>» & A EG p u y re | Vas OS J WHMCS RECERING pita S\ f) DY OPN G Sa 3 Nar BRON AY AG By SM NG ‘ore ey aN Asia Ny ¥ Just the package for a “Sample Assortment” to give an idea of the styles we carry, or for a dealer who has sale for only a few Lamps, and who desires a variety. No. 803 Lamp. vo amp ne ae The Assortment consists of two each No. 805 Lamp. ' - , Basia ace Grote of styles shown with * Flat Wick " Burners, ‘ 2 Sun Burner and Chimney. " i i With 10-inch Moulded | NO TWO ; and one each with “Center Draft” Burners. C { Also sold The Globe and Body of Shade. Very pretiily tint’ | LAMPS ALIKE 7 r v . Lamp are decorated in ed and gold traced on em in thi — Packages Dresden style with buds No Two Lamps Alike. ah bossed parts. Has Climax | Assortment ni and leaves. —e Burner and Chimney A wonderful each kind. eae vary ee Se Compiste. for little money. » 2 only, No. 800—Lamps .. . . $1.20 $2.40 24 (igo ee | AO { W () ‘VV 2 “ gos— “* .... 200 4.00 No. 816 Lamp. = ‘ 2 - soo “1... 250 +00 An ideal Lamp for es No. 811 Lamp. \ is r == i 4 t ese 4 ae iia 1 - s— a oe 3.30 library or sitting room . : i: 5 > ' With No. 2 Conter Draft 1 “so 4 | Sse 350 The shade reflects the light 1 | C | Burner 10-inch Dome 1 “ g16— el 4.00 Cc ; ch 4 Shade decorated to match ; a ee ban. Soe body of Lamp with flowers e e f and leaves. Gold illumi- Less discount. $30.60 fi i. - nated. ner and Chimney é Package no charge. _ Packed Complete with Chimneys. 4 ACK No. 812 Lamp. No. 817 Lamp. d SO ay Th With large size 9-inck a With 8-inch Globe, dec- orated with flowers and Globe, richly decorat Q B SESE F match Body of Lamp. Ha SHIR : No. 2 Royal Center Pratt $ Special Discount leaves and gold traced {. . goods 50 per cent. Has Nu 2 Center Dratt i Burner and Chimney No #12 Lamp Burner No #17 Lamy “4 a“ m ORDER A PACKAGE TO-DAY We sell to 42-44 Lake Street, “a dealers only Chicago. yvuvvvevv, DO tp tp oh Bp nd Oe Gn be aad tr baba ge ee, Oo Op Ont bp tp bn bp bn 1 a baba ba Gns -aiatiaiaed pull} GUVUGUOUCOOOCOOCOOOOeyr vy CPRPPPS OCPPPPPPPPL PE APP PPD PPP PPE PPP PPE PPDPDP APP PDPDPSSPPPPPLE PIPPI EE EE NN What Will the Royal ~; =. > a i i i a i i al i ii ae il ei ll > “A pica esti eg - aie eee eee GSPIPPPPD OPP IPIP SOP EEM Hy al Sg a <“ < 7. s ( ae i $ $ 2 2 2 2 4 > 2 $ ¢ 2 2 a ~ 2 2 3 ‘A « 4 | 3 3 | q 4 2 q " : $ i 2 2 iy < > > 7 4 | 2 > ae” 2 2 ; } $ $ : 4 4. , 2 < E > 3 $ z $ g . > 3 $ , Phelps, B & C i H $ eips, brace O., Detroit. 9 $ ; > q i : i 4 nf 3 Largest Cigar Dealers in the Middle West. 3 ’ $ FE. BUSHMAN, Manager. : 2 & a > aanmnnararrarrirpprrrrtrrrrirere ri PtPbPDPPPPDOPDPPDIDPPOR ie i & i Faust Oyster Crackers They are delicate and crisp and run a great many to pound, making them the best and at the same time the cheapest oyster crackers on the market. Packed in boxes, tins or in handsomely labeled cartons. Send us a trial order. National Biscuit Company Grand Rapids. Sears’ Bakery. SSSSSSSSSSSSSSISUESE SSSSSSSSSSISISSSSSSSSSS ICA AXLE GREASE has become known on account of its good qualities. Merchants handle Mica because their customers want the best axle grease they can get for their money. Mica is the best because it is made especially to reduce friction, and friction is the greatest destroyer of axles and axle boxes. It is becoming a common saying that “Only one-half as much Mica is required for satisfactory lubrication as of any other axle grease,” so that Mica is not only the best axle grease on the market but the most eco- nomical as well. Ask your dealer to show you Mica in the new white and blue tin packages. LESSSEELS ILLUMINATING AND LUBRICATING OILS WATER WHITE HEADLIGHT OIL IS THE STANDARD THE WORLD OVER HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR EMPTY CARBON AND GASOLINE BARRELS eins sien aiaibaii OIL CO. pn aaa aumaatecaaaaani Musician no Christmas Present could be so acceptable as a musical instrument. We have all kinds and the best in each at the very lowest | prices. We keep an extensive assortment of Pianos, Paniolas, Organs, Sheet Music, Music Books, Violins, Mandolins Guitars, Banjos, Grat ophones, Graphophones, Symphonion [lusic Boxes, Regina [usic Boxes, Cornets, Clarinets, Accordeons, Harmonicas, Piano Scarfs, Piano Stools, etc. If you intend purchasing anything in the music line call on or write to Julius A. J. Friedrich, 30 and 32 Canal Street, Grand Rapids, [lich. ZIANNBARARAANRARRARRARRABRARARARARARARARAPAR RSSSSSSSFSFSSSSSFSFSFSFFFSSD JUST 100 LEFT SANTA CLAUS SHOW WINDOW DISPLAY BUST The Eyes move greatest automatically attraction from side to side. — Runs can = put clockwork, in requiring only . one winding show oe window Siieais 15 inches high, securely packed in wooden box. Shipping Price $4.00, cash with order. Order at once. REGENT M’F’G CoO. 219 MARKET ST., CHICAGO, ILL. GCESSLESLLELLSELELELLE LOLLY weight 25 pounds. Lbbh db bobo btn tn tnt br hohe hth hoe ADESMAN Volume XVII. GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1899. Number 845 090009009000 O04 00006 THE Chino 4 "ine 37? INS. co. Prompt, Conservative, Safe. 5Widwaueen, Pres. W. FRED MoBar, Sec. 0900000 000000000000000. abba hb habbo PUVF GV VOOVVUVGG THE MERCANTILE AGENCY Established 1841. R. G. DUN & CO. Widdicomb Bid’g, Grand Rapids, Mich. Books arranged with trade classification of names. Collections made everywhere. Write for particulars. L. P. WITZLEBEN., [lanager. WHY NOT? Sell a first-class line of coffees, that are an unqualified success. HIGH GRADE A. I. Cc. COFFEES Pay a good profit, and are trade winners. For particulars, address, AMERICAN IMPORTING CO., 21-23 RIVER ST., CHICAGO, ILL. ATTENDS GRADUATES of the Grand Rapids Business University Business, Shorthand, Typewriting, Etc. For catalogue address A. S. PARISH, Grand Rapids, Mich. YtReSeSeSeseseSesesesesses ° : Investigate our sys- = $ tem before placing 3 your collections. © a OLDEST MOST RELIABLE aa eee city of ROCHESTER, N. Y. are KOLB & SON. Only house making strictly all wool Kersey Overcoats, guaranteed, at $5. Mail orders will receive prompt attention. Write our Michigan representative, Wm. Connor, Box 346, Marshall, Mich., to call on you, or meet him at Sweet’s Hotel, Grand Rapids, Nov. 23 to 24 inclusive. Customers’ expenses allowed. quality and fit guaranteed. 5990000000 000000900000 o Wholesale Clothing Manufacturers in the ; Prices, POU GUVFUGVUGG VOU VOVUVUUUUY The Preferred Bankers Life Assurance Company of Detroit, Mich. Annual Statement, Dec. 31, 1898. Commenced Business Sept. !, 1893. insurance in Worce........ ...:.......- $3,299,000 00 Ledger Assets..... a. . 455734 79 Ledger Liabilities 21 68 Losses Adjusted and Unpaid..... Se None ‘Total Death Losses Paid to Date...... 51,061 00 Total Guarantee Deposits Paid to Ben- nee... a. -- 1,030 00 Death Losses Paid During the Year... 11,000 00 Death Rate for the Year............... 3 64 FRANK E. ROBSON, President. TRUMAN B. GOODSPEED, Secretary. Tradesman Coupon Save Trouble. Save Money Save Time. SIMPORTANT FEATURES. 2. Dry Goods. 3. Two Thrilling Experiences. 4. Around the State. 5. Grand Rapids Gossip. 6. Woman’s World. %. Getting the People. 8. Editorial. 9. One Merchant’s Thanksgiving. 10. When to Talk and When to Listen. 11. On the Wing. 12. Shoes and Leather. 15. Suecessful Salesmen. 16. The Meat Market. 1%. Observations by a N. Y. Egg Man. 18. Gotham Gossip. 19. Commercial Travelers. 20. Drugs and Chemicals. 21. Drug Price Current. 22. Grocery Price Current. 23. Grocery Price Current. 24. Hardware. 25. Hardware Price Current. 26. The Produce Market. Business Wants. THANKSGIVING. The children of New England have gone on a pilgrimage to-day. From the beginning of the month they have been humming the old home song and with the first load of apples to the city ‘‘when the frost is on the pumpkin and the corn is in the shock’’—there has been in thought a wandering away by willing feet to the old homestead among the New England hills. To-day they are at home; and right royal has been the welcome. The very graves have given up their dead to gladden the farm- house and give cheer to the feast. Around that table the wanderers have gathered,an unbroken family. From all over the earth they have come and, all unconsciously of it, sit down with those who have come back from the other shore. The table is graced by the dear old father who has long since gone from his work to his reward. Mother is there and there in their places are the brothers and sisters who have gone out, as we have, to make their way in the world. What memories center at that table! Childhood and youth are there, yours and mine, the fun and frolic of the one, the dreams and the hopes and the long- ings of the other, and, unmindful of these now and the years—can it be forty years ago?—that have gone since we sat there, we crowd into our places with the old earnestness and the old appe- tite, determined that our share shall not be even a trifle less than that lucky John’s or the more favored Susan’s. The turkey, the duck, the chicken—mother cooked them—the pumpkin pie and_ the mince pie—she made them and cut them into big pieces, God bless her !—have made that dinner the standard for all time, and other feasts are successes or failures as we measure them by that. Satisfied,as only the old-time Thanks- giving dinner can satisfy, we leave the table in the same condition as the tur- key came to it (!) and wander away through the house and over the farm and neighborhood. How small the chamber is where we used to sleep and how bare! Only the view from the win- dow has broadened and brightened since we saw it last. There is the same glint to the river; the woods have grown farther into the sky; the paint on the red school-house has faded ; the shingles on the the ridgepole sags in the middle; the store with its little-paned windows. still deals in W. 1. farms stretch on every hand to the sky and almost on the rim of the horizon stands the gaunt, church, surrounded by the graves of the men and women born under its shadow, married at its altar and knelled to their rest. sawmill are moss-covered and Goods ;’’ home dotted old, windowless Shall we bang the girls’ door on) our way downstairs? We are stronger than John—shall we pull him out of bed? open that parlor door and let in all the flies? Isn’t it worth the scolding to sprinkle a little snuff on old Tige’s nose and make Tom squawk by an extra tail- pinch? Come on over to Henderson's and let Hi do the chores! What man of us, to-day, can tell why, alone, he wanders off into straight to the place where he last set his traps and his snares? What leads him to the big chestnut and, although the season is over, makes him _ kick away the brown leaves and look for the big brown nuts? He saunters the spring. Does he see there the cattle that he once drove to pasture, or is he looking for traces of the dam he made and the water wheel with its trip-ham- mer? Years have gone since his last swim, yet he follows the path to ‘‘the old swimming hole,’’ takes a turn along the road to the cider mill, where he stops to look in, and goes away with a straw in his mouth, and comes home by ‘*Coll Taft’s,’’ a playmate dead years ago. It is dark when he finds his way into the old kitchen, lighted by the big fireplace, the hearth made attractive by apples and pitcher of cider and nuts. He eats and drinks, hears and _ tells again the old stories, yawns at last and, half tumbles upstairs to bed. He wakes to find himself not in the lit- tle, bare bedroom in the old farm- house, but in his chair at home, a mid- bigger and Shall ‘*somebody’’ leave the woods down to asleep, dle aged man or older. His pilgrimage He has knelt at the old shrine. Y is ended. He has trod the paths which ‘‘they have trod; he has felt the touch of van- ished hands and heard the sound of voices that have long been still, and, ‘*standing with forehead bare, has_ re- ceived the benediction of the air’’ that hovers still above the old New England home. He is a better man for the home journey. He takes up the burden of life again strengthened and with renewed hope; and, while he would not if he could go back to boyhood and live his life over again,he still believes in going back at Thanksgiving time, the first of the sacred trinity of holidays which reaches its culmination in the resolu- tions of the New Year. At last the old man is having a chance. A Chicago house has brought out a book for children called ** Father Goose.”’ a When a man begins to think he has married the wrong woman, she can safe- ly declare she has married the wrong man, OUR NEW POSSESSIONS, A forecast of the recommendations which Secretary of War Root will make in his annual report declares that he advise that once appointed and the will civil. governors be at for Cuba, Puerto Rico Philippines and that a system of suffrage be established, based upon both property and educational tions. qualfica- The most expeditious and most eco- nomical way of settling the problem of the future former colonies of Spain, now held by us as a result of the government of the recent war, would be to turn over their control to their own peo- is not likely to be agreed to by the present administra- tion, it ple. As, however, this would no doubt be the proper thing to replace the existing military governments by civil administrations, and to allow at least a modicum of sel f- Such a_ procedure would be a better preparation for ultimate in- government. dependence than the military despotism we are maintaining in all the captured islands. While doubt inseparable from the annexation of foreign. territory should not be military government is no as a result of war, such government per- mitted to endure longer than the press- ing necessities of the require. unfitted by their exercising the case Military officers are from duties properly functions of civil government, so that the sooner their power is restricted to purely military affairs in the new pos- sessions, the better it will be for both the welfare of the people of the islands and for the prestige of this country it- self. States independence to Cuba, As the United grant absolute the simplest solution of the problem in that pledge is pledged to island would be to carry out our without further delay, and in- stall a purely Cuban tected by a guarantee that this country would prevent any foreign interference. government, pro- With respect to Puerto Rico, there is no reason. whatever why civil government should not military rule at once; while in the Philippines the in- auguration of civil rule must of necessity be postponed until the suppression of the Aguinaldo rebellion. displace Of course, Congress will’ be called upon to decide the final disposition of the new possessions; but in the mean- time there is no reason why civil gov: ernment not be inaugurated at once, as such government is in no sense the continued exer- should incompatible with cise of our authority in the islands, or even the continued presence of Ameri- can troops. Cuba is already becoming decidedly restless under the lash of mil- itary rule, and although there are no in- dications of an outbreak, the sentiment of the Cuban masses is rapidly becom- ing hostile to us. The Cubans are quite as well capable of governing themselves of the Latin-American coun- tries, and the fact that their notions of government differ widely from our standards is no warrant for our contin- ued occupation of the island as most MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Dry Goods The Dry Goods Market. Staple Cottons—Considerable money was made by disposing of ancient stocks, but the buyers were glad to get hold of anything and would be just as glad to find a few more of these old stocks if they could. The actual buying in the cotton goods market has been small during the week, and there was no lack of evidence that the goods were wanted very badly. Naturally the sell- ers are reserved, and making no effort to transact business, and more often than not accept future orders “‘at value’’ only. Wide sheetings are quieter, a trifle, than usual, but firm. Canton flannels are being ordered for next sea- son to some extent, and generally ‘‘at value.’’ Cotton blankets are quiet and strong. Comparatively little business is being done in the coarse colored cot- ton on account of lack of supplies. Prints and Ginghams—There is but little change to report in regard to printed cottons; the demand for new spring lines has been good for those that are open for business. Indigo blues, tur- key reds, grays, chocolates, etc., show a good, steady demand for quick de- liveries, and also a good forward busi- ness for spring delivery. It is expected that low-grade prints, draperies, etc., will be advanced on account of the ad- vanced prices named for print cloths. All fine wide goods and napped_ fabrics are in good request, and in an excep- tionally strong position. Staple and fancy ginghams are particularly strong, and remain in short supply. The busi- ness coming to hand is more than enough to take care of all receipts. Knit Goods—While the market for un- derwear is comparatively quiet now, there is a fair business coming to hand for reassortments for the winter. The particular feature of this is, however, that the buyers are having hard work to find just the goods they want; in fact, it is hard for them to find goods which are even satisfactory for most of their wants. The heavyweight market has been pretty well cleaned up of every- thing that would be considered at all desirable. The mills are preparing their lines for spring, but it has not yet been decided when the market for light- weights will be formally opened. In connection with this, however, it may be said that there are some mills that will not touch lightweight goods at all, and there are others that will put only a part of their knitting machines onto spring weights, and there will be prac- tically no break between the fall busi- ness of 1899 and the fall business of 1900. Some of these mills that take up the manufacture of lightweights this year do so only because they do not want to get out of touch with that part of their trade that buy lightweights from them. It is policy to call on them, even if the assortment of samples shown is small, for it is more than probable they will return to lightweights again in other seasons. It must be remembered, however, that there is every reason to expect a good spring season, for the last season showed that many lines were short as it was, and there are compara- tively few stocks on hand at the present time. Hosiery—Many beautiful effects in fancy hosiery for the spring have been shown to the trade, although the actual business transacted has been by far the heaviest in staple blacks. Fancies are in good request, however, and promise exceptionally well. Manufacturers mak- ing these goods say that they have al- ready received enough orders for the best styles to carry them well in the spring. For this spring business, the tendency to order medium and better grades continues, as we have noted in the past. Carpets—Considerable interest has been manifested during the past week by the carpet trade in the opening prices. Positive knowledge of the prices for the new season was withheld by the agents for the different carpet com- panies until the official price list was given out. The trade is in good con- dition. Since November 1 there has been a Io per cent. advance on Smyrna rugs and the higher grades of velvets. This is a very healthy advance, and has been received as such by the general trade. An important feature in the car- pet trade during the past week was the announcement of two sets of prices by some of the large houses: first the prices up to January I, with January 1 dating; second, after January 1, with March 1 dating, the latter averaging a 5 per cent. advance. Those who have made but one set of prices contemplate a further advance about January 1. Gen- eral disappointment was expressed by the trade that the prices of the Smith product were not put at a higher level, and the opinion is universally expressed that a larger yardage could have been disposed of at prices a cent or two cents above those established by W. & J. Sloan. The statement was made that the buying was so enormous that almost the entire production of the Smith plant on Saxony and axminsters had_ been provided for, and that the line had been withdrawn from sale. The Situation in the Clothing Trade. From the Wool and Cotton Reporter. The conditions surrounding the cloth- ing business at the present moment are such as have not existed since the spring of 1893, and then they were scarcely analogous, for at that time the apex of prices for woolen goods had_ practically been reached, while at present they are still climbing, and may hardly be said to be resting from the violent rush up- ward they have taken during the past few months. When tthe clothing manufacturers bought their spring lines, and_ paid quite an advance over prices of the pre- ceding spring season, they thought that they were paying a pretty big advance. Since that time, however, the prices of fabrics have periodically jumped until the difference between~ present values and early season quotations is very con- siderable. The peculiarity of the situa- tion lies in the fact that, notwithstand- ing that woolen and worsted fabrics have appreciated so materially in value, the manufacturing clothiers will in very few instances attempt to reap the bene- fits accruing to their early and low cost purchases. It is questionable whether this is a wise policy to pursue, and for this reason: the prices at which spring samples are being sent on the road as we go to press, being based practically on the early cost of raw materials, will be comparatively very low. Now, with scarcely any exception, the clothing manufacturers have prepared only for a normal spring business. Indications now point to the almost certainty that the retailers’ demands will be in excess of the supply of the fabrics contracted for at early prices by the clothing manufacturers. “The result that is bound to ensue is that duplicate orders and late purchases will have to be placed at largely increased prices. This will cause friction and_unpleas- antness between the wholesale and re- tail clothier,to say nothing of the loss of profits which will fall upon the clothing manufacturers as usual, and to the mak- ing of which they are richly entitled. Such conditions with such results could not obtain in any business within our knowledge except the clothing busi- ness. Will the retailers appreciate the situation and realize the importance of placing early orders? Manufacturers, Attention! FOR SALE: U.S. Playing Card Co.’s Factory, Cincinnati, Ohio. 219 feet front by 70 feet deep on Eggleston Ave., Sixth and Lock Sts., on Pennsylvania R.R. tracks, with splendid Six-story Brick and Stone Build- ing. The largest and most completely equipped Manufacturing Property now offered in Cincin- nati. For Plats, Description and Full Details address Wm. V. Ebersole & Co., Agents, 240 East Fourth St., Cincinnati, 0. Corl, Knott & Co., Importers and Jobbers of Millinery Our Specialties: Ostrich and Fancy Feathers. Ribbons, Trimmed and Untrimmed Hats, Velvets, (wee ery § Health Foods The question of “ Foods” has be- come one of the very first impor- tance of the present day and one in which every Grocery and Provi- sion dealer is deeply interested, because he is called upon to sup- f ply his patrons with the very best at the most reasonable prices To j aid you in this we wish to call at- tention to some of our products in this line. You have dyspeptics f among your customers and our Whole Wheat Crackers will furn- ish excellent food to aid in restor- f ing the weak stomach and preserv- ing the strong one’ They furnish f work for the teeth, flavor for the palate and nourishment for the entire system. New Era Butter Crackers (creamery butter short- f ened), a high grade cracker for soups, etc Gem Oatmeal Bis- cuits, a good seller, and Cereola, f the king of Healtk Foods. Price List for prices. Address all communications to f Battle Creek Bakery, Battle Creek, Mich. ee Your Name and Address We will make a Rubber Stamp of your name, ad- dress and business (three lines) for 30 cents. Sign Makers—Full outfit of one inch letters, fig- ures, pad, ink andrule for $1.00. Write for cir- cular and prices on daters, paid stamps, stencils, seal presses, etc. FRED E BARR, Battle Creek, Mich EALS. TAMPS, TENCILS. IGN MARKERS Enameled Letters, Rubber Type, etc. THORPE MANUFACTURING CO. 50 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Please mention Tradesman. See having a larger assortment this FFSSSFSSSSSFSFSSFSSSFFFSSSSFSSS ass ae P. Steketee & Sons, Grand Rapids, Mich. PEELELEEELEEEELELESEEEEERSESELEE SEES EEESELESEEEEE SUFFTSFTTS TITS TIFT TST S STOTT STITT TTS CF VTT TITS ITT TTS a Christmas resents Remember we carry a good line of useful articles for Christ- mas Presents, such as Handkerchiefs, Neckties, Cuffs, Collars, Suspenders, Hair Ornaments, Jewelry, Perfumes, Umbrellas, etc. Don’t wait too long this season in buying as you might find the lines broken later in the season. Our line is complete, f SBEELELEEEEEEDELODEEEDEEDEESEOEDDS year than ever. ing down of sides $4.50 (Pat. Oct. 28, 1898.) VOIGT. HERPOLSHEIMER & CoO., WHOLESALE DRY GOODS, - HOW IT IS MADE: with twelve heavy flexible steels especially tempered, able side and still conform to every movement of the wearer. Women troubled with the break- wilt “STAND BY” PRICE, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Each Corset is constructed = “STAND BY” CORSET six on each side, grouped in sets of three, one over the other in such a manner as to form an_indestruct- a the corset on the appreciate the \ | PER. DOZ. = c © @g 4 ¥_ he 4 i. ~ a eas “> Sas « » . = 4 4 a ie, a a + a MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 3 Two Thrilling Experiences Whose Repeti- tion Was Undesirable. Written for the Tradesman. The usual number of loafers were gathered around the stove in the store at Walker's Station. Besides the regular loafers there was a drummer who had stopped off to sell the proprietor of the store a bill of goods. This done he was, drummerlike, doing his best to be agreeable, not only to the proprietor but to the loafers as well. He had set up the drinks, in the shape of hard cider, a keg of which was always on tap at Walker's Station. Everybody had a cigar, also purchased by the drummer. As usual story-telling soon became the order of the dav and each man_ seemed to feel that he was in duty bound to do his part for the general entertainment. ‘You call that fear,’’ said a thin- faced old chap, upon the conclusion of a story by one of the number. ‘*‘ There ain’t none of you fellers knows what fear is. If you want ter experience what real genuine fear is you'd ought ter have been with me some years ago when we was a sinkin’ the Rough and Ready coal mine. ‘*We had the shaft down something like two hundred feet. It was the wet- test shaft ever I see. The water just seemed ter come in from all sides and it sometimes made blastin’ a pretty oncertain thing. I cussed that water many a time; but, after all's said, it was the best thing that ever happened ter me. You fellers all knows that when sinkin’ a shaft they use only a big iron bucket ter raise the rock ter the surface. The men is also taken up and down in the same way. I done all the blastin’ and of course was always the last man ter be taken up. We didn’t have none of yer electric arrangements in them days fer touchin’ off a blast; we used the old-fashioned fuse, and that was why the water was such a bother. It put out the fuse every once in a while and then a feller had ter go down and light it ag’in. ‘‘Well, this day everything had gone fine. The holes was drilled, the fuses was in place and everything was ready fer touchin’ off the blast. I’d sent the men ter the surface and was waitin’, torch in hand, fer the bucket ter be let down. Pretty soon down she come, the engineer stoppin’ her within an inch of the bottom. She was swingin’ a good deal, so I steadied her fer a spell, looked around ter see that everything was all right an’, being satisfied, | lit the fuse, pulled the bell rope an’ clam- bered inter the bucket. The engineer waited fer a few seconds ter make sure 1 was in an’ then he give her the steam and up I went ez fast ez a pair of crab engines could take me. I was about twenty foot from the top when all of a sudden the engine stopped. Then I was lowered like a streak ter within thirty of the bottom, when the bucket come ter a stop with a jerk that almost broke my back. There I hung motionless except fer the swing of the bucket from side to side. I could look down inter the black- ness below and see the bright spark on the fuse eating its way slowly but sure- ly inter eternity fer me. when a feller feels his hour has come he thinks of all the mean things he’s ever did. It wasn’t so in my Case. There was two things that completely filled my mind: One was as ter how far up the shaft that explosion would send me and whether | would be killed goin’ up or comin’ down, the other was an insane desire ter kick the daylights out of that engineer. All the while I kep’ my eye on that spark below me, expect- They say that. in’ every second ter be my like a wink it went out. Something give way inside my head then, fer | didn’t remember nothin’ till some one shouted inter my ear that—that it was time ter wake up.”’ ‘*You confounded old mossback !’’ ex- claimed the drummer. ‘‘Have you been working us into such a state of nervous excitement over just a beastly dream?’’ ‘*You_ see,’’ continued the narrator without noticing the interruption, “1! had laid down on a bench in the engine house ter wait fer the shaft ter clear of the smoke from a blast I’d just touched off and, nat’ally enough, bein’ tired, | fell asleep. You can believe it or not just as you like, but when I laid down on that bench my hair was black, and when | woke up it was just as white as ‘tis now! I d’no but I felt just a mite of disappointment that | hadn’t slep’ long enough ter have that blast go off.’’ ‘‘Well, my skinny friend,’’ said the drummer, ‘‘that’s a pretty good yarn to be manufactured out of a dream; but | had an experience a few years ago that in its soul-terrifying features beats that all hollow. My story is no dream, but an actual happening,in which I was one of the actors. ‘I was taking in that part of my ter- ritory which lies in the western part of Colorado when I received a letter from my firm directing me to visit a place called Gorham’s. There was a mer- chant located there who had requested my employers to send their representa- tive to see him, as he wished to open an account with them. I found, upon consulting my road book, that Gorham’s was situated forty miles from the rail- road and could be reached only by stage. I perfected my plans for going, and ar- rived there just at dusk on a cold wet day in November. The long tiresome ride in the stage would have been bad enough on a_ pleasant day, but it was doubly bad with the rain falling in sheets and the mercury just a degree above the freezing point. When | alighted from the leaky old trap of a stage in front of a miserable little tavern which exhibited every sign of moral de- cay I was in no very pleasant frame of mind. The hopes in which I had been indulging of a hot supper disappeared on the instant; but it was the only place in the settlement where a stranger could find lodgment, so 1 must put up with it. The office and bar were in the same room and, from the motley crowd gathered there and the dearth of names on. the register, I judged that the bar was the mainstay of the tavern. ‘*The supper did not prove to be of a character to tempt a delicate appetite and, not being in the humor to enjoy the mixed company of the bar, I went at once to bed. The room to which I was assigned was on the ground floor and opened out of the dining room. It was evidently the best feature of the es- tablishment ; indeed, it had the appear- ance of a well-furnished room in a_ pri- vate house. The bed was clean and comfortable and as I stretched my be- numbed and weary body upon it it was with a feeling of satisfaction and con- tentment. The noise from the bar room, instead of keeping me awake, had the opposite effect and I was soon fast asleep. ‘*l am a very sound sleeper so that it requires something out of the usual to awaken me during the middle of the night. Whatever the reason, certain it is I awoke suddenly from a profound sleep, and with a feeling that something was going to happen to me. I tried to last, when shake off the presentiment of evil; but the more | tried the stronger it became, I tossed restlessly from side to side vainly endeavoring to sleep. Then | heard a clock in the dining room strike the hour. I began to count the strokes, one, two, three, when suddenly, with- out a sound having been made in the room, a warm moist hand with fingers outstretched was pressed heavily upon my face. Every hair of my head stood erect with terror. | tried toscream, but my voice absolutely refused to obey. | endeavored to get away from the pres- sure of the horrible hand, but I was held as if in a vise. ‘How long a time that hand remained upon my face I know not, but it was withdrawn as quickly and as noiselessly as it had The instant | come. was freed I sprang out of bed and with trembling hands struck a match and lighted the lamp. Everything in the room was just as it had been when I re- tired. My clothing was undisturbed. The door and windows were securely fastened. I could find no sign or trace of my mysterious visitor. I was begin- ning to feel somewhat reassured when | chanced to glance in the mirror on the dresser, when to my_ horror I saw that across my face was the imprint ofa bloody hand! My hair again began to bristle and the cold chills to chase each other in rapid succession up and down my spinal column. ‘What should I do? To stay the bal- of the night in that terrible seemed out of the question ; the other search of the room. every crack and hind every piece of only trace which visitor was the imprint upon my face. ly gave ance room to awaken household equally so, I began an- | looked into under and be- but the had left I final- up the search in despair and, after washing the blood marks from my and spent the re- cranny, furniture ; my face, dressed myself mainder of the down the room. ‘I said nothing to any one in the set- tlement about my experience; but you can bet I saw that merchant bright and early in the morning. I got his order and was ready to take the stage at Io o'clock. On the way back | asked the driver of the stage if 1t was true that the tavern was haunted. He said, ‘No, the tavern warn’t haunted; but they do night walking up and say thet they’s a bloody hand as holds forth in the spare bedroom occasional- iy MacAllan. ing. The Owen Gas Generator Suitable Sawmills, or any place where you want a good and cheap light. We and Indiana. tures carried in stock. 40 S. Division St., Grand Rapids, Michigan. Acetylene for Stores, Halls, Churches, Residences, Send for booklet on Acetylene Light- handle CARBIDE for Michigan, Ohio All kinds of Burners and Gas Fix- Geo. F. Owen & Co. a el ke Sunlight Gasoline Gas Lamps} cheapest and best light. tiful. durable and handsome. dences, etc EO ee a eR Oa ee ee { Michigan Light Are what you want if you are looking for the per hour, and the light is bright, steady and beau- We have several styles of fixtures, two and three light chandeliers, and all our fixtures are are suitable for Stores, Halls, Send for our Descriptive Catalogue. Favorable terms to local agents. Co., 71 Market Street, Grand Rapids, Mich. EE RB BR BSE SB. BB OS wo 100 candle and costs I-5¢ The Sunlight Gas Lamps Churches, Resi- ee a a es We es es a \, ‘LIKE MOTHER USED T0 MAKE” Pure Apple Jelly 6, (Brand) Put up in ee by VALLEY GITY SYRUP GO., Grand Rapids, Mich. 4 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN _ Around the State Movements of Merchants. Deford—Bruce & Sharp succeed Clark & Bruce in general trade. Plainwell—C. E. Spencer, baker, has sold out to Bert Jones, of Otsego. Greenville—Trude & Galloway have opened a meat market at this place. Chelsea—Ernest V. Barker, baker, has sold out to Canright & Hamilton. Jackson—Geo. Thurtle, confectioner, has sold out to Mrs. Emma Nicholas. Kalamazoo—Carl Davis succeeds Davis & Ferguson in the grocery busi- ness. Plainwell—Sherwood & Spencer suc- ceed G. B. Forman in the meat busi- ness. Clark Lake—L. M. Charles has_pur- chased the grocery stock of Martin L. Cary. Battle Creek—Jas. S. Ball has pur- chased the grocery stock of Eugene Rey- nolds. Lapeer—Stephen W. McCormick has purchased the harness stock of Geo. E. Stanley. Gladstone—Henry W. Blackwell suc- ceeds Blackwell & Co. in the hardware business. Mancelona—Katherine Young has pur- chased the bazaar stock of A. G. Jack- son & Co. Detroit—E. O. B. Mann, cigar and news dealer, has sold his stock to Will J. Ambrose. Traverse City— Daniel Shanahan has engaged in the grocery business at 245 Front street. Owosso—Frank Henderson, the West Side grocer, expects to occupy his new store building Dec. 1. Marshall—Fred Zanger, Jr., has leased a store building and engaged in the dry goods business. Mancelona—A. Young has_ purchased the interest of his partner, A. G. Jack- son, in the bazaar business. Cassopolis—G. C. Underhill & Co. have sold their grocery stock to A. Willits, of Columbia City, Ind. Eaton Rapids—H. C. Minnie will shortly erect a new store building, which he will occupy with his hardware stock. Holland--W. H. Sutphin, of Allegan, has leased a store building and will en- gage in the seed business in the near future. Saranac—E. I. Arnold has purchased the interest of his partner, I. C. Steb- bins, in the agricultural implement business. Luther—H. Golden, of Manistee, has rented the store building owned by C. I. Bellamy and put ina stock of general merchandise. Crystal—Merton E. Towne, general dealer at this place, has purchased the general merchandise stock of S. B. Pix- ley, of Goodrich, and removed to that place. Fenton—H. F. Chatfield and F. J. Stocken have formed a copartnership under the style of Chatfield & Stocken and opened a hardware store at this place. Kalamazoo—Lew Ferguson has sold his interest in the grocery firm of Fer- guson & Davis to his partner, Carl Davis, who will continue the business in his own name. Stockbridge—-Geo. P. Glazier will erect a building next spring for the ac- commodation of the Commercial Bank of Geo. P. Glazier & Gay. It will be one-story high and built expressly for a bank, being constructed on a fire and burglar proof plan. Union City—A. H. Wilder has de- cided that blacksmithing and the gro- cery business do not form a profitable mixture, and has disposed of his grocery stock to S. G. Newman. Williamston—A. C. Karr & Son, pro- prietors of the New York department store, who lost their stock in the recent fire at that place, have resumed busi- ness inthe Emmer building. Hubbardston—-Hiram Grill has leased the old Wheeler store building fora number of years and, after making ex- tensive improvements, will occupy the same with his hardware stock. Lakeview—O. D. Moore, formerly of Alma, has leased the Decker House. R. B. DeVine, the retiring landlord, expects to assume the management of the Donovan House at Mt. Pleasant. Lakeview—A. J. Vincent, who was formerly in the livery business at Beld- ing and for the past three years has been running a livery here, has purchased an interest in the grocery stock of M. W. Staples, the firm name being Staples & Vincent. Mt. Pleasant-—-Butcher Bros. have sold their meat market to T. A. Winans and are building a large store building at Pomona, in which they will conduct a general merchandise business in con- nection with their lumber business, hav- ing recently purchased a 2,500 acre tract of timber in Missaukee county. Detroit——-Babbitt & Graham have merged their hosiery and women’s wearing apparel business into a stock company under the style of Babbitt & Graham Co. The capital stock of the corporation is $40,000, of which $33,050 is paid in. The shareholders are as follows: Frank B. Babbitt, 985 shares; Alexander 8B. Babbitt, 685 shares; William H. Miller, 685 shares; Junius A. Bowden, 700 shares; Richard H. Blackburn, 250 shares. Petoskey—S. Rosenthal & Son, deal- ers in dry goods and clothing, and A. Rosenthal, shoe dealer, will join hands shortly after Jan. 1 and continue busi- ness under the style of S. Rosenthal & Sons Co., Limited. Alick will manage the dry goods and shoe departments and Moses will attend to the clothing and carpet departments. The young men will have the benefit of their father’s experience and advice, inasmuch as_ he will continue to exercise a general su- pervision over the business. Bessemer—The firm of K. S. Mark- strum & Co., which has done business at Bessemer ever since the early days of the village, has made an assignment, and through its manager, K. S. Mark- strum, transferred its entire stock to three former employes of the firm. The value of the stock is variously esti- mated at from $12,000 to $17,000, but it was transferred for the nominal consid- eration of $100. The accounts due the company are valued at $5,000. The exact amount of liabilities is not known, but it is not supposed to be very high. The cause of the assignment is at _pres- ent a matter of conjecture, as no valid reason appears for the transaction. Numerous attachments upon the _prop- erty are being levied by creditors, and in all probability the liabilities will be covered by the stock. Manufacturing Matters. Kalamazoo—The Standard Skirt Co. has discontinued business and retired from trade. Detroit—The A. F. MacLaren Cheese Co., Limited, succeeds MacLaren & Thompson in the manufacture of Im- perial cheese. Detroit—The Enterprise Stove Co. has increased its capital stock from $25,000 to $100, 000. Newaygo——The Newaygo Portland Cement Co. has increased its capital stock from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000. Milford—The Milford Manufacturing Co, has filed articles of incorporation with the County Clerk. The company is capitalized at $25,000, and will man- ufacture and sell sanitary supplies and woodwork specialties. Rochester—The Barnes Paper Co. has been organized with $25,000 capital stock to engage in the manufacture and sale of all kinds of paper. The incor- porators are W. H. Barnes, J. E. Barnes and William H. Brace, all of Rochester. Detroit—The Hydraulic Oil Distribu- tor Co. has been incorporated with a capital stock of $25,000 to manufacture and sell apparatus for measuring and distributing oils. The incorporators are Luther C. Snell, C. L. Coffin and F. A. Goodrich, Detroit. Coloma—Israel and Thomas H. Kremer, of Kremer, Gilson & Co., manufacturers of fruit packages, have sold their interest to the Southwestern Michigan Fruit Growers’ Association, which is comprised of fruit growers and capitalists. The plant will be enlarged and will be operated to its fullest ca- pacity during the winter. The mem- bers of the Association will consume the greater part of the output. Adrian—The Adrian Grain & Seed Cleaner Co. has_ been organized with a capital stock of $30,000 to engage in the manufacture and sale of Perfection grain separators in Michigan, Ohio and other states, also the sale of terri- tory rights, and the general manufac- ture and sale of agricultural implements. Incorporators, Thos. Hatfield, Dublin, Ind. ; Charles R. Miller, Adrian; J. W. Helm, Jr., Adrian, and others. 2 oe im After Sunday Opening and Voting Schemes. Port Huron, Nov. 25—The Merchants and Manufacturers’ Association held an enthusiastic meeting Friday evening. The members of the Association are de- termined to see that the Sunday closing law is enforced. A_ resolution was adopted to request the Police Commis- sion to instruct the policemen to report all stores found doing business on Sun- day in violation of the law, so that the owners may be prosecuted. In the discussion for the good of the order much was said about the piano voting contest now in progress in the city. The Association will send out cards warning its members from enter- ing into any contract with any and all such schemes. The President of the Clerks’ Associa- tion was present, and advocated co-op- eration with that body, and stated that the clerks throughout the city were in favor of early closing and of observing the Sunday law. —__> 4. ___ Grocers’ Wives to the Rescue. From the Muskegon News. A number of ladies (wives of the members of the Muskegon Grocers’ As- sociation) met Tuesday afternoon at the home of Mrs. H. B. Smith, Terrace street, and organized a society to be known as the Grocerymen’s Helpmates, the principal object being sociability. The society will meet at the homes of the members in alphabetical order, once in two weeks, on Fridays, at 2:30 p. m. The wives, unmarried daughters and sisters of grocerymen are invited to join. The following officers were elected for one year: President—Mrs. J. W. Carskadon. First Vice-President—Mrs. W. J. Carl. Second Vice-President—Mrs. Smith. Secretary—Mrs. D. A. Boelkens. Treasurer—Mrs. George Allen. John Demand Equal Rights and Equal Taxation. Philip Hilber, Secretary of the Grand Rapids Retail Meat Dealers’ Associa- tion, sent the following communication to the last meeting of the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners : I am directed by the Retail Meat Dealers’ Association of Grand Rapids, of which I am Secretary, to transmit to you a copy of the resolution adopted by the Association at its last meeting, call- ing your attention to certain seeming ir- regularities with reference to the ordi- nance requiring meat dealers to procure licenses. The resolution referred to above is in words as follows: Whereas—-The attention of this Asso- ciation has been called to the fact that a large number of dealers in groceries and provisions in this city are also at the present time dealing in meats, poultry, etc. ; and, Whereas—Such dealers are dealing in products in direct competition with the retail meat dealers and on a scale as ex- tensive as many of the retail meat deal- ers; and, Whereas—There is an ordinance in this city providing that all retail dealers in meats shall pay to the city of Grand Rapids a license fee and procure from the city of Grand Rapids a license be- fore they are permitted to deal in meats, poultry, etc. ; Therefore—-Be it resolved that our As- sociation hereby protests against this condition of affairs and respectfully asks the Board of Police and Fire Commis- sioners of this city to consider this mat- ter and cause an investigation to be made with reference to same, with the view that justice may be done to all business men in the city; and be it further Resolved—That the Secretary of this Association is directed to transmit to the Board of Police and Fire Commis- sioners a copy of this resolution. In transmitting this to your honorable body, the Retail Meat Dealers’ Associa- tion wishes to emphasize the fact that they only wish what is right and fair and just between business men, but that it seems to be unfair that they be re- quired to pay license for dealing in meats, poultry, etc., when other dealers are permitted to carry the same lines, and deal even more extensively than the members of this Association, with- out paying the requisite license, as pro- vided by the ordinance in this city. ae The Boys Behind the Counter. Owosso—A. J. Welch, for eighteen years an employe of the old Reimer hardware store, has taken a_ position with Ira G. Curry, and has already as- sumed his duties there. Kalamazoo—Clare Barnes has re- signed his position in the office of the Kalamazoo Spring & Axle Co., and gone to Chicago to take a similar po- sition with the American Radiator Co. Port Huron—George Sargeant, of Jackson, will succeed Thomas Burke as manager of the Shedden Co.’s business here December I. Kalamazoo—L. C. Lavidette, manager of the J. L. Hudson shoe store, is at Monroe, where he is opening another branch shoe store for J. L. Hudson. He will be absent about a month. Grand Rapids—Dr. S. E. Morgan is manager of the new drug store located at 74 Sixth street by E. T. Horning. Marquette—The Stafford Drug Co. has a new drug clerk in the person of Harry B. Cornell, of Manton. Port Huron—A. C. Asman, who has been one of the partners of the firm of Asman & Beard for a number of years, is manager of the new Cash Dry Goods Co., which recently purchased the As- man & Beard stock. —___—_ 0. B. F. Donovan has engaged in the grocery business at Petoskey under the style of the C. O. D. store. The Lemon & Wheeler Co. furnished the stock. t MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 5 Grand Rapids Gossip The Grocery Market. Sugars—The raw sugar market re- mains the same, the price for 96 deg. test centrifugals being still 44%c. Re- finers are buyers at this price and have ‘cleaned up everything on the market until now there are absolutely no sugars offered for sale. Under these conditions it is not to be expected that any further decline need be _ looked for, while, on the other hand, there are no indications of any immediate improvement in the market. Refined sugars remain un- changed, with a fair demand. There are many reports of a settlement of the sugar war, which are apparently be- lieved by some people, but there is ab- solutely no foundation whatever for the stories put in circulation, and the con- ditions between the refiners remain the same as they did a year ago, so far as all indications point. The total stock of sugar in the United States is 196,808 tons, against 120,475 tons at the same time last year. Canned Goods—There is little change in the canned goods situation. Business is active, but it is principally on small orders, buyers being rather shy of large quantities under present conditions. If tomatoes were doing better there would not be a weak spot in the whole list. They are very quiet now, with only a light demand, and prices are uncertain. It does not seem very likely, with the shortage that there is in other vege- tables, that tomatoes will remain dull very long. Some day, perhaps, there may be a sudden upward turn to the market, and there will be a scramble to buy them at the present prices. Corn continues strong everywhere and on all grades. Handlers are buying any cheap lots offered. Some packers have sold out most of their pack for next season. The situation seems to indicate that the market will be practically bare of good stock before the next pack comes in and buyers are placing their orders early in anticipation of a scramble for goods when the time comes. Compared with previous years, this opening is early and the outlook is indicative of heavier sales than ever before. Prices have not yet been made public, but they are un- derstood to be higher than last year, and substantially all handlers agree that the range will be from 1o@15c per dozen higher than last season, taking all vari- eties into consideration. Spot trading is comparatively light, but would be heavy if there were any goods offered. The next article to advance will be in the line of beans—either limas, string or baked, and perhaps all of them. Prices are now very firm and there is a very good demand. Unless peas go out of fashion, there will be a greater scarcity of the second and standard grades dur- ing this winter and next spring than is imagined by jobbers generally. Prices are very firm, but show no change dur- ing the past week. The stock of pine- apples was, probably, never so light in November as it is now in Baltimore and prices have advanced toc per dozen. The lower grades of pineapple, both sliced and grated, are all sold out and the other grades are very nearly so. Among the small fruits, strawberries offer the principal feature of interest, they having advanced toc per dozen, with the probability of a further advance shortly. Gooseberries are also loc per dozen higher and_ blackberries 5c. Canned apples are a trifle stronger, al- though there is no quotable change in price. The oyster situation is a very strong one. They are somewhat higher on account of the advance in the cost of raw stock. The shippers of fresh oysters are able to command a higher price than the cove oyster packers and can, natur- ally, afford to pay more money to the dredgers, and unless the Chesapeake yields more stock during the spring, we are going to see very high prices for cove oysters during the summer and fall of 1900. The salmon market is very firm and supplies are the lowest for years, and the present demand will clean out everything in hand before the next season opens. At this season demand is seldom strong, but it appears to con- tinue active at high prices, despite all precedents. An advance on sardines is looked for this week and the market is very strong and stocks are light. Dried Fruits—Although the warm weather of the past few weeks has not been conducive to heavy consumption of dried fruit, still the market on most lines is firm and holders are anticipat- ing better business a little later. Near- ly all orders for future delivery have been filled, but not as promptly as in past seasons, owing to the scarcity of cars. Some few packers have managed to keep up with their orders, but many have not. The movement for the sea- son to November 15 has been heavy, some 1,800 cars having gone forward from different points in California. When the active consumptive demand sets in and wholesale buyers’ stocks be- gin to disappear, causing the placing of further orders with coast shippers, prices will naturally stiffen and ad- vance. Raisins are selling at firm prices. The Thanksgiving trade is active, particularly in layers and clus- ters for table use. California loose Mus- catels are quiet, slow deliveries serving to keep the market stiff, although not materially affecting prices. The raisin crop is turning out considerably smaller than was anticipated and, as the season advances, it is becoming more and more apparent that early estimates were too large. It is now reported that there will be only about 2,400 cars, because of the rains, which have prevented dry- ing, for the drying capacities of the driers are not equal to one-twentieth of the raisins out when the rain com- menced. Trade in prunes is not very active, but still there is a good deal of interest and enquiry for 60-70-80s, with a scarcity noted in all three sizes. The bulk of the crop is large sizes this year and those who want mediums are hav- ing a good deal of difficulty to find them. There seems to be an impression that buying will be heavier from now on and the conditions at present appear to favor that view of it. There is a good demand for export and several cars have gone forward. There is a_ slightly stronger feeling in the market, as a_re- sult, although there is no change in price. Peaches are quiet but there is a steady trade, which holds prices firm and keeps the market healthy. The sup- ply in first hands is said to be small, but there is no pressure to either buy or sell. Apricots sell at steady prices, but only in small lots, as stocks are so light. The supply in first hands is too small to exert any influence on the market and prices rule high in conse- quence. Currants are firm, but trade shows little change compared with previous reports. Dates are moderately active at firm prices. Figs are easy un- der light demand. The bulk of the sales appear to have been made, but there is considerable movement into consump- tion the market is firm. Fish—Trade in mackerel and _ codfish is rather quiet just now, but prices re- main unchanged. Tea—Jobbers are pretty well stocked up with teas for the present and buy only in a very small way as they do not care to have very large stocks on hand the first of the new year, as many of them take inventory about that time. Molasses—It is believed by many brokers and dealers that the present en- quiry for new crop molasses, of which supplies will be small, will result in higher prices. The cane of last year was very watery and yielded a larger percentage of molasses than the cane of this season, which, being very rich in saccharine, will yield a large percent- age of sugar and a small precentage of molasses. There is not the slightest doubt that this crop will yield 50 per cent. less molasses and 20 or 30 per cent. less sugar than the crop of last sea- son. Therefore, we can not reasonably expect a downward tendency in prices, but the reverse. Nuts—Nuts still continue active and relatively high prices prevail. There is a steady demand for about all varie- ties, with, perhaps, some advance noted in walnuts and almonds, due to the in- creased requirements of the trade at this season. Business is upon a very satis- factory basis and _ prices are at a level which allows a_ reasonable profit to handlers in all positions. Grenobles move slowly because of the high price, although the quality was never so good as at present. The crop is short. The quality of this season’s crop of peanuts is said to be above the average, and the opening prices range a trifle higher than was the case last year. There is an active demand for the stock already, and within the next few weeks the larg- est buying of the whole season is looked for. The present demand for California walnuts is somewhat in excess of the supply and the market is very firm. Rice—Trade in rice is rather quiet at present. The high grades continue firm and in light supply. Latest advices from Japan indicate that its crop will be 20 to 25 per cent. below the average. —__-_~» 2. __— Hides, Pelts, Furs, Tallow and Wool. Hides remain firm, but are not active sellers. Light hide buyers hesitate at the price, while dealers ask a little more money—and do not get it. Even heavies are bid for at Yc less than asked. So far, tanners have taken all hides offered at the advance and now believe them as high as_ they should pay. This is a waiting game, each feeling confident of his position. Pelts are selling higher, with no ac- cumulations. They are better and are worth more money, and the wool market tends to crowd them higher. Furs suitable for trimming are in good demand, while those for dyeing are slow. The market is not settled and will not be until the result of the coming December sales is known. Tallow is slow and sluggish except for edible and prime goods. Supplies are ample. Wool is in strong demand, with Mich- igan well cleaned up of all secondhand lots. Prices are higher and seaboard markets are well sold up. Manufactur- ers and dealers have bought freely, with a firm belief in futures. The present uestion is, Where are stocks to come rom for the February and March mar- ket? London sales, which opened on Nov. 28, show an advance of 5 per cent. on both fine and crossbred wools. Wm. T. Hess. ‘ | in small lots, and the undertone to Are Trading Stamps a Blight or a Bless- ing? Sperry & Hutchinson's representa- tives in this field claim to have secured about seventy-five signatures to their contract, including thirty-six retail gro- cers, and assert that they will open an exchange store in this city shortly after Jan. 1. The manager of the local dele- gation is E. G. Flood, Mr. Sharp not occupying that position, although he claimed to be acting in that capacity to a representative of the Tradesman. Dur- ing the past week the city has received a visit from Thos. A. Sperry, a mem- ber of the firm, who, by the way, isa Michigan man, having been born and reared in St. Joseph county. Mr. Sperry was for many years a traveling sales- man, representing a Connecticut silver- ware house, and covered Michigan reg- ularly for about a dozen years, during which time he accumulated a savings fund of $10,000, which was his stock in trade when he engaged in partnership with Mr. Hutchinson in the trading stamp business five years ago. Mr. Sperry says that the trading stamp sys- tem was originated by him in Benton Harbor, where he sold silverware to several merchants, who distributed it among their customers in exchange for trading tickets or coupons, which they issued with each purchase of a certain amount. He met with some difficulty in getting his pay for goods furnished the several merchants, and made an ar- rangement with S. B. Van Horn by which he was to redeem all of the tick- ets issued by other merchants in the town and carry the stock of silverware in connection with his dry goods and clothing stock. ‘This, Mr. Sperry says, was the origin of the business, and it worked so well that he formed a part- nership alliance with Mr. Hutchinson, who was then engaged in the premium business of a somewhat different char- acter at Jackson, and engaged in the re- tail grocery business at Bridegport, Conn., forthe purpose of developing the trading stamp idea. The business pros- pered from the start and a few months later the headquarters of the firm were removed to New York. Inasumch as the firm is now rated by the mercantile agencies as being worth half a million dollars, it is evident that there is money in the trading stamp business—at least for those who originated and exploited the idea. Whether the system is a good one for the merchant is a matter which the Tradesman has heretofore decided in the negative; and it will continue in this opinion until a more thorough in- vestigation of the subject convinces the editor that the system is advantageous forthe merchant, as well as for the ,eo- ple who have waxed rich in making and selling the stamps. Mr. Sperry asserts that the statement made by Mr. Sharp to the effect that he was instructed by Mr. Hutchinson to go to Canton, Ohio, and break up the price agreement among the retail grocers of that city, is false in both fact and in- tent, because it is the policy of the firm to co-operate with associations of retail dealers, instead of antagonizing them. A Oa Geo. L. Chubb has opened a_ grocery store at Harlan, purchasing his stock of the Olney & Judson Grocer Co. —__$—_» 0. A pretentiously wise man who is in the habit of looking mysterious is no mystery to other people. +> 2.» For Gillies’ N. Y. tea, all kinds, grades and prices, phone Visner, 800 ee eae ent Family honor is apt to break loose in spots when the family is large. 6 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Woman’s World Selfishness of Men Whose Attentions Are Without Intentions. If 1 had the regulating of society— which praise be I have not--I would es- tablish a strict time limit on courtship, and a man would either have to put up or shut up. This thing of a fellow hang- ing around a girl year after year, always apparently on the verge of proposing yet never doing it is altogther too com- mon, and it is time a halt was called upon it. Modern customs are too easy going. I’m not sure that the old plan wasn’t the best, where, when a man wanted to visit a girl he was required to file a declaration of his intentions with his attentions, as a guarantee of good faith, and that he meant business. As it is, the man without intentions pervades society. Every year he grows more numerous and more conspicuous and has things more his own way. In the democracy of our native land our homes are run on the open door policy, and there is a continually increasing class of men who take advantage of our lack of protection, and who deliberately make clubhouses—places where they are warmed in winter and cooled with ice drinks in summer and entertained free of cost at all times—of the parlors of their women acquaintances. They calmly appropriate the best that life can give them of feminine beauty and charm, but without the slightest sense of any obligation or of making any re- turn. They are butterflies that sip the sweets of society, but as for any idea of retrograding into a domestic grub by marrying, their one prayer is Good Lord, deliver me! So far as older women are concerned, the matter is of small consequence. If they have not sufficient knowledge of the world to rid themselves of dead-beat acquaintances they deserve to suffer for their stupidity, but itis a situation with which young and unsophisticated girls are not fitted to cope and many a one’s prospects in life have been blighted by the persistent attentions of the man without intentions. Every now and then we hear people wondering why it is that some attractive and charming girl has drifted into old maidenhood. She has always seemed to be admired and received much attention from men, yet she remains single, while her less pretty and less agreeable sisters make good matches. In nine cases out of ten the answer is to be found in the fact that she was the victim of the selfishness of men who monopolized her society and time and drove other men away, but who had no matrimonial intentions themselves whatever. If the man without intentions would confine his attentions to unattractive women no one would find fault with him. He might even be a kind of social missionary—a dispenser of sweetness and light to those who sit in the dark- ness waiting for the man who never comes—and so fill a long-felt want. But the man without intentions is invariably possessed of good taste. Nothing but the best is good enough for him. You never see him singling out the wall flower at a ball for a consoling dance. You never observe him leading the spectacled spinster down to supper or imploring the sentimental fat girl to sit out a dance on the steps. On the contrary, he reserves these courtesies for the beautiful but impecunious belle who ought to be making hay while the sun of her youth and good looks shines, and it is precisely here that his mean- ingless attentions become so mischiev- ous. It is her dance card that his name fills up, to the exclusion of men with whom she might waltz into matrimony. It is she whom he lures into secluded corners and for whom he procures the bottle and the bird, which they eat tete- a-tete, while the man who could provide her with these delicacies for life passes by on the other side. It is she with whom he elects to sit sentimentally in the shadow of the oleanders, while young Coupon, gnawing his incipient mus- tache in the doorway, grows green with jealousy and flies to the smiles of her rival, where he is comforted and caught. Debutantes are his specialty. Every one in society knows the class of men who devote themselves to each succeed- ing crop of buds. As soon asa girl comes out they surround her; they mo- nopolize her programme at balls; they camp on her mother’s’ parlor chairs; they show up as_ regularly and as en- evitably as the tenor at the opera; they assume an air of proprietorship that is none the less effective because it is in- tangible, and that keeps other men away; and that ends it. People won- der for a season or two if little Miss Rosebud is going to marry Jack Blase, but nothing comes of it. Her bloom wears off and she drops, in time, into the ranks of the second or third or fourth season-out girls, who are being pushed back into the chairs of the chaperones, while he transfers his disastrous and meaningless attentions to a fresh debutante and goes on his way rejoic- ing. If the man who never makes good is a nuisance in fashionable _ society, against which the world-wise mother is right to protect her daughter, his selfish- ness works its greatest wrong when he wins the love of some simple and unso- phisticated girl without meaning to marry. She is bright and pretty and charming, let us say, the kind of a girl whom men would find attractive and want to marry. But here comes along the man without intentions. He is, perhaps, more of a man of the world, more highly educated or better looking than the other men in the girl’s little circle and he fascinates her. He desires merely to amuse himself and be enter- tained and he finds that the girl is quick and witty in conversation, possessed of that divine sympathy that comprehends and blends with all his moods, and so he falls into ,the way of visiting her, going oftener and oftener until at last he drops in almost every day. That he may be winning her love, and filling her heart so full there will never be room in it for any other man, does not suffice to deter him. He jus- tifies his course by always saying that he is not a marrying man and by in- sisting that his feelings are purely platonic. What woman is going to be- lieve that? Is the hope going to starve that is fed on daily visits? ‘‘He must surely love me,’’ she cries to herself, ‘‘or he would not always come,’’ and before that logic all his denials fall dead. She still believes he loves her and will go on believing it as long as he apparently finds pleasure in her so- ciety. She will never disbelieve it un- til, the flower of her beauty faded and withered, her chances in life blighted by his selfishness, he does at last turn his attentions to some newer and fresher face. There is not one of us who does not know dozens of such cases as this, and whether the man’s selfishness was the result of lack of heart or lack of thought, it is a cruel and a dastardly thing. No a” man is so lacking in sense or vanity as not to know when a woman loves him, and if he is either unwilling or unable to marry her, he is bound in common honor and honesty to keep away from her. Men are often generous, but they are seldom honest with women, and they do not stop to ask themselves if they are dealing fairly by a girl if they monopo- lize her thoughts and her time without meaning to offer her any equivalent for it. All they consider is whether it is agreeable to themselves. Nor is this confined to any particular strata of so- ciety. The man without intentions is everywhere. The other day I got a queer little letter from two working girls giv- ing their version of him and asking a bit of advice. For several years, they said, they had ‘‘been keeping com- pany’’—1 like that homely phrase—with two young mechanics who were earning good wages and amply able to marry _ if they wanted to. So persistent were the young men that they had driven all of the girls’ other beaux away; gossip, of course, prophesied a wedding, and their friends enquired when the happy day was to be, but the young men, so far from proposing, never mentioned matri- mony and never even gave the girls a treat, like a trip to the theater or a box of candy or a bunch of posies. ‘* What shall we do?’’ they ask me. Do? My dear girls, shun those young men so quick you will make their heads swim. Have nothing to do with the man who never makes good. A man whoina reasonable length of time doesn’t make up his mind one way or the other— doesn’t clear out and give somebody else a chance or come to the point—is either a moral and social dead-beat or he is too lacking in decision of character for a sensible woman to bother with. Every now and then we read in the papers of a woman suing some man_ for breach of promise or blighted affections, because, after a steady courtship of | fif- teen or twenty years, he suddenly found out that he wasn’t in earnest after all or had changed his mind. To us it ap- pears the most humorous and_ grotesque thing imaginable, and we can see _ noth- ing but a figure of fun in the disap- pointed old maid appealing from the court of cupid to the court of law, but surely nothing else is really more pa- thetic. It means so much of the hope deferred that maketh the heart sick, of beauty that faded while she waited, of youth held onto with frantic hands, or affection lavished in vain, of shattered dreams, and, bitterest of all, the thought that must sear any woman's heart like a white-hot brand—the shame of giving love unasked and unsought. Only a woman of coarse fiber could drag her hurt heart out for the public to gaze upon it, but all about us, within our knowledge, are little tragedies that are hidden from the world—a blighted life, a broken heart, sacrificed to the selfish- ness of the man whose attentions were without intentions. Dorothy Dix. Nutty We have been unable to de- tect any nutty flavor in our buckwheat, but we DO de- tect that genuine old-fash- ioned buckwheat taste we were all familiar with as boys. That same delicious, indescribable flavor whch made us want to eat a dozen | more after we knew we had enough, is in our buckwheat this winter. If your customers like GENUINE PURE BUCK- WHEAT FLOUR without any frills or other things mixed with it, you can get it of us. We guarantee it Valley City Milling Co. Grand Rapids, Mich. Our line of WORLD Bicycles for 1900 Is more complete and attractive than ever be- fore. We are not in the Trust. We want good agents everywhere. ARNOLD, SCHWINN & CO., Makers, Chicago, Ill. Adams & Hart, Michigan Sales Agents, Grand Rapids, Mich. ESB BS SR BB BB oR SR wR ae DeYoung & Schaafsma Importers and Manufacturers’ Agents of ee ER SHE wh GR SE g Crockery, Glassware, China and Lamps { { Oftice and Sample Rooms 112 Monroe St., Second Floor, Grand Rapids, Mich. f Buy DIRECT from Manufacturers and sAVE jobbers’ profits. Write for Catalogue and Price List. wh WR UE LU BPD PDA GRA SR Sr SP wr Sr EDR * MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 7 Getting the People Some Good Advertising and Some Not So Good, W. A. Chave, of Belding, follows : Having noticed your criticisms of ad- vertisements in the Tradesman, I send you copy of mine, as it appears in the Belding Banner this week. Do not bear down too hard, as | am not an expert. The trouble with Mr. Chave’s adver- tisement lies mainly in the fact that he writes as Something New all the Time At the Variety Store. Beautiful China Pieces, 10¢ and up, Decorated Lamps, S5¢ and up, Side Lamps ¢with reflec- tors, 30¢ and up, Glass Lamps alf prices. Ex- tra globes and shades. $1.00 Corsets for 80c. 50 cent Corsets for 40c¢, to close out. Ladies’ and Children’s Underwear, Hosiery, Gloves, Mittens, Veilings, ete. Nice work baskets, 10 to 25¢e, Plain and Fancy Crepe Paper. 10 to 25e, Paneake Griddles. 10 to 25¢. The place to buy good goods at reasonable prices. W. A. CHAVE, West Main St., B. Iding, Mich triet tell about too many things. A 4-inet double column space is not suffi- cient to mention all the lines included in his advertisement. If he had used most of his space in describing his $1 and his 50 cent corsets and then in- cluced the rest of the goods under the heading of ‘‘Other Interesting Items,’ or even left them out entirely, he would have done better. A man can pat a nail with his hand all day without producing any effect--a few well-directed blows with a hammer will drive it home. Let Mr. Chave advertise some one or two seasonable lines and advertise them strongly, and he will do more good than by a bare presentation of the names of goods and their prices. Where space is sufficient, of course, it is best to advertise more than one line at a time, but where it is only large enough to advertise one line consistently and thoroughly, it is better to use it for that purpose. It is better to sell one line of goods than to sell none at all. ae) ke ok The advertisement of Gerhardt Broth- ers, of Reed City, reproduced herewith, shows evidence of more careful prepa- ration and typographical work than are usually apparent in the specimens sent in for review. It is weak, however, in several points, aside from its seven er- rors in punctuation. The shoe argument is wéak, because FOR WOMAN’S WEAR— The Leather Boot. Shoes that are valuable are shoes that are well made, out of a good material, in the several shapes that are up-to-date. Such a shoe we have at $2.50. We stamp it with our own name on account of its many good qualities. FOR WOMAN’S WEAR— Underciothing A heavy Combination Suit at 50cents. They are heavily fleeced, can give you grey or ecru. Slim people anil fat people have an equal chanee of being fitted, as we have sizes for both. FOR WOMAN’S WEAR— Th- Corset. Cresco Corsets are sold by us at $1.00. They are guaranteed not to break down at the waist line. We will give you one to wear for two weeks and if not everything we recom- mend them to be, your dollar will be returned to you. FOR WOMAN'S WEAR— The Outside Wrap. Twenty-five seven dollar and one-half guar- anteed Plush Capes are offered by us today at $4.85. Good Plush, good linings, good fur trimmings, that’s what they are made of. — thing, they are full size, 30 inches ong. GERHARDT BROS., Opera House Block. REED CITY, MICH. it is vague and general. Something like this would be much better: At $2.50 we can sell a shoe that will give comfort and satisfaction. It’s made of good kid and the soles are welted— no nails or pegs to cause discomfort. Laced or buttoned—three styles of toes and our name on every pair as addi- tional evidence of its goodness. r The section devoted to underwear would be better if ‘‘stout’’ were used in place of ‘‘fat.’” The man who wrote ‘fat’? didn’t know woman-nature. The saying that ‘‘no ladies above a certain social stage have red hair—their hair is auburn’’ should be supplemented by the equally true one—'‘no woman is fat she may be fleshy or stout, but never fat.” The paragraph relating to the capes is not quite definite enough. It should tell the style of the capes, the material with which they are lined and the kind of fur used for trimming. An article sold at a reduced price should always be described fully, in order to emphasize the fact that it is a bargain. These criticisms, however, should not lead anyone to forget that the advertise- ment has many points of merit. Typo- graphically, it is attractive, and it shows a definite effort to reach the goal of good advertising. A_ little more attention to details and a little careful study on the part of its writer will enable him to produce very creditable advertising. I shall be glad to receive further speci- mens, that | may note his progress along this line. H. M. Goldsmith sends me from De- lanson, N. Y., an advertisement of F. A. Alexander, of the same place, which is reproduced herewith : ‘ x y XN x COME IN! COME IN! 4 iE . i 4 LY 6 And we fit you up with underwear so warm that you need not fear the cold weather. Underwear for Children. Good garments at 15e. Better ones and larger up to 35e. Underwear for Ladies. Splendid fleeced lined cotton garment for50c. A good wool garment at 75e. Underwear for Men. Cotton fleeced lined 50e. A fine hygienic wool fleeced, $1.00 Extra quality Camel’s Hair $1.25. We carry a full line of Gloves, Mittens, Caps, Sweaters, Cardigan Jackets, Muf- flers, Wool Tam-o’shanters, Heavy Fieeced Overshirts, and Woolen Socks and Stockings for everybody. Just received a stock of Umbrellas—good quality and very pretty, $1.25. Come in and see FORT ORANUE SHOE FOR LADIES A splendid value for $2.00. Pocket Knives. Southington Knives—the name is a sufficient guarantee—you cannot be mistaken in pur- chasing these Knives. Derby Hats. The very latest styles in black and brown for $2.00. Robes. Plush robes, rubber lined, just the thing for bad weather and only $3.50. Horse slankets. Both square and stable blankets from $1.15 up. Whips. We can give you a whip for 15¢ and better ones from that up. New Calicoes. Pretty patterns and good quality, 6e. Columbia Flour Still wins. Another lot just in—will you be one more to fallin line? One honest trial makes yon a regular customer. BUILDING PAPER, TAR PAPER, PATENT MEDICINES, GENERAL MERCHANDISE. We pay you 24¢ per dozen for eggs, 23¢c per pound or butter. F. A. ALEXANDER, Delanson, N. Y. The advertisement is one of the a that is most difficult to criticise—it is neither good enough to praise nor poor enough to condemn. ‘The heading and introduction are commonplace and could have been made much stronger by a few words on the advantages of buying un- derwear in time to avoid the colds and other unpleasant results of sudden changes. The mention of gloves, etc., is weak without the addition of prices. The same can be said of the item re- garding building paper towards the end of the advertisement. It is very rare to find an advertisement bringing results from merely mentioning an whereas a description and article, price will often sell goods, if they happen to be the goods that are in demand. It always pays in advertising, as in everything else, to use the method offering the most chances for success. W. S. Hamburger. —-—~»> 2. Possibility of a Toilet Soap Trust. Toilet soap manufacturers recently held New York City, at which all the large concerns were repre- sented. The meeting was held behind closed doors, but rumors of an attempt to form a combination have leaked out. That it was a success, however, is very doubtful, at least in the trust line. Strenuous efforts were made to bring all the manufacturers into line for the con- summation of an agreement to raise and regulate prices, and important steps were taken toward this end. The meet- ing adjourned to meet again in Chicago, December 6, when the trust question a session at will be fully discussed. Bargain Day Traveling. Given bargains and a bargain hunter, and her purchases end only with the money in her purse. A woman who be- longs in.the head and front of this class boarded a street car, carrying with diffi- culty a huge market basket filled with the odds and ends of a department store. She was scarcely seated before she started at the conductor's voice. *' Fare, please.”’ The woman got out her purse with difficulty and rummaged through its va- rious compartments. ‘*Dear, dear!’’ she murmured. ‘‘I was sure | had saved a fare or | never should have bought those three odd dusters.’ Then she added to the conductor: ‘I live at the end of the line and will pay you then.”’ ‘*You must pay now, lady,’’ fare-taker. ‘'That’s the rule.’’ 3ut_ I haven't any money,’’ jected. ‘*Well, I tell you, give me a five cent bargain and you can redeem it at the end of the trip; only we don’t take dust- ers on this line.’’ The woman hesitated a moment; then she dived in her basket and brought up a long bar of laundry soap. Everybody in the car laughed as the conductor rang up her fare. — ee Where She Drew the Line. said the she ob- Mrs. Fashion-—-I’ve picked out a hus- band for you, daughter. Miss Fashion--Very well; but 1 want to say, mother, when it comes to buy- ing the wedding dress, I’m going to se- lect the material myself. ———-o-