations which has been the work of the Lexow Committee for several weeks past came toa sudden and un- expected termination last week. If the leaders in this movement expected to bring out sufficient of a sensational character to make their work as noted as that of the former Lexow Committee, which investigated the municipal affairs of New York City some years ago, their work is a disappointment. The opera- tions of the first Committee made the name of its leader widely famous as a political reformer. So, when the new Committee entered upon its task of overhauling the trusts, the name of its Chairman brought a prestige which promised to develop all that was unlaw- ful or inimical to public interests, in their organization and management. As the work of the Committee closes, the question is suggested as to what ex- cuse there was for the initiation of the movement. So far as any material re- sults are concerned, the investigation has amounted to a vindication of the trusts as to the enhancement of prices and the treatment of employes. It has transpired that, while under the old meth- ods cf competition the ownership of some industries was vested in a hundred or two holders, under the present ar- rangement the dividend checks go to as many thousands. While there is no question but that there are abuses in the management of some of these corporations—in the un- due inflation of stocks and in arbitrary lessening of product—nothing in this line was developed by the investigation which was not patent to every one be- fore. Indeed, the tendency of the de- velopments has been rather in the di- rection of exonerating the companies even in these matters. While the investigation, in its results, would seem to be without excuse, a good purpose has been served in that much has been brought out which will tend to bring a juster appreciation of the proper status of these organizations and allay the unreasoning prejudice which would condemn all such combinations without mitigation. Mr. Prater, of St. Louis, who has studied the cornstalk scientifically, thinks that within a few years the farm- ers of the country will be receiving from 315 to $25 per acre for their cornstalks. Mills will be established in the South and other parts of the country, he says, and pretty nearly the whole crop of cornstalks—at any rate, that part of the crop which is grown on farms contig- uous to railway lines—will be used in the mills. The market for the manu- factured products will be staple articles in constant demand. Of the products that may be evolved from the matured cornstalk—the stock which has borne its grain—Mr. Prater enumerates cellu- lose, celluloid, smokeless gun-powder, lacquer, cattle feed, roofing material, and a material that will answer every purpose of papier mache. Green stalks, he says, are rich in glucose, and will yield a ‘‘better quality and a finer sugar with less expense than can be made from the cane of Louisiana.’’ The extent to which the temperance agitation has prevailed in railroad serv- ice is shown by the comments of rail- road managers on a pending bill in the Minnesota Legislature. The bill, if en- acted, would render a railroad company liable to a fine if it did not discharge an employe in the train department who was known to have been intoxicated. The only objection to the bill by the railroad officers was that it was super- fluous. The Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- road has a rule which is more stringent than the proposed law. It reads: ‘‘ The use of intoxicating drinks has proved a most fruitful source of trouble to rail- ways as well as to individuals. The company will exercise the most rigid scrutiny in reference to the habits of employes in this respect, and any em- ploye who has been dismissed on this account will not be re-employed. Drink- ing. when on duty or frequenting saloons will not be tolerated, and preference will be given to those who do not drink at all.”’ GENERAL TRADE SITUATION. While improvement continues slow, there is an undoubted movement in the right direction all along the line, with the exception of wheat. The most pos- itive improvement as to volume of busi- ness is in the lines of iron and steel manufacture, which are assuming a healthy tone on the new plane of low prices. The general tendency of prices has been upward, or firm at former quo- tations, with very few declines noted. The price of wheat has fallen over 3 cents and the movement’ continues small—Western receipts only about two- thirds of those of the corresponding pe- riod of last year and the export is also considerably less. The demand for corn continues heavy and has had an influ- ence on the price of wheat, which it is superseding in English markets to a material extent. The wool movement seems to be checked to some extent by a disposition of holders to demand a higher price. The demand for woolen goods is im- proving and additional works are te- suming operations. Cotton has made a small advance, but the production is still being lessened, to meet the slow materialization of demand. Leather continues firm at the recent advance and the prices of some lines of shoes are improved. The most significant feature of the iron situation is the effect of the break in the price of steel rails. The sales since that event are variously estimated at from 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 tons, which means assured employment for all the mills in the country for many months to come. It also means increased activity in railway construction and bet- terment,and in all the allied iron indus- tries, as well as in the general trade de- pendent on such activities. Aitogether the importance of this change can scarcely be overestimated. There still continues to be an over- supply of money at the great financial centers and the tendency of rates is downward. Movement of prices in the stock lists has been toward greater strength or increase, but movement has been small. Failures are much less, 258 against 325 last week. Bank clearings were smaller, on account of the holiday, amounting to only $892,000, 000. ————— CITY LIGHTING. The efforts of the advocates of city ownership of a public lighting plant to secure the legalization of the action which had been adversely passed upon by the courts by incorporating it in the new city charter met with signal failure when it came before the Senate Com- mittee, and the provision was thrown out. This leaves the matter in such shape that there is no course for its ad- vocates but to begin over again and so it is proposed to vote upon the proposi- tion again at the spring election. While some of the objections to the municipal prosecution of electric light- ing enterprises may be lessened by the fact that the ratio of change in the ap- pliances and machinery lessens as the development becomes more complete and methods more systematized, there are yet enough to make the advisability more than questionable. The apparatus now in use may be of more lasting value than that which would have been employed a few years ago and yet all such apparatus now obtainable will have been sold to the junk dealer many years before the bonds given for their pur- chase shall mature. On general prin- ciples the Tradesman is not in favor of the issuing of bonds for any purely cur- rent expense of the city administration. The temporary nature of an electric lighting plant makes the investment in that direction equivalent to a_ use of these drafts upon the future for current needs. There is little difference be- tween this use of the proceeds of bonds and their use for the support of police or fire departments. But a more serious objection still is in the general fact that our American cities are too crude in their organization and management of public affairs to be trusted with such enterprises. In some of the European cities their profitable management may be possibie, and even there may be some in this country where there is sufficient of municipal honesty and thoroughness, but such a condition is not yet attained by Grand Rapids, and it will be some time yet before there is sufficient development in that line to warrant the taking of ordi- nary public industries out of the hands of private competition. ADVANTAGE OF SLEEP. In reply to the question, Is it wise for a man to deny himself and get along with a few hours’ sleep a day, to do more work? Tesla, the great elec- trician, is said to have replied: ‘‘That is a great mistake, I am convinced. A man has just so many hours to be awake, and the fewer of these he uses up each day, the more days they will last ; that is, the longer he will live. I believe that a man might live two hundred years if he would sleep most of the time. That is why negroes often live to advanced old age, because they sleep so much. It is said that Gladstone sleeps seventeen hours every day; that is why his faculties are still unimpaired in spite of his great age. The proper way to economize life is to sleep every moment that is not necessary or desir- able that you should be awake.’”’ A war on the cigarette through the public schools of St. Louis is likely to be more effective than the legislation projected or accomplished in several of the states, particularly as the school officials and the parents have joined bands in the crusade. The evil effects resulting from the use of tobacco in this form, particularly by the young, are taught in the schools. Smoking on the school premises is strictly prohibited and the children are watched on their way to and from school. More potent, however, is the enlistment of the vigt- lance of parents and older brothers and sisters, friends and acquaintances, so that cigarette smoking will become a burden to the public school pupil. One of our consuls in France writes the State Department that there isa market there for a large amount of American oak lumber, provided it be sawed in the manner preferred by French lumber dealers. That probably settles the question. The American manufacturer turns out goods to suit himself, not foreign buyers. English and German manufacturers are much wiser in this regard, and thereby get a great deal of foreign trade which Amer- icans might have if they would adopt proper methods. The Grand Marais business men, who organized a social club, are now com- fortably quartered therein. It is in- deed a pleasant place and no traveler who has donated toward it will begrudge the money paid when he can enjoy the comfort of such a place. THE HONESTY OF.WOMEN. Some of the London papers, notably the Spectator and the Medical Journal, have been discussing the comparative honesty of men and women, in the light cf several recent cases of shoplifting in that city. Several cases of that kind which have attracted great publicity to their per- petrators, who were women of high so- Cial station, have been made the text of much exaggeration and distortion, with the apparent purpose of propagating the notion that theft, particularly in the form of shoplifting, isa common fail- ing of women, when, indeed, it is a rare one. All students of the physiology and psychology of disease recognize that certain morbid conditions peculiar to women may induce them to steal; but this is by no means a common circum- stance. But when the dishonesty and criminality of women are compared with those lapses in men, it is only nec- essary to appeal to the official statistics to prove that women are vastly more honest than men, and vastly better. The United States census for 1890, showing the numbers of the inmates of the pris- ons of this country by sexes, gives for men, 75,924; for women, 6,405. Here are twelve times as many male as fe- male criminals. That settles the ques- tion at once. The London Spectator takes the view that not only are women more honest than men, but they show it in every way. They feel the temptation of money less, and the sense of its im- portance, and of their own trusteeship in regard to it, much more. That is the universal opinion on the continent of Europe, where women are almost everywhere intrusted with the handling of money as cashiers in all sorts of com- mercial establishments. The Spectator declares that the charges of embezzlement alleged against women are extraordinarily few, while their honesty as servants, when they must often be grievously tempted, is really marvelous. The ordinary well-to- do house-mistress takes no more pre- cautions against her maid’s thieving propensities than against her daugh- ter’s, and, if she is a_ shrew, dilates upon every fault possible except this one. Nine times out of ten, when a maid steals, it is under the influence of some man outside, a remark which ex- perienced policemen say is true even of the street girls, who are frequently charged with the offense. Women, in fact, steal much less frequently than men do. Of course, there are female adventur- ers, some of them surpassing in bold- ness and address any men; but they are exceptions. Women are misled through their affections, and, when influenced by bad men, will commit any sort of crime; but there can be no reasonable doubt that women are vastly better than men in every way, and, while the two sexes in the population are about in equal numbers, there are more than twelve times as many male as female THE CHAMPION ROPE WALKER. Blondin, the famous _ tight-rope waiker, who has just died in a suburb of London, where he owned a fine villa which he named Niagara, was born in St. Ouen, France, in 1824. His real name was Jean Francois Gravelet. There were six children in the family, three boys and three girls, and all of them became tight-rope performers. Jean’s first feat was performed at the MICHIGAN TRADESMAN age of six in Lyons, where he walked up an inclined rope to the height of 175 feet. Later he trained to be an acrobat, and became so skillful that when he made his debut his success was _ instan- taneous. For years he traveled through France, giving exhibitions at fairs, which proved very profitable. In 1851, Blondin, as he had then come to be known professionally, joined the famous Ravel family of acrobats, and came to America with them. The troupe first appeared in Niblo’s, New York. Blondin remained witb the Ravels for eight years. In the course of his travels he visited Niagara. The sight of the great cataract at once sug- gested to him a feat that would surpass all previous tight-rope performances, and at the same time give him world- wide fame. He took up his abode near the Falls, and began to study the _prac- ticability of the proposed feat. Being convinced that it could be done, he an- nounced that he would walk a rope stretched over the River below the Falls. The length of the line was 1,100 feet, and the center was fully 175 feet above the seething waters. Blondin made the perilous trip on August 17, 1859, in the presence of 50,000 breath- less spectators, and his reputation as the most daring tight-rope walker in the world was achieved. The following year he made over fifty trips on a rope stretched across the Niagara River just above the Falls. On some of these trips he was blindfolded. On Sept. 14, 1860, he performed the extra-hazardous feat of walking across with a man on his back. Among those who witnessed this performance was the Prince of Wales, who, when Blondin was pre- sented to him, exclaimed, ‘‘ Thank God, it’s all over.’’ Blondin’s most daring feat, perhaps, was that he performed during an en- gagement at the Crystal Palace, Lon- don, when he trundled a wheelbarrow across a rope 200 feet long, with his baby daughter in it. He subsequently confessed that at this time he first felt the sensation of fear, not for himself, but for his child. His great nerve was largely due to his temperate habits, for he would never drink or smoke. Of late years he had lived in England. In No- vember, 1895, be married for his second wife a woman many years his junior. He made a great deal of money during his career, one performance in London alone netting him $20,000. He lost con- siderable of his fortune in speculation, but at the time of his death was still well to do. Even in his old age he was very active physically, and would oc- casionally surprise his friends by per- forming some of his youthful acrobatic feats. There is now in the bonded warehouse at Tampa more than 9,000 bales of tobacco, which belongs to a few manu- facturers, and will last them two years. Some of the big New York factories were equally forehanded, but the rest will have to shut up shop or use the do- mestic product. There is no scarcity of the Sumatra leaf, but the shrewd Dutchmen of Amsterdam who own the Sumatra plantations have had their eyes opened, and are taking advantage of the situation by advancing prices. The closing of the Havana factories is going to make imported cigars scarce and high, and if General Gomez and his associates keep up the war, it will be some years before the trade can be resumed. Mexican manufacturers and tobacco-growers are alive to the situa- tion, but their capacity is limited, so the smokers will have to return to pipes and use the domestic product. The Middleman an Unnecessary Evil in Many Instances. Written for the TRapEsMAN. Between the producer and consumer stands the distributer, who is one of the important factors in developing the maximum profit of the world’s industry. Whether as wholesaler, jobber or re- tailer furnishing his own capital, or as agent of the producer working on a commission, he is subject to the com- plaints and criticisms of opposing in- terests that seek, either by combina- tion, competition or legislation, to se- cure what each considers a fair division of profits. The great body of consum- ers also add to the pressure of contend- ing forces, that makes every business enterprise a continual conflict, ending only in ‘‘the survival of the fittest.’’ These struggles are doomed to be per- petual, since science and skill are ever gaining advantages for some by _ lessen- ing the cost of production, while Na ture, often lavish of her bounties, floods the market with a supply largely in excess of possible demands. No sys- tem has been—and probably none can ever be—devised to properly regulate the industries of mankind, so that there shall be an equal distribution of the rewards of labor and capital. In the very nature of things men cannot be equally intelligent, capable, diligent, economical, or fortunate in the varying occupations of life. So the weakest and most unfortunate murmur at con- ditions that no human sagacity can wholly relieve, and theories of reform— social, political and moral—are ever struggling for material recognition. “‘Tf there were no waste, there would be no want,’’ argues the theoretical economist. ‘*If there were no vice, there would be no poverty, ’’ says the ultra moralist. ‘‘Tf it were not for the selfishness of capitalists, life for the masses would be a joy perpetual,’’ cries the labor re- former. ‘“‘If it were not for the grasping am- bitions of those who aspire to be states- men and control affairs, the people would rule themselves and be_prosper- ous, *’ asserts the would-be political re- former. Thus the Nineteenth Century draws to a close leaving a large portion of our people unsatisfied with present condi- tions, notwithstanding the wonderful advance that pluck, intelligence and statesmanship have accomplished since this century dawned on the world. Yet there are some middlemen who deserve the criticisms voiced by both producers and consumers. The fake commission merchant, masquerading in the garb of legitimate business, sends his circulars broadcast, and, like the spider in his web, watches for the vic- tims sure to be attracted by allurements transparent enough to those who read trade journals and profit by warnings set forth in their columns. Against these there is no defense but common sense and sober second thought. The lightning rod man, the jest of so many stories, is getting to bea back number except in a few scattered rural settlements where the press does not largely circulate, but scores of other chevaliers d’industrie take up the work he has left and amplify it in ever-varied forms to suit the customers with whom they choose to deal. Their name is legion, but their purpose still the same —to increase the sum of human experi- ence to their profit, whatever may be the cost to others. The dealer in bankrupt and damaged 9 stocks, as a middleman, is hardly less obnoxious to the interests of legitimate enterprise than those first mentioned, especially in the role in which, of late years, he has appeared. He appeals to the greed for bargains that seem cheap in the eyes of a certain ciass, but, like the apples of Sodom, disappoint the eager purchaser. One class of distributers whose oper- ations are open to obvious criticism are the proprietors of department stores. The original producers may not yet complain, but merchants upon whose trade they infringe through uncommer- cial methods do so most emphatically. it would not be strange if a large pro- portion of consumers should withdraw their custom as they begin to understand how such a system affects their economic interests. Whatever tends to cheapen the price of goods will eventually react upon the rewards of the laboring class, as, while helping to produce the staples of commerce, they constitute the major- ity of consumers. In sustaining the de- partment store system they really help to build up a monopoly in business under the name of competition, which will widen rather than decrease the distance between wealth and poverty. Another system of distribution that extorts money from a too-confiding pub- lic fills the mails with issues of journals claiming literary merit, but in reality devoted to the sale ot innumerable nov- elties of trifling value to curious read- ers attracted by the specious advertise- ments. The amount of such goods thus sold is enormous, and ever-increasing demands are creating fresh supplies. They are mostly articles the cost of which bears an significant proportion to the price, and which would not be sal- able in the regular way where customers have the privilege of inspection. A part of the productive overflow of these goods gets into notion stores, and helps to make up an assortment of useless nothings attractive to spendthrift buyers by being marked so cheap that the small sum paid for each is squandered without reflection, but before they know it several dollars are gone. So, wherever human credulity and lack of sound judgment appear, there will be found the shrewd speculative distributer gathering profits regardless of the equities of exchange. This field of enterprise is large and thoroughly worked in every department, and happy the man who escapes with but few scars from contact with him at scme time. The best security against the so-called middleman is to have as few artificial wants as possible and to use good judg- ment in the supply of those that are real. Those who rail without distinction at the honest distributer in the lines of legitimate trade are numbered by the thousand, and prove themselves incapa- ble of knowing what they want or why they want it. PETER C. MEEK. Trade in Banana Skins. Quite lately a Chicago firm has offered to buy all the banana skins that are offered. The skins are dried in an oven and then ground with a mixture of banana, and fruit flour is made out of the lot. This flour is very white and fine. Much of it is used in adulterating starch. Missouri After Trusts. The Missouri Senate has passed Sen- ator Gray’s anti-trust bill, which nulli- fies all contracts for sales with trusts and provides that persons purchasing under contract from trusts need not carry out the contracts thus made. 10 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Clerks’ Corner Their Employers. Some clerks are everlastingly kick- ing about their employer. They “‘can’t get along with him.’’ There’s always something the matter with him. No- body can work for him, so the clerk says; always fuss, always trouble, never any peace in the store—and it’s always the old man’s fault. . Still, the.old man seems to get, along . pretty well with other, people.;. He’s.., pleasant, even jovial, and is a popular man. It’s noticeable, too, that with some of the ‘*They can get clerks he is_all right. complaining along with him,’’ the clerk says. c « However, it’s not clerks merely who grumble about_the boss. In every oc- cupation, from. ditch digging to the construction of air castles, there’s fault- finding of this character. In fact, there is a vast horde of toilers who couldn't work for the Angel Gabriel without complaining of the taskmaster. It’s in ‘em. I take it that nine out of ten of these men consider it a shameful! trampling of their rights in the dust for their employers to insist on their doing what they are paid for doing. * + ¢ It’s usually the case that the man who has cause for complaint is the employ- er. Said a clerk to me the other day, ‘*When I was out in the country | went to work for a man with whom everybody told me nobody could get along. My friends told me I wouldn't be there long. Well, I tried it anyhow, and I'll tell you now that | never worked for a nicer man. I got down to work at the appointed hour; I did my work to the best of my ability; I looked after things as if I had a personal cash interest in the store, and I didn’t begin putting on my hat and street coat ten minutes to closing time. In four or five months | was practically running the business. The ‘boss’ was out almost all of the time and he left everything to me, keep- ing of stock and all that. When he bought goods I made most of the selec- tions. He really knew less about the business than I did and during the two years I was there we never had the slightest trouble, at least none worth mentioning.’’ s+ This is usually the case. It’s the em- ploye that’s at fault, not the employer. ‘The merchant wants a man of certain ability; a man, say, whom he can de- pend on to look after business all the time and do it right. Until he finds that man he is a hard man to work for because his employes don’t do what he expects. ‘‘Knowing how to take a man’’ is as much understanding what he wants and how he wants it done as in deciphering his disposition and moods. lf a man does what his employer wants him to do and as he wants it done, he is not likely to get into trouble. x *k * Said a clerk the other day, ‘‘I believe I can get along with any man who is reasonable or even slightly unreason- able.’’ There are many clerks the same way. They know how and are willing to do what is wanted and do it always. The result oftentimes is that the stern- est employer becomes as dough in the clerk’s hands and the latter can and does do about as he likes until he abuses his employer's confidence and makes him more strict in his relations with his employe. ee ae ae It’s all in the clerk. If he has an idea that he is merely employed because the merchant must employ somebody, and thinks he is independent when he is merely bullheaded, then he can’t ‘‘get along’’ with many employers. This term ‘‘independence’’ is terribly over- worked. It’s too often a cover for big head. There are exceptions, of course. As many men do not have :ndepend- ence enough as have too much. One | is as bad as the other. In one people | | in general lose confidence, while in the} | other he himself lacks confidence. Mid- | How Some Clerks Get Along with | way between the two is the satisfactory man—the man who ‘‘gets along’’ with his employer, who does his work right, who has his employer’s confidence, who is pretty well satished himself and who iS a promising candidate for partner- ship profits. He’sthe dependable man, just independent enough, popular and able. There should be more of him.— Shoe and Leather Gazette. a ere Avoid Coarse Tendencies. From Shoe and Leather Facts. A salesman who imagines that, by indulging in coarse witticisms and anecdotes, he will acquire the reputation of being a ‘‘jolly good fellow, ’ is far astray. The very people who listen to and applaud his jokes will, in their in- most minds, look upon him with con- tempt. ‘‘Broadness’’ is not necessary to secure a reputation for being a ge- nial, thoroughly good fellow, and the salesman who thinks it is just the thing to become noted for his ability to tell ‘‘loud’’ stories will not be apt to find the class of patrons who appreciate them the most profitable customers. A good story, capitally told, helps to put both seller and buyer on a more sociable footing, but there is no need for an ar- ticle of suggestiveness to enter into its composition in order to make it worth telling. The salesman’s calling is now looked upon from a far more elevated standpoint than was once the case, and every member of it should deem ita duty to see that this respect is not less- ened. Geniality and good fellowship need not be synonymous with vulgarity, and the belief is that the majority of the ‘‘knights of the grip’’ fully appreci- ate this and are a credit and ornament to their calling. He Segre Conclusively Settled a Theological Question. A little girl six years old was ona visit to her grandfather, who was a New England divine, celebrated for his log- ical powers. ‘Only think, grandpa, what Uncle Robert says.’’ ‘‘What does he say, my dear?’’ ‘‘Why, he says the moon is made of green cheese. It isn’t at all, is it?’’ ‘*Well, child, suppose you find out for yourself.’’ ‘*How can I, grandpa?’’ ‘‘Get your Bible, and see what it says.”’ ; **Where shall I begin?’’ ‘Begin at the beginning. ”’ The child sat down to read the Bible. Before she got more than half through the second chapter of Genesis, and had read about the creation of the stars and the animals, she came back to her grand- father, her eyes all bright with the ex- citement of discovery. ‘‘I’ve found it, grandpa. It isn’t true, for God made the moon before he made cows.’’ ———— a ne 7 The Man for Me. I'm = agreat admirer of your emperors and Out of the Chestnut Bin. Attorney—Did you then slap plaintiff on the mouth? Witness—No! I only slammed the dcor in his face. + ‘‘This is all rot about grit winning success.’ “Howsof’’ ° I sank a for- tune in a grindstone factory.’’ ee ‘‘T say, do you think that Wiggins is a man to be trusted?’’ **Trusted? Yes, rather. trust him with my life!’’ ‘*Yes, but with anything of value, I mean.’’ Why, I'd ee: Pat—They do say the car nixt the injine be the most dangerous. Mike—-Begorra, thin, why don’t they lave it off? Fish Merchant—You want a situation as a herring packer? Have you had any experience? Applicant—Yes, sir; for two years I was conductor on a street car. eae ‘That was a mighty swell ball last night,’’ said one man who was there to another who wasn’t. ‘It must have been,’’ was the reply. ‘‘Our firm rented twenty-seven dress suits for the affair.’’ ee Irishman (who has been dropped from halfway up scaffolding—Fwaht the divil d’ye mane, Pat Hooligan, by dropping the winch an’ well-nigh breakin’ me back? Voice from top—Shure the whistle wint for dinner. ae ‘‘What sent that dog away howling so?’’ asked the ’possum. ‘‘Oh,’’ said the porcupine, ‘‘he was nosing around for information, and I kindly supplied him with a few points; that is all.’’ ee Willey—I tell you, it’s better in the end to be honest. Did you ever know a rogue who wasn’t unhappy? Shalley—No; but then one would hardly expect a rogue to be happy when he is known. It’s the rogues who are not known who are happy. ee ‘*Take that bicycle,’’ said the dealer to his assistant, ‘‘and put it in the win- dow with a sign announcing that its price will be $65 for this week only.’’ ‘Supposing we don't sell it, shall I change the price next week?’’ ‘“Certainly. We never deceive the each manufacturer at liberty to do his | public. Next week its price will be $60. ’’ “Satnervnrnevtrnereesernevtrsereesnrnevtrnereesnrnevtrserersnenevnrverersnenevnrnerersnenevnrserersnenevtrverernnenevnrserersnrnernrnerene } AUIIPVIPI VENTNOR EAE EP erNerN eer As told by Ebeling’s Flour is the Best Bread Maker Ebeling’s Flour Brings Big Margins Ebeling’s Flour is a Quick Seller The People The Retailer [ The Jobber Write for Particulars. JOHN H. EBELING, Green Bay, Wis. HUAGMAAMbAMAADA ADA ADA ADL AML ANA ANA UA 2bA J4A 044 J44 Jb Jb Jb Jb Jhb Jbh ADL AbL Ahh Ahh dbk dbh dbA JbA JbL Jbd Jhb Jb Jb Jbd Jbd Jbd ddd Jb Jhb ADA Ak Ahh dbd dbd Jbd ddd ddd ddd WLdNb AA Abb ADA bd Jhb chk dbi Jhb adh bd ddbdd “i MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Be Deceived No Longer By the false idea that we sell only high-priced registers. We make over ninety different kinds and sizes of National Cash Registers, and our prices range from $8 to $350, inclusive. We have just added three new detail-adding registers to our price list. No. 11, Price $30. Eleven keys of any denominations desired. WNickel-plated, metal case, with small cash-drawer. No. 13, Price $50. Twenty keys of any denominations de- sired. Nickel-plated, metal case. No. 13, No. 14, Price $65. Twenty-five keys of any denominations desired. Nickel-plated, metal case. Second-Hand Registers. We also have on hand a number of second-hand National and other cash’ registers taken in exchange for latest improved Nationals. We will sell these registers at greatly reduced prices. Send us your name and address, and when next in your vicinity one of our salesmen will call on you. You will be under no obligation to buy. The National Cash Register Company, Department D, Dayton, Ohio. No. 14, CASH OR CREDIT. Actual Experience of a Merchant. R. M. Armstrong in Boot and Shoe Recorder. Cash or credit—I say cash. The cold, hard stuff is what we all want. Credit is all right if your customers are all right, but how often and how many are that way? " 1 would rather have a man _ promise to pay me in a month than to-morrow, for with some people to-morrow never comes. If his pay day is to-morrow he can certainly wait until to-morrow comes. If the United States mails, the railroads, the telephones and tele- graph are all run ona cash basis, why not a shoe store? You cannot go to a postoffice and get a one-cept stamp without you have the cent. Or you cannot go to the ticket office and buy a ticket, and tell the agent that you will pay him to-morrow or next week. It doesn’t go. When you sell a customer a pair of shoes, and he promises to pay you for them in a specified time and then fails to fulfill his promise, you are angry, and when you speak to your customer of it he is made angry. The conse- quence is he deals at another store, and you are out a pair of shoes and a cus- tomer, where if you refuse to trust him, there is only one angry and very likely he will soon get over it. Credit is good for dishonest people while cash is good for everybody. When a customer owes you a bill he is sure not to come into your store until he has the money to pay you. But if he needs another pair of shoes he goes and pays casb elsewhere because he has not the price to pay you and get another pair, too. If you have a customer who has run a big bill on you and you begin to get afraid of him, and refuse to give him more goods until he pays up, he invariably becomes angry and deals at other places, and will refuse to pay his bill just to get even with you. He also tells other customers of yours how you mistreated him. And there is no man but what has some influence. If you accommodate a man once by trusting him he always expects it after- ward. One can do a larger business by doing a credit business than he can by selling for cash. For this reason, you can find more people who are willing to buv than you can find people who are willing to pav for what they do buy. It is very hard to pay for a pair of shoes after they are worn out. Credit also gives a person a better chance to complain. If one buys a pair of shoes on time, and they do not give what he calls satisfaction he will sav, ‘‘Oh, well, I got cheated and I'll not pay for them.’’ Then he never comes hack. Credit is all right but it won’t do. In our town we have a class of people who make it a business to ‘‘do’’ the mer- chant who trusts. They deal at one store until they get all they can on credit and ‘then move to another store. When they get around all the stores in town, then they do like the poet in re- gard to his rent: The rose is red, The violet blue; T guess I’!] move— My rent is due. Beware of the man who comes into vour store and runs down another man’s goods. He will always beat you. You can also keep your eye on the man who says he alwavs buys seven and_ ten-dol- lar shoes, and wants to buy a dollar and a quarter pair from you. In company stores where people have to deal, they adopt the credit system. Two weeks’ wages are generally kept back at the works by the company. Then if the bills are not paid up at the store on pay day or every two weeks the man’s back pay is taken for his bill. Then follow his orders to repair to the office and get his pay, provided there is any coming, and _ his place is filled by some cheap Italian or Hungarian. These two kinds of people make very good company-store customers, but not very good citizens. The cash system does away with book- keepers and one can always tell how Practical MICHIGAN TRADESMAN and where he stands. He does not have to count his chickens (as the saying is) before the hatchet falls. Your best cus- tomers are always cash, and easiest to wait on. Credit customers are a sort of nuisance. They take all the liberties and make all the excuses you could count in your spare time. They will say: ‘‘I guess I will not try the shoes on, but if they don’t suit I'll send them back,”’ and probably take two or three pairs out and keep them out for a week, while maybe the next customer you have would buy one of the very pairs that are out, and would pay you cash for them. A story is told of a harnessmaker who, when asked the price of a set of harness, replied, ‘‘Twenty dollars in cash or fifteen dollars if I charge it.’’ The customer was surprised and asked how that was. ‘‘Well,’’ said the har- nessmaker, ‘‘if I charge it and you don’t pay me _ it will not seem sucb a big loss.’’ This is about the way with the man who trusts. At the end of the year, when he looks over his books, he always finds some bills he knows will never be paid. So he just puts them on the dead beat list, or scratches their names from his book. Some customers get angry when they receive a state- ment, and a long standing bill gives lots of chances for disputes and causes lots of trouble. Some merchants do a cash business to some customers and credit business to others. But this is not always fair, for you may refuse an honest and worthy customer, while you are liable to trust one who is not. You cannot always judge a man by his looks. He may look all O. K., be dressed nicely and tell you he is as honest as steel, and yet may be a rogue. On the other hand, he may be poor and poor looking, and look like he would knock you down and take your money before he got out of your store, and still be good pay. The credit system might pay in some old towns, where’ everybody knows everybody, and where people are not moving every month to save rent. But it would not do in a city ora new town. That old saying, ‘‘A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,’’ I think can be properly applied to the cash system. I would rather have a dollar in my hand than two on my book. If you question a bankrupt how he became so, the answer in most cases is: ‘‘I did a credit business,’’ or, ‘‘I could not collect my bills,’’ or, ‘‘I trusted and got behind, so I could not get caught up again.”’ When a man owes a bill he does not want to meet you on the street. He may be seen darting across the street or into some store until you get past. A dead-beat like this is also very dan- gerous. Sometimes he will cut and shoot; that is, he will cut across the street and shoot up or down an alley. Quite often a person means to pay and sickness comes on him or his family and he cannot. These we will have to call unfortunates, but still they are losses. Would they not think more of the merchant if he sold to them for cash and then when they are in trouble give them a pair of shoes? We always get some unsalable goods that have gone out of style that poor people would be glad to get. I would rather have the amount of some merchants’ losses than their profits. Many merchants in the last three or four years have lost more money than they have made. A man ought to be able ‘to pay cash for all that he buys. Some men would rather spend all the money they make for beer, and let their poor wives wash for their liv- ing. Some people, as svon as they get their two weeks’ pay, first share up with the saloon keeper, and next with their landlord and grocer. They do not look forward to a sore foot or a rainy day. If they get sick or hurt they ex- pect the merchants to carry them. Most people who let their bills run are not worth enough to bring suit against. If you sue them they take advantage of the three hundred dollar act and you are out, and when the costs are paid you are out again. There is nothing left, not even your customer. We have a merchant in our town who does a strictly cash business and I don’t know of his having a single enemy. He sells cheaper than most stores and he discounts his bills and seems to have as Many Customers as any store in town. He is always called Mister. Everybody seems to trust and respect him. We once had a customer who owed a bill for about six or eight months. In the meantime he was buying shoes at another store and was paying cash for them. We asked him why he did not come to our store and deal when we had accommodated him by trusting him. His reply was, ‘This is a free coun- try; I'll pay you what I owe you and then I can buy where I please.’’ That was another customer lost. You can see the thanks we got for waiting six or eight months for our money. On the other hand we have trusted customers who were very thankful for the accom- modation and by trusting them have made them our best customers where if we had refused them they probably would not have come back again. If you trust a customer as though you were a little afraid of him he is liable to be afraid to come around and see you on pay day. If you are going to trust him don't ask him when his pay day is, or if other stores trust him. Just give it to him and make him believe that you think he is just as good as old wheat, and he will be likely to pay you. We have customers who pay us in full every pay day, while they have stuck nearly all the other stores in town. It pays to be obliging, accommodating and kind. But it does not pay to keep up a lot of lazy, drunken dead-beats. The customer who always wants to leave a little balance does not amount to very much. You had better lose the customer than the little balance, for as a general rule he wants to do you out of a quarter or a half dollar on his pur- chase. This is not much short of theft. He might as well watch his chance and swipe that amount of money from your drawer. If a man deals with you just in order to beat you out of your goods, is he not as bad as the man who sticks a pair of shoes under his coat? He isa daylight robber, but people generally put things like that mildly. They just say he isa dead-beat. I would think more of a man who breaks into my store and steals my goods than a man who buys them with the expectation of beat- ing me out of them. One isa daylight robber and the other a night robber. There is a penalty for the one kind that steals but the other goes free. I would like to see a law that would make a man pay his debts. In some countries a man is imprisoned who re- fuses to pay his honest debts. If a man can pay and won't, he is worse than a thief. If a man is willing to pay and cannot, | say give him his own'time, or if you are able, forgive him of his debt. We have a customer who would not pay his debts when he was able to work; now he is not able to work, and his family are in want. In this case one can scarcely tell what to do when his children come into the store and ask for a pair of shoes and want them charged. You know that you will never be paid, and you have a kind heart and hate to see the poor little childern with wet feet. Now would it not have been better to have made that customer pay up when he was able to werk, and_ then when his family are in want give hima pair of shoes? You do an act of char- ity, you are ahead and your customer is not counted a dead-beat. Credit customers let their bills run too long. Sometimes they let them run long enough to eat up all of the mer- chant's profit. Some let them run two or three years and sometimes longer. A man who has to wait that long cannot discount many bills, and then there is 5 per cent. discount lost. The dis- counts of a heavy buyer in a year’s time amount to several dollars. Dis- counts these hard times when compe- tition is so great are quite an item. The credit merchant who can discount his bills at the present time is certainly a dandy. 13 I have seen several good signs hung up in cash stores, such as: ‘‘No trust, no bust;’’ ‘‘Pay as you go; then you don’t owe;’’ ‘' Pay to-day and trust to- morrow;’’ ‘‘One who always pays never owes;’’ ‘‘An honest man is never so happy as when he can say, ‘I don't owe a cent to anybody.’ *’ Bills, statements and duns do_ not seem to worry some people, especially people who do not care whether they pay or not. You can waste your time and money sending statements and duns, and sometimes it does not bring you enough returns to pay the postage. Statements sometimes bring you ene- mies and trouble. Suppose you have a book account and your best customer comes in with a statement that you had sent him that he knew he had paid and the clerk had not marked it off the book. The customer at once proceeds to raise fuss over you. He tells you that he will not pay it. It places you in rather an embarrassing position. Now if you had sold for cash you would have saved all that trouble. The strictly cash merchants are scarce. It’s very hard to refuse a man credit who has always been a good friend and one whom you have known from his youth up, and you know him to be strictly honest and may be worth twice as much money as yourself, but just don't have the cash that day but prom- ises to pay you the next day or next week. He will certainly feel a little bit cool towards you if you refuse him. To a customer like this I would say: ‘‘I do not trust, and I do not care to break my rules, but I will lend you enough to buy three or four pairs if you want it.’’ That should not offend a sen- sible man. Cash will bring a man good trade, that is the elite of the town. There is more money made in good goods than cheap stuff. The credit customers are generally third class and want third- class priced goods, but first-class” in quality. It is true that almost all the business done in the United States is done on a credit system, but let us try cash for a while and see if we can _pre- vent so many failures, and I think we will all feel better and will soon live in brown stone fronts and wear silk hats. Now I have given you my experience with cash and credit in my own plain way. I hope you will overlook my er- rors, and trust you can catch at least one or two good points in this essay. _ a Alligator Leather. A prominent manufacturer of leather goods states that the demand is good, and especially so in the varied lines of belts. In fancy pocketbooks, alligator leather in green with gold trimming is a leader. He said: ‘‘Alligator skins are scarce in Florida. These skins are better than either those of Louisiana or Mexico. They are softer, while the others are hard. Agents are now Sta- tioned in New Orleans to buy skins for the German and French manufacturers. I predict that in five years skins will be worth ten times, or certainly six times, as much as now. The hunters get from 75 cents to $1 for askin. Each skin shows a different effect, and hence its beauty and value. So large is the de- mand for this country and Europe that the skins must become scarce and the value increase. I suppose that the history of the extinction of the once countless herds of buffalo will be that of the alligator. The skin certainly ap- pears well in all lines of goods, and is thoroughly appreciated in the peculiar grain and marking that make it so much of a novelty.’’ In view of the interest in this leather, it may be added that, according to an authority, the name was first given to this animal by the English colonists of the southern portion of what is now the United States, but has been gradually extended to all varieties of the family, called caymans, crocodiles, jacares, etc., by the Spanish, Portuguese and Indians of the Southern Continent. The alligator was formerly believed to be identical with the crocodile of the Old World, but there have subsequently been found to exist distinctions which indi- cate generic differences. 14 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Shoes and Leather Pertinent Suggestions for Retail Shoe Dealers. From the Shoe and Leather Gazette. ‘*Soft as silk, light as down, firm as granite, strong as steel,’’ are four strong comparisons used in a shoe advertise- ment. Golf hose are much favored by cyclists. A leggin made in imitation of golf hose, with turn-over top, is the latest. Publicity and advertising are horses of widely different shades. A merchant may be talked about and injury to his business result—yet this is publicity. Advertising sells goods. An advertiser puts it this way: ‘‘In this sloppy sidewalk season remember that good health never goes on wet feet. Wet feet are always running for the doctor. Rubbers, 50 cents at Blank’s.’’ The bicycle rider who gets out on the road this weather needs leggins. They should have this fact brought to their attention by retailers. A postal addressed to cyclists might help sell these goods. Denver shoe dealers have abandoned the free shine idea. An Eastern re- tailer has made a new use of it. In- stead of having bootblacks in his store he gives checks for shines good at all bootblack stands in the city. It is predicted that worked eyelets will prove popular the coming season. Possibly on some high-priced lines, al- though none are shown by retailers as yet. The same old sort of eyelet as we are accustomed to will be used in 'g7. **No, sir,’’ said an old merchant, ‘‘I should never carry on a general busi- ness in a town of any size whatever without separating my stock into de- pafments, the more distinct tbe divi- sions the better. Every argument is in favor of it.’’ ‘‘In a Tennessee town of 10,000 peo- ple I have held my own against bank- rupt sales,’’ remarked a dealer. ‘‘ How? By sticking closely to quality, keeping square up with the styles and pounding on high grade goods first, last and all the time.’’ Many merchants who have left-over goods in light tan and who know that the demand will be for dark shades are giving these shoes coats of ox-blood or chocolate stain to make ‘‘new stock’’ of them. Now isthetime to do this, as the tan season is likely to open early. Seal goat is never unpopular. This season it is being sold better than ever in colored goods and is expected to prove a splendid seller later cn. In colored stock there is a neatness about it that catches the fancy. In black it is not so satisfactory—has rather a cheap appearance. Seal goat collects dust, too, which, while not noticeable in colored goods, is plainly evident in blacks. A French boot and shoe trade journal asks, ‘‘Why should not what is good for the head be equally for the feet?’’ and answering the buyer to suit itself, shows a shoe ornamented at the instep with bows of ribbon extending upwards like tips on a lady’s bonnet, with a jeweled buckle holding the bows in place. This might take in gay Paris, but would be hardly suitable to the general trade at present. With ox-blood shoes last season the edges and heels were finished black. Some manufacturers are now trying to make them match the leather used in the uppers. The attempt is productive of much trouble in the finishing room and is really not desirable. Black finish contrasts nicely and has the ad- ditional advantage of being easily dyed. With black stitching and black laces the contrast with the red of the leather is pleasing to the eye. We used to wonder at the taste of the French and _ other foreigners who affected shoes of rainbow tints. We don’t any more. A Chicago contem- porary, Hide and Leather, says, ‘‘A handsome shoe, with uppers of deep- sea green, trimmed with brass eyelets and stitched with yellow thread, was exhibited in Streeter’s shoe store this week. The shank and heel of the shoe were black, but the bottom of the fore part of the sole was finished in dark green.’”’ A pair of rubbers was shown the Gazette recently for which the purchaser had paid $1.25. He was not unreason- able in expecting some wear out of them. He was surprised that they did not give the satisfaction they should. Had he known that the dealer only paid 35 ceuts for them he wouldn’t have ex- pected so much, When he did find it out from a rival merchant, to whom he complained, he didn’t like the 400-per- cent.-profit idea and in future will pat- ronize somebody else. A desinger of patterns proposes a new form of bicycle shoe and claims that he has personally given it a careful test and knows of its superiority. Instead of lacing down the front he places the lace line outside on a curved line ata point at the top and forward of the ankle joint, extending down and for- ward of the ball, whence it turns abrupt- ly into the median line of the foot, run- ning thence to ending just where the usual lace line ends. He claims that by lacing the shoe in this way he avoids the disagreeable, and frequently pain- ful corn that is formed on the top of the arch by the slipping up and down of the eyelets and laces in the act of pedal- ing. Fourteen ~ +8 ‘Nevers’ for Wearers of Shoes. Dr. Samuel Appelton in Health Culture. 1. Never wear a shoe that will not allow the great toe to lie in a straight line. 2. Never wear a shoe with a sole narrower than the outline of the foot traced with a pencil close under the rounding edge. 3. Never wear a shoe that pinches the heel. 4. Never wear a shoe or boot so large in the heel that the foot is not kept in place. 5. Never wear a_ shoe or boot tight anywhere, 6. Never wear a shoe or boot that has depressions in any part of the sole to drop any joint or bearing below the level plane. 7. Never wear a shoe with a sole turning up very much at the toes, as this causes the cords on the upper part of the foot to contract. Never wear a shoe that presses up into the hollow of the foot. g. Never have the top of the boots tight, as it interferes with the action of the calf muscles, makes one walk badly, and spoils the shape of the ankle. 10. Never come from high heels to low heels at one jump. 11. Never wear one pair of shoes all the time, unless obliged to do so. Two pairs of boots worn a day ata time al- ternately give more service and are much more healthful. 12. Never wear leather sole linings to stand upon. White cotton drilling or linen is much better and more healthful. 13. Never wear a short stocking or one which after being washed is not at least one-half inch longer than the foot. Bear in mind that stockings shrink. Be sure that they will allow your toes to spread out at the extreme ends, as this keeps the joints in place and makes a strong and attractive foot. As to shape of stockings, the single digital or ‘‘one- toe stocking’’ is the best. 14. Never think that the feet will grow large from wearing proper shoes. Pinching and distorting makes them grow not only large but unsightly. A proper, natural use of all the muscles makes them compact and attractive. —— ne How It Happened. Bliggins: ‘‘Jorkins is a humorous sort of a chap, isn’t he?’’ Wiggins: ‘‘At times.’’ Bliggins: ‘‘He,got off a good thing last night.’’ Wiggins: ‘‘What was it?’’ Bliggins: ‘‘His bicycle.’’ a > -9-<—____ Pay attention to your advertising and your advertising will pay for the atten- tion. If you want the best boot send your order for GOODYEAR GLOVES to | A y 3 : ¢ i e e F HIRTH, KRAUSE & CO.. : : GRAND RAPIDS. eecceees OrBrbabudad baubeaaab uaa kan hint bn hn hn hn bet te ha be Lr tt tp tp tp inne eh ee ee ee vee Tee ee Te ee Tew CST ST eC eT CCC CCC CCC CCC Cee RINDGE, KALMBACH & C0. 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- fident that we can please you. Agents for the BOSTON RUBBER SHOE CO. PLP PPP PADD Dae Di Dati i i ea a ak a PPO GG GOS EIS IPP FPP PPP PPAR A ARIA IAA Bub r Bata tata batt bn ta bn bat te tn br tr rb tn te tn te tn A te te tp tp tp dr FPO EVE FE VOU VEU EUV EEOC OOOTSOSOSO OOS SO SG ry VVVVVVyVVvVvVvVvVyVvVvVvvvVvvVvVvVvVeVTVTeCTCCC? GE F FFOE SIT FF ISTE ETT DODD AD Db ee rvvvvvvvvvvuvvvvvvvvVYW*" ew OO OY OVI GPGIODD GOOG OOO DOO 99OOOS $9O9G99H 99909000 Vey In selecting your spring stock, do not omit adding our celebrated line of .. . OHINESE GALF G0 to your SHOE department, if you want the very best values for your trade. Every pair has our name on the shank. Misses’, Children’s, HEROLD-BERTSGH SHOE 60., GRAND RAPIDS. Abdo iaa $O$OOOOO44464446446 bbb bb bb dd bbb bn hn FF FFF FGF FIG OO OOD 99GB OOO89 999999 OF In Men’s, Women’s, O66 GG bbb Gb ob br br bn bn bn by bn bn bn bn dn be by bn bp bp i tn NN NF OP FO FS FV FOSS VU VU VG rVvvvvvvvVvv_yvvvvyvvyvvvvevvwvvevse+é#+yvt'T—we -@ Noted an Observation. He—I suppose your thoughts were all on your new bonnet during the sermon this morning? She—No, indeed, they were not! ‘I don't believe you can repeat any- thing that was said during the service.’’ "Yes, Lean, too. | heard a lady be- hind me say: ‘Isa’t it stunning.’ ’’ i nT tl successors to REEDER BROS. SHOE CO. Michigan Agents for Lucoming and Keystone Rubbers and Jobbers of specialties in Men’s and Women’s Shoes, Felt Boots, Lumbermen’s Socks. Lycoming Rubbers Lead all Brands in Fit, 6 | Qualities. other | 90000004 £0058908 0O00CCCR Style and Wearing Try them. Pingree, p39 N ae 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. This stamp appears on the Rubber of all our “Neverslip” Bicycle and Winter Shoes. PINGREE & SMITH, Manufacturers. i. ‘RADESMAN Reaches the buyer The buyer sells the goods--- The goods you have to sell The moral is plain—USE THE TRADESMAN, LARGEST PA'D CIRCULATION. I6 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN DOLLS OF THE DAY. Recent Inventions in This Line—Star- tling Novelties. From the New York Sun. Every now and then some woman getting along in years says, ‘‘Children do not care for dolls as they did in my day;’’ and she puts an unnecessary emphasis on the ‘‘my’’—an emphasis not only disparaging to the children of to- day, but also to the time in which they happen to live. A visit to a toy store, or to the doll department in one of the big dry goods houses, will de- molish this idea in less time than it takes to tell about it. The doll is, and always has been, one of the most imperious needs of female childhood. If dolls have progressed, along with the rest of civilization, until] in this year 1897 they are prettier and finer and more expensive than’ ever before, that is no reason why their own- ers should love them less. As the costly dolls have advanced in price, so have the cheaper puppets decreased in cost, so that there is no reason why every lit- tle girl in this big city should not be happy in the possession of a doll of one kind or another, since undressed dolls vary in price from a cent to $25, while those that are dressed run from 15 cents up to $75. ‘*Wherein does the up-to-date doll dif- fer from the doll of the long ago?’’ said the head of the doll department in a big store, in response to a question. Be- fore she had time to answer, a sweet, small voice said to her: ‘*Please, ma’am, my dolly’s in a aw- ful way. Her eyes is out; her legs is bwoke; her hair’s all gone, an’ she’s lost a arm. Kin you mend her? She’s my fav’ite dolly.’’ ‘Yes, little one,’” was the answer, ‘‘we can mend her beautifully. We'll send her right to the doll hospital, and the doll doctor will make her just as good as new. What kind of hair and eyes do you want her to have?’’ ‘*B’ack an’ b’ue, p’ease, an’ mend her good an’ st’ong, an’ let her have hair ‘at I can b’ush an’ comb an’ curl.”’ ‘* All right, and she shall be sent back to you prettier than she was when you first got her,’’ replied the woman, get- ting together limbs, eyes and hair for this dilapidated specimen of dollhood. The child kissed the wreck good-bye and went away radiant. ‘*Some people say that children don’t care as much for dolls now as they did twenty-five or fifty years ago?’’ the saleswoman said, looking after the toddler. ‘‘What bosh! Why, I think they care even more for them. Dozens _ of little girls come here every day to get their dolls mended. Nine times out of ten, they are so choked with grief that they can hardly speak when they have to put their children into the hospital, and the uglier and more decrepit the doll is the more they seem to love it. A nat- ural mother always lavishes more ten- derness and affection on a deformed child, you know. Why, we even put in broken teeth in the doll hospital, and some of the surgical operations per- formed there would put to’ blush our most celebrated doctors. ‘“But, to get back to your question. The dolls of this year do not differ from those of last, for the French and the Germans about reached perfection in the manufacture of dolls two or three years ago. Our finest dolls come from those countries. Those from France are a little prettier than their German cousins. ‘‘The great change this year has been miade, not in the dolls themselves, but in their clothes and all their belongings. Really doll life has grown as complex as human life. I’ve been with this busi- ness for twelve years, and am now sell- ing dolls to the children of the children to whom I first sold them. Then the children went wild over a doll witha china head, hair and all, china arms and legs, and a body stuffed with sawdust, and stood dumfounded at sight of a wax doll with big blue eyes, red cheeks and fluffy hair. To-day, it is impossible to buy ene of those wax dolls, and china dolls are hard to find. ‘This year the dolls are of every size and age. The heads are made of the finest quality of bisque, the eyes not only open and sbut, but move from side to side in the most lifelike manner, and the bodies are jointed, so that the dolls can be made to assume any attitude. They are no longer stuffed with saw- dust, but with hair, which makes them much more supple and graceful. The fine dolls all have real hair, which can be brushed and combed to the heart's content of the owner. One superiority that this year’s dressed dolls have over those of last year is that they are nearly all attired as children. Take these in- fants, for instance. They are more popular than anything else, and are dressed ‘like real live babies, from the skin out. They have on flannel bands, little shirts, flannel and muslin skirts, and nainsook slips made after the latest patterns. These vary in price—from $1.75 up. Next we see the dolls dressed as children two or three years of age. They have on little white Mother Hub- bards and Gretchen dresses down to their ankles, and white bonnets with flaring brims. Then come the four and five-year-old dolls, with their china silk gowns up to their knees, dainty muslin aprous and straw hats. These are French dolls, but they are dressed here. Now we come to the children of larger growth, and they are dressed on the other side. Their garments, under- clothing and all, are modeled after the latest Parisian fashion for children—and they are French from their little kid boots to their big much-beplumed hats. Some of these little ladies come as high as $50. ‘I don’t think people spend so much money on dolls themselves as they did three or four years ago, but they spend a great deal more for their trousseaux. But these are dolls for rich children. Dolls for those in moderate circum- stances are made of similar material, but it is of a pcorer quality, and those that are dressed are not rigged out in the latest style of gowns and hats, and of course the materials used are not nearly so fine. ‘‘The cheapest dolls are here to the right. It is at this counter that we see things that touch our hearts. Some- times a tender-hearted woman or man who has lost their own little one brings in a youngster who has never known what it is to clasp a real doll all her own to her heart, and buys her one of these. Her happiness is unexpressible, and she talks to her treasure in that sweet language all children use in talk- ing to their dolls. - Really, more happi- ness comes from the poor children’s doll counter than from any other.’’ By this time a dozen little ones were pulling and tugging at the speaker’s skirts. Some had a grief to confide, and others a joy to share, for some were beside themselves with joy in the newly-acquired possession of a much- coveted doll, while others were plunged into despair because some beloved child had chanced to get its head cracked. This interruption furnished a fine op- portunity for the reporter to inspect the dolls. On one side sat a row of infants in exquisite muslin and lace. Above them stood a group of bisque beauties clad in silk garments and bonnets to match. Still beyond them were the handsomest dolls of all. A big blonde with brown eyes and yellow curls wore a long velvet coat of a rich old rose shade. Big revers folded back from the throat, showing a ruche of real lace, and the coat was fastened on one side with two gold buttons. A _ large hat with a white brim and a puffed crown of the rose-colored velvet, cocked up with plumes and aigrettes of a paler shade, completed this fine carriage costume. Next to her stood a bevy of charming dolls wearing rather short skirts of satin, brocaded in contrasting colors, and short velvet coats with pouch fronts of embroidered chiffon. They wore big velvet hats with fluted brims and white crowns, which were as audaciously trimmed with miniature birds and wings as are those of real people. One involuntarily exclaims, ‘‘Aren’t they beautiful!’’ when one first sees them. Those in the particularly shining cos- tumes cost from $20 to $50 each. Such prices, of course, include a ee trousseau. But after one looks for a while at these favorites of fortune in Doll-land, he sees that they, like folks in real life, look intensely bored and sated, or else they have a set smile such as sometimes gets fixed on the faces of people who know nothing but to have enough of everything that they want. It isn’t so with the cheaper dolls. They are veritable little east- siders—from those that cost a few cents, up to those that cost two whole dollars! Their little heads are of bisque, to be sure, but their bodies are only muslin, and are not jointed, so the poor things can neither sit down norstand up. More than this, their bodies are very slim, and, alas! they are stuffed with the hated sawdust—no hair insides for them. They can’t even have real hair on their heads, but are thankful for a few strands of something that passes for hair. The faces of many have a pinched, sad look. But even that is a relief after the stock smile which isa part of the costlier dolls. Others look quite happy and contented as_ they nestle in their pasteboard boxes, and many of the very cheapest are quite pretty. Every child naturally loves a rag doll, and the uglier the better. The rag babies this year are unusually strik- ing in appearance, and vary in price from 50 cents up to $5. No little girl lives who has not at some time in her life longed for a doll that could talk. When her fond father or mother or a doting uncle or aunt actual- ly puts one into her hands and says, ‘“There is a doll that can talk!’’ she is overcome with joy. Disappointment invariably follows, however, for, when the little one yanks the string and the doll says,‘‘ Mam-ma’’and ‘‘ Pap-pa’’ ina nasal, whining, indistinct tone, and refuses to utter another word, she feels that she has been deceived. A doll has been brought out this year that is more of a success as a talker than those of | Y previous years. It comes from France, and has a movable breastplate. Hewitt: ‘‘Cattle were once used as currency.’’ Jewett: ‘‘And I suppose when you went to a mark-down sale you sawa card reading: ‘Marked Down to One Calf; Former Price One Cow.’ ’’ MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 17 he Be De BD DW Be De MD De MDD MWR WWY MWY WWM MMR [ Possnasasannansnasaansoannanaanad STRONG, LEE & CO. DETROIT, MICHIGAN. INAUGURAL SALE On Monday, March 8, we will begin a sale to be known as our INAUGURAL SALE. Early in January we opened an entirely new line of Dry Goods, Notions, Hosiery and Underwear. We were enabled to do this on account of having practically closed out every dollar’s worth of goods in our store during the De- cember sale, announcement of which was made in December. On this account our sales for January and February have been phenomenal even in the face of two very dull winter months. Many lines of goods have been duplicated. We are informed by the best merchants in Michigan that our entire line is equal to any shown this season. In order to make this sale the greatest of any in the history of the jobbing business in Detroit, and larger even than our December sale, we will again pay your car fare to and from Detroit (on reasonable pur- chases). We guarantee not to disappoint you as to our large variety of goods in every department. WE WILL SURPRISE YOU AS TO PRICES. BRING YOUR SAMPLES FOR COMPARISON. BRING YOUR QUOTATIONS. Special bargains will be offered in every department. There is every reason possible for better prices on merchandise; all kinds of imported goods will be higher. | Domestic Goods cannot be produced for the prices now asked. Many mills are closed on this account. The United States have never exported so many goods as during last year; this trade will certainly increase, consequently we are reasonably sure that now is the time, not to speculate, but to be liberal owners of merchandise, as prices are below cost of manufacture, and with a cer- tain revival in business all goods will advance. Detroit Jobbers thanked us for bringing so much trade to this city in De- cember; they will do it again, even if WE pay expenses. Come without fail and do us all good at OUR expense. Those who contemplate embarking in the dry goods business should take advantage of this sale, which will continue through March. Our travelers will meet you here by appointment. STRONG, LEE & CO., 134-136 JEFFERSON AVENUE, 38-40-42 WOODBRIDGE STREET. DETROIT, MICH. baa a Da che She che che ee De De De De ade De She De De De De De Be De Se Se De Se Se De De 44 fe « fe | 4 S 4 f - | ei et ee e ei ei es we & | e } gd i GRE REALE RE RE RR RAR RE RE RE RE RAR FRE RE RE RHR RAR RP RE RE RR RRA RRA RE RE RE RE RRR PURER RENEE REMMI RMR RR RRR RRR RRR RR RRR ii PERRIER RRR Nee fy ey ua fy MICHIGAN TRADESMAN SMART SAYINGS. Catch Phrases and Pointed Paragraphs. Living pictures of economy can be seen this week in ‘‘The Hub’s”’ fur- nishing window. —Sacramento. Saving prices and high qualities are firmly linked together at Yerxa’s. Here are some links for to-morrow. — Minne- apolis. When ‘‘words’’ are ‘‘deeds’’—-when fiction is ‘‘facts’’—when silver is gold __when credit is cash—some folks may sell as we do now. —Rainalter’s, St. Jos- eph, Mo. If there’s anything in the cold weather line that we haven't got, from an ear muff to a fur coat, we'll send out and get it while you wait.— Nebraska Cloth- ing Co., Omaha. While the qualities of table supplies at Yerxa's are as high as they ever were or ever can be, the prices are so small that they almost blush for their little- ness.—Yerxa, Minneapolis. “Knowledge is power.’’ Therefore, know a great deai. For the way to knowing is along purse-easy — Street paved with delight, when good books can be had at these low_ prices. —Has- kell & Tripp, New Bedford, Mass. If there is one thing that will limber up sewing machines sooner than an- other, that thing is new, bright and pretty spring percales. A look through our stock this week will bring on a real industrious fit. See if it won’t.—The Fair, Montgomery. Short If we don’t give you meritorious | to the people. goods, meritorious prices and merito- rious treatment, we know our power to | sensationalism. bring you here to buy ceases. to live. so you'll find the advance styles of spring peeping through the folds of winter dress goods here.—The Fair, Montgomery, Ala. What a thrill of pleasure the skater feels as he glides over the smooth sur- face. Nature gives us too little of the exhilarating pleasure in this latitude. We recognize this in our skate prices. We know that people must have lower prices when the chances are but fora few weeks of skating at best and we've made our prices accordingly.—W. H. White & Son, Trenton, N. J. The bedroom should be furnished comfortably, if every room in the house goes undressed. ‘‘Comfortably’’ does not mean expensively ; comfort may be bought for very little money. How little, you'll not dream until you see the suite we are going to tell you about. — Smith, Farwell & Steele Co., Duluth, Minn. Nature has provided the sheep with the best protection against cold. Man has appropriated the sheep's clothing and can find no better. The last few nights have made your bedding needs known to you in unmistakable terms and have brought many buyers to our blanket counter, but perhaps some of you don’t know what we are doing with | blanket prices. —Lamson Bros., Toledo. If we judged merchants and their deeds by their words this world would be too small a field for them to operate in. The voice of the people is the voice f truth—and the best way to judge a store is by the way it keeps its promises We have not climbed into the lap of success by the help of Our ascendency has When | been steady- ——consistent——natural. — you cease to come the business ceases | Jacob We have such unbounded faith | . s Pharmacy, Atlanta, Ga. Wealth and wisdom travel together. in our goods that we say to you—bring |We can’t all of us be wealthy, but we them back for your cash if they don’t suit.—Welch & Eason, Charleston, S.C. Some people say you might as well | earned. | | can be wealthier than we are. Wealth consists of what is saved, not what is ‘‘Saving*’ means finding the look for wild flowers in December as | store where you can get the same or advertise spring dress goods in Janu- ary. We sometimes find violets peeping | where else. | } better quality for less money than any- You won’t have to search from beneath the snow, you know. Just far, for if you start here you'll make . »... W the shortest journey on record, for you'll stop here.—Welch & Eason, Charleston, S. C. An A B C lesson for grown folks. You probably learned the alphabet about the time you entered school, but, as all know, there are many lessons to learn in after life. Particularly the one mak- ing money go farthest. One way to do that is to buy your underwear, gloves, ties and hats here. There’s no extrav- agance in buying our lines for presents ; at any rate it doesn’t cost much to be extravagant here.—S. Kahn & Sons, Trenton, N. J. eee. Scraps Relating to Advertising. A merchant is just as honest as his advertisements. It is as expensive to be stingy as ex- travagant in your advertising. Good advertising makes good stores. Best advertising makes the best stores. The most results are secured by the best—not necessarily the most—adver- tising. Don’t leave too much to the proof- reader. Better send in your advertise- ments in time“to see a proof yourself. Some merchants try to hide their light under a bushel, when a thimble could do the hiding. Good advertisements are always sen- sible advertisements. Anyone can un derstand them and they are never read in vain. Advertising is necessary to the suc- cess of every business except the moon- shiner’s. He keeps still. Originality is a good thing in adver- tising —if it pavs. Better use a hack- neyed advertisement that brings cus- tomers than an original one that does not. Jans os SE Ts Where the Trouble Was. ‘*Brother,’’“said the minister, **you should try to be content with what you have.”’ ‘*‘T am,’’ said the brother who had been grumbling. “‘It is what I ain't | got that I am dissatisfied about.”’ Store Mottoes. Because we buy well we sell well. What isn’t right we will make right. Your satisfaction is our best reward. Come back for changes or correc- tions. You cannot tire us out in serving ou. Goods up to date—prices down to zero. We make each purchase promote trade. Time is not wasted when we please ou. Courtesy is always thrown in at our store. Unless the customer is satisfied we are not. Ask for what you don’t see—it is probably here. The value of these goods conquers all comparisons. Low prices make large profits, and our benefit is your gain. The earliest comer has the pick of the ‘‘plums’’ and prices. We urge no one to buy. are our best salesmen. There is no test like a trial here, for we are here to please you. Our interest in you is not gauged by the amount of money you spend. What you say when you go home we intend to make our best advertisement. Our customers are like the revolving shore lights. They go, but return again. We don’t claim to have the best store ; but we try to make a better one impos- sible. If you have looked elsewhere we are sure of either your compliment or your custom. —___~»>09s_ Another Anti-Department Store Bill. A bill has been introduced in the Mis- souri Senate by a St. Louis member which provides that department stores must pay a separate license for each different class of merchandise handled. This is virtually the “same bill which passed the House at the last session, but was defeated in the Senate. Our goods 37% y BG JAMO BISMARCK ‘agation. FROG FARMING. Not Much Work, Little Trouble, and Good Returns. From the Boston Evening Transcript. The United States Fish Commission just now is investigating the subject of frog farming. It is believed that there ought to be money in the business, con- sidering the large demand for the hind legs at high prices. The principal market for them 1s in New York City, where they are gathered from all parts of the country, Fulton Market alone selling from 75,000 to 100,000 pounds annually. To furnish such enormous quantities of legs must require several millions of frogs having an average . weight of half a pound. Only a small outlay of cash and labor should be re- quired for establishing a frog farm, and, once started, the enterprise would run itself, the batrachians feeding them- selves and attending to their own prop- But, notwithstanding frequent Stories about successful frog farms printed in the newspapers, the Fish Commission has not been able to dis- cover the existence of a single such plant in this country, although there is one in operation at Bensford, Ont., owned by a man named Wedlock. : So here is a promising industry as yet unborn in the United States. The frog crop at present is wholly wild, and the bulk of it is marketed in New York. Missouri is the greatest frog-producing State; the town of Kennett alone ships 60,000 pounds of dressed frogs’ legs an- nually, and New Madrid is second with 25,000 pounds. These figures are taken from the books of the railroads. The swamp lands of Missouri 2nd Arkansas are the finest frog-growing areas in the world, the frogs found there being of the real bull species. They are caught in all sorts of ways, some with a hook and bit of red flannel, and others by spearing and shooting. The frog sea- son begins about the middle of March and lasts three months. At night men go out in small boats which are provid- ed with lamps and big reflectors. The light so blinds the frogs that the boat can be paddled right up to them, and they are readily speared. Exceptional specimens weigh as much as two pounds apiece. The experts of the Fish Commission say that the plant required for a frog farm is exceedingly simple and cheap. Shallow ponds may be fcund almost any- where, and they need no preparation unless the planting of bushes around the edges. These serve as a protection against enemies to some extent, and have the further advantage of attracting insects. Frogs feed mainly on insects; the reason why they bite at a bit of red flannel is that they mistake it fora gaudy bug. It is a good idea to build a low fence around the pond in order to keep out snakes and small mammals that are fond of frogs. The fence should be close to the water, so.that birds can- not stand on the inside of it and pick up the polliwogs. Naturally, the first thing to do is to secure some frogs for breeding. Any oid frogs will not do. Some people imagine that a frog is a frog, and that that is all there is to be said. But there are in fact a good many species of frogs, and the real bullfrog is the kind whose large and . muscular hind legs are so esteemed as a delicacy. His scientific name is Rana Catesbyana. The pond once stocked, the frogs will take care of themselves and multiply rapidly if they get enough to eat. But it should be remembered that no insect is of any use from their point of view unless it is alive, ana meat of any kind has no attraction for them. They want live bugs. Another point well worth mentioning is that the bottom of the pond must be of soft mud, because when winter comes the frogs go to sleep until spring. They burrow into the mud and there remain in a_ torpid state as long as cold weather lasts. When the last of the ice has gone, the frogs come out of the mud and again take an active interest in life. Spring MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 3I is the season when Mr. Frog goesa wooing. He is monogamous in habit, and he employs the allurement of song to excite the tender emotions of his lady-love. He has a fine bass voice, by means of which he entices the coy Miss Frog. A lady frog does not sing. In the course of time the female frog de- posits in the water a small glutinous mass of spawn; it looks like so much jelly, with biack spots in it. The spawn may be hatched artificially in a suitable hatching box, but this is hardly worth while, inasmuch as it will hatch itself just as well. If gathered for transter to another pond, care should be taken to break it as little as possible. It will hatch in a week or so. . Mr. Lucas, the osteologist of the National Museum, says that the frog is just about the most wonderful animal in the world. It starts in life as a vege- table-eating fish, with gills and a tail, and turns into an air-breathing land animal, developing teeth and becoming a carnivorous quadruped. The toad is a higher animal than the frog, because it gives birth directly to little air- breathing toads, whereas the frog lays eggs that produce fish-like tadpoles. Mr. Frog has a skull of enormous size, with a very small brain cavity. He has only nine vertebrae in his backbone— fewer than any other animal—and pes sesses no ribs at all. Thus he is obliged literally to swallow by gulps the air he breathes, instead of projecting his chest like a human being and creating a vacuum for the atmospuaere to pour into. He has a joint in the middle of each foot, and also a joint in the mid- dle of his back. These extra hinges help him immensely in jumping. Ifa man could jump as well asa frog in proportion to his size, he would be able to leap at least 300 yards at a bound. Forty species of frogs are known in the world. The largest is the gigantic *““bellower’’ of the Louisiana swamps, which ts said to attain a weight of four pounds; the smallest is the tree frog. Ordinarily only the hind legs of the bull-frog are eaten, but in New Orleans and also in France and Germany the animal is served whole quite commonly. Anybody who has eaten frogs’ legs will testify to their delicious flavor, which is somewhat like that of very tender spring chicken, only more delicate. The legs, after being skinned, should be placed in fresh, cold water. Next they should be drained, dried, and put to soak for a while in the white of eggs, well beaten up. Finally they must be powdered over with flour and fried in plenty of olive oil until they are crisp and brown. Add a lemon, some red pepper and serve. Frogs’ legs fetch ordinarily about twenty cents a pound, but extra big legs are worth from thirty to forty-five cents a pound. They are considered best in the autumn, just be- fore the frogs go into the mud, and after they have spent a long season in fatten- ing themselves. It has been alleged that large quanti- ties of American frogs are shipped to Europe, but the Fish Commission ex- perts have learned that this is a mis- take. Dealers at the Futlon Market, in New Ycrk, told them that they had never heard of such a thing. If frog farming is made a success, however, it may be that hindlegs will be exported on a considerable scale before long, in- asmuch as they are so highly prized by European epicures. Fears are enter- tained lest the wild frogs in this coun- try may be exterminated by the whole- sale slaughter that now goes on. Ruth- less pot-hunters have invaded their moist haunts with spear, gun and scoop net, and thousands of acres which once afforded them a home are now a silent waste, not the echo of asingle nocturnal croak breaking upon the stillness of the air where batrachian choruses erstwhile expressed the tuneful mood of nature. This is a pity, for the bullfrogs of the United States are the biggest of their kind in the world. They are solitary animals, not seeking each other's so- ciety et during the breeding sea- son, when frequently hundreds of them will be seen together. At that time they utter the hoarse note from which they take their name. WURZBURG JEWELRY CO. \N Grand Rapids, Mich. \ tacos aula ENE iS > We're on the Road @@ DOOOQOOODHODOOQOO!S ©OOOQOOQDOOOODQHOOOOHOOOLEOOSEOOQOOQOOOS® The season for FIELD SEEDS such as CLOVER and TIMOTHY is now at hand. We are prepared to meet market prices. When ready to buy write us for prices MOSELEY BROS., Wholesale Seeds, Beans, Potatoes, 26-28-30-32 Ottawa St., Grand Rapids. Wait for Us NY Eee or send orders. Will bill at market value. GOODOGODOGQOODOOQOQOOQOGQOQOOQOOQO®QOOOOOOE GOOG GH® QOOOOOOO® GOOOQOOOCEOO COOQOOOOOQOHOOQOOOE) When You See Anything Green Think of Vinkemulder. When You Need Anything Green Send Your Order to Vinkemuider. We sell Fruits and Produce, seli them at mail order prices. Try us for a year ortwo. We are now making up list of customers who want our price list. Send us your name, and keep posted on our market prices HENRY J. VINKEMULDER, Grand Rapids, Mich. YWO® HLQ®LODOOHOOGHODOOG®ODHOOOGO 1999410104 ©0OQHHOOHOOOHGOOOS @ ANCHOR BRAND OYSTERS Prompt attention given telegraph and mail orders. See quotations in price current. 8 F. J. DETTENTHALER, Grand Rapids, Mich. VOMODODODQOODOOHODOODOQOOQOOQOODOOOOHOOOQOOOOHOQOOOQOO®© HOQOOQOQOOO: 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. ONIONS Nuts Are still advancing. Buy now. Our Michigan Selects, red or yel- low, are fine, so are our.... Figs Honey Lemons Oranges Cranberries Sweet Potatoes STILES & PHILLIPS, Both Telephones 10. 9 NORTH IONIA ST., GRAND RAPIDS. Kay Oysters.. | CY STERS Now coming in better than at any time before. Drop us postal for special quotations. —_ sem ae lee ALLERTON & HAGGSTROM, 2720's st. Jobbers of FRUIT, VEGETABLES, CAULIFLOWER, TOMATOES, LETTUCE, ETC. Everything seasonable in our line... WHOLESALE FRUITS and PRODUCE. FANCY NAVEL ORANGES, BANANAS, SWEET POTATOES, EARLY VEGETABLES, Etc..... J. M. DRYSDALE & CO., SAGINAW, EAST SIDE, [ICH. 32 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN CUT PRICES. Retain the Confidence of Customers by Not Cutting. Chicago, Feb. 28—At home again! Who can describe the happiness of ‘““coming home’”’ after a sixty day trip on the road? ‘*See Naples and die,’’ the proverb says. I am disposed to manu- facture another, ‘‘See Chicago and live,’’ for to breathe, even for twenty- four hours, the atmosphere (smoke-laden as it is) of this typical twentieth century city is to fill with unbounded energy and ambition the dullest soul. I have heard people say that the rush and _tur- moil of a great city had a soothing in- fluence upon them, calming their feel- ings and inducing a hopeful and har- monious frame of mind. Upon me the effect is entirely opposite. I feel agi- tated and excited—weak and dependent. I want a refuge from my own nothing- ness, brought so painfully into view by the immensity of the throng about me. I leave dear old Michigan each time more regretfully, for I have learned in the year I have spent within her bound- aries that nowhere is there such bright sunshine, such blue sky, such clear air, such beautiful lakes and richly wooded shores. True, it is a trifle cold at times, but a winter in heaven will bal- ance a summer on earth, and surely Chicago is of the earth earthy. After a few days’ sojourn here I hope to return to Michigan. Chicago is proud, cold, heartless and frivolous—a stronghold of all that is worldly—and it seems to me the climax of impertinence was reached in locating it on the shores of grand old Lake Michigan, whose charms we have learned to know and love from po:nts where its beauty and grandeur are un- contradicted by such influences. The Lake must ever suggest the idea of rural simplicity, the holy quiet of Nature, the silent sense of God's presence; and to have these associations marred by the clang and clatter, the smoke and smudge, the unscientific discord of Chi- cago, is to me indescribably vexatious and I shall be almost as giad to leave as I was desirous to come. After a peep at the new hats and gloves, I paid a visit to the stores of Slack, Jevne and Rockwood Bros., three of the largest and finest groceries in Chicago, and afterward to three small Stores in the suburbs. I wish I hada pen that was apt at description that | might do justice to the care and artistic taste shown in the arrangement of stucks in the small as well as the large stores. I was torced to exclaim, Who would have dreamed of the wonderful possi- bilities of a grocery stock! The city merchant has no advantage over the country merchant in opportunities, but I must confess he seems to make more use of them. His packages of soap and soda and cans of salmon and corn be- come pictures, his cabbages and carrots are boquets, merely through care in ar- rangement. Surely it pays—it must pay —else the Chicago grocers would never spend the time it requires. One thing I noticed particularly was the almost total absence of pictures, panels, etc., on walls, shelves and windows—to the improvement of the store, too. I would not be understood as opposed to this advertising matter, judiciously used, either to directly aid in selling the goods they advertise or, perhaps, to hide some unsightly corner or decorate some difficult place, but I would suggest more economy in their use. The price war now on in Jackson, Ionia and many other Michigan towns made me curious to learn the prices in Chicago, and it may be of interest to the ‘‘cutters’’ to know that not even the keen competition of the department stores has forced down prices below the ‘fair profit mark.’’ Butter sells to the consumer at 25 cents; eggs, strictly fresh, at 17 cents; potatoes, not very good, are 4o cents per bushel (think of that, ye discouraged potato growers!) ; apples are from 80 Cents to $1 per 4 bushel; granulated sugar, 20 pounds for $1; soap of the higher grades sells at cents per bar straight; pepper and other ground spices, Io cents per quarter pound; Washburn’s Superlative flour costs us 57 cents for an eighth barrel; lard sells at 10 cents; raisins, 10 cents; pulverized sugar, 6 cents; Pettijohn’s food, 10 cents per package. If the city grocer, who, as a rule, de- pends wholly upon transient trade that is* bound to him by neither friendship nor pass book, can ask and get these fair prices, why need the country mer- chant do less? I have reflected long and seriously upon this subject and my reflections, trom the standpoint of a cus- tomer, have led me to believe that one step taken toward following the price cutter is one toward possible failure. Does not the grocer err when he thinks he must meet cut prices to hold his cus- tomers? As a rule, both he and the cutter have been in business several years, and we customers have already made our choice, and it would take a greater temptation than a quarter pound of poor pepper thrown in with one dol- lar’s worth of sugar to make us leave him. There are tew, even of the most unbusinesslike women, who do not un- derstand that a reasonable profit is es- sential to a successful and honestly con- ducted business and who are not willing to pay this profit; but upon those igno- rant of the cost of production, what effect does an instance like this pro- duce? After having paid never less than 20 cents for package coffees, all the merchants with one accord follow the lead of a cutter and offer it at 14 cents. I heard a dear old lady say, ‘“How they have been swindling me all these years!’’ Women never believe the grocers are foolish enough to sell at cost or below, so accuse them of having overcharged just the difference between the original and the cut price. If gro- cers desire to retain the confidence of the women they should never cut prices. Emma L. ALLEN. —_—_——_» 2» —____ Why the Fish in the Great Lakes Are Decreasing. St. James, Feb. 14—Of late I hear so much about our fishing industry and our fish commissioners that I thought I would give you the true history, if you feel like giving it place in your publi- cation. It is something they don’t know any more about than I do about how to run a newspaper. But the following facts are, in reality, the cause of the decline and destruction of thé fish in our lakes, which no one knows except an experienced fisherman, and it takes a lifetime to study the subject. I have made it a study for the last twenty years. Our legislators should find out the cause and not howl that we must have Canada laws and short seasons in order to protect the fishing industry. First, beginning with the whitefish, which is the king of our lake fish: They have been decreasing fast during the last twenty years. Why? Because they are clean fish. They feed on some kind of worm that no other fish do, on muddy bottoms, in the summer season, and on the sides of banks. When they were plenty, our laws allowed them to be destroyed. The cause is the filth, dust and refuse allowed to be dumped into our lakes from sawmills, such as pulpwood, and logs, which cover the channels and feeding grounds and bury their food. I have seen it, like fields of ice, cover an area of fifty miles. It becomes water soaked and sinks. Then the current Carries it to the ravines and covers up the feeding grounds and poisons the spawn and the young. ‘Then the state- ment is made that ‘‘the fish are all caught,’’ when, as a matter of fact, they are all destroyed for the want of careful study and protection. Hatcheries are started, which would be of great benefit to the public if pro- tected. The spawn is collected and the young whitefish are planted and raised in the lakes. But that is the end of it. They don’t care what becomes of them afterwards. The first thing, those young fish float around—a great many of them, of course, die—until they find a resting place. They find the deepest and shadiest water they can, and feed on the sides of the banks until the next sea- son, according to their nature. When the fall of the year comes on, beads— that is what we call bait nets, set to catch bait to put on hooks, with which to catch trout (the mesh is % to 34 ofan inch)—are set in the ravines. Millions of these fish are caught in this way and destroyed. Two years ago, here on Beaver Island, some bait nets were set out. What was the result? One net caught 640 fish, about 600 of which were the young. The net was soon destroyed. The young are given the name of ‘*bloaters.’’ The next season they grow larger. It is natural for them to come along the beach—in July and part of August—on sandy bottoms, where they are captured by trap nets when they weigh about 4 to 3% pounds. So, be- fore they come to maturity, and when they are of no use to anyone, they are destroyed. I saw, ten years ago, where you could go ankle deep in young white- fish taken out of nets and thrown away, as they were much too small to dress. To-day 200 of them go to a package. What our legislators want to do is to study this matter carefully and pass laws to stop filth being dumped into the lakes, and regulate the size of mesh in gill netting and pound netting to 4% or 4% mesh. That will catch fish as small as a pound and a half, which are small enough for anyone, and will allow a wonderful increase to our fisheries in ten years. Look at Green Bay! The finest fish- ing grounds we had are gone. The water is so muddy with dust that fish cannot live in it—only herring in sum- mer. And neither should offal be thrown in the lakes. When those fish are dressed, we, here, carry the entrails ashore and bury them, in order to keep the grounds clear from dirt. If our State made wise laws and got men of experience on the Fish Commis- sion, it would be a good act. As no farmer can raise sheep when the lambs are destroyed, so it is with us. It is only just protection we want, and not Canada laws. We want American laws and protection for our great industry. NEIL GALLAGHER. ——__> 2. ___ The Doctor’s Business. Boy—What wages will I get, doctor, if I come to work for you? Doctor—Wages? You will get my services free. What more would you have? Boy—But, doctor, I am never ill. Doctor—Oh, but you will be; I’ll see to that. Association Matters 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. WIsLER, Mancelona; Secretary, E. A. StowgE, Grand Rapids; Treasurer, J. F. TaTMAN, Clare. Traverse City Business Men’s Association President, Tuos. T. Bates; 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 Tuesda evenings of each month at Retail Grocers’ Hall, over E. J. Herrick’s store. Owosso Business Men’s Association President, A. D. WHIPPLE; Secretary, G. T. Camp- BELL; Treasurer, W. E. Couns. Jackson Retail Grocers’ Association President, Byron C. Hii; 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. DaRuine; Treasurer, L. A. GILKEY. Grand Rapids Retail Meat Dealers’ Association President, L. J. Katz; Secretary, PHiLip HILBER; Treasurer, S. J. HuFForp. WANTS COLUMN. BUSINESS CHANCES. For SALE—THE WHITNEY DRUG STOCK and fixtures at Plainwell. Stock will inven- tory $1,000 to $2,000; fixtures are first-class; rent low; terms, small cash payment,long time on balance. Address F. E. Bushman, south Bend, Ind., or apply to E. J. Anderson, at Plainwell, who has the keys to store. 229 OR SALE OR RENT—FINEST AND BEST located store in town for general stock; no opposition; brick, two-story and basement, xg Address Henry A. Lewis, sheridan, ich. 225 i STOCK OF HARDWARE IN GRAND Rapids for sale or exchange. Address No, 205, care Michigan Tradesman. 205 ANTED—DRUG STOCK AT ONCE. [ have a small real estate mortgage to ex- change, balance in 90 days, with good security, Address No. 227, care Michigan Tradesman. 227 OR SALE—A SMALL BUT FIRST-CLASS stock of groceries. Excellent location, with an opportunity for adding drugs or boots and shoes; cash store. Address Box 136, Albion, 228 Mich. OR RENT OR EXCHANGE—BRICK STORE, living rooms above, all heated by furnace, in the thriving village of Evart, Mich. Address R. P. Holihan, Sears, Mich. 226 I WISH TO SELL MY GROCERY. HAVE the best business in the city, on a strictly cash basis; best location; always done a profit- able business; four years’ lease of store: reason for selling, other interest which takes all of m time. If you want a good, well-established, paying business write quick. §. Stern, Kala- muzoo, Mich. 218 OCATION WANTED—FOR A LIVE, UP-TO- date local paper. Have just sold my paper here, but cannot keep out of the business, and must have a !ocation where the merchants be- lieve in advertising. Address M. F. Ketchum, Fremont, Mich. 220 ODA FOUNTAIN FOR SALE VERY CHEAP. Large and elegant. Complete outfit. Crozier Bros. Doub e Shoe store, Grand Rapids. 221 OR SALE—A GOOD ESTABLISHED BAK- ery and grocery business at Traverse City. Owing to other business interests I will sell my entire stock uf groceries, bakery business, etc., in «xchange for good residence property in Traverse City, Mich. Geo. Gane, Traverse City, 215 Mich. PRACTICAL MAN WITH CAPITAL WILL find good investment in a well-established wholesale grocery business by addressing P. P. Misner, Agent, Muskegon, Mich. 203 ARE 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. 210 CS E FOR LIVERY STOCK--60 ACRES of excellent land near LaFontaine, Ind. Can lease it any time for oil aud gas. Large wells near by. Price, %6,000. Address N. H. Winans, 3 and 4 Tower Block. . 200 OR SALE—STOCK OF GENERAL MER- chandise, including drugs. Only drug store in town, M H. McCoy Est., Grandville, Mich. 198 OR 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 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 OR 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 Ayenue, Muskegon. 11 ‘OR EXCHANGE—TWO FINE IMPROVED farms for stock of merchandise; splendid location. Address No. 73, care Michigan Trades- 73 man. MISCELLANEOUS. ANTED—POSITION BY A REGISTERED Pharmacist, 21 years old. Good references. Address No. 230 care Michigan Tradesman. 230 ANTED— POSITION AS TRAVELING salesman, groceries. Fourteen years’ ex- perience in retail trade, five years for myself; 30 years old, married. Address Grocer, Battle Creek, Mich. 224 ANTED—POSITION AS BOOK-KEEPER by young man of excellent habits, fine recommendations and thorough experience. Address Wm. E. Vogelsang, 157 Livingston street, Grand Rapids. 222 ANTED—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 een WANTED — GOOD GROCERY salesmen to sell a rattling good Soy as asideline. Good salesmen make to $100 extra permonth. Write for particulars. State business and experience. The Standard Ac- count Co., Elmira, N. Y. 201 Travelers’ Time Tables. CHICAGO se * Goin Chicago. : Ly. G’d. Rapids roe :30am 1:25pm tft: on Ar. — eigenen ab 3:00pm 6:50pm + 6 eturning from Chi Ly. Chicago.......... ae ee m2 5:fopm til +11:30pr Ar. @’d — eas ewecs = m 10:30pm ¢ 6:10am BF cas Ar. Charlevoix........ 3 - Ar. Peioskey.......... 4:55pm Trains arrive from north at 1:00p.m. and 9:55 pm. * PARLOR AND SLEEPING CARS. Chicago. Parlor cars on afternoon ‘trains and sleepers on night trains. t North. Parlor caron morning train for Trav- erse City. tEvery day. Others week days only. Gro. DEHAVEN, General Pass. Agent. D ET ROI Grand Rapids & Western. Jan. 1, 1897. Going to Detroit. Lv. Grand Rapids...... 7:00am 1:30pm 5:25pm Ar. Detroit............. ‘caomn 5:40pm 10:10pm Returaing a Detroit. Lv. Detroit 7:00am 1:10pm is 6:00px Ar. Grand Rapids Seite 112: 30pm 5:20pm 10:45pr naw, Almaand Greenville. Ly. G R7:10am 4:20pm Ar. G R12:20pm 9:30pm To and from Lowell. Lv. Grand Rapids...... 7:00am CS 30pm 5:25pm Ar. from Lowell eas 12:30pm 5:20pm HROUGH CAR SERVICE. Parlor ion on all trains between Grand Rap- ids and Detroit and between Grand Rapids =a Saginaw. Trainsrun week days only. Gro. DEHAVEN, General Pass. Agent. Trunk Railway System Detroit and Milwaukee Div GRAN Eastward. +No. 14 +No.16 tNo.18 *No. 8 Ly. Gd Sours 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 * = 6:08pm 3:25pm Ar. E. Saginaw10:50am -..-. 8:00pm 6:40am Ar. W.Bay C’y11:30am_ ........ 8:35pm 7:15am Ar. Flint ..... 10:05am .. : 5:40am res Pt. Huron.12:05pm 7:30pm Ar. Pontiac. . .10:53am 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.... 5:1 +Daily except Sunday. *Daily. Trains arrive from the east, 6:35a.m., 12:45p.m., 5:07p.m., 9:55 m2. gage arrive from the west, 10:05a.m.. :22p.m., me asus. 0. 14 has Wagner parlor car. No. 18 parlor car. Westward—No. 11 parlor car. No. lo Wagner parlor car. E. H. Huauss, A. G. P. &T. A, ay rae Ben. FLETCHER, Trav. Pass. Agt. Jas. CaMPBELL, City Pass. ae No. 23 Monroe St. GR AND Rapids * aareagega Northern Div. ve ra ah Trav. C’y, Petoskey & Mack...t 7:45am t 5:15pm Trav. C’y, Petoskey & Mack...t 2:15pm + 6:30am MIR os oe on os enn ne cos os -t 5:25pm 11:10am = a a.m. has parlor car to Train leavin: Petoskey and Train leaving at at 2: iB P. ‘m. has sleeping car to Petoskey and Mackinaw. Southern Div. Leave Arrive Cincinnatl.............0eeeeeee + 7:10am ¢ 8:25pm Ht, Wayne..........cccescvenee + 2:00pm ¢ 1:55pm Cincingath 2. .6....0.0 05 2.050 * 7:00pm * 7:25am 7:10a.m. train has parlor car to Cincinnati 7:00p.m. train has sleeping car to Cincinnatt. Lv G’d Rapids.......... #7:35am +1:00pm 5:40pm Ar Muskegon.......... — 2:10pm 7:06pm aoe Lv Muskegon....... .-. = a = —— +4:00pm ArG'd Rapids... ..... 9:30am 55pm 5:20pm +Except Sunday. er is A. ALMQUIST, Lock woop, Ticket Agt. Un. Sta. Gen. Pass. & Tkt. Agt. Every Dollar poe in Tradesman Company’s COUPON BOOKS will yield band some returns in saving book-keeping. besides the assurance that no charge is forgotten. Wri COMPANY, Grand Rapids THE FAMOUS 5 pees we Sold by all jobbers. G. J. JOHNSON CIGAR CO., Grand Rapids. 8 ENTIRE BUILDING, 15 CANAL STREET. QCOHOOOGQQOOGDOQOODOOQ©OGQOGOOOQOGQDOSGQOGOQDODHDOOQOQOODOOOSD’EONNS' QDOOQODOOOE Manufactured by SUBSTITUTE FOR COFFEE Cc. H. STRUEBE, Sandusky, Ohio, Agent for Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. : YOUR FORTUNE TOLD Hanselman Candy Co. Not by lines uf Palmistry but by Profitable Lines of Goods upon your counters. Attractive ‘lines of confections from the of Kalamazoo, are getting onto new counters every day. The Pr GREETING: esident the United States of America, To HENRY KOCH, your clerks, attorneys, ager_3, salesmen and workmen, and all claiming or holding through or under you, Whereas, it has been represented to us in our Circuit Court of the United States for the District of New Jersey, in the Third Circuit, on the part of the ENOCH MORGAN’S SONS COMPANY, Complainant, that it has lately exhibited its said Bill of Complaint in our said Circuit Court of the United States for the District of New Jersey, against you, the said HENRY KOCH, Defendant, complained of, and that the said to be relieved touching the matters therein ENOCH MORGAN’S SONS COMPANY, Complainant, is entitled to the exclusive use of the designation ‘“‘SAPOLIO” as a trade-mark for scouring soap, Mow, Cherefore, we do strictly command and perpetually enjoin you, the said HENRY KOCH, your clerks, attorneys, agents, salesmen and workmen, and all claiming or holding through or under you, iader the pains and penalties which may fall upon you and each of you in case of disobedience, that you do absolutely desist and refrain from in any manner unlawfully using the word ‘‘SAPOLIO,” or any word or words substantially similar thereto in sound or appearance, in connection with the manufacture or sale of any scouring soap not made or produced by or for the Complainant, and from directly, or indirectly, By word of mouth or otherwise, selling or delivering as “SAPOLIO,” or when “SAPOLIO” is asked for, that which is not Complainant’s said manufacture, and from in any way using the word ‘“‘SAPOLIO” in any ‘alse or misleading manner. ° avituess, The honorable MEtvittE W. FUuLuer, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States of America, at the City of Trenton, in said District of New Jersey, this 16th day of December, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-two, {sear} ROWLAND COX, Complainant's Sokcttor [sicNED)} S. D. OLIPHANT, Cleré TIME IS MONEY tee LIFE IS SHORT ee Swen SX And Rapid Transportation is aa OSS a Necessity...... = —_ mm £660 ——— f . ei f | a®& ,. A 7 To secure the most prompt delivery of goods at the least ex- penditure of time and money it is essential that the 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 ae SL BELKNAP WAGON CO. | GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. i The largest label order ever given in New England was 100,000,000 labels for Nameline TheModem STOVE POLISH Ninety-seven per cent. of the retail grocers in the United States sell Enameline. Why? Because it’s THE BEST! DODO OD DOO POO OO PO PO OO DOS: Warning! 2% : 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 user just as liable to prosecution as the manufacturer or selling agent. 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 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 ¢ attorneys with more specific information on the question of infringement when you in- form us what kind of machine you are offered. 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, in Different parts of the Country, against Manufacturers and Users of In- Washington, D. C. and Dayton, O. Sringing Scales, and We will soon bring Other Suits. Qs NG