YEAR CESS SHEP DF RAVENS SDI eo Os cys A "OS — Ss et gS x ; 4 1C / é Ya d } —< LAE 1 A a A VG (4 e a < Fr Fe : nn i) ir ¢ LAN KG (A PF i PPA Yi mens SEEDS) Gawd (= @ | Ree A\( c La SEPUBLISHED WEEKLY 4705 SN GRETA v , es Ce = a ae Y Z, e SG CIN AEN COVES WZZ2za03) iow =7¢ TRADESMAN COMPANY, PUBLISHERSA< Fs i AE ce HMO ORI PEDO SZ OGD aT en Fifty-first Year GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1934 Number 2632 y ’ bas — el -_ —_ — — -_— — — — —_ = — — — -— — — — — — — — — — —_ — —_ Pd — -_ -— -_= — -_— — — — — — -_ = -— — — — — -— — — — — — — — — — — — — —_ - — — - - - —_ = — — ua — ~ - = —_ -— — - = — - - — — — — — — — — — -— — — —= — —_ — —= — — — — — — — — —= — — — -_— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —= — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — me <—s — — — — — — — — — — — - — — ~_ — — — — — — ae = — — — — — — — — — — — I ¥ Nobody—only mother. Nobody—only mother. Nobody can—but mother. =e : y = = i = = + bs = i : f = i = = J} = z . z i = = . = = = = = HENRY W. LONGFELLOW = = Born Feb. 27, 1807. Died March 24, 1882. = | = —- NOBODY KNOWS --- BUT MOTHER : = Nobody knows of the work it makes Nobody knows of the sleepless care Nobody knows of the anxious fears = = To keep the home together, Bestowed on baby brother; Lest darlings may not weather = = Nobody knows of the steps it takes, Nobody knows of the tender prayer, The storm of life in after years, = = Nobody knows—but mother. Nobody—only mother. Nobody knows—but mother. = = Nobody listens to childish woes, Nobody knows of the lessons taught Nobody kneels at the thrown above = = Which kisses only smother; Of loving one another; To thank the Heavenly Father = a Nobody’s pained by naughty blows, Nobody knows of the patience sought, For that sweetest gift—-a mother’s love; = il nz TE ms atc €S EVER, ~’. y wr OF EAT PLAIN on aX, DISSOLVE IN WATER FLEISCHMANNS YEAST CONTAINING 2, VITAMINS B-G-D » ano cemeat OR TaPIOCA “Ss ~~ 0D) a) ae 0 a 1) a a oe mane actumeo o. 4 sO toni an _ "Ve OF gerwe® FAL. ©1932 $B twc 20 Ibs. Ass’t. Size Eggs, 12 Colored Baskets THE ONLY YEAST | ASK YOUR JOBBER FOR FULL DETAILS that contains 4 A? : VITAMIN D MICHIGAN BELL THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN T E L E P H O N E C O ® © You and your customers need Vitamin D for | better, more radiant health during these cold winter months, when the sun’s rays are of little ASS 20 18S. NET WEIGHT PUTNAM FACTORY GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. 2 MATIOMAL CAMDY COW fan. help. You can get your supply of this important vitamin by eating Fleischmann’s Yeast every day. Tell your customers about it. Recommend it. It’s a tip that will bring you good will and better busi- ness. 4 WE DO OUR PART BISCUITS “1 DON’T KNOW WHAT I’D DO WITHOUT A TELEPHONE” “Of course, I can’t get around so much with the baby. But with our telephone, I can order my groceries, and shop . . . keep in touch with the WY AY 3: > at O U 'e) ial a other girls, and with Mother and Dad ... and reach Frank at the office anytime. **And it’s worth a whole lot just to know that we W i T lel C @) Ny > I 1D) > N C > can call the doctor instantly, day or night, if any- AND SOLD w The convenience and protection of tele- phone service costs only a few cents a day. thing happens.” Office for information orto place an onder WITH PRIDE F GRAND RAPIDS PAPER Box Co. Manufacturers of SET UP and FOLDING PAPER BOXES SPECIAL DIE CUTTING AND MOUNTING G R AN D RAPIDS, MICHIGAN tb he RF 7 MV fo Som CE ADESMAN oS Fifty-first Year Number 2632 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN E. A. Stowe, Editor PUBLISHED WEEKLY by Tradesman Company, from its office the Barnhart Building, Grand Rapids. UNLIKE ANY OTHER PAPER. Frank, free and fearless for the good that we can do. Each issue com- plete in itself, _ DEVOTED TO the best interests of business men. SUBSCRIPTION RATES areas follows: $3. per year, if paid strictly in advance. $4 per year if not paid in advance. Canadian subscription, $4.56 per year, payable invariably in advance. Sample copies 10 cent. each. Extra copies of current issues, 10 cents; issuesa month or more old 15 cents; issues a year or more old, 25 cents; issues five years or more old 50 cents. Entered September 23, 1883, ae Pomeiied of Grand Rapids as second class matter under Act of March 3, 1879. JAMES M. GOLDING Detroit Representative 507 Kerr Bldg. Printed by the Tradesman Company, Under NRA Conditions THE COUNTRY STOREKEEPER Elegy of the Past— Hope For the Future The history of the small-town store is arbitrarily the story of the small town, that most vital and picturesque of America’s institutions, retaining more than any other the study inde- pependence and individual effort with which the nation’s beginnings were wrought. Perhaps the future will evolve something better, but it seems doubtful. One can only mourn the almost in- evitable passing of the stores along Main street, knowing that, as the small town is itself the backbone of the great American public, so the small-town store has been the support to which has clung with failing strength the old-fashioned spirit of village life. With neither apology nor hesitancy I present the conviction that the death of storekeeping along Main street will affect nearly every life in the country. Probably three out of every five American adults treasure, tucked away in their minds, wrapped in sentiment and bound with old ties of friendship, memories of some small town some- where in these United States. The details of the picture vary, — some- times there is a white-spired Vermont church against green Vermont hills,, sometimes Main street is in the deep black shade of magnolias and china- berry trees,—but the memories are otherwise strangely alike. The mem- ories are incorrigibly sentimental, veiled by time into softness and vagu- ness. They make comedy scenes for dramatists and popular hits for song writers. The pseudo-sophisticates have taught their audiences to laugh at Main street, but somehow it is never a whole-hearted laugh; behind it is a strange nostalgia. But, aside from the sentimental in- terest we all may have in the small storekeeper’s losing fight for existence, there is also a deeper significance. The history of the Main street stores all over the country offers substantial food for thought to economists and business men as well as to the homesick wan- derer. Perhaps not the least remark- able feature of the situation is the ironic fact that the tragedy is unnec- essary. I The condition is intricate. To un- derstand it we must go back to the days of the early nineteenth century, when towns had become for the first time really cohesive, and small-town businesses had acquired entities of their own. Until then, while settlers and col- onists far from cities were still each supplying his own family needs or in- dividually ordering articles sent out from England or elsewhere, there were no small-town merchants and few enough in the cities. A ship’s captain was the real trader then, inviting the public to inspect his merchandise cargo collected from his various ports of call. It was a familiar sight, when a ship had dropped anchor in the harbor, to see sailors bearing on their back large signs—considerably like the twentieth- century sandwich man—informing the town that a packet was in, laden with Oriental silks and French damasks, barrels of Jamaica rum and _ India spices, and other items calculated to catch the prosperous citizen’s eye. A crude but highly efficient forerunner of to-day’s retail advertising. By the time of the war of 1812,, however, the storekeeper had become a prominent figure in the life of every small town. The limitations of trans- portation and communication accom- plished two things: they confined the storekeeper’s activities to his immedi- ate community, and they restrained the members of that community from diverting their business away from their home towns. The conditions worked together admirably to benefit the small business man. Those early merchants who replaced the sea cap- tain traders and itinerant peddlers be- came important persons, sharing with the ‘cloth’ and the banker the respect and reverence of the populace. They were shrewd and vigorous, and the world prospered them. The simple principles of primary economics were unobscured in those days by noise and numbers. A store- keeper was well aware that, for him to succeed, not only must people buy his goods, but, first, they must desire them, and, next, they must possess the purchase price. Consequently, we find those early merchants leaders of affairs and projects whose ultimate object was to put money into the pockets of po- tential customers, and eventually into their own. : I have before me the diary of a man born in New England in 1786. He re- lates how, at the age of eighteen, he and a friend availed themselves of a water privilege in a dense forest and erected with their own hands a ma- chine shop. Here they set up a turning lathe and manufactured © bedsteads, chairs, and wagons, with ‘such other articles as the settlers could be per- suaded to order.’ Later we find him enlarging his activities, inventing and patenting machinery for woolen mills. In 1816, when many merchants were overstocked with woolen goods bought at the high rates provoked by the War of 1812, he was inspired to embark in the mercantile business himself, buying woolen goods from abroad at rates so low that he was able to supply his customers at prices below the whole- sale costs of his competitors. A sharp young man, obviously. He did well, according to his own record, until 1821, when his business began to decrease alarmingly, because ‘the attention of the local farmers was directed generally to the raising of grain, of which there was a large sur- plus so that it might not be disposed of at remunerating prices.’ How familiar the sound of this passage is, written though it was to describe a situation over one hundred years ago! However, at his suggestion and under his direc- tion, the farmers turned their attention to dairy pursuits, to which their land was well adapted. He inaugurated an annual ‘Cheese Fair,’ at which time as much as two hundred thousand pounds of cheese was brought into town and marketed to buyers from the cities. He offered prizes for both qual- ity and quantity, and planned and worked throughout each year to make the event a financial success. On one of the yellowed leaves of the diary ap- pears the following entry: ‘The new industry contributes largely to the wealth of the farmers and is not with- out a greatly beneficial effect on my , own. Twenty years later the son of this man, writing to a friend at the time of his father’s death, says of him, He was emphatically the architect of his own fortune, a self-educated, practical, sagacious, and prudent merchant, hav- ing risen unaided and by dint of his own perseverence and industry to enjoy a competence of this world’s goods. For many years past he has avoided accumulating property, pre- ferring to give away all his income over and above the economical and reason- able wants of his family.’ Here is a perfectly sketched portrait of the early American small-town mer- chant, an example, and not an isolated one, of what the small town could boast in its infancy. From the stand- point, however, of an inquiry into the causes of the rise and fall of the Main street retailer, the outstanding, note- worthy facts in this simple story are two: first, that he led, never followed, his market; second, that the only last- ing prosperity in any community is founded upon the general prosperity of all its members. To exert his ardent efforts to create income for those whose resources had failed must have added hours of hard and trying labor to his already well-filled days, yet that it paid in hard cash as well as in affec- tion and honor we may find recorded in many places. II The annals of most small towns show that throughout the nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries the Main street merchant was a figure of dignity, of power, of leadership in his community We find banks being or- ganized by storekeepers; we hear of factories backed by storekeepers, of schools fostered and protected by the same men, Even the owners of those outposts, the general stores at the ‘four corners,’ were modestly well to do, lending money on mortgages, buying farms, and installing tenants . But the most vital characters were those coun- ty seat merchants whose little shops grew with the spreading population centering about the county seat, and whose merchandise, even with the changing times, held its own against all outside competition for nearly a hundred years Transportation was still too uncertain and difficult even so late as 1905 for the average rural or small-town family to visit personally the more sophisticated city shops, and to order by mail was so unsatisfactory as to be rare indeed. But as the hand of prosperity touched the large rural population, and cash began to appear freely in trans- actions, the shopping trend changed. Pioneering days were over, and in the Victorian eighties and nineties the feverish necessity for conquering the soil and bringing it to heel had ebbed. Farmers and small-town folk alike could relax and enjoy the fruits of their labors. And it is exactly at this point that we remark the first definite dividing of the ways for the storekeep- ers. Two paths there were to follow one an easy, let-well-enough-alone passage, the other a laborious, experimental climb. It is difficult to estimate just what proportion of our country store- keepers went to the left and what to the right, but a study of the back files of country newspapers affords very plain evidence of the division. As an example, consider the old issues of a little newspaper which for one hundred and ten years has never failed to bring out its weekly edition. There are frequent mentions of the town mer- chants through its pages, and its ad- vertising alone tells a fascinating story of retailing along Main street. But to an observing reader it is curiously sad- dening to remark the diminishing im- portance of certain of the merchants’ names as the pages turn, until, as the eighties swing along into the proces- MICHIGAN TRADESMAN February 28, 1931 sion, their advertising has shrunk to that monotonous bane to retailing suc- cess, the ‘business card.’ There is evi- dent a slow but steady downhill course for some, and a definitely growing up- ward trend for others. By checking over all the data I have at hand I am inclined to that the propor- tion must have been almost two down to one up. This particular country newspaper to which believe I refer is of especial interest here because it is not only the perfect representative of its kind, but also the organ of expression of an equally typi- cal rural community. Furthermore, its unbroken continuity throughout those fluid years of growth and quickening nationalism presents an_ intricately woven but remarkably clear panorama of small-town history in the making. Looking through the issues of 1825, for total news of local or national life. absence of And the advertising is of that sturdy vari- ety which stands firmly on two honest feet and says, ‘I, John Blake, do offer fine leathers and harnessings made by mine own hand and that which I know to be of excellent therefore do myself guarantee vou of example, we see a workmanship. I pleasure in your purchase an you so choose to favor your obedient servant.’ The note he strikes emphasizes that unique asset of every honest small- town merchant, then as to-day: the personal endorsement of merchandise by the dealer, backed by his integrity and earned reputation. It is a point to remember, trace the downfall of storekeeping along Main street we discover that that priceless because as we factor is left more and more often to gather dust on the shelf along with other first principles of merchandising. The mushroom growth of great city department stores has, by removing the merchant himself to an increasingly remote background and by substitut- ing impersonal corporations and organ- zations, automatically debarred the city store from the use of this warm. vital contact with its customers. But to the end of the chapter it might have been the splendid, unbeatable asset of the small-town man. Bitterly enough, it has been stolen from him first by his indolence, and last by his ignorance. During the middle century and until the beginning of the eighties, practi- cally all the advertising approaches the reader from this ‘vou-me’ angle. But shortly after the civil war there begins to be a little more em- phasis on style rather than quality alone, and by 1885 a number of pro- gressive shops in the little town begin to announce the return of the proprie- tor at intervals of six months or so from the nearest large buying center, bearing the latest fashions and those fearful innovations, ready - made ‘Mother Hubbards.’ Until that time no ready-made clothes had ever been sold through small-town shops, except occasional rough work clothes for men. Piece goods and trimmings were all that a dry-goods merchant stocked: the banker’s fine black broadcloth and his good wife’s fine black silk were alike bought in the piece and construct- ed (no other word seems so perfectly to fit the process) by a journeyman tailor or seamstress. The invasion of ready-made merchandise was indeed so-called the immediate rock upon which the Storekeepers split, some clinging, as we have noted, to the familiar items long upon their counters, grieved at the defection of their customers who were following after new gods, and the others, the minority, accepting the ex- hilarating challenge of innovation and change. From 1890 to 1910 was surely the golden age of Main street stores, those, at least, which had taken the upward trail, Comparative wealth had de- scended upon a few landowners, farm- ers who bought and worked many farms, bankers who saw deposits and investments growing, small self-con- tained manufacturers supplying local needs. And moderate means were the lot of many. Physical barriers to easy traveling still maintained cohesion for the storekeeper’s clientele, cash was liberally present, luxury was the order of the day. It required only the exer- cise of intelligence and energy for a merchant to hold his ‘carriage trade.’ His most efficient prestige builder was his biannual trip to the big city, anda long and tiresome journey it generally was, too. But the merchant shrewdly knew where lay his best interests, and his philosophy of life was built upon the belief in the rightness of earning his profit. A delightful era, this, careful buying, of high quality and fair dealing, ing payment for both. Ill But the tempo quickens, the subtle recession of placid Victorian days and of leisurely, standards of of ungrudg- the equally inconspicuous rise of twen- tieth-century changes are finally com- plete; and as the old order passes away it carries with it many of those fine and splendid citizens, the successful store- keepers along Main street. Their span has reached from the middle years of the old century to the first decade of the new, and they, with their knowl- edge of hard-won pioneer accomplish- ment removed but one generation from the grim reality, with their own sturdy independence and integrity contribut- ing a proud chapter to the country’s history, have gone to sleep one by one beside those churches in which they believed and which “they so loyally helped to sustain. And now, in quick succession, new elements enter the picture between 1905 and 1915, the old régime inevi- tably overlapping the new and_ the transition being from the bottom up rather than from the surface down. The first of these new facts to be felt was the change in ownership of the small-town stores. Sons inherited from fathers, other men’s sons brought out businesses from owners too old and tired to carry on. Gradually, in all parts of the country, we find behind the store counters men just beginning their adult careers. Too often, with that tender fallacy of the self-made man, the fathers of these newcomers had passed on to them along with their Prosperous business neither training nor experience, much less responsibil- ity and energy. For many years life had been a smooth and pleasant path for the sons. They had seen only the hard-won success of their elders, with none of the shrewd vigorous campaign- ing of their fathers or the desperate struggle of their grandfathers. They saw merchandise arrive in the store, and saw it sold. That was the begin- ning and end of storekeeping to their indolent minds. They had looked at the finished product and never seen the long and painful work of construction. Successful storekeeping was to them a simple matter of stocking one’s shelves with merchandise and opening one’s doors to customers. The next new face in the picture is that of the ubiquitous traveling sales- man. It is not actually his first ap- pearance, but it is the first time he ac- quires importance. To the earlier gen- eration of storekeepers the salesman was less an emissary of the manufac- turer than a sort of oral digest of cur- rent events. News of the world he brought vividly if inaccurately to Main street, and for that he was welcomed. But to buy to any large extent from his against. the upon which that early merchant did 1 samples was principles business. He preferred with shrew: wisdom to do his own looking and buy- ing, trusting his own instinct and ex- perience as he was never wiling to trust the smooth story of the traveling man. Where cautious trial proved a sales- man reliable, many storekeepers found it practical to order staples in this man- ner, but the orders were restrained and every shipment critically scrutinized as little things as good needles and thread the it appeared. Even upon such small merchant had built his reputa- tion, and jealously he guarded it. But the sons of these men founded a new dynasty, with the traveling sales- man as the king’s familiar. He offered a method of procuring merchandise so perfectly fitted to the new generation's policy as to appear a miraculous solu- tion to all their problems. No longer need the storekeeper bother with a long and tedious journey to buy his goods in person, no longer need he puzzle over changing dress styles or innova- the salesman told him what to buy, when to buy, and tions in housewares: presented him with ready-made adver- tising, window displays, and self-sell- ing counter racks. With a sigh of re- lief the young store keepers abandoned all individual effort, trusting the sales- man’s judgment implicitly, and con- tentedly proud of their own progres- sive efficiency. Inevitably, as long and longer intervals between the small-town man’s contacts with the out side merchandising world, he came to passed lean with increasing heaviness upon the unofficial oracles, and, as he learned less and less by personal observation. so, in the same ratio, he accepted as truth whatever the salesman found to say. This dependence was heady flattery to the hitherto inconsequential travel- ing man. It meant a tremendous ac- cession of power to personalities pre- viously commonplace and submerged. For the salesman who covered Main street in those days was not a com- manding figure, nor was he intended to be. Small-town markets were until then too unimportant for a manufac- turer or jobber to waste good ammuni- tion upon. The old-time merchant had ratsed so hearty a resistance to the drummer that making the rounds of the Main Street stores was merely a matter of routine. But as soon as the quality of the storekeeper changed, the salesmen would have been less than human if they had failed to take ad- vantage of the unquestioning and lazy confidence of the merchant. They were after all, neither missionaries nor al- truists, but commercial travelers out to sell as large a bill of goods as pos- sible. LV. What began to happen to storekeep- ing on Main street then was behind the scenes, silent except for faint whisper- ings, invisible except for gentle ripples in the back drop. The founders of these small stores had built so well, their names and their characters were so firmly interknit with their business dealings, that the fabric was too stout to be resisted sturdily for years the corroding influ- careless indifferent selling, and store properties permitted to run down into shabbiness and con- fusion. But slowly, surely, these very stores which should have been fighting with alertness the new enemies creep- ing daily over the horizon were act- ualy preparing the minds of their ‘car- riage trade’ for the discovery that shopping in city stores and by mail was both practicable and profitable. Almost overnight they had been pre- sented with new roads, hard-surfaced. with more and better railroad facilities. and, above all, with motor cars to rend- er each family independent of distance or time. The natural obstacles which had preserved the home markets for the old storekeepers were gone. The easily destroved. It ences of buying, rural consumers who made up the car- riage trade were free agents and glo- ried in it. The kaiser’s war affected Main street but slightly. Yet during its course the mischief continued to be worked with the stores’ accustomed And when the war was over we find one great change complete: the best of the trade—best in the sense of the largest spnders—had finally and wholly de- serted the home-town stores. The unmistakable effect of this de- fection upon the accounts of the mer- chants’ bookkeeping might then have been a sufficient shock to startle them into awareness of impending disaster but for three things. It was not to any jobber’s or salesmans interest to have the little storekeeper see clearly what he was doing or where he was going. Main street had become a valuable out- trade. let for all the merchandise the jobber could not sell to larger, better stores: if the country merchant should sud- denly discover what he ought to be buying and demand it, this would en- tail a complete reorganization of dis- tribution. That eventually it would have paid enormously in future busi- ness for manufacturer, jobber, and salesman, they were too shortsighted to see. Aside from this condition, however, two things prevented the storekeeper’s understanding his situation. Two na- tion-wide forces followed with great rapidity upon each other’s heels. One was the post-war depression, which offered a convenient hook upon which to hang the blame for those disturbing BSP = % February 28, 1934 bookkeeping totals, and the other was the Great Era of Prosperity, which so swiftly memory of those totals with a fast and furious profit- taking that most storekeepers found opportunity for but one thought smugly complacent self-assurance that their original estimates of successful storekeeping were more miraculously right than ever. wiped out a Gone were doubts and fears, tossed away were any last remnants of cau- tion or hesitation. What did the carri- age trade matter, when before a man’s doors was a gathering crowd of excited consumers feverishly anxious to spend? Storekeepers bought madly, wantonly, and their customers responded as wit- lessly, Like a crazy wildfire the whis- per ran,—from manufacturer to job- ber, jobber to salesman, salesman to retailer, with advertising lighting the way,—the whisper which played the world’s most colossal joke on the pub- lic: “They want to spend—never mind what they get for their money. Sell ‘em anything and charge ’em plenty.” Whatever mistakes the small-town storekeeper had made hitherto had been mistakes of ignorance or carelessness. never the mistakes of downright in- tention to defraud. And very probably no would astonished than the storekeeper himself to hear the small-town merchant accused of deliberate and malicious intent to Yet what else can one call a process which consist- ently overcharges for every item sold? To evade naming it is not to evade the stigma attached to it. I do not wish to imply that Main street stood alone in the rather fearful picture of retailing during the years of the Ten Profits. What went on in the cities and among certain would be more swindle his customers. merchandisers was hair-raising enough, but somehow the same things against the background of the small town, with its inheritance of fair dealing between friends and neigh- bors, look infinitely worse and sorrier. groups of In many and many a little store these past three years I have found merchandise stuffed under counters, piled in lofts, shoved away into dark corners, all relics of those good old days when storekeepers bought like madmen, with greedy hands for every possible sale, fearing, reaching out with a Midas lust, to lose one single lovely coin. If one day the store up the street sold half a dozen hairbrushes, rush orders went in to jobbers from a dozen little stores for several gross of hairbrushes; if another day the report that the had sold ten pairs of khaki trousers, within an hour every store in town would have the wires humming with orders for identical khaki trousers. That there might be a saturation point beyond which it was not safe to go occurred to no one. The jobbers, cut- ting off their noses to spite their faces, encouraged the © silliness without thought of the future. Consequently mountains of stock began to pile up in all the little stores along Main street, and there they are to this very day for anyone to see, a sad memorial to the good old days, the days of the Ten Profits. was. circulated corner store MICHIGAN Vv: There seem to be no words adequate for describing the tangle that Main street swiftly got itself into. The con- tagion of “things one must have” was virulent, and those previously well-bal- anced small-town people who had been content with mild comfort and plenty demanded ostentation, speed. The home-town retailer delightedly saw his chance, and, just as years be- fore the salesmen had abused the re- tatler’s trust, so now the retailer, not always maliciously, abused the faith of his townspeople, and made a splendid profit out of fooling his neighbors. These customers, these friends of his, had few concrete standards by which to judge the quality of this new mer- chandise that represented elegance and luxury to them. The mail-order cata- logue is not, after all, a textbook on princely spending, and price was almost their only gauge. By hearsay, by radio, on the moving-picture screen, or in the newspaper they caught the stress on figures—the price of someone’s fur coat, the cost of that one’s furniture, this one’s shoes. Consequently, when they went shop- ping, price was their sole measuring rod; a thing must be good because it cost so much. With confidence in the storekeeper fostered by a reputation three generations old, they demanded, let us say, a pair of fifteen-dollar shoes. And they received shoes for which they happily paid fifteen dollars, the same shoes concerning which I hear the storekeepers moan today, when they say almost with tears in their eyes, “Oh, for the good old days, when I could sell a customers a pair of three- dollar shoes for fifteen dollars and have them waiting in line for more!” It occurs to me that perhaps the bal- ance of the story of the three-dollar shoes which “sold for fifteen dollars” would describe more vividly than a dozen witnesses the next four years, from 1929, along Main street. When the bottom fell out of the business world in 1929, the small towns were not immediately affected, physic- ally at least. But there was an intan- gible result, a rebirth of caution among buyers, a gradual return of common sense and native mental balance. It began once more to matter what one spent—suddenly fifteen dolars seemed a great deal of money. Too much to pay for one pair of shoes, and shoes, mind you, that lasted no longer than cheap shoes. The complacent little merchants, who for several years had been flooding the banks with deposits and had delightedly watched those banks turn their deposits into more money for them on Wall Street, these merchants began to know a sudden feeling of anxiety. Their stores and warehouses were packed with goods bought to sell at high prices, and there had come creeping upon them the pref- ace to disaster. They discovered a thinning of those lines which so short a time before had waited at their doors to buy. Slowly, then with terrifying swiftness, came the change, until there ceased to be any customers for fifteen dollar shoes. luxury, With perhaps a pricking of the con- science, and yet a feeling that price TRADESMAN would cure all, the storekeeper adver- tised with great fifteen-dollar shoes for ten dollars! No headlines a sale of one bothered about it at all. In a few months he made another desperate gesture, plastering signs all over his show windows—a sale of fifteen-dollar Still his public made him no response. They were too shoes for five dollars! absorbed in the spectacle of a world turning upside down to notice one more sale when every city paper was scream- But the little store- keepers were not yet thinking in terms of the relations between their nesses and the world; they were intent one thing alone—saving their own skins. So with great mountains of stock, much of it optimistically unpaid for, burdening their stores and _ their credit, they essayed one more plunge, ing Sale: sale’ busi- upon and with nothing more ingenious than pink sale sheets on every rural door- step announced the impending stupend- fifteen-dollar shoes for exactly three dollars! Each storekeeper had the attention of the community then, indeed. But it was an accusing, suspicious attention. They were thinking again, these Main street folk, and presently, as the full meaning of this series of sales became clear to them, they turned and almost literally 3eing fooled without knowing it is one thing, fooled when you are well aware of it is very much another. It is in this situation that we find almost all of Main street to-day. Four years of depression have depleted those brave bank accounts, the stock is old ous event of a sale of ran. but being and shopworn, business is the merest trickle of life through the stores. They are tired and bewildered and hopeless, the small-town storekeepers. They feel that life has played a cruel trick upon them and they cannot fight back. There are a few, here and there about the country, who have never re- linquished throughout all the years their shining integrity, their standing as pillars of their communities. They at least have something upon which to build for the future, if they choose to go forward. But the others—I find them as pitiful as willful childrden who have blinded themselves for life play- ing a game whose rules no one thought to teach them. I sat recently in a little store while its owner, a man beyond middle age, paced the floor and raged against fate. Suddenly he turned to me and, throwing up his hands in a gesture of despair, exclaimed: “What shall I do? I’m lost! I don’t know which way to turn. I don’t know what to buy—lI can’t sell what I have. I’m afraid to move, yet if I’m to live I must do something!” Can anything be done? Is there a cure? I believe the answer is yes. But the chief difficulty is to persuade the small-town storekeepers to admit that it is they who are to blame for their condition, not the government or the bankers or Europe or the contrariness of their neighbors. Once let a man admit that he has been wrong, and, moreover, does not know in which di- rection lies the right, and the cure is well begun. After that there are two things with- out which no small-town store can 3 ever again be healthy. One is to prac- tise the simple rules of good merchan- dising and the other is to regain the trust and confidence of its community. And of the two the last is by far the more necessary. Concerning the first, there is no place here for a discussion of all the elements which together make up good merchandising, but one thing is cer- tain. There is definite need in the small town for a recognition of store- keeping as a real profession, requiring as much study and preparation as any other, and worthy of the best effort of a man’s mind and body. No one is born knowing how to make storekeep- ing pay. learn about it which would ‘fill volumes, and which a whole lifetime of study can- There are things to not cover. For merchandising is a con- stantly changing, developing, advanc- ing profession, never constant, never still. The merchant who succeeds, to- day as always, is the man who leads, not follows. Concerning the second requirement for success, it must be obvious to those who understand the complicated yet natural layout of small-town life that the storekeeper whose judgment and honesty are unquestioned has a tre- It is a nat- ural inclination to trust the mendously valuable asset, man who sits near you in church each Sunday, who jumps for the fire hose when your roof is threatened, whose life from his birth has been an open book for all to read. His recommendation carries weight and is too precious to jeopard- ize either by ignorance or by laziness. forked store- ) I believe that the road has once more for the small-town keeper. A new generation is beginning to step out alongside the old, ready to fall in and carry on. The new codes will do much, without doubt, to pre- vent a repetition of some of the causes of the little merchant’s downfall. But nothing can take the place of honesty, hard work and common sense in store- keeping along Main street.— Margaret Dana in Atlantic Monthly. Reprinted by permission. Making Our Own Toys Once dependent upon foreign nations for a good share of its toy supply, the United States now goes in for toy- making on a large scale. Exports of toys and games (except rubber) last year soared 10 per cent. over those of 1932; imports in the same period fell away 25 per cent. All kinds of toys followed these trends with the single exceptions of “dolls and parts.” Can- ada, United Kingdom and Argentina were biggest buyers of American play- things. Germany still is the largest source of imports, followed by Japan. CCC A Puzzie Solver How to drop building supplies 500 feet down into a canyon puzzled the Civilian Conservation Corps when it reached Winter location in Bandelier National Monument, near Santa Fe, N. Mex. Finally a tramway was devis- ed and 3,000 trips were made, carrying 500 pounds a trip. This included two trucks that were dismantled and car- ried down in parts, then reassembled at the base. 4 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN February 28, 1934 MOVEMENTS OF MERCHANTS. Ovid—The Bank of Ovid has in- creased its capital stock from $50,000 to $65,000. Pontiac—The Lewis Furniture Corp. has reduced its c 1 stock from $12,- Capital s 000 to $10,000. Detroit—TI he Luman Beverage Co. has reduced its capital stock from $5,000 to $2.000. Farwell—The Farwell State Savings : Bank has increased its capital stock trom $20,000 to $30.000. Allen — The Allen State Savings 3ank has increased its capital stock trom $20,000 to $30,000. Shepard—The Cent ral State Sav ings bank has incr i ease 5 from $20,000 to $4 5,000. Alpena—The Peoples State Bank of Alpena has increased its capital stock from $100,000 to $200,000. Piece Tie Mm & Co. State Bank has increase ital from $40,000 to $80,000. New Lathr t New Lathrop has increased its capital stock from $20,000 to $40,000. Flushing—The First State ings Bank has increased its capital stock from $55,000 to $110,000. Detroit ih National Sheet Steel Co. tac. organized with a capital stock of $100,000, with $40,500 o wn Q m9 ~ i op—The State and Sav- is been i a sing — The Lundberg Screw Products has Eeeeeee its capital stock from 100 shar no par common. Detroit—MclInerney’s, In organize to engage in the $s common to 500 shares meat and poultry. $1,000, all paid in. Detroit—The General Steel Treating Co. has been organized to engage in e heat treatment of metals. The cap- 1 stock is $50,000. Grosse Point Village—The Village Man’s Shop, Inc., ih been organized with a capital stock of $1,000, all sub- scribed and paid in. Detroit—The Winkler Bakeries, Inc., has been organized to produce baked goods and confectionery. The capital stock is $1,000. Detroit—The Refrigeration Sales Co. has been organized to make seal metal and bronze castings. The cap- ital stock is $1,000, all paid in. Detroit—The Crescent Coal & Coke Co., 12844 Greenfield avenue, has been organized to handle fuel. The capital stock is $5,000 with $1,000 paid in. Detroit—The Wayne Lacquer & Auto Supply Co. has changed its cap- ital from $100,000 common to $10,000 preferred and 1000 shares of no par stock, Detroit—The Cavalier Ginger Ale Corp., 1927 Michigan avenue, has changed its capital from $70,000 com- mon to $20,000 preferred and 5000 shares no par stock. Detroit—The Parke-Wolverine Co. has been organized to engage in enam- eling and plating. The capital stock is $100,000 common and $120,000 pre- ferred, with $1,000 paid in. Detroit—The Robinson Furniture Co. has been organized to sell house- hold furniture and supplies with $100,- 000 capital stock, all paid in. The store is located at 1426 Washington boule- vard. Ironwood—A warning to merchants and others to be on the lookout for counterfeit $5 bills is given out by the A bus operator informed the that he had been given one of which was an imitation of a bearing the numerals police. police the bills, 1928 series bill, K-217. Carson City—The interest of George K. Daniele in the form of Lyon & Daniels, owner of the flour mill here, has been purchased by Donald 1 of Edward D. Lyon, se- nior member of the firm. The new firm has filed articles of incorporation under the name of the Lyon Milling FO) M. Lyon, sor Nashville—E. L. Schantz, adminis- trator for the Kocher estate, bid in the merchandise of the former Kocher store on Main street, for less than the amount of the claim, when it was put up for sale Friday for payment of rent. The store was last operated by Ed. Purchis, but had been closed for some time on a several cornered tie-up. Lansing—The Lawrence Baking Co. about 200 grocers of the Thursday night, with a pig hock boiled dinner. The event was staged at the Lawrence baking plant, streets. The entertained by speakers and a moving picture demonstrating “Vitamin D” bread. Battle Creek—Burt Walker, who has been in the floor covering departments on Michigan avenue for a number of years, is now in the new floor covering department of the Leader. Previously Mr. Walker has been with the Jacob Weickgenant Co., the J. C. Toeller Co., which was located where the Grand Leader now is, and the Hoffmaster store. entertained city last Cedar and Shiawassee guests were the benefits of of several stores Grand Detroit—Food merchants’ represen- tatives on the Michigan Food and Gro- cery Distributors Code Authority for Area No. 8 will be selected Thursday evening, March 8, in Cass Technical High School. Area No. eight com- prises Wayne, Macomb, Oakland and Monroe counties. All food merchants in the district are urged by Gerritt Vanderhooving, of the Code Author- ity, to attend. Detroit—Walter J. Strudley died Tuesday in Harper hospital. He was old. For eighteen years, until 1924, he was employed in the hardware department of the Newcomb-Endicott Co. Leaving that concern he opened his own hardware store on March ave- nue, which he continued to operate until his retirement three years ago. He is survived by his widow, Sophie; a daughter, Mrs. Samuel Patterson; a son, Walter J. Strudley, Jr. and a grandson. 50 years Detroit—A throat infection caused the death last Saturday of John E. Gib- bons, proprietor of a baggage shop at 145 Sproat St. for many years. He was 58 years old. Mr. Gibbons was born in Titusville, Pa., and had resided in Olean, N.Y., until he came to Detroit shortly after 1900. Before moving his shop into Sproat street, he had con- ducted a place on Park avenue. He was a member of the B. P. O. E. and the Detroit Assembly, Fourth Degree, Knights of Columbus. Cadillac—A heart attack caused al- most instant death last Monday night when Albert E. Holmberg went to the basement of his home on returning from Mercy hospital. At the hospital he had visited his brother-in-law, E. J. Whaley, who was injured last week in a fall from the barn on his farm. Mrs. Holmberg heard her husband fall and went to find him dead. He had lived in Cadillac about eighteen years and was employed with the Acme Mo- tor Truck Co. when he first came here. Later he conducted a grocery and meat market on Cherry street until illness forced him to give up his business about two years ago. For about a year poor health kept him from engaging in business and then he established a meat market in a part of the store building where a brother-in-law, E. R. Hector, has a grocery. Kalamazoo—Mrs. Harriet Bean, 83- year old grocer at 1805 North Edwards street, went on with her business as usual Tuesday, after fire had destroyed a portion of the roof of her home which joins the store, Monday. The Bean home and store are combined, the store part being built onto the front of the house. Monday, fire broke out directly under the roof and burned through, doing considerable damage. The cause of the fire was a defective chimney. About three weeks ago, Mrs. Bean experienced a similar fire from the same cause. Mrs. Bean is nearly 84 years old and is doing an active bus- iness in her little neighborhood gro- cery. The store was opened by Mrs. Bean and her husband about 15 years ago after retiring from farm life. After six years in the store business Mr. Bean became ill and they moved to another home and rented the store. Mr. Bean died about four years ago at the age of 82. Mrs. Bean took the store over again about two years ago. She has spent all her life in or near Kalamazoo county. She was born in Alamo township. The first two years of her married life was spent in South Haven and from there the couple re- turned to Allegan and Kalamazoo Counties where Mr. Bean was inter- ested in the lumber and timber busi- ness and later in stock farming. Manufacturing Matters Hamtramck—The Duke Stamping & Manufacturing Co. has been organized with a capital stock of $50,000, of which $3,500 is paid in. Detroit—The Risdon Co. has been organized to harvest and manufacture ice. The corporation has an authorized capital stock of $5,000 with $1,000 paid in, Detroit—The Old Colony Ginger Ale Co. has been organized to manu- facture ginger ale and other soft drinks. The capital stock is $10,000, with $1,200 paid in. Detroit—The C. F. Langdon, Inc., has been organized to manufacture and deal in lumber and wood and metal products. The capital stock is $100,000 all paid in. Detroit—The Jewell Funeral Sup- plies, Inc., has been organized to man- ufacture caskets and funeral supplies, with a capital stock of $5,000, one-half subscribed and paid in. Detroit—The Sno-Flakes Products Co. has been organized to manufacture chemical compounds, with a capital stock of $50,000, of which $20,000 is paid in. The factory will be located at 114 East Baltimore avenue. Detroit—The John Johnides, Inc., has been organized to manufacture and deal in furs and fur garments. The capital stock is $10,000, of which $5,020 has been paid in. The organization is located at 3411 Woodward avenue. Battle Creek—The Consumers Bak- ing Co., 251% South Place, has been organized to manufacture and_ sell baked goods, with a capital stock of $10,000, $2,000 of which has been sub- scribed and paid in. —_+->—___ Battle Creek—Hundreds of invita- tions are being sent out to Calhoun county farmers asking them to attend the formal opening of the Oliver im- plement store at the Nichols & Shep- ard plant of the Oliver Farm Equip- ment Co. in Battle Creek on March 8. Planned as an all-day event, the pro- gram will include entertainmnet and a free lunch at noon. C. W. Johnson, manager, says that a number of Oliver farm implement dealers are expected to attend the opening, as the new store is being established to work in co-opera- tion with them and to better acquaint farmers with their products. WE NEED FANCY VEAL CALVES AND LAMBS We will pay highest market price in Michigan for an unlimited supply of this choice livestock. Bring your veal and lambs each Tuesday. GRAND RAPIDS PACKING CO. Bristol Road, 1 Mile North of Leonard Road Telephone 7-2414 seit February 28, 1934 Essential Features of the Grocery Staples Sugar — Local jobbers hold cane granulated at 4.90c and beet granulated at 4.80c. Tea—There has been a fairly active business in the first hands tea market during the week, due apparently to the belief on the part of everybody that prices are going to be higher. Primary markets have all been firmer and if this is maintained undoubtedly it will show itself in the way of further ad- vances in this country. In fact, there have already been some advances here during the week. Coffee—Coffee market has shown considerable strength during the past wek and there has been a general up- ward movement in all grades of Rio and Santos. The week opened with future Rio and Santos weak, but al- most immediately the market recoy- ered several points. Later there was an- other decline followed by another quite large advance. At the present time fu- tures are slightly off the high point on account of the heavy sales for prof- its. The market at the present time undoubtedly has a strong undertone. Actual Rio and Santos has, as stated, been steadily firm and higher, possibly by about % cent a pound. Milds have also shown a fractional advance, pos- sibly about the same fraction. The jobbing market for roasted offcee is feeling firm and will undoubtedly ad- vance generally if the present advance in greens is held. Canned Fruits—Canned fruits like vegetables showed little change, one - way or another. Florida grapefruit was being well held by large packers at 97%4c, Tampa, and large packers are wondering just how well covered dis- tributors are on their requirements. From inquiries received, there is a growing belief that the big grapefruit business has still to be done, and that while a considerable amount of low priced grapefruit had been sold earlier, the market was now working more closely into the hands of first line pack- ers. Canned Vegetables — The canned vegetable market showed few changes in the past week. All spot goods are holding up very well and are now at their peaks, but the demand to send them higher has not developed. Pack- ers seem content to hold whatever they have left and so the major foods pre- sent little interest from a market point of view. There was an advance in Florida standard tomatoes, however. Canned Fish—There has been some very good business placed here in Alas- ka pink salmon and fancy Columbia River chinook. A fot of this salmon was sold in anticipation of stock taxes, but fancy salmon seems to have needed no such stimulant, as strictly fancy chinook had been moving out steadily, especially since England absorbed about all the fancy Puget Sound sock- eye available in the Northwest. There has also been a very satisfactory move- ment of intermediate grades of chin- ooks, which in other years had proved something of a white elephant on the salmon industry. Dried Fruits—Dried fruits continue to show quite a firm front this week with some indications of selective ad- MICHIGAN vances taking place in California. First hands on the Coast are finding it nec- essary to mark up large sized prunes in order to draw the attention of the trade to medium and smaller sizes because of the relative shortage of large sizes in last season’s crop. As a result, it semes likely that the larger Santa Cla- ras will be pushed up if the movement of other sizes is more satisfactory. Raisins show somewhat improved Strength. All seed raisins, of course, are very strong under the demand for wine production, but Thompsons also have been doing better. There has been a ertcain amount of Thompsons bought by brandy distillers and the prospects of a marketing agreement being adopt- ed also have provided a better back- ground, At the present packers are calling attention to the scarcity of Adriatic figs of the better grades. It is understood that fancy and extra fancy Adriatics, for all practical pur- poses, are out of the way, and the top grade is now extra choice, which are firmly held at 7%c, packing house. Apricots and peaches show no partic- ular changes, but are being well main- tained at their peaks and the move- ment of off grades has been stimu- lated. Northwest dehydrated apples also are practically cleaned up, while there are only moderate stocks in Cali- fornia and not much left in New York state. Beans and Peas—Practically the only firmness evident in dried beans during the week was in California limas which have been rather firm during the whole week. The balance of the list is neg- lected and dull, but without any mate- rial change in prices. No change in dried peas. Nuts—Shelled nuts are moving in a fair way here, most jobbers reporting a better market demand. Prices on shelled nuts have been on the advance, with domestic walnuts, almonds and pecans higher in price. Foreign ship- pers have been quoting relatively high prices, too, and have been reluctant to sell very heavily for future shipment. Distributors as a result have found that domestic nuts have been cutting in rather heavily on the market here, which once was largely served by im- ported nuts. There is very little fea- ture to nuts in the shell. Demand has been rather flat and prices seem to have been adjusted down to about the best levels possible to secure distribution. Olive Oil—The market abroad showed increased strength as the week opened, Drums were about one peseta higher in Spain, which while not much of an increase in itself, shows which way the wind is blowing, and in addi- tion to the high exchange relationship between this country and Spain, makes importers here wonder how they are going to maintain much volume. Prices in Italy are also firmer, but not higher. Business here is rather routine. Rice—While there is a fair spot busi- ness being done in clean rice, nothing very big in the way of distribtionu is developing just at this time. Prices, of course, are well maintained under the control arrangement, but the export price set by the Government seems to have shut off a lot of shpments to for- eign countries which otherwise might have taken place, in the view of some TRADESMAN shippers. Trade interest more or less centers on the efforts which have been made in the South to get millers signed up to a new marketing agreement on next year’s crop before the rice is planted. The Government has been ex- erting more or less pressure to get this agreement signed and sealed promptly, but some factors have been slow in re- - sponding. They have been examining the terms of the agreement with an eye alert to their individual interests and it seems like another phase of the big business versus small business contro- versy which has risen in so many other lines. There likewise appears to have been some request to cove the dealers in the agreement, until it was pointed out that there was no way of licensing dealers, and this has created the ques- tion as to how dealers, in the event they were allowed a concession on clean rice by the mills, could be forced to live up to control prices fixed by the board, which had no authority over them. There the matter, for the time being, rests. Salt Fish—Salt fish maintained a good volume of movement into con- sumer hands. With the Lenten season still five wekes to go, a thorough clean- ing up of salt stocks is anticipated. No. 4 Norway, Irish and American mack- erel are all gone here. Codfish scarce and pink Alaska salmon likewise. Scotch large natjes in oversupply here. As a result prices rule considerably lower than a short time back. Syrup and Molasses—Comparatively little sugar syrup is being produced at the present time and the demand is good so that the undertone is firm, No advance reported as yet, but unless the situation is relieved there will be ad- vances. Compound syrup is quiet with- out change in price. Finer grades of molasses as selling quite well at un- changed prices. —_~+~--.___ Review of the Produce Market Alligator Pears—19c each. Apples—Northern Spy, $1.50 for No. 1; $1.75 for extra fancy; Delicious, $1.75 per bu. for No. 1 red. Asparagus—$5 per case of 12 2-Ib. bunches from California. Artichokes—Calif., 90c per dozen, 4 doz. in box. Bananas—4'4c per Ib, Butter—Tubs, 2514c; printed, 25'4c; cartons, 26c. Cabbage—New from Texas, $2 per crate of 85 Ibs. Carrots—50c per dozen bunches of Calif.; 75c per bushel for home grown. Cauliflower—$1.50 per crate for Cal- ifornia. Celery—Florida, 6 and 8 doz. crates, $2.50. Celery Cabbage—75c per doz. Cocoanuts—90c per doz. or $5.50 per bag. Cucumbers—No. 1 Florida, $1.25 per dozen. Dried Beans — Michigan Jobbers pay as follows for hand picked at ship- ping stations: C. P.M from farmer... $2.35 Light Red Kidney from farmer__ 4.35 Dark Red Kidney from farmer__ 5.25 ligt Crigteny..._ 4.50 Eggs—Jobbers pay 10c per lb for mixed eggs and llc per Ib. for heavy white eggs. They sell as follows: Paney, fe wiite Z2lc 5 Candied. frésh = 19¢ Candied) large pullets |. 17c Checks 9 l6c Storage eggs are exhausted. Grape Fruit—Texas and Florida are held as follows: Texas Florida OF fo $3.25 0 4.00 325 Oe 4.00 3.50 6) 325 3.25 Green Beans — $3.25 per hamper for Louisiana grown. Green Onions — Shalots, 40c per dozen for Louisiana. Green Peas—$3.25 per hamper of 30 lbs. for Calif. grown. Green Peppers — California, 50@60c per dozen. Hubbatd Squash—2c per Ib. Lemons—The price is as follows: “a Saeed $5.50 oo Sanit oou Ned Hall. ame Hed Fat. 5.00 Limes—25c per dozen. Lettuce — In good demand on the following basis: California, 4s and 5s, crate______ $3.25 Feat, hot house 50 Mushrooms—30c per one lb. carton. Onions—Home grown, $1 per bu. for Yellow. Oranges—Fancy Sunkist California Navels are now sold as follows: wo. $3.25 Mao tis 3.50 on... LULU. 3.50 ohm. CisC 3.50 a6 Ll 3.50 Lee ee oe 3.50 Bo A eens ea 329 Red Ball, 50c per box less. Parsley—30c per doz. for hot house. Pomegranates —60c per dozen for Calif. Potatoes — $1.10 per bu.: Idahos, $2.50 per 100 Ib. bag. Poultry—Wilson & Company pay as follows: Nea hows... 12¢ Pome 10c es. LLL 8c ates Cl 14 Ge 7c Radishes — 30c dozen bunches hot house. Rhubarb—Hot house, 40c for five Ib. carton, Spinach—80c per bushel for Texas grown. Strawberries—Florida, 16c per pint. Sweet Potatoes — Jerseys from In- diana, $2.25 per bu. Tangerines — $2 per bu, Tomatoes—Repacked Mexican, $1.10 for 10 Ib. carton. Turnips—90c per bushel. Veal Calves — Wilson & Company pay as follows: range 8 @I%e Gide 7c Vegetable Oysters—30c per doz. Wax Beans — $3.25 per hamper for Louisiana grown. 2.22 Six New Readers of the Tradesman The following new subscribers have been received during the past week: O. F. Sowers, Goshen, Ind. Wm. J. Dykstra, Grand Rapids A. G. Butler, Bellevue James T. Miles, St. Ignace J. L. Hall, Jackson C. G. Turner, Grand Rapids. MUTUAL INSURANCE (Fire and Life) Ways to Put Men to Work 1. A feature of the National Recov- ery Act is that funds may be obtained for improvements in public institutions such as hospitals, asyluums, prisons, homes for the aged, and_ schools. Every state and city should take advantage of this opportunity to se- cure adequate fire protection for ex- isting unsafe institutions. Every local fire prevention committee knows of in- stitutional buildings that are hazard- ous to the lives of their occupants and should act to see that funds are se- cured for proper fire protection. 2. Funds for the extension of exist- ing water systems and the laying of water mains may be secured as a part of the public works program. Such work is of vital importance in provid- ing better fire protection. Existing dead end mains should be tied into the gridiron system, new mains laid in areas needing fire protection, and ex- isting inadequate mains replaced with larger mains. 3. Providing small reservoirs and water holes for fire department pump- ers in places where there are no hyd- trants gives protection to areas on out- skirts of cities and towns and in rural districts and work to unem- ploed. This is a recognized Civil Works Administration project which can be taken advantage of in every part of the country. A successful project of this sort utilizing several hundred men is being carried on by the Massachu- setts Department of Agriculture. 4. Painting and repairing of fire de- partment stations provides jobs for painters and carpenters and improves the morale and efficiency of the fire de- partment. 5. Painting of fire hydrants and fire alarm boxes is a desirable maintenance project. 6. The erection of a drill tower for the fire department where such facili- ties are now lacking is of permanent value. 7. Burning over of vacant lots or cutting and removal of grass and weeds decreases the fire hazard to surround- ing property and cuts down the num- ber of fire department runs. 8. City-wide clean up of alleys, back yards and other places where rubbish accumulates reduces the fire hazard and improves the appearance of the community. 9. A detailed survey to determine the number and location of dilapidated va- cant buildings and sheds and the raz- ing of such buildings materially reduc- es the conflagration hazard. gives —_2 +. _ Heroes on the Battlefield of Fire Last year will go down in history as a period of indescribable suffering and loss from fire. It will also be memor- able because of the heroes it made in this field. Bravery and courage su- preme are not lacking in this independ- ent, “everybody for himself’ age. “Greater love hath no man than this.” At Shelby, Ohio, in January, 1933, James Miller died after futile attempts to rescue his wife and their five chil- MICHIGAN dren from their burning home. This heroic man made repeated efforts to get his family out of the house, but his burning night clothes and the intense heat foiled him. From East Concord, Vt., in Febru- ary of 1933 came this story of a boy and girl whose heroism saved the lives of their family. John Boutwell, 12, bleeding, bare- foot and attired only in nightclothes, sped out of the foothills on a sled be- fore dawn to summon rescuers to his burning home and save the lives of his mother, father and brother, It was ten above zero. But John was not the only hero in the Boutwell family. Firefight- ers found that his 15 year old sister, Edna, had carried three younger sisters from the building and had had her hair almost burned off in doing so. On Feb. 9, 1933, fire destroyed the old Millard Hotel in Omaha, Nebr. Cour- ageously fighting the flames seven fire- men brave and true, gave up their lives in the battle and twenty-one more were injured. In Omaha, on July 3, a grandmother, Mrs, Alice Flynn, attempted in vain to beat out the flames which fatally burned her five months old grandson. Her hands were badly burned, also, when she beat out the flames on the body of her 28 year old, crazed, daugh ter-in-law who had set fire to herself and her baby. The baby died at the hospital a short time after its mother. Tragedy which a brave woman at- tempted in vain to prevent, Selected at the country’s outstanding living fire hero in September, 1933, the story of Warren Dues, 23 years old, Flint, Mich., youth was revived to thrill the hearts of American people after nearly two years. Warren Dues, in- deed was courageous, He rescued Clara Smith, 15, and six younger chil- dren from a burning house. After a kerosene explosion, Dues first saved the Smith girl whose clothing caught fire, then went back into the blazing house and rescued the six other chil- dren. He was seriously burned and in the hospital for some time. At 1:30 on a September morning of last year fire broke out in the meat market at What Cheer, Iowa. Local firemen fearlessly answered the call. While fighting the blaze a terrific ex- plosion occurred killing four firemen. Two of the men were but twenty-five years of age, the other two middle aged men, Perhaps the most heroic act of the year was that of Captain R. Lee West, skipper of the Coldwater, who carried through the roaring flames the two small daughters of the steamer’s only passenger, Mrs. S. C. McPherson of Savannah, Ga., placing them safely abroad a lifeboat. Captain West’s ship collided with the President Wilson, Dollar line steamer, off Cape Lookout on the Carolina coast on a day early in September, 1933. The blow cracked open fuel oil tanks which burst imme- diately into flame, igniting the turpen- tine, principal cargo of the steamer Coldwater. The thirty-five survivors of the Coldwater will never forget Cap- TRADESMAN tain West’s bravery, during this holo- caust of his ship. His courage and prompt action are the reasons why all were saved and like a true captain he was the last man to leave the ship. On Sept. 5, 1933, John Taylor, 64, of Omaha, Nebr., was severely burned when he sought to rescue Mary San- derson, 6, after she and some other children had poured gasoline into the motor of an abandoned auto near her home. A match struck caused an ex- plosion which threw the burning liquid over the child, badly searing the great- er part of her body before Taylor could put out the flames, One day last November, Dave Strick. a farmer near Scottsbluff, ran into the flame filled house of his negihbor and carried Mrs. Hiegel, her clothes aflame, from the house. An explosion of a gasoline stove covered both Mr. and Mrs. John Hiegel with flames. They were fatally burned in spite of the brave man’s efforts. —_++.__ Measuring Millions Equipped to make accurate tests, the 3ureau of Standards examines testing machines which determine the strength of structural materials. Sometimes these machines have a capacity of sey- eral million pounds. The Bureau has designed a small-size device to make these tests. It consists of a thick steel ring which deflects a definite amount for any given load. Deflection is meas- ured by a micrometer mounted inside the ring. February 28, 1934 Corporations Wound Up The following Michigan corporations have recently filed notices of dissolu- tion with the Secretary of State: G. Mathes Co., Detroit. Consumers’ Co-operative Park Asso- ciation of Marquette District, Rock. Dearborn State Corp., Dearborn. Pontiac Knitting Co., Pontiac. National Magnestic Stucco Co., Wy- andotte. North American Fibre Products Ce. Detroit, Columbia Theatre Corp., Detroit. Rapids Land Development Co., Grand Rapids. surkhardt’s Detroit Lunch, Inc., De- troit. Whitall Tatum Co., Detroit. American Newfoundland Pulp & Lumber Co., Grand Rapids. Salter Corp. Detroit, Lennon Elevator Co., Lansing. Struthers-Ziegler Cooperage Co., Detroit. Edward McDonnell Co., Detroit. Ward Lumber & Coal Co., Big Rap- ids. Ruoff Estate Land Co., Detroit, Bonded Commercial Service Corp.. Kalamazoo, Austin F. Bement, Inc., Detroit. Wellman, Inc., Detroit. Spring Valley Outdoor Recreation Co., Utica. —_~+-->—____ Honor, integrity, truthfulness, dili- gence, thrift, sobriety, modesty, may be old fashioned virtues, but they are still the only rules of life which can lead to real greatness. FOR MORE WE HAVE WE AIM WE DO 320 Houseman Building THAN 24 YEARS Saved our members from 25 to 40% on their Insurance premium. To adjust all losses satisfactory to the assured. Pay all claims promptly upon receipt of proof. THE GRAND RAPIDS MERCHANTS MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY affiliated with the THE MICHIGAN RETAIL DRY GOODS ASSOCIATION Grand Rapids, Michigan OUR FIRE INSURANCE POLICIES ARE CONCURRENT with any standard stock policies that you are buying No interruption in dividend payments to policy holders since organization Michigan Bankers and Merchants Mutual Fire Insurance Co. of Fremont, Michigan : WILLIAM N. SENF, Secretary-Treasurer SS nk ARNE Lm Setter pe aA SSE ainhe Urn epeornn nome od February 28, 1934 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN ~ MEN OF MARK T. B. Doyle, Assistant United States District Attorney Thurman B. Doyle, Assistant United States District Attorney, from the Upper Peninsula, his home being born hails at Menominee, where he was thirty-seven years ago. As his name indicates he is a Dem- been after the late Governor Allen G, Thurman, of Ohio, the Democratic candidate for vice-president in Cleveland’s second run. Mr. Doyle inherits his democracy from one of Michigan’s early demo- crats, his father, the late Michael J. Doyle. The senior Doyle first achieved political prominence when in 1890 he was elected to the State House of Rep- resentatives from Chippewa county on the Democratic ticket, defeating the Republican candidate of ex-Governor Chase S. Osborn of the Soo. Until his death in 1928, the senior Doyle was prominent in Democratic State polit- ical affairs, having been his party’s candidate for Congress in 1918, for Lieutenant Governor in 1924 and for Justice of the Supreme Court in 1926. first Democrat elected Attorney in Menominee ocrat, having named He was the Prosecuting county, having served three terms from 1904 to 1910. The younger Doyle first entered the political arena in 1924 when he was the Democratic candidate for Court Com- missioner of Menominee county, meet- ing the usual defeat administered to Democrats. In 1928 he was his party’s choice for Prosecuting Attorney, only to be defeated by the Republican can- didate. Thurman B. Doyle is a graduate of the Law School of the University of Michigan with the class of 1921. He entered the University in 1915 and re- mained until the United States entered the kaiser’s war. In the spring of 1917 Mr. Doyle withdrew from the Univer- sity to enlist in the Navy. He served as a gunner’s mate on the United States Submarine K8 until the sum- mer of 1918, when he was transferred to the Naval Fying Corps, in which he served until his discharge from service in December, 1918. Immediately after his discharge from service Mr. Doyle re-entered the Uni- versity and commenced his study of the law, which he completed in 2% years, graduating with the class of 1921. While in the law school he was President of the Junior law class, a member of the Barristers, and of the legal fraternity of Gamma Eta Gam- ma. It was while at the University he met jand became a close friend of Joseph M. Donnely, United States At- torney, Mr. Doyle’s Chief. Both Mr. Donnelly and Mr. Doyle are members of the same legal fraternity. It was at the University that a close friendship arose between Horatio J. Abbott, Democratic National Commit- teeman and Mr. Doyle. The former was then Postmaster at Ann Arbor and the Assistant District Attorney was the organizer of the first student Dem- ocratic club on the campus. The early friendship between these two men has become closer as time goes on. Mr. Doyle has lived in Grand Rapids since last October with his wife and two children, Michael J. II, P. His law office at Menominee is be- and John ing maintained in his absence by his brother and name of Doyle & Doyle. pected by Mr. Doyle that he would partner, under the firm It was ex- have been appointed Assistant to the District work in the Northern Division, which Due, ever, to the economies practiced in the Aittorney in charge of the is the Upper Peninsula. how- present administration, the Assistant in the Northern away with, necessitating Mr. Doyle’s Division has been done moving to Grand Rapids for the time being. Prior to his coming to Grand Rap- ids, Mr. Doyle was Assistant Prose- cuting Attorney for Menominee county for six years, and was City Attorney Thurman B. Doyle from 1924, resigning that position to accept the appointment as Assistant District Attorney. Mr. Doyle was ap- pointed Special Attorney General of Michigan early in 1933 to represent the State Attorney General and the Auditor General in tax litiga- Assistant tion in Menominee county. Upon com- ing to Grand Rapids, he resigned as Public Administrator of Menominee county, having been appointed as such by Attorney Pattick HH, O’Brien shortly after the latter took General office. Outside of his law office, Mr. Doyle has one hobby, and that is to take his family to his summer cottage on the Marquette 3aldwin where he can roam the His ability as a hunter is best illustrated by the story he tells of his experiences with a rifle while in service. After a few times of practice on the range, his instructor came to him confidentially that the ammunition cost money and not to waste any more Pere river near woods. and suggested of it. Mr. Doyle is a member of the Carl A. Johnson Post of the American Le- gion, a charter member of Menominee Post No. 1887, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of the Peninsular Club of Grand Rapids. Mr. Doyle was married to Miss Mar- cells Hinker, of Menominee, Aug. 19, 1925. side at 1321 Thomas street. St. Stephens church. They and their two children re- They are all members of Mr. Doyle has a pleasant personality which enables him to make and retain friends indefinitely. Lines of Interest to Grand Rapids Council The general committee in charge of the annual ball and home coming party of Grand Rapids Council held its final meeting at the home of Senior Coun- selor and Mrs. Gerald Wagner on Morningside Drive, Saturday evening. The committee in charge of Charles Ghysels made its complete arrange- ments for the party which will be held Saturday evening, March 3, in the large ball-room of the Moose Temple. After the business meeting, the group was entertained at bridge, following which a very fine luncheon was served. The committee was amply repaid for all their work by the hospitality accorded them by the host and hostess. If all functioning committees could enjoy themselves after a session as did the committee Saturday evening, there would be a scramble for the opportun- ity to serve. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Ghysels, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Groom, Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Lo- zier, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Ohlman, Mr and Mrs L. V. Pilkimeton and Mr. and Mrs. Gerald J. Wagner. Mr. and Mrs. Frank F. Holman, other members of the committee, were un- able to be present. We understand that R. W. Radcliffe has made an attempt to board a milk wagon. We have heard of individuals but to climb on a milk is something else. It is rumored that the incident happened through a slight collision between Rad’s car and a horse drawn milk cart. We presume Rad was unable to get out of the way of the swiftly moving vehicle. Slight damage was done as the result of the accident. wagon Many of the members who knew W. J. Sullivan, Supreme Secretary, will be shocked to learn of his sudden passing last week. He died as a result of an operation. His body was removed from Columbus to Chicago for burial. Grand Rapids Council boasts of two new members in the “Dunkers Club.” Ray Bentley and Oscar Levy are both dunking until their new teeth grow out. W. D. Dunbar, of 1120 Jefferson ave- nue, has assumed a traveling position with the Regan Distributing Co., of 46 South Division. He will carry the Lib- by line of glassware and all accessories pertaining to the line. He will cover Western Michigan. Ray Hotchkiss, of the Webb Coal Co., has been transferred to the Kala- mazoo office. We understand the trans- fer involves a promotion for past serv- cies rendered. It is to be regretted that Ed Dona- hue, the popular candy distributor, will be unable to attend the annual party of the Council this year. Ed is Exalted Ruler of the local Elk’s lodge and the lodge is giving a charity party on the night of March 3. Ed has always been present at past events of the Council and would be very much in evidence Saturday evening but for his connec- tion with the Elk party. Their efforts are to be commended, so we wish Ed and his cohorts much success. Education pays unless settle down to be an educator. Carl Verburg, a member of Kalama- you zoo Council and a popular shoe sales- man in the state, made a combination business and pleasure trip to our city last week. R. W. Bentley turned in two rein- statements to the secretary Saturday morning. He secured the names of J. Van der Molen and Carl Bloom on the dotted line, Eugene C. Rust. a member of Jack- son Council, passed away Friday at the O’Keefe sanitarium. He was 69 years of age and his death was caused by a complication of diseases. He was a United Commercial Travelers and the Masons. Those who survive him are his widow, Bessie, two member of the sons, a stepson, two brothers and one sister. was held Monday afternoon at the Greenhoe funeral par- Oakhill The funeral lors, with interment in cem- étery. An explanation has reached us why Michigan ranks so high in goiter af- fliction. Geographical surveys show that the central section of the country, including Michigan, is the oldest part of American area. Analytic chemistry shows that erosion with the aid of rain- fall has caused a deficiency in the min- eral contents of the soil, thus denying plant life the proper amount of organic minerals to feed the ductless glands of the body, thus causing many diseases, among which is the enlargement of the thyroid. It is noted that those who partake of great quantities of sea food have little or no ailments suffered by those of the middle country. hts is section of the because the ocean foods are rich in organic minerals such as iron, copper, magnesium, iodine, etc. All such organic minerals are neces- sayr for the proper health of the body. Flirtatious make girls very poor teachers. Naturally HH they can’t make their eyes behave, they can’t make their pupils behave. The first steamboat to sail from the head waters of the Ohio to New Or- leans started its memorable journey in September, 1811, and docked at New The year 1811 was the year a great comet fell in this country and the most vio- lent earthquake on record in this coun- try added to the trials of the crew that sailed the New Orleans down to the mouth of the Father of Waters. The boat was constructed under the super- vision of Robert Fulton and financed by Nicholas J. Roosevelt, an early member of the New York family. Charlie Ghysels has reverted back to type. We understand he is going to Orleans the following spring. move out into the country. Someone said his new location was so far out of the city that the Sunday paper would (Continued on page 23) BURDEN PUT ON STORES Grasping the opportunity to be pre- sented by the open hearings on the NRA, retail stores of the country will wage a determined fight to have many provisions objectionable to them stricken out or amended in the manu- facturers’ codes. Data and complaints have been gath- ered by the National Retail Dry Goods Association, and bulwarked by the con- sumers’ organizations, the department store body will charge at the hearing on Tuesday in Washington that many codes contain oppressive restrictions, tending toward excessive prices and monopolistic practices. The hearings, however, are expected to standardize policies of the adminis- tration on code matters, with general benefit to both business and the pub- lic, Irving C. Fox, member of the coun- cil studying open price associations for the NRA Consumers Advisory Board and Washington code representative of the Dry Goods Association, said yes- terday. An important point to be stressed by both consumers and retailers is that while the allegedly harmful provisions have been permitted in only a relative- ly small group of codes, once these provisions are accepted in principle they will be written into many codes. The result would be that unneces- sarily steep prices would become gen- eral, it is felt. In a statement issued by the Nation- al Retail Dry Goods Association it is charged “that many manufacturing in- dustries have been going ahead for months revising standard discounts, changing customary shipping practices, setting up evasive cost factors and fos- tering monopolistic practices in a va- riety of methods.” “Provisions containing these fea- tures,” the Association continued, “are burdening stores by decreasing their operating margin, just when stores everywhere are valiantly attempting to comply with terms of their own code in shortening hours, increasing wages and hiring additional employes. Now that a greater number of codes has been approved, most stores no longer are able to absorb the unwarranted in- creases brought about by these pro- visions and find it necessary to pass them on to the consumer. This has the effect of crippling the purchasing power of the consumer when the in- tent of the recovery movement is to improve it.” The Association reported that it has received a “deluge of letters” from stores protesting against the objection- able codes. The testimony from the stores provides concrete evidence that certain codes have considerably raised store expense and unduly increased prices, the Association declared. Some of the complaints of retailers were: Objection to price lining by manufacturers without consulting re- tailers, sharp reductions in discounts without a corresponding cut in list Prices, the arbitrary stand of some in- dustries on returns and “exorbitant” rises in the cost of supplies. Some re- tailers protested that it was unfair for suit and coat manufacturers to pass on the expense of buying NRA labels and others declared that the restriction on MICHIGAN “seconds” is having a harmful effect On prices in basement stores. Mr. Fox, in predicting that the hear- ing will lead to a standardization of code practices, said that the rush to approve codes had permitted many objectionable features to slip through. But now with most industries under codes there is opportunity for revision, he said, and many of the things orig- inally accepted will have to be thrown out, NRA FIELD DAY The NRA field day of criticism which began in Washington Tuesday, may, in the opinion of many observers, bring about real benefits. By not only announcing such conferences but ear- nestly urging every one with a griev- ance to come forward in person or by communication, General Johnson leaves his critics small room for com- plaint. At the same time, it may be in- ferred that, by inviting such a mass of testimony, there is a good chance that the recovery administration may be in a splendid position to work out its own ends. In the rush of code consideration and adoption, it is quite true that mistakes could easily be made. It is probably true also that producers and distribu- tors had to get some of the things they wanted before they would “go along.” On the other hand, the three glaring weaknesses of the program have been, first, the delay in clearing up the constitutional questions involv- ed at various points in the recovery measure; secondly, the failure to push home the labor provisions, and, thirdly, the practical ignoring of consumer in- terest, Obviously, the legality of all provi- sions of the act must be tested or else there will continue to be opposition from quarters which are sure that the whole scheme is just a gigantic bluff. Senator Wagner admitted a major dif- ficulty in his report for the National Labor Board when he said, “Certain industrialists’ effort to challenge the board’s authority is symptomatic. Far more significant is the fact that three- quarters of all the disputes involve complaints of denial of the rights of self-organization and collective bar- gaining contained in Section 7a of the Recovery Act. Clearer understanding and recognition of these rights and of the National Labor Board’s authority seem to be the requirements of the present situation as indicated by our six months’ experience.” SOME SLACKENING NOTED Some tendency toward slowing down in industry has been noted dur- ing the past week and it could prob- ably be ascribed not only to weather conditions but to the desire of many producers to wait upon results from the NRA hearings at Washington. It is a little unfortunate that this uncer- tainty coincides with the CWA cur- tailment over which there is also an- xiety. However, the trend described was not yet manifest in the statistics of in- dustry. The index has advanced again, Only the automobile series declined and for the reason that manufacturing difficulties again cut output slightly when a seasonal rise is usual. The de- TRADESMAN mand for cars is most certainly pres- ent, according to all reports, but pro- duction and material problems are in- terfereing with schedules. Steel activity gained further in a week that usually sees some falling off. Electric power production advanced slightly and important industrial areas increased their gains over last year. Building contract awards have been running somewhat less than double those of last month. Enough progress has been made upon the financing problem of the cap- ital goods industries to indicate that more ample credit with soon be avail- able in this field. Capital supply for deserving companies to afford relief from the depletion wrought by the de- pression is also being planned through the medium of intermediate banks. An easing up of credit all around appears to be in near prospect. Should this be the case and there are a few needed decisions regarding fu- ture operation under the NRA, then it will be a matter of holding down rath- er than aiding recovery. PRICING FORMULA READY Of equal interest with the hours question is the settlement of the pric- ing problem, involving a< it does the much-discussed matter of “sales be- low cost.” Producers and distributors alike have centered their efforts largely upon attaining a formula which would eliminate ruthless competition. These efforts have resulted in a good deal of arbitrary price fixing and thinly dis- guised methods of price control. During the past week it was an- nounced that officials of the NRA had devised a plan which it is hoped may do away with outright price fixing through a standard provision to be used as a substitute in codes for what is now probably illegal. This provi- sion would permit an industry to de- termine “reasonable costs’ in an “emergency,” these costs to be based upon the operations of plants of aver- age efficiency. While such an arrangement is to be preferred over the scheme to have costs based upon the highest charges prevailing in an industry, and also of- fers the advantage of freeing all prices except those which bring about an “emergency,” nevertheless it means averaging up and on the higher side. If this formula was used as a basis for requiring the producer to prove his costs according to an accepted system of accounting, it should lead to an im- provement. Actually, however, the only proper way of dealing with this whole problem would be to enforce wage and hour standards rigidly. Then if a company wished to sell below costs it could do so for only a short time, and rather quickly sell itself out of business. Throughout the period of ruthless competition the only salva- tion of such concerns has been through taking losses out of the workers. Se ames CUTTING WORK HOURS Uppermost in the minds of industri- alists upon the eve of the Washington conferences is the fear that another sharp cut in operating hours may be a major step taken to reduce unemploy- ment further. Labor is pushing for the thirty-hour week, and there remain February 28, 1934 upward of 4,000,000 for whom work must be found. Business generally is anxious Over the effects of such a reduction, being aware of the fact that costs and prices must be increased and that already there is some resistance to higher quo- tations. The major problem here is that restricted production must react upon business volume. High wages with unrestricted output is the proper direction. Among those who have given the question of hours long consideration there has grown the hope that no blan- ket cut will be regulated. It is felt that the circumstances of each indus- try should be studied from the stand- point of what it has already accom- plished in advancing the recovery pro- gram. If large numbers have been put back to work, then the industry should be exempt, it is believed, from further reduction in schedules, In other cases, where there has been little or no change, some lowering of the operat- ing rate might well be urged. A contrast might be drawn in this respect between the cotton-textile and shoe industries, for instance. The former is ahead of 1926 employment, while the latter, according to testi- mony presented by a labor official at Washington, shows production and wholesale prices at the 1926 level, but with employment 70 per cent. and pay- rolls 46.4 per cent. of the figures for that year. ee DRY GOODS CONDITIONS Over a wide area the storm of last week brought a very sharp cut in trade. The full effect here was felt here, but the sales figures in many in- stances went ahead of last year’s, al- though, of course, at that time busi- ness was very nearly at a standstill as the banking crisis deepened. Toward the close of the week store volume im- proved, From sections not affected by the storm cheerful reports continued to come in. Curtailment of CWA work has affected purchasing to some extent, but the effects are not yet of a marked character. January sales in small towns and rural areas were reported by a Depart- ment of Commerce official as 45 per cent. ahead of the same month last year, the figures being based on mail- order and chain-store results in these sections. Dry goods wholesalers re- port that Spring orders covering about the same regions are from 75 to 100 per cent. higher, All these comparisons for the time being are distorted, of course, by the abnormal situation of a year ago, when the country was close to shutting up shop. For that reason retailers recog- nize they must be handled with care and not used as a basis for overlavish plans. : The wholesale merchandise markets were quieter in the week with Spring operations held up due to weather con- ditions. Stores are well supplied for the time being. Dry goods jobbers continued to put in orders on a fair scale. Sentasescnmasuutrsnntisemssseesese A thrifty American is merely one who keeps so busy making it that he hasn’t time to spend it. tebeemce teach a ea pete ae ee ‘we See Ty tin Tee eee hor on ceeta ae Es ee February 28, 1934 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 9 OUT AROUND Things Seen and Heard on a Week End Trip When I was considering what sub- ject would be uppermost in this week’s Out Around the question solved itself, for out of the ample mail which reach- es me every day, when the postoffice department permits us to have any mail, came a letter from a merchant who has been very active ever since he engaged in trade to further the in- terests of retail merchants and has been of great assistance to me in work- ing along the same line. I refer to D. D. Alton, the Fremont druggist, who sent me the following letter: Fremont, Feb. 22—I am wondering if the enclosure is not of sufficient in- terest and importance to deserve publi- cation? That house-to-house peddlers and solicitors are a nuisance is beyond ques- tion and I believe this is the only meth- od yet discovered which has stood the test of the courts. Many thousands of dollars are taken every year from the cities and villages by the peddler route and it is very gratifying to find a means whereby this method of merchandising can be curbed. I am sending under separate cover, a report of the original case with the rul- ings of the court. The ordinance en- acted by Green River has been enacted by our city commission and is now in force. The details of enforcement will be worked outetthrough our Chamber of Commerce and I shall be pleased to go over these details with you if you are interested. Possibly I am too optimis- tic, but I believe a like ordinance should be enacted in every small city and village. Possibly it would not work as well in the larger cities but we surely have a lot of faith in it. I would like to add to what I have already said that the attitude taken by the Chamber of Commerce might come under the heading, “Am I my broth- er’s keeper,’ with the answer in the affirmative. The enforcement of this ordinance is a protection to every housewife against the smooth and oily tongued salesman repeating a well learned sales talk. Without the least doubt this is a pro- tective measure. D. D. Alton. The following appeared in the lat- est issue of the N.A.R.D. Journal: The case of the town of Green River vs. Fuller Brush Company, 65 F (2nd) 112, mentioned on page 1055 of the November 16 issue of the N.A.R.D. Journal, has created much _ interest among N.A.R.D. members and drug- gists generally. So many city ordinances attempting to curb unfair peddler competition and protect the householder from peddler annoyance have been declared uncon- stitutional that it is a relief to find a city ordinance sustained by the courts. While it is possible that the United States Supreme Court might reverse this decision, the decision of the Cir- cuit Court of Appeals of the Tenth District seems sound and one that will stand. Judge Lewis, in rendering the deci- sion, clearly shows the difference be- tween the right of the peddler to sell his wares and the fact that he has no right to disturb the guest of the home and become an annoyance. The ordinance is given in the deci- sion, which decision in part is as fol- lows: Lewis, Circuit Judge. The decree in this perpetually en- joined the town of Green River, Wyo- ming, its officers and their successors “from enforcing or attempting to en- force against said plaintiff, the Fuller 3rush Company, the ordinance of said town of Green River known as Ordi- nance No. 175, as same is set forth in full in the answer of said defendant herein.” The said ordinance is in these terms: Be it ordained by the town council of the town of Green River, Wyoming: Section |. The practice of go- ing in and upon private residences in the town of Green River, Wyo- ming, by solicitors, peddlers, hawkers, itinerant merchants and transient vendors of merchandise not having been requested or in- vited so to do by the owner or owners, occupant or occupants of said private residence for the purpose of soliciting orders for the sale of goods, wares and mer- chandise, and for the purpose of disposing of and _ peddling or hawking the same, is hereby de- clared to be a nuisance, and pun- ishable as such nuisance as a mis- demeanor. Section 2. The town marshal and police force of the town of Green River are hereby required and directed to suppress the same, and to abate any such nuisance as is described in the first section of this ordinance. Section 3. Any person con- victed of perpetrating a nuisance as described and prohibited in the first section of this ordinance, up- on conviction thereof shall be fined a sum not less than Twenty- five ($25) dollars, or not more than One MHundred Dollars ($100), together with costs of proceedings, which said fine may be satisfied, if not paid in cash, by execution against the person of anyone convicted of committing the misdemeanor herein prohibit- ed Section 4. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby re- pealed. Oppression Contended Section 5. It being deemed by the town council of the town of Green River that an emergency exists, this ordinance shall be in force and effect from and after its passage and approval. Enacted this sixteenth day of November, 1931. Appellee relying on the Federal Con- stitution (Amendment 14; article 1, para. 8) claims that the enforcement of the ordinance against its solicitors, representatives and agents would de- prive it of its property without due process of law, deny to it equal pro- tection of law, and would interfere with interstate commerce. It further con- tends that the ordinance is not a valid exercise of the police power, but is an arbitrary and unreasonable attempt to exercise that power and would be op- pressive on appellee, and its enforce- ment without lawful right. But the ordinance here under consid- eration did not attempt to prohibit any of the parties named from selling their wares, either of goods carried with them or on samples for delivery. It denounces a particular practice of such vendors or their agents. We must as- sume that the practice existed in the town as the first section states, and that it had become annoying and dis- turbing and objectionable to at least some of the citizens. We think like practices have become so general and common as to be of judicial knowledge, and that the frequent ringing of door- bells of private residences by itinerant vendors and solicitors is in fact a nui- sance to the occupants of homes. It is not appellee and its solicitors and their methods alone that must be considered in determining the reasonableness of the ordinance, but many others as well who seek in the same way to dispose of their wares. One follows another until the ringing doorbells disturb the quietude of the home and become a constant annoyance. Another practice of the same sort has arisen within re- cent years of throwing advertisements at the entrance of homes. Men are employed for that purpose. Whole res- idence sections of cities and towns are at times flooded in this way to the an- noyance of its citizens, Does Not Encroach We are also of opinion that the ordi- nance and its enforcement would not encroach, directly or indirectly, on ap- pellee’s constitutional rights, nor inter- fere with interstate commerce. It does not purport to interfere in any respect with appellee’s right or privi- lege of selling and transporting its wares in interstate commerce, It is free to carry on a business of that sort except to solicit orders in the manner specified in the ordinance, and obvi- ously it could do so in many ways other than imposing itself upon and disturb- ing the residents of the town as pro- hibited by the ordinance. Public notice of the presence of its agents in the town for the purpose of taking orders for appellee’s goods could be given, stating when and where such agents could be found, samples of its wares given, and their use explained and dem- onstrated and orders taken. The act of strangers in going upon private property uninvited and ring- ing doorbells is not in our judgment property right. We therefore are of opinion the decree granting the writ should be reversed and the bill dis- missed. Many local merchants’ associations may well take heart at this decision, and work out similar ordinances in their communities to control the “ped- dler” problem. The promotion of Glenn R. Cham- berlain from Vice-President to Presi- dent of the Grand Rapids Gas Light Co. was certainly a very gracious act on the part of the directors, who con- tinue his title as general manager as well as that of president. Mr. Cham- berlain has devoted his life to the gas company and richly deserves the rec- ognition he has received from that organization. I feel greatly distressed for many people in Grand Rapids that the 100 per cent. assessment should come on two local bank stocks at this time. It seems to me that in all fairness this matter should have been delayed at least a year or two, if it had to come at all. It will cause great distress and a serious setback to the community, just when things were beginning to look a little brighter for all. This will force many people into a_ position where they will have to take such steps as they would not ordinarily take, and which they will feel very badly about having to take. If Erastus Shattuck lives until Oct. 24 he will have rounded out eighty-nine years on this sphere of activity. He came to Grand Rapids in 1872 and worked as cutter for Col. E. S. Pierce sixteen years. He then became a part- ner in the house for three years, when he entered into another co-partnership under the style of Shattuck & Trow- bridge, which relation continued sev- eral years. He then bought the inter- est of Mr. Drago in the clothing firm of Williams & Drago. This partnership continued three years under the style of Williams & Shattuck, when he sold his interest to his partner and went on the road for John G. Miller & Co, wholesale clothiers of Chicago, car- rying eight trunks and covering the retail trade of Michigan, Northern Ohio and Northern Indiana, Three years later he relinquished this relation on account of the hard work involved in handling so large a line of samples and engaged in the sale and installation of copper door strips and window screens. Two years later he relin- quished that line to go on the road for the Michigan Hearse & Motor Co. Three years later found him on the road as the representative of the Rock Falls Manufacturing Co., of Sterling, Ill. He then associated himself with the Davis Clothing Co., of Cincinnati, whom he has now represented for thir- teen years. He joined Valley City Lodge, F. & A. M., fifty years ago this month and subsequently joined every other Masonic body and the Shrine. He has paid no dues to any of the Masonic orders for ten years. He works forenoons and spends his after- noons at the Masonic Temple, play- ing contract bridge. He is in remark- ably good health, considering his age, and holds the confidence and respect of everyone who knows him, Milan, Feb. 26— The Mills Baking Co., of Ypsilanti, is peddling baked goods from house to house over our territory and all around our little town. Last Saturday about three the driver came in to my store and wanted to buy some bread and offered me retail price. I told him I could not spare him any —that I would need all I had for my own trade. He said I was obliged to sell him bread if he demanded, as long as he had the money to pay for it at retail price, and that if I refused he could make me trouble. Will you please give me your opin- ion on this as soon as possible? M. Davenport. [I think the driver of this bread wagon has overstepped the mark. If he was purchasing the bread for the use of himself or family and they were hungry for bread his position would be sustained by the statute, but under the circumstances he had no standing in the law. He should have been invited to leave the store with such a flimsy threat on his lips. (Continued on page 23) FINANCIAL Some of the Dangers of the Goodwin Plan Our churches are being tempted in these days of financial stress by a very cleverly devised commercial scheme for raising money on a wholesale scale. This scheme is known as the Goodwin Plan and operates through the wom- en’s organizations of the churches. It has been endorsed by many of the so- called leaders of various denominations, Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish. The Goodwin Plan presents to the American family a list of 400 or more products on which, if purchased, their church will receive a commission of two per cent. This remuneration goes to the church society as a reward for the “specific service of trade stimula- tion.” The list includes but one brand of each article: one type of corn flakes, one brand of chewing gum, and thus down the scale of all our wants and needs. The conclusion is, of course, that each loyal church member will buy these articles that will bring a two per cent remuneration to his church rather than any other brand. Thus it is proposed that the churches of Amer- ica join hands with Mr. Adolph Good- win, president and originator of the plan, in a great sales-promotion cam- paign. It is my personal conviction that many dangers are lurking in this wholesale tie-up of the churches with commercialism, For the plan is truly commercial in origin and purpose. It was not mothered by the churches, nor does it propose a great “altruistic” pro- gram for their sole benefit. The ques- tion for our church women and our pastors and sessions to answer is this: “Shall the great spiritual organism, the Church of Jesus Christ, enter into such a partnership and become a market for worldly goods, or shall she keep her- self “unspotted from the world?” In an insidious manner sanctimoni- ous terms are being used to try to lead our churches astray. The women ap- pointed to collect the ‘evidences of sale” are referred to as “Good News Broadcasters.” A “Good News Broad- caster” might easily confused with a “gospel messenger.” But the gospel which our women would teach would not be the good news of Jesus Christ, but rather “buy Goodwin listed prod- ucts.” And these lists containing the products to be purchased (as yet unde- termined) are to be called “Loyalty purchase Lists.” The question arises in my mind: “Is it loyalty to the church or to the Goodwin Corporation that would be manifested by the purchase of the articles named?” Certainly far- seeing Christians will not permit any private corporation to capitalize upon their loyalty. Coupled with these sanctimonious terms, in an endeavor to make the plan all the more alluring, are the “ethical standards” demanded of all co-operat- ing companies. These are phrased in such indefinite language and couched in such general terms that almost any business concern in the nation would accept them without even giving them a second reading. Yet the Goodwin Corporation of America would use MICHIGAN TRADESMAN them to picture itself as a great pro- moter of social justice. Basic principles of stewardship, which we have been attempting to teach in our churches for years, will be undermined by such a program as is here presented. It has been my good fortune to cast my lot with a group of Christian people who believe that the Church of Christ is to be main- tained by the voluntary contributions of its membership. We have not wa- vered from this ideal even in the midst of such distressing conditions as we have witnessed during the past few years. Temptations to do so have been frequent. Yet if there was ever a day when the Church needed to hold fast to her ideals of spiritual existence, that day is to-day. It is quite natural to expect our church women to feel that their ste- wardship-of-time requirement will be met when their “good news broadcast- ing” has been completed. Pastors will hesitate to ask for their assistance in other programs having to do with “seeking and saving the lost.” For their time has been spent seeking the ever elusive “evidence of sale.” Only a certain amount of time can be right- fully demanded by the church. If this is used for an inferior purpose, the loftier causes will suffer. If used to promote the financial side, it cannot be expected also to develop the spir- itual. The danger of substitutionary giv- ing seems imminent. The two per cent. from Goodwin listed articles might very easily be made to serve as the contribution to the church. Certain in- dividuals will reason that their obliga- tion to the church has been met when they turn over their coupons and “evi- dences of sale.” The tithe of the sacred Scripture may be replaced by the two per cent. from Mr. Goodwin. Of course, we realize, that had the tithe been “holy unto the Lord” in past years, commercial plans of to-day would have no appeal, for the Church would have no need. Yet certainly it is a sad day for the Church of Christ when church members turn from the Scriptural teaching of stewardship, and expect her to maintain her exis- tence on coupons from soap and chew- ing gum. If the Church is worthy of that only, let the doors be closed. The economic difficulties presented by the plan are numerous and intricate. They need not be discussed here. Suf- ficient it is to say that certain retail grocers’ associations, and_ certain chambers of commerce, are opposing the plan strongly. Large numbers of ministerial groups, after weighing both the economic and spiritual factors in- volved, have decided to reject the plan. This seems to be the only logical con- clusion to which sound business men and spiritually minded ministers can come, It is always well to view with sus- picion that which purports to be your savior in the time of great need, for the devil works overtime in days of financial depression and crisis. Certain diabolical earmarks, horns and a tail, appear attached to this program. We will not be deceived by any mask that it may wear. Let all concerned think seriously before aligning themselves with this plan. But where churches already find themselves associated with the Goodwin Corporation, it is not too late to appreciate such action. No binding contract has been signed. By notifying the corporation, your agreement will be nullified, and you can call in your broadcasters. You will then be in a position to arm yourself with the “whole armor of God—having girded your loins with truth, and hav- ing put on the breastplate of righteous- ness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” These are the weapons the Church must use to fight her battles and to solve her difficulties. I would venture a prophecy as my final word. I am of the conviction that the churches participating in the Good- win Plan at the end of three years will find themselves in no better financial condition because of it. And I also sincerely believe that their spiritual life will be at a lower level because of this wholesale tie-up with commer- cialism. W. C. Shone, United Presbyterian Clergyman. —_+2~-<-__ __ Stock Market Gambling and Ways to End It For a long time there has been agita- tion to take gambling out of the buy- ing and selling on the securities mar- kets. Throughout last summer a com- mittee appointed by the President dug into the question of stock speculation and how it could be regulated. As a result there has been introduced into Congress a bill which embodies some of the recommendations of the com- mittee. To take the gambling out of the buy- ing and selling on the securities mar- kets, certain practices would be prohib- ited under the bill. Two practices that would come under the ban are: “Wash sales,” and “matched orders.” What do these terms mean? The securities markets are places where stocks and bonds are bought and sold. Stocks are documents which show that the holder owns a financial in- terest in a certain concern. Bonds are documents which show that the holder has loaned money to a certain con- cern. Persons who want to buy or sell stocks and bonds do not go on the mar- ket directly. Rather, they hire a broker whose job it is to buy and sell securi- ties for his clients. Prices for which securities are bought, or at which they are sold are determined by supply and demand. If there is a great demand for a certain type of security, the price is forced up. Brokers have to pay more for it for their clients. On the other hand, if there is very little demand for a type of security, the price will drop. Brokers will pay much less for it. If the price goes down very much or very fast, often people who hold that particular type of stock or bond will order their broker to sell. This throws even more of these securities on the market. Sometimes attempts are made to force the prices of certain securities up or down by artificial means. That is, February 28, 1934 there are persons known as speculators who want to make big profits on cer- tain securities. They can do so if the prices are changed decidedly. There- fore, these speculators take steps de- liberately to bring about. this price change.m “Wash sales” and “matched orders” are the names of two types of practice by which speculators try to change the price of securities by artificial means. “Wash sales” are fictitious transac- tions in buying and selling securities, The purpose is to raise the prices of these securities. It is brought about in this way: One broker agrees to sell a type of security at a point higher than it would be commanding on the market at that time. Another broker agrees to A. E. KUSTERER & CO. The Oldest Investment Banking House in Western Michigan. 560 Michigan Trust Bldg. Phone 9-7231 Ask for our Bulletin on the AVIATION INDUSTRY We believe the facts are especially worth examina- tion at this time. Copies are available without charge on request. ROGER VERSEPUT & CO. Investment Bankers—Brokers 813-816 MICHIGAN TRUST BLDG. Phone 8-1217 J eee) CALLUS ... American Cyanamid Co. Phillips Petroleum Jewel Tea Company White Rock Springs Co. Local Stocks — Trust Shares Bonds Vv J. H. Petter & Co. INVESTMENT SECURITIES Grand Rapids, Mich. Mich, Trust Bidg, Phone 9-4417 W West Michigan's oldest and largest bank solicits your account on the basis of sound poli- cies and many helpful services . . , OLD KENT BANK 2 Downtown Offices 12 Community Offices i é c 13 February 28, 1934 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 11 buy that type of security. However, neither has any intention of actually making any exchange of goods or money. But this is the effect of the ‘‘wash sale’: The inflated price, that is the price higher than the market price, goes over the stock tickers. This creates the impression that this se- curity is moving upward and com- manding buyers. Therefore, it tricks the public into buying at the higher price, This practice is outlawed on some of the exchanges. One way by which an ateempt is made to check this practice is to make the broker give an account- ing to his client of securities bought and sold. He must give his customer, on request, a confirmation of every or- der executed for him. This confirma- tion states the name of the firm from whom the customer’s stocks were pur- chased or to whom sold. This prevents the broker from only pretending to make the transactions instead of actu- ally making them, “Matched orders” is another practice to regulate the price of certain securi- ties artificially. The brokers who en- gage in it may not be aware of what they are doing. This is the way the practice works: An outside party hires two brokers, unknown to each other. He orders one to sell a certain security at a certain price, and the other to buy that security at that same price. This procedure gives the appearance to the public of great activity in that particu- lar security. Therefore it often fools the public into buying this type of se- curity. This sends the price up nat- urally, and gives the speculator who started the activity a chance to sell his holdings at the profit he wants. This practice is already outlawed on some of the security markets. —_>-~___ Air of Confidence on Part of Business Men In general business has had many distracting elements to face the past week with policies changed within the Administration, strikes in several large industrial communities and Govern- ment intervention in branches of busi- ness. Car loadings disclosed an in- crease in handling for the third week of February, this being the seventh consecutive weekly increase in the to- tals. Reports of January earnings of railroads indicate that the gross reve- nue increases are carried through to their net operating income. Steel in- dustries report operation within three points of the 50 per cent. rate of opera- tion and indications are for continua- tion through March, due to heavy de- mands from the automobile makers. Retail sales for the first half of Feb- ruary were 15 per cent. to 35 per cent. greater than in the same period of 1933. It is expected that the Administration will dig into the foreign trade problem the coming week because the tariff structure is a part of the problem of industry. The Administration’s policy on tariffs is awaited with interest. The stock and bond market at the writing of this article is reactionary. However, the investing public has been impressed by the strides business has made and there has been a sharp turn about in earnings which yearly state- ments are now bringing to the pub- lic’s notice. Progress of the hearings on the Fletcher-Raeburn Bill for the stock exchange regulations is being carefully watched. Unless the final bill is freed of the more objectionable fea- tures, the market may have to consol- idate at these levels before any fur- ther developments. In general there seems to be an air of confidence on the part of business- men and investors with considerable money available for investment buying still a backlog for the securities mar- ket. J. H. Petter. —_2~++___ Will Hasten Destruction of Chain Store Menace The time is here when every inde- pendent merchant, manufacturer and interested citizen should write the President, urging him to begin prose- cution of monopolies in the interests of the common welfare. Public utilities strictly under Government control to be the only exception. On many oca- sions the President has declared against monopoly and has expressed sympathy with the smaller business and its rights to exist. Thus far this is all he has done. However, he has done so much more than was expected, in the way of monetary reform and un- employment relief, that everyone was willing to wait, in the belief that he will attend to other reforms as fast as he can get to them. It is nearly a year since he took of- fice and during this time monopoly has added greatly to the mortality list of smaller merchants and manufacturers. The great monopolies have had a good year, having declared their usual divi- dends and often special ones. The dire necessity of the people has driven them to the big chains for their low price bait, which hastens the demise of thousands of small merchants, as well as jeopardizing the life of every independent merchant. It was the pleasure of the writer, while representing the Tradesman, to travel over much of this state last year and to talk with hundreds of merchants and business men. A careful survey was made of business conditions and the effect monopolies was having upon them and their communities. It was found that merchants and manufac- turers, who had been leaders in build- ing up the town or city, financing its banks and various enterprises, paying heavy taxes for the upkeep of the com- munity, were finding it extremely dif- ficult to live. Giant monopolies had came in to harvest the opportunities that home business had built up. These had no interest in the community ex- cept to get its money. We have been told that monopolies are here to stay and each community must adjust itself to them. Don’t you believe this. The President does not. Go into any community where monop- olies control the sale of necessities and you will find it impoverished. The money is drained: out of local channels. If this deplorable condition is to be corrected and local initiative and enter- prise encouraged, monopolies must be destroyed. Our statesmen of forty years ago saw this danger and they passed the anti-trust law against them, but greedy wealth has prevented en- forcement of the law. Thus have mo- nopolies grown until they have invaded every town and city wherein they find sufficient business. Business men and women should let the President know they appreciate what he has done, and that they are ready to support him in a fight against monopoly. Write him and get your neighbors to write him and tell him the conditions in your community and ask that he begin action to prosecute and destroy greed. If every merchant, manufacturer and interested citizen will do this, it will hasten the destruc- tion of this great menace to the peace and prosperity of the Nation. E. B. Stebbins. ——_s+___ Proceedings of the Grand Rapids Bankruptcy Court In the matter of Frank N. Robinson, individually and doing business as Man- ufacturer’s Sales Service, bankrupt No. 5573. The first meeting of creditors has been called for March 6, at 2 p. m. In the matter of Old Heidelberg Cafe, Ine. Bankrupt No. 5566. The first meet- ing of creditors has been called for Mar. 6 at 10 a. m. In the matter of William Miller Hard- ware Co., Inc., final meeting of creditors was held under date of Feb, 16. Fred G. Timmer, trustee, was present and repre- sented by Belcher & Hamlin, attorneys. Bidders on account present in person. Trustee’s final report and account ap- proved and allowed. Report and account of William J. Bolton, trustee under trust mortgage prior to bankruptcy, was con- sidered and approved and allowed except that any further fees or compensation to said William J. Bolton was denied. Bal- ance of bills, notes and accounts receiv- able sold without warranty to Robert Miller for sum of $65.00. Shares of stock in Chippewa Hotel and in Filer Fibre Co. also sold to Robert Miller, Shares of stock in Winchester Repeating Arms Co. abandoned as worthless and burdensome. Order was made for the payment of ex- penses of administration, a supplemental first dividend of 10 per cent. and a final dividend of 2.4 per cent. No objection to discharge. Final meeting adjourned with- out date. Files will be returned to U. S. District Court. Feb. 19. On this day first meeting of creditors in the matter of Joseph Gesell, doing business under the assumed name of Manistee Brewery Co., bankrupt No. 5547, was held. The bankrupt was pres- ent in person but not represented by at- torney. Fred G. Timmer, receiver, was present in person and represented by Max C. Hamlin, attorney. Certain cred- Norcross & Judd, Louis H. Osterhous, itors were present in person and Warner, Dilley & Dilley, Butterfield, Keeney & Amberg and Seth R. Bidwell, attorneys, appeared on behalf of creditors, Claims were considered and referred to the trus- tee. The bankrupt was sworn and exam- ined before a reporter; transcript order- ed. Receiver’s report and account ap- proved and allowed. Meeting adjourned to Feb. 23 at 10 a. m. Feb. 20. On this day first meeting of creditors in the matter of Carl I. Camp- bell, bankrupt No. 5572, was held. The bankrupt was present and represented by Thomas D. Meggison, attorney. Creditors were represented by Max C. Hamlin and Taggart & Kingston, attorneys. Sale of assets at private sale to William H. Gar- land for the sum of $4,000.00 was ratified and confirmed. Claims proved and al- lowed or referred to trustee. Fred G. Timmer, of Grand Rapids, was appointed trustee with bond of $500.00. The meet- ing then adjourned without date. Feb. 23. On this day adjourned first meeting of creditors in the matter of Joseph Gesell, doing business under the assumed name of Manistee Brewery Co., bankrupt No. 5547, was held. Fred G. Timmer, Trustee, was present in person and represented by Max C. Hamlin, at- torney. Bankrupt and wife were present in person and represented by A. W. Penny, attorney. Certain creditors were present in person and represented by Warner, Norcross & Judd, Max Neal, and Dunham & Sherk, attorneys. Mr. George S. Norcross presented written offer for purchase of the trustee’s equity in assets on behalf of Carroll Graham Glass Co., one of the largest creditors. It was agreed, after due consideration, that show cause order should be issued to creditors and hearing had on such offer, to be returnable March 12, 1934, at 10 a. m. First meeting of creditors accord- ingly adjourned to the same date and time. Feb. 24. On this day the schedules, ref- erence, and adjudication in the matter of Doyle Composition Co., bankrupt No. 5595, were received. The bankrupt Is Jocated in Grand Rapids. The schedules show total assets of $22,518.27, and total liabilities of $9,915.59, listing the following creditors: State of Michigan, Lansing_----- $ 15.00 €ity of Grand Rapids... 1.00 conn Walsh GC Ro 69.00 ide Andve & Koo 15.00 Tonite Velanuis G Huu oo 20.00 Walter Droskit. G. H.. -. 140.00 William E&. Doyle, G. H.-... 300.00 Louise: Stiles G. KR... 8 7.50 Lyle Wellman, Lansing__________ 40.00 Joe: Vobin Gy oo 23.40 Arlon DeGrafe G HR. 25.00 Michigan Trust Co., G. R....___.. 26.00 Lanston Monotype Machine Co., Philadelphia __.. ee 5,000.00 Charles N. Remington, G. R.---- 1,000.00 Advertising Club, G. K..._______ 10.00 Bb. W. Blatchford, Chicago _____ 24.47 Central Trade Plant, G: R.____- 104.96 Consumers Power Co., G. R..--- 28.49 @ity of Grand Kapids 1,026.98 Graphic Arts Assn., G, R..__ 155.62 G@ Rh. Bieetrotyie Co. 32.73 G. K Gas Bisht Co. G, H._.. _ 57.35 Gelock Transfer Co., G. K.-.___ 2.00 G K. Herale GG Ro 32.50 International Trade Composition Ass’n, Washington, D.C, ------ 15.00 Metals Refining Co., Hammond__ 284.47 Master Tire Service, G. R.____-- 31.26 Mich. Bell Telephone Co., G. RR. 25.09 Printers Supply Service, Chicago 48.80 Printing Trades Blue Book Co., Clicate 2 ee ae 25.00 Printers Appraisal Co., Chicago 10.00 Quimby-Kain Paper Co., G. R.-- 4.3 Tatum Book Binding Co., G. HK... 16.90 detters-Hake €o:., G. Rio 52.77 Entertype €o., Brooklyn —:._.._ 48.00 National Lead Co., Chicago_____- 25.00 Wilson Van Hinckle, Oak Park. 125.00 J. Hendricks: G& Koo 480.00 Erank Herman, Piqua —____..__. 550.00 Michiean Trust €o., G. HK... 26.00 Feb. 24, On this day schedules, refer- ence and adjudication in the matter of Westend Furniture Co., bankrupt No. 5598, were received. The bankrupt is located at Kalamazoo, Mich. The sched- ules show total assets of $1,664.03, and total liabilities of $3,921.12, listing the following creditors: City Treasurer, Kalamazoo __----$ 89.43 State of Michigan, Lansing_----- 29.70 Rockford Superior Furniture Co., c ROCKO“? 2.22 78.50 Holland Furniture Co., Holland__ 155.76 Bryout, W. M. Ins., Detroit______ 10.00 Kalamazoo Gazette, Kalamazoo 171.23 Kalamazoo Retail Cred. Ass’n.__ 12.00 Walter KK: Knowles... __ 18.00 Allegan Woodcraft Shops_-—-_--- 17.50 Arcadia Furniture Co., Arcadia_- 12.25 Areal Cabinet Co., Peru, Ind.---- 16.00 Brieckwede Bros, Co., Marietta__ 291.3 Campbell Lamp & Shade Co., Detroit 25.52 Charlotte Chair Co., Charlotte____ 34.40 Ceryshoga Picture & Lamp Co., @Clévoelaitid oe 11.08 Davis-Birely Table Co., Shelbyville 36.48 The Dunbar Furniture Co., Berne 48.15 Durham Mfe. Co., Muncie_.______ 12.64 Falcon Mfg. Co., Big Rapids____ 19.00 Folding Furniture Works, Inc., : Stevenspoint. Wis. 0... 110.05 G HR. Bedding Co., G KR... 322.14 Haggard & Marcusson Co., Chicago 66.55 Haywood-Wakefield Co., Menominee 82.07 Indian Splint Co., Rochester_--_-~- 6.95 Leutz Table Co., Nashville-_--_- 13.60 Luxury Furniture Co., G. KK... 584.20 Luxfibre Furniture Co., Waukeshaw 14.90 Marietta Chair Co., Marietta, O. 13.41 Morton Sales Co., Detroit ________ 10.95 Mt. Airy Furniture Co., Mt. Airy 4.00 Murphy Chair Co., Cevenshoro__ 12.00 Mutechler Bros. Co., Nappanee__ 12.00 The Park Furniture Co., Rashville 186.15 Puritan Bed Spring Co., Indi- LTR 16.00 Rockford Eagle Furniture Co., ROCHEOIG 6 2 11.75 Sirite. Inc., New: York... 10.82 Space Save Cab’t. Co., Martinsville 16.15 Standard Screen Co., Chicago____ 32.00 Star Furniture Co., Jamestown_-_ 55.75 Singlow Industries, Mansfield____ 66.40 West Mich. Furniture Co., Holland 25.80 Youngsville Sales Co., Youngsville 18.55 Youngsville Mfg. Co., Youngsville 124.95 EF. S. Weston, Kalamazoo________ 2.78 3ank of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo 190.00 The Lilly-Ames Co., Columbus_. 600.00 a A Someday in Court Before long the court stenographer will be yielding to the advances of radio. When we wish to refer to the testimony the switch will start the ma- chine and the entire court procedure will be reacted and not only the words, but the tone of voice, etc., will be given and error will not be claimed. Per- haps then will come the picture and We can watch the attorneys make faces at each other, re gn oer Ara rant iarsoniete parct February 28, 1934 12 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN a R E 7. A I L [; R O .: E R Many others are half-way, but coming try, perhaps it is conservative to esti- human morale, strengthened by an ade- Retail Grocers and Meat Dealers Associa. UP- This present news from Chicago mate that this dollar-per-person first quate supply of food. tion of Michigan. should help all of them. tax will yield $1,500,000. The FSRC has bought blankets and na vice cans i. It is proper, no question, that every- Now, a million and a half dollars is coal but has discontinued a wholesale Bathke, Petoskey, _ body should pay his just share of hardly small change in any of the program of clothing purchases. Cloth- Ht aivigage Vice-President—Rudolf Eckert, taxes, but to effect that there are plen- | schemes Uncle Sam has lately set up. ing for the needy is being bought by Secretary Herman Hansen, Grand ty of laws now. Any failure is due to The new employes under the New _ regular relief agencies with funds from ’ a H. Bailey, Sr., Lansing. aditinicieaive shortcomings. A case Deal alone are reported at 23,000. Do the FERA in the amounts needed for Directors—Holger Jorgenson, Muske- splendidly illustrating this is just re. we know what that means? each locality. Beyoe, Hay Clty; Vineet A Minis, ported from Kansas. Well, in 1787 Uncle Sam started with +++ Manistee; Ward Newman, Pontiac. In one Kansas town, it seems, a Pen- 15 employes al! told. 23,000 is 184 Protecting Quality of Food and Drugs ney store made a return of some $27,-. times as many as his total was then. Candy containing alcohol, unclean Secretaries’ Convention Talks Solid 000. The local assessor, reported to So while population has increased thir- butter, insect-infested apricots and Good Sense be that political exception, an official ty times, this one department alone, peaches, partially decomposed shrimp, Grocers Association secretaries held Who takes his duties seriously and is sprung up within the year, requires 184 wormy olives, bad eggs, and also mis- e their annual convention in Chicago last month, Wm. D. Hadeler, newly-elected president of the secretaries, reporting “a most successful meeting,” sketched some salient resolutions, then this: “It was proven in each state that the chain store tax was detrimental to the entire food industry, inasmuch that at the following session of the legisla- ture where classified tax was placed on chain stores at previous session, a general tax was placed on the entire food industry because of this chain store tax idea that was presented by independent retailers in those states, again proving that the contention of the California Retail Grocers & Mer- chants Association that a chain store tax was not to the best interests of the industry is correct.” I quote that with considerable satis- faction, not that I assume the “TI-told- you-so” attitude, but that it is always hopeful when men begin to see straight —if only they do that in time. It is, nevertheless, true that more than four years ago, in the incipiency of this mis- taken plan, I warned grocers every- where that it was basically unsound to attempt to limit anyone’s capacity to develop or otherwise curtail his free- dom, since that must inevitably react in limitation of our own liberties. It is likewise pleasing to know that our California association officers have been consistent in this attitude. Their reports from other meetings of secre- taries have been similar in tone, though not, it seems to me, quite so emphatic or extended as this one. This fact manifests some of the handicaps under which such officials must work. They can not always or immediately go in what they know is a wise direction. They have to bring their constituents to sound views and procedure and, against any fever of prejudice, and that process takes time. I know that plenty of quite sincere grocers’ secretaries have been them- selves strong for the special tax plan and years were required for them to see the error of such views. News of this last meeting is that those formerly hard set in this mistake are now frank to acknowledge that they were wrong. Without exhausting the list of ef- fective grocer associations, a few ex- ceptionally strong ones I have con- tacted with are these: Pennsylvania and California. I can not say that either is stronger than the other. Both have one characteristic in common— that they absolutely discountenance snake dancing and put no faith in med- icine men or witch doctors. And that is something, believe me. Other good ones—again I say not all of them—are Cleveland, Cincinnati, New England, Kentucky, St. Louis. above being “seen,” so that he has raised figures regardless where he thought raising was indicated, changed the Penney figure to around $94,000. The courts decided on $55,700 and tax was paid on that basis. Now, “all I know is what I read in the papers.” I have no real know!l- edge of this case, except that I fully agree with the trade editor’s remarks that the Penney organization is one of the better class. Anyone who is famil- iar, as I am, with the little coal mining village of Kemerer, Wyoming, in which J, C. Penney, the smallest kind of “independent” merchant, started his single hole-in-the-wall in 1903 and from that has constructed the present magnificent line of perhaps 1500 stores is apt to coincide with that editorial opinion. My point is simply this: That for the purpose of spreading tax burdens equitably our machinery to-day is am- ple. It fails for two reasons: Our uni- versal habit of dodging where we can— all of us; and that officials whose offi- ces depend on local voters wink at tax dodging. A case in this point was started a while back, ostensibly to fer- ret out what the chains were hiding, and I looked eagerly for future news. But no news came, Later it transpired that the local assessor told his constit- uents that if they pressed the suit, he’d be “on the spot” since all of them were making short returns. “I may lose my job,” he said, “but if I do I shall have to embarrass a lot of you boys in the process.” It is really quite risky for those who live in glass houses to throw stones. See John: VIII, v7. But, purely from the standpoint of sordid self-interest, it has seemed from the start that this anti-chain tax plan must certainly boomerang on its movers. Experience shows that it does just that. Now our trade is operating under a food code which recognizes each seg- ment as legitimate and worthy of pre- cisely equal rights and treatment. The San Francisco first meeting of the clans occurred Thursday, Feb. 8. Many questions were given the run-around, because, as a fact, no issue is definitely decided as yet—except what it will cost to administer the code. The cost is definite—at least the be- ginning of the cost; for no man knows what the end of any of these govern- mental experiments with business and industry will cost eventually, either in money or otherwise. We are here again reminded of the certainty of death and taxes, for we are told that, at once or sooner, we must put up one dollar for each person engaged in any store. If, as is commonly stated, there are 480,000 grocery stores in our coun- times the personnel the entire govern- ment needed to begin keeping house. It is reported now that our tax on sugar yields the “small burden” of $1.86 per capita and that is reported as “equitable” because spread evenly over all people. Now think: As late as 1850 Uncle Sam’s total cost was $1.93 per capita. In 1930 it was $38.42—$192.10 on each family of five persons. What is it now—total? What we get is problematical, but the minimum we pay—not the maxi- mum—is absolutely certain, “The con- sent of the governed” is pretty much forgotten. The expense of the gov- erned can not be forgotten. Paul Findlay. —_~+7+-+___ How Higher Cost of Foods Affects Nation’s Pantry Fewer groceries were purchased in the United States in January than in the same month last year, Preliminary returns from a survey made by the Department of Commerce show that there was a 7 per cent. de- cline in the quantity of food sold al- though an increase in prices accounted for a 4 per cent. rise in the dollar vol- ume of sales. The survey was based on sales reported from a selected group of chain units. Officials point out that the buying of the Federal Surplus Relief Corporation and the difference in relief methods this year and in 1933 may have some- thing to do with the decline in volume of gracery sales. A year ago much of the food consumed by those on relief figured in grocery orders. To-day much of this food is furnished directly through the FSRC. Grocery prices during January were approximately 11 per cent. higher than a year ago, The dollar value of groceries bought in January, 1934, even with its 4 per cent. advance over 1933, was 13 per cent. below January, 1932: 25 per cent. below January, 1931; 31 per cent. be- low January, 1930; and 39 per cent. below January, 1929. The paradox of great quantities of surplus products on American farms and scarcity among the needy unem- ployed has been effectively surmounted by the Federal Surplus Relief Corpora- tion relief program, started last Octo- ber. This assertion is made by the Consumers’ Counsel of the Agricul- tural Adjustment Administration. Surpluses can’t last forever, it is pointed out. The better the agricultural program succeeds the smaller will be the chance of future gluts of supplies. The Consumers’ Counsel says that purchases made by the SFRC have re- sulted in huge savings of food products and in the less tangible elements of branded syrup, salad oil, patent medi- cines and stock remedies were among the 144 seizures made in January for violation of the Federal Food and Drugs Act. One of the most stringent provisions is against the use of alcohol or alco- holic substances in candy. Repeal of the Prohibition Amendment, it is stated by Chieg W. G. Campbell, of the United States Food and Drug Admin- istration, has in no way modified this section of the law. So-called soothing syrups, dangerous to infants and children for whom in- tended, still continue to be sold. An important seizure was that of a num- ber of “Sirop d’Anis Gauvin Com- pound,” recommended for coughs, colds, bronchitis and other ills, and de- nounced as fraudulently labelled in re- gard to these remedial claims. This compound was found to contain morphine, Chief Campbell asserts, and was used largely by mothers working in New England textile mills. These women were found to be dosing their children to keep them quiet while they were away at work. Brands of whiskey below United States Pharmacopeia standards and la- beled as remedies for various diseases were among the seizures, “Old Nectar Whisky,” claimed to be a curative for bronchitis, influenza, and other mala- dies, was denounced as fraudulently labeled and 1,200 bottles taken into custody. —__ $5 _ Please Pay Up The rose is red, the violet blue, This little bill is overdue: So pay it now—don’t wait till when The rose and violet bloom again; For if you do delay it thus, No violet will bloom for us. Unless you pay, the rose will rest Upon a fair and manly chest; The birds will sing, but what of that? We will not hear where we are at— So come across, we need the dough— Not in the Spring, but now, you know. The rose is red, the violet blue— Do we need cash? I'll say, we do! A “Buy Now” Racket Riding the wave of “Buy Now’ en- thusiasm stirred up by the Blue Eagle. little “racketeers” have tried all sorts of stunts to line their pockets. Latest fraud unearthed by the NRA is the solicitation of funds from citizens and merchants to be used for trade stim- ulation campaigns. Administrator Hugh S. Johnson wants the country to know that the Government has not designated anyone to solicit funds for “Buy Now” drives. PIR B ston ay pages Happiness could be spelled: Useful- ness, 4, ws & = February 28, 1934 MEAT DEALER NRA Withholds Action on Meat Code Nothing has come out of Washing- ton to indicate the attitude of the Na- tional Recovery Administration toward reopening negotiations for a proposed separate code for the reail meat trade. Nor has any announcement been made as to what was done about the request for a stay of application of the Food and Grocery Code to the re- tail meat trade, which was referred to the NRA policy committee three weeks ago, Chairman Walter Kay and Secretary John A. Kotal, of the Code Committee of the National Retail Meat Dealers Association, say everything is all right; that meat dealers are not bound by the grocers’ code and that Congressman Celler from New York, whom they ap- pointed to represent them in the cap- ital on account of his political influ- ence, assured them that he will secure a separate code. We are endeavoring to bring about a complete understanding among the meat merchants throughout the United States by publishing their views. Most of the expressions have ben decidedly favorable to a separate meat code and these have given explicit reasons. The letters favoring adherence to the gro- cery code have indicated that the ac- tion of their groups in the matter is decisive. These believe that the ex- pense of organizing code authorities and administering a separate code would outweigh the benefits. They will be satisfied to operate under the Food and Grocery code if the word grocery is eliminated and if supple- mental provisions pertaining to meat trade problems are added, and a voice in the solution of them be granted. In the meantime the meat trade is absolutely bound by the Food code. State and local Food code authorities are being formed throughout the coun- try to administer the food and grocery code and in some cities meat dealers are accepting places on them. Even though the meat trade is with- out a code of its own, it is not neces- sarily flfloundering any more than the ‘grocery industry, the code authority for which will not get into operation until the State and local code districts are fully organized, financed and operat- ing. Probably the greatest task ahead for the grocers is putting their fee col- lecting machinery into motion. Local flareups in various parts of the country have been keeping the na- tional grocers’ authority on edge, but generally speaking the national body has let each settle its own affairs. In New York city plans to have the code administered by one group for the met- ropolitan district caused an uprising when the slate was put through at a meeting said to have been packed for it, and the election was later declared void. Now the plan is to have seven district code authorities, which enables separation of areas that could not agree, These will be administered by a metropolitan area committee. It seems that gradually the national government has come to a realization that it hasn’t jurisdiction over state and local matters and that it can step MICHIGAN in only where interstate business is concerned, There is a feeling among leading meat retailers that at any minute the local clamp that are not complying with the food code as to hours. compliance boards down on may business concerns Space in this issue does not permit publishing many of the letters sub- scribers have written us expressing their views on the meat code situation. We will be able to give more space to such letters in the next issue and shall be glad to receive more of them. NRA headquarters in Washington is interested in these comments and in learning the sentiment of meat trades- men. So write frankly. Ii wish we will withhold the name, but write. Even if you merely say you do or domt favor 2 write, you separate meat code— ~~ New Law on the Codes Slowly the courts are beginning to get the various questions arising out of the codes, and it is very from their that +»—___ I am one of those people optimistic enough to believe in the future of democracy. No matter how widely we may have departed from the practice of democracy, no matter how many failures we may have had as a nation, it is a conviction to me that it is some- thing too precious to make it a matter of any light moment that those things should be discarded. — Dr. Harry Woodburn Chase. ———_+--e___— Wealth may spoil; but doesn’t pov- erty? Si a TRADESMAN Value of Diet as Preventive of Com- mon Colds During the Winter and early Spring, when the weather is changeable, some of us, especially our children, manage to get one cold after another, so that we never feel perfectly well until the warm sunny days settle down for good. A good many people would like to what these and whether they ,could be prevented by We hear that cer- tain vitamins, particularly A, will pre- vent colds, and would like to know the truth of the matter. And what about the theory of alkaline diets, and diets know causes colds, some special diet. that have an acid reaction in the body and their relation to colds? There is no diet that prevents colds, any more than there is a diet that pre- vents measles, A cold is an infection. Of course, the right kind of a diet helps to prevent any kind of infection. That is a good diet with plenty of vita- mins and minerals and all the other food substances the body needs. The body has to fight continually against the bacteria which cause colds. When the body’s resistance is lowered it cannot fight the cold germs so well. That’s when we “take cold” from other people around us, or from germs in the very air we breathe, They are hard to escape. In schools, colds spread rapidly in this way, and the children whose resistance is low are the ones who catch them. Again, if you eat a lot of rich, heavy foods and get your digestive tract up- set, if you get constipated so that waste matter is not carried off as usual, you are bound to be much more vul- nerable to colds. Many authorities believe that a diet which maintains a normal alkali reserve in the safeguard against colds. If the alkali reserve of the body is low and you are exposed to a lot of body is a lively cold bacteria, your body is poor- ly prepared to deal with them. People who aren’t chemists some- times do not understand how it is pos- sible that the foods that taste acid on the tongue have an alkaline reaction in the body after we eat them. Take grapefruit, for instance. Sour as it is, grapefruit helps to make the body alka- line. And so do oranges and tomatoes, and most other fruits and vegetables. This is because after they are digest- ed they give substances that are alka- line in their reaction. Milk is another alkaline, or base-forming food. In the acid-forming group are meat and eggs and fish; in other words the protein foods; and also bread and ce- reals. Fruits and vegetables, because of their potential alkaline properties, as well as their vitamin content, should be used liberally in the diet. 13 When experimental animals or hu- man beings for weeks and months eat foods that contain little or no vitamin A, their eyes begin to get sore, and the mucous throat membranes of the nose, lungs infected. These are the tissues, of course, that colds attack. A diet rich in vitamin A helps to keep these tissues healthy and so better able to withstand the cold bacteria. and become But I don’t believe in people’s dosing themselves with all sorts of vitamin A preparations with the idea that colds will thus be prevented. It is much bet- ter and and probably much cheaper to get your vitamin supply from natural sources. A good generous helping of spinach or some other green leafy vegetable will supply plenty of A for a day. wiser, vitamin Eat vegetables of green or yellow color if you want vitamin A. This is fruits, too. You'll find vitamin A in apricots, bananas, yellow peaches, muskmelon, and many others. Butter and cream and liver are all good sources of vitamin A among the animal products. And ‘cod-liver oil comes at the head of the list. Keep your body as healthy as you can by eating a variety of the right kinds of including those that are rich in vitamin A, and you'll have true of some foods, a better chance to prevent taking colds than if you eat a one-sided diet, espe- cially one lacking in vitamins. Also look for those foods that will build up your alkaline reserve, and you will be pretty much on the safe side. Dr. Hazel Munsell. —_ oo >___ How to Weigh a Haystack Mathematicians of the University of Nevada have rushed to the rescue of farmers who want to know how many tons of hay they have in the stacks and don’t want to haul it to the scales. The formula devised by the agricultural ex- tension service of the University is as “Multiply the ‘over’ (that is, the height of the stack from the ground, over the top and down the other side) by .04. Multiply the cir- cumference by .12. Subtract this re- sult from the first one. Multiply the result thus obtained by the circumfer- ence squared, which gives the number of cubic feet in the stack.” follows: —_—_2-.___ Copper Improved Copper consumption in the United States increased 28 per cent. in 1933, while importations of that metal de- clined 30 per cent, in raw copper and 7 per cent. on refined. Copper condi- tions are better in the United States than abroad. Local stocks are declin- ing rapidly. —_»+~____ It’s all right to take your time, but not your employer’s. KEEP SUPPLIED WITH LILY WHITE FLOUR “The flour the best cooks use’’ VALLEY CITY MILLING COMPANY Portland -— Grand Rapids — Kalamazoo -— Traverse City HARDWARE Michigan Retail Hardware Aesociation. President — Henry A. Schantz, Grand Rapids. Secretary—Harold W. Bervig, Lansing. Treasurer—William Moore, Detroit. Field Secretary — L. S. Swinehart, Lansing. Examination of Distribution Policies of Manufacturers Hardware distribution has, through- out its history, suffered from a lack of orderly distribution policies. One may as well recognize, at the start, that one of the principal causes for the lack of orderly distribution policies arises in the fact that “hardware” is an inclusive term covering a consider- able number of specialty lines, prac- tically any of which is an industry in itself, with manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers specializing in those in- dividual lines. The hardware store is, in a way, a modified department store —a grouping of specialty lines. I need not mention more than a few of these: such as sporting goods, paints, elec- trical merchandise, builders and con- tractors’ supplies, housewares, and many others. The variety of outlets handling lines customarily considered hardware has developed a system of distribution that is, to some extent at least, “hit or miss.’ This has resulted in: a. The manufacturer selling all he can to the wholesaler, to department stores and to syndicates. b. The wholesaler selling all he can to hardware dealers, to stores special- izing in various lines other than hard- ware, to industrial plants and to other large and small consumers. c. The consequence of this is that the hardware dealers’ market is nar- rowed by encroachments from all sides. d. Because of this confusion in dis- tribution and, as a general result of an idea to, “get all they can and give as little as possible,” the pricing policies of some manufacturers reflect a favor- itism to certain outlets. Coupled with this is a frequent lack of clear recog- MICHIGAN to Sears in the form of “adjustments.” The position of the government was that these adjustments were, in effect, rebates. In 1931 a most unusual contract was drawn up between Goodyear and Sears. An arrangement, magnificent in conception but dissimilar only in de- gree from other types of arrangements made all-together too often between large distribution outlets and manu- facturers. Goodyear presented Sears with 18,000 shares of Goodyear com- mon stock and, in addition, $800,000 in cash with which to buy 32,000 more shares of common stock. This was done to cement friendship and, accord- ing to General R. E. Wood, President of Sears, to “insure the absolute per- formance of the contract.” C. H. Brook, Comptroler of Goodyear, testi- field that 45 per cent. of the 1933 profit on the Sears contract went toward amortizing this $1,250,000 stock and cash payment. See Table Number One. In regard to this contract Paul Litchfield, President of Goodyear, offers the usual explanation of all man- ufacturers and distributors in defend- ing a policy which frenquently, they, themselves, do not really approve that “If they couldn’t get tires from us, they could get them from someone else.” This is on the same principal of the man, who caught stealing an automobile said, “If I didn’t Swipe it, somebody else would.” There is a large amount of informa- tion available as to inside allowances given many of the larger distributors who, while they market a very consid- erable volume, distribute only a minor percentage of the total volume. In effect, the policy represents a direct subsidy which the regular distributor TRADESMAN contributes to his most bitter compe- tition. The results of the Federal Trade Commission report explains much of the mystery of chain store competi- tion. The speecial allowances found in the examination of policies of hun- dred of manufacturers indicate that they were given principally for two reasons, In 25 per cent. of the instances, for advertising and promotion. In 25 per cent. of the instances, for displays feat- uring deals. In the drug field, 682 manufacturers sold 39 per cent. of their volume to chains.and gave them 70 per cent. of all allowances. No special allowances, according to these reports, were given to wholesalers representing 87 per cent. of the total number of customers. Liggetts received 10.28 per cent. special allowances on purchases in 1929 and 13.69 per cent. in 1930. Sears re- ceived 10.02 per cent. in 1929, 9.48 per cent. in 1930, As to pricing policies the Federal Trade Commission says, “Price pol- icies claimed by chains are one thing, while the policies pursued are quite another.” The Commission also found that the claims of chains as to super-efficiency were not justified and mention, for example, that the capital turnover, in- cluding grocery chains, was shown by the report to be only 3.22 times. The conclusion from this report is obvious that chain store profits are pretty largely the result of forcing manufacturers into giving special re- bates not shared by sources distrib- uting a major portion of the volume. The much vaunted efficiency of these outlets evidently did not particularly impress the Commission, It concludes are interesting. TABLE NUMBER ONE According to the testimony presented before the Federal Trade Commission the following figures in regard to the Goodyear-Sears-Roebuck contract February 28, 1954 by saying “Notwithstanding the gen- eral growth of the chain store busi- ness as a whole and the increase in size and great success of mary individ- ual chains, the tendency of most kinds of chains clearly appears to be (1) de- clining average sales per store, (2) de- clining income per store, (3) decreas- ing turnover of business investments and (4) declining rates of return on in- vestment.” Open Price Policies The foregoing argument concerning distribution policies was introduced to give a clearer picture of the situation concerning special privileges received by favorite distributors. The policies introduced by passage of the NRA in distribution problems have not been as effective as some had hoped, but may, eventually, result in clearing up some inconsistencies in distribution. Among some of the policies adopted by vari- ous manufacturing groups who are deeply concerned with the tactics of what they call the “chiseler” among their own groups, is the open price policy. This is not an innovation of the NRA, but is a principle adopted in many codes, following the plan of vari- Oud agreements that manufacturers’ associations had endeavored to adopt in the past. This policy establishes that manufacturers must publish prices openly a certain number of days, gen- eraly ten days, before the price goes into effect and that they cannot sell for less than that published price without violating their code. Other manufac- turers may meet that published price even though it means selling at a loss. The net result in the case of industries with few producing units can scarcely be distinguished from out-and-out price fixing. The first code containing the open price policy is that of the Electrical Manufacturer’s Code. Information received since the adoption of the code indicates what had been suspected, without complete proof, that large syndicates had received exceptionally low prices and were continuing to re- 7 , re Factory Cost All-State Tires_______ $3.92 All Weather________ $3.82 ceive them when contracts were re- nition of what constitutes a logical out- Billing Price All-State Tires_______ ~. 4.39 All Weather________ 7.27 newed in the latter part of 1933 Net Operating Profit... —__ 27 All Weather________ 1,24 : oe ’ 33. let for the sale of hardware items by distributors. It is extremely interesting to study sales and price policies of various man- Over fifty industries have adopted the open price policy and received ap- proval from the NRA. See Table Number Two. TABLE NUMBER TWO It is interesting to note the effects on prices of the adoption, by manufac- ufacturers, We can approach this turers of various methods of controlling the price. In a study, taking 1926 problem and perhaps get a better un- a8 @ base, the situation has resulted as follows: (Dec. 15) Price Paid by Dealers derstanding of the situation by usin 1924 1926 1929 1933 ‘ het he bet Kas oo é . 1. Without Price Fixing 108.2 100.0 88.8 82.7 The problem is so complex that the wha € legal traternity calls the case 2. Price Fixing Provisions______________ 100.8 100.0 95.5 98.6 actual effect of the codes can not be method. One hears a great deal of 8. Open Price Provisions_________ 101.2 100.0 90.2 111.2 known. It is probable that there will talk about so-and-so does. Sometimes this information is more or less accu- rate and, again, it is inaccurate and misleading. The case that I will pre- sent to you is one that is stubstantiated by an investigation undertaken by the Federal Trade Commission and con- be a change for the better, due to ex- Piration of contracts, but ways have been found by the syndicates in many cases to continue to secure favorable contracts. One that has caused a great deal of difficulty is that concerning present mail order connections on wire TABLE NUMBER THREE A preliminary study has been made by the Nationa] Price Committee in connection with the State Trade Relations Committee which indicates some of the difficulties of the present situation, This study covered a considerable number of representative items taken from 75 lists sent in by dealers who reported trouble in securing competitive prices. The following examples show the situation which applies to a very considerable group wg me ae of items: : ; : cerns the distribution ser ecment of the Average and nails. This matter was discussed Goodyear Rubber Co. with Sears, M. O. Cost on Tuesd ; Roebuck & C Page No. Catalog Price Michigan ay. oebuc 0. S789 Old Reliable Bar Solder Prices in the 1934 mail order cata- In the last seven years, according to 40 per cent. tin, 60 per cent. lead__$ .27 $ .29 ' ee M466 =s- Standard St. Shank 3 in... M .10 07% logue show some items about 10 per the Federal Trade Commission report, Twist Drills, 4% in... M .14 11 ci 1 b a5 Goodyear sold Sears $122,820,000 of S793 24 grade Stillson wrench, 10 in.______ .59 44 cent. hig er, a large number aroun : ; its ; M463 Steel Sledge, 8 Ib.__-_._. M_ .85 S$ .80 78 per cent. higher and a few less than in tires at Sears’ contract prices. This . Double Face, 10 Ib.______________ “ 1.05 S 1.00 .93 the earlier catalog S800 Mortise Lock Set, broad bevel______ 45 S .45 34 : was 18 per cent. of the total Goodyear M460 Rural Mail Box, standard approved. M198 — § 1.98 1.71 Sen Pabic takes Ti output in number of tires, but only S869 anes Galv. Pipe, % in.____-_____ = ox : 08% oa z ct . ot eleven per cent. of the total Goodyear $804 Japanned Tubular Rivets, 50 asst...M 10 S 108 08 There are many lines showing a very volume. Of the $122,820,000 of sales through Sears, $8,555,000 was returned difficult situation in regard to price that (Continued on page 17) February 28, 1934 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 15 DRY GOODS Michigan Retail Dry Goods Association. President—Thomas Pitkethly, Flint. First Vice-President—D. Mihlethaler. Harbor Beach. Second Vice-President—Henry McCor- mack, Ithaca. , i Secretary-Treasurer—Clare R. Sperry, Port Huron. Manager—Jason E. Hammond, Lansing. Dubious on Men’s Easter Wear Men’s wear retailers are somewhat dubious about the success of pre-Eas- ter offerings of new Spring clothing and furnishings. Most of them are planning on showing the new ranges about the middle of March, which will give them two weeks’ time before Eas- ter. A great deal, however, will de- pend on the weather during the latter part of next month, with store execu- tives doubting that it will be sufficient- ly mild to encourage the sale of Spring goods. On the other hand, the nearness of Easter may force the movement of goods which otherwise might be held up for several weeks until the weather really warranted Spring purchases by consumers. ——> 2-2 Active Inquiry for Glassware With the number of inquiries from buyers touching the highest point in more than five years, all branches of the glass industry look forward to an extremely active Spring trade. Pro- duction of plate glass, liquor glassware and containers continues at an ex- tremly active rate. Producers of safety plate glass are operating at capacity to keep automobile makers supplied. Manufacturers of window glass, rolled and special flat glass for building con- struction report their sales ahead of the corresponding period in 1933, and producers of stemware and of glass containers are working full time to keep up with demand. —_>+.—_____ Strikes Affect Dinner Ware Labor troubles in several potteries in Ohio complicated the delivery prob- lem in the dinner ware industry last week. A strike, called by mould run- ners and some other types of workers, had been confined to a few Ohio plants, but is threatening to spread to other states. Most manufacturers are now operating at capacity in getting out orders booked in January and due for delivery over the coming few weeks and a tie-up in production would be serious. In the wholesale market here buyers watched the situation but made no preparations to cover their require- ments if the strike spreads. —— Fall Sweaters to Be High Worsted heavyweight sweaters for Fall will be about 50 to 70 per cent. above last year’s opening levels when they are officially priced for 1934, around March 1. They will, however, be slightly under the high point reached last Fall. Sport coats, which opened last year at around $13 to $13.50 per dozen, reached a price of $22 to $24 per dozen. Some rumors have been heard of quotations as low as $19 to $20 for the coming season, but details as to construction and yarn are lacking. ———_2+++—__—. Millinery Orders Show Gain Orders for millinery have continued to reach the Eastern market in good volume and indications are that the pre-Easter trade will show substantial gains over a year ago. Immediate de- livery on volume-selling types is being stressed and the variety of styles avail- able has been increased by recent showings. Straws are coming in for a large share of attention, with felts also emphasized. The Breton sailor style continues important, with off-the-face types in general well in the lead. The matching of hat colors with suits and accessories is emphasized. ——_»+2+ + Buying Starts at Gift Show Buyers in the Eastern market this week to visit the gift show in progress at the Hotel Pennsylvania, began pur- chasing for early Spring delivery. The orders covered a wide range of prod- ucts from compacts copied from the French and made to retail around $1, to inlaid wood bridge tables prices to sell around $50 and silver-plated cock- tail sets to retail up to $100. Commit- ments averaged 10 to 13 per cent. more in volume than initial purchases at the last exhibit, manufacturers said. At- tendance continued good yesterday with a total of 350 new buyers regis- tered up to closing time. —2-~»>—___ Men’s Wear Sales Fall Back The let-down in men’s wear sales during the week was. disappointing to retailers, who had hoped to start clear- ing out promotional goods prior to the showing of Spring styles next month. The cold weather and holiday held down consumer interest, with the re- sult that volume was considerably un- der the previous week. Stores, how- ever, expect that they will not carry over very much clearance goods into the Spring selling season, scheduled to start about the third week in March. Prices will be cut sharply in the next few weeks, if present quotations do not move goods as quickly as is desired. ———_2->____ Lamp Buyers Active in Market Orders placed by buyers in the lamp market advanced sharply during the past week, due in part to the presence in the market of large numbers of gift- wares buyers who also handle lamps. The demand was chiefly for novelty bridge and table lamps, with special emphasis placed on china base table lamps to retail up to $25, Interest in metal base floor lamps decorated with modernistic touches continues keen. Floor lamps with bases of crystal and black glass were popular, as were those with black glass bases decorated with silver or chromium-plated trimmings. The standing lamps were wanted to sell up to $50. —__2 22. Weather Cuts Apparel Trade Hopes of a brisk revival this week in the demand for dresses and Spring coats were upset by the effect of the blizzard over a wide area of the coun- try. Retailers, except in the South and on the Coast, have had as yet little or no opportunity to move early Spring merchandise stocks. Active consumer buying was not particularly expected at this time, but the current situuation was held to emphasize once more the uncertainy of weather in the pre-Easter outlook. ——_+---—____ Shoes for Easter in Demand With Easter only slightly more than a month away, demand for shoes picked up in the Eastern markets dur- ing the past week. Children’s styles in particular were sought, while the call for women’s numbers was also better. Steady purchases of men’s shoes were made. With stores expecting a 15 to 20 per cent. increase in Easter busi- ness over last year, manufacturers’ sales at this time are running about that much ahead of 1933. The demand, however, is still somewhat confined to the cheaper ranges, —_2+2>___ Fall Hosiery Shipments Asked Large retail stores are beginning to take in shipments of Fall hosiery which they have been ordering in good quan- tities in the last few weeks. Staples, such as children’s ribbed goods and men’s heavier half hose, are in partic- ular demand, because of fear that a shorter work week will raise the price level. In full-fashioned goods, how- ever, the market is definitely weak and a few sellers are offering low-end styles at prices under those prevailing earlier in the year. —— ++ >—___ Asks Free Imports of Rags Because of the present scarcity of unwashed wiping rags in this country, the Sanitary Institute of America will make an attempt to obtain the free im- portation of such products from for- eign countries. These rags are steril- ized in this country and sold as sani- tary wipers. The present tariff of 3 cents per pound on imported sanitary wipers, which compete with the Amer- ican product, should be maintained, however, the institute feels, —_2+-.+___ When on Your Way See Onaway ICE, spelled with capitals because it measures twenty-six inches in thick- ness, and so clear that it will barely cast a shadow. Russ Hitzert is right in the business now (filling his several houses and employing a number of men. Russ says he does not intend to run short on his supply this summer. Last year there was a shortage of ice. Miss Edyth Shirtum, editor and pub- lisher of the Onaway Outlook, has established ther office in the Informa- tion building occupied by the Gregg studio, a central locaton and very con- venient for the public at large. The city was shocked to learn of the sudden death of Mayor Edwin J. Mc- Clutchey, which occurred Monday eve- ning immediately after the regular ses- sion of the city commission. Mr. Mc- Clutchey has been under observation of the doctors for some time, but was able to attend his office and business affairs until taken suddenly with a hemorrhage and passed away in about fifteen minutes. Mr. McClutchey has conducted the East side grocery for about fifteen years; served two terms as commissioner and two as Mayor; also served as councilman under the old aldermanic form of government. Funeral services were held at the res- idence Feb. 22; all the places of busi- ness were closed and flags all over the city at half mast. Many county offi- cials attended as Mr. McClutchey, by virtue of his office, sat with the board of supervisors; Mrs. McClutchey, three sons and one daughter, Mrs. John Perry, of Petoskey, are left to mourn the loss. Mart Mahoney has been appointed as city commissioner to fill vacancy caused by the loss of Mr. McClutchey. Ray Young has been appointed to the office of city clerk because of the resig- nation of Clayton Smith. Al temperature records have been broken this winter. This morning, Feb. 24, it registered 17 below, which is quite mild as compared with Jan., when it dropped to 45 below in the city and down to 51 at the €. C: C. camps South of town. As the the ice man reports a gain of three inches, now making a total thickness of 29 inches and the cakes weighing between 400 and 500 pounds each. cold’ continues The evening grosbeaks make their houses for their morning feed; as high as forty at one time have visited our home and the amount of sunflower seed which they It is said that the partridge are feeling the effects of the cold. We are blessed with a good supply of wood for fuel. A great many loads of birch, beech and maple are coming in which sell from $1.25 to $2 per cord. ‘Good sleighing and not too much snow to stop traffic. Squire Signal. —_+2+___ People Love to Believe Bad Omens Barnum said the world loved to be humbugged. When the tomb of King Tut-ankh-Amen was opened we heard the story of the “curse of Pharaoh.” Recently Herbert E. Winlock of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, gave out the following facts: The man, Howard Carter, who alone found the steps of the tomb is now 60 years of age and hale and hearty. Of the five who attended the opening of the tomb, one is dead. Of the twenty- two who stood by when the sarcopha- gus was opened only three are dead, and of the ten who examined the mum- my all are living. Considering that all these men were of mature years at the time of the opening of the tomb it rather proves that the American and English speak- ing world still love to be humbugged. —_+~--___ Cancer Yielding to Research Dr. Francis Carter Wood, director of the Crocker Institute of Cancer Re- search, Columbia University, says that four important discoveries have been made in 1933, which are more impor- tant for the future study of cancer than anything previously learned about it since man began to observe the disease. The discovery that rats produce a substance that cures tumors grafted on them. If this substance can be iso- lated a general cure may be produced. Certain tissue extracts have been found to effect tumors in a way that may lead to cure. New methods have been advanced for avoiding cancer. Two synthetic substances which have an extraordinary capciaty for rapidly producing cancer in animals in which they are injected. This will al- low the study of the early stages of cancer which is now rarely possible. This will have far-reaching effects in producing rules for avoiding the dis- ease by protective sanitation. daily visits to the consume is surprising. HOTEL DEPARTMENT Los Angeles Does Not Take to Nudists Los Angeles, Feb. 24—Out here a so-called nudist colony asked the Los Angeles park committee to set apart on of the city recreation areas for the purpose of allowing this particular cult to perform their antics, but it did not take the commission very long to de- cide that public parks are public prop- erty for the free use of all decent citi- zens and they could not be used by de- cent citizens if any portion of them were allotted to these extremists, Sun worshippers who want more _ liberty than they are now allowed on our bath- ing beaches should buy a vacant island or charter a ship and anchor it well outside of the limit of a telescope. Freedom of the press is all right in its way, but a muffler should be placed on the oral facilities of some of the peace officers who are looking for dangerous criminals and daily make re- ports to the public press of the results of their activities. In the trial of a kidnapper here the other day the de- fendant testified that he would never have been able to form or carry out his plans had it not been for the daily bul- letins of the police department handed out to the reporters daily. The California state parole board is making a fight against a movement to compel them to hold their session open- lv, and claim that these efforts are “misguided.” Misdirected they may be when appealing to the intelligence of such a board, but certainly not ‘“mis- guided” in their purpose. That pur- pose is to prevent the liberation of hardened and desperate criminals who have served no more than a small por- tion of the sentences imposed upon them. The California pardon board, and I might say similar officials in vari- ous states, including Michigan, have advanced the argument that they take such action because of crowded condi- tions in penal institutions. Why not go a step further and allow law enforcers the same privileges, save the expenses of trials, granting pardons before the cause comes up for trial? To my no- tion, as Al. Smith would say, our pris- ons are overcrowded because light sentences and secret paroles attract and encourage criminals. Justice is ex- tremely lenient in its operations, hence one may be reasonably certain that the evidence submitted at trials of these malefactors is sufficient to warrant the sentences imposed. It is more than probable that California has more than an average share of criminals because of leniency in these details. Many of them, after committing crimes in the East, graduate here because trials and court sentences are meaningless for- malities to be disregarded by a prison board with the power to fix terms and then cut them down to nothing. One of my old Michigan traveling friends, whom I meet here frequently, in complimenting me on my hotel page, suggested that by reason of the fact that most commercial men read same, the Tradesman should inaugurate a ho- tel guide, listing all the desirable hotels in Michigan, for the convenience of this particular calling, While the listing of these hotels would be possible, it just occurs to me that most of the Michi- gan hotels could utilize advantageously the advertising columns abutting on the hotel page, if, as my traveling friend says, “most commercial men read it.” R. M. Lewis, formerly with the front office of Book-Cadillac, Detroit, is now managing Hotel Colonial, Cleveland. MICHIGAN Busy dining rooms and crowded ho- tel lobbies tell their own stories. Speak- easies, according to gleaned knowledge from reliable sources, are in their death throes, and prosperity is returning to the hotel and restaurant business. In New York, food sales alone, since the first month of repeal, increased 36 per cent., with rooming business following closely. Twenty operators in the Upper Pen- insula met in a conference recently at Hotel Northland, Marquette, as guests of Leon A. Deglman, its manager, and talked on many subjects interesting to their cult, sepecially NRA topics. Offi- cers were elected in a distrcit organi- zation and a fair practice code com- mittee was named. Mr. Degiman was made chairman of said committee, which includes F. A. Janzen, Hotel Janzen, Marquette; Clyde Burns, Ho- tel Delta, Escanaba; C, A. Robinson, Iron Inn, Iron River; Felix Cannon, Hotel Ironwood, Ironwood, and S. i Peterson, Hotel Menominee, Menom- inee. Detroit. Greeters still continue their activity, which was demonstrated a short time ago at a largely attended meeitng at Greenfield’s new restaurant, one of the finest in Detoit, and oper- ated by Fred. A. Simonson, past pres- ident of the National Restaurant Asso- ciation. Improvements on Hotel Detroiter, Detroit, to the extent of $50,000 are expected to be completed by March 1. In addition to the remodeling of the Woodward avenue front, due to street widening, a new coffee shop is to be installed on that side of the building, done in American style, and a cocktail room is being installed in connection with the main dining room at the rear of the main floor. I believe I men- tioned recently that Chas. N. Agree, Detroit hotel architect. is in charge. Under a proposition submitted to Michigan lawmakers, as I understand it, the legislature will be asked to ap- propriate $100,000 for the purpose of advertising state resort and vacation attractions both to residents and non- residents. In case this programme is adopted the hotel and resort operators will undertake to supplement such an appropriation by a 25 per cent. dona- tion, from their various organizations, co-operating with regularly organized promotion associations. Samuel W. Miller, a Holland restau- rant proprietor for twenty-four years, has been appointed manager of the cat- ering department of Warm Friend Tavern in that city. President Preston D. Norton, of the Michigan Hotel Association. has des- ignated John A. Anderson, manager of Hotel Harrington, Port Huron, as chairman of the committee who wiil have in charge the administration of the hotel code, under the NRA pro- gram. Mr. Norton will act as vice- chairman. Vice-chairmen from nine different districts have been appointed to act with them. It is needless to state that with “Jack” Arendson at the helm nothing in the way of activity will be omitted, and he is to be backed by the cream of Michigan hotel executives. Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Witt were well- known in Michigan hotel circles as operators of Hotel Colonial, Mt. Clem- ens. Several years ago they broke away from the Wolverine state and took up the operation of Hotel Spaul- ding, Michigan City, Indiana, and which they still continue to conduct most successfully and satisfactorily for Its owners. Now Mrs. Witt has been appointed manager of the Lyndora Ho- tel, at Hammond, Indiana, a right smart institution, and there is no doubt in my mind that she will continue her TRADESMAN hotel successes. She will, however, continue her residence at Michigan City and commute between the two cities, Francis A. Anderson, secretary of the Ludington chamber of commerce, has purchased the Bugg House, one of the larger resort hotels on Upper Hamlin lake, in the Epworth sector, and will open it for business this sea- son. The Night Clerks’ Club of Detroit Was organized at a breakfast for clerks on the “night shift” with Edgar E. Pitts, assistant to A. B. Riley, man- ager of Hotel Seville, presiding. Mr. Pitts, well-known throughout Mich- igan, is a past national president of the American Greeters, and was for several years secretary of the Detroit Hotel Association and of the Greater Detroit Hotel Association as well. Twenty-six clerks attended the organization meet- ing, sponsored by Mr. Pitts, who feels that the night shift is usually left out of associational activities due to the dif- ficulty of attending noon or evening meetings. Mr. Pitts was elected presi- dent of the club and William Loos, night manager of Hotel Whittier, sec- retary-treasurer. The Hotel World-Review well says that even with full knowledge of hu- man frailty, it is a “little disconcerting to find a group of traveling men voting condemnation of hotels for having in- creased their rates, particularly in view of the fact that the firms employing these traveling men have in most in- stances advanced their prices to a con- siderably greater extent than the hotels did.” The increased costs to the hotels living up to the national code are great- er in proportion than in most other fields, and in no other large industry has the depression resulted in so many large units failing to earn enough to meet ‘operating expenses and taxes, to say nothing of interest or profits. Ho- tels must, of course, expect this sort of criticism, and must not permit them- selves to be influenced thereby against making the adjustments of their charges which are absolutely essential if their houses are to continue in operation. It may be painful for the traveling man selling an article which is being offered at an advance of 25 per cent. over the price prevailing a year ago, to find the hotel man asking him 10 per cent. more for his room and for his food, but even without the NRA, the adjustment would have to come. It may be tough for the guest, but the hotel simply can- not be the only business unit to remain on the old price level—a price level which the government has definitely declared its purpose to raise, : Hotel and Restaurant Equipment H. Leonard & Sons 38-44 Fulton St., W. GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Store, Offices & Restaurant Equipment G.R.STORE FIXTURE CO. 7 lonia Ave., N. W. Phone 86027 Warm Friend Tavern Holland, Mich. Is truly a friend to all travelers. All room and meal rates very reasonable. Free private parking space. JAMES HOEKSEMA, Manager —————EEEE T Grand Rapids’ Friendly Hotel THE ROWE The Most Popular Hotel 300 ROOMS — SHOWERS Direction of American Hotels Corp. February 28, 1934 IMIORTON 400 ROOMS EACH WITH BATH $1.50 up Phil Jordan, Manager GRAND RAPIDS in Western Michigan SERVIDOR J. Leslie Kincaid, President That is why LEADERS of Business “An entire city block of Hospitality’ Cafeteria “A MAN IS KNOWN BY THE COMPANY HE KEEPS” and Society make their head- quarters at the PANTLIND HOTEL GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Rooms $2.00 and up. Sandwich Shop CODY HOTEL GRAND RAPIDS RATES—$1 up without bath. $2.00 up with bath. CAFETERIA IN CONNECTION ALL GOOD ROADS LEAD TO 1ONIA AND THE REED INN Excellent Dining Room Rooms $1.50 and up MRS. GEO. SNOW, Mgr. Rates Reasonable—Service Superb Park Place Hotel Traverse City —Location Admirable. GEO. ANDERSON, Mgr. ALBERT J. ROKOS, Ass’t Mar. 50 Baths New Hotel Elliott STURGIS, MICH. 50 Running Water European D. J. GEROW, Prop. Muskegon Occidental Hotel FIRE PROOF CENTRALLY LOCATED Rates $2.00 and up EDWARD R. SWETT, Mor. Michigan Columbia Hotel KALAMAZOO Good Place To Tie To & Pa as aaa A S shai A SRSA man ay nario Peete, uhh ' February 28, 1934 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 17 I note that the Delta Hotel Co., at Escanaba, with Clyde J. Burns at its head, has been organized. It has taken over the building, stock and furnish- ings, and will, I presume, operate same in the future. With Mr. Burns at its head, success in the highest degree is assured. As I remember the property, it is modern in every way, and I pre- sume has been kept up to a certain standard which its versatile manager knew how to maintain, The Tradesman announces the fact that W. L. (Bill) Berner, manager of the Lee & Cady Grand Rapids estab- lishment, has finally treated himself to a vacation. I have known Bill for a great many years and to the best of my knowledge the only vacations he ever participated in was when he in- dulged in the sports of the arena— playing cribbage with me in Dear Old Pentwater. It is to be regretted that he was unable to hook a Yiddisher fish at Palm Beach, but he is in a position where he can help himself to kippered herring, which is something. Do you know I like that lad amazingly? Every time I visit him in Grand Rapids, we reminisce over the events of the happy times when he, Ernie Welton, of the Hume Grocer Co., Muskegon; Perry Dowling, of the Michigan Trust Co., and several others of the ‘regular’ fel- lows used to congregate, of a Monday night, at Pentwater and radiate happi- ness for all who came in touch with them. That was twenty years ago, but the memory of those times still gives me a thrill. Try it again, Bill, and the next time give us Californians a chance to look you over. The newspapers teem with accounts of the attempted kidnaping of E, P. Adler, the well-known chain newspa- per man, also among my old-time friends, who used to encourage me with occasional orders when he was operat- ing the Davenport (Iowa) Times, and I was peddling type for Barnhart Bros. & Spindler. I am glad he handed his attempted abductors more than they were really looking for, but he is just that type of individual. Frank S. Verbeck. —_~r--___ Examination of Distribution Policies of Manufacturers (Continued from page 14) need further analysis and concerted action. It is obvious that mail order houses will make every effort to avoid con- forming to any established retail price . as the very existence of their business, in their opinion, and a very dominant principle of mail order distribution, is that they must receive a price that will enable them to sell at a lower price than. other outlets. That principle ob- viously cannot be acceptable to other outlets without being folowed by busi- ness suicide. Also, it is apparent that misleading advertising is frequently indulged in to carry out the impression of lower prices on standard merchandise. For example, in Ward’s Spring Flyer, lamps are advertised, made under Gen- eral Electric patent, using the “G-E” trademark, This matter was brought to the attention of General Electric Co., which, over the signature of the general sales manager of the incan- descent lamp department, replied to our letter as follows: “We are taking up the matter of the misuse of our trademark with Mont- gomery Ward & Co., with the idea of stopping this miseading publicity for the future.” How This Situation Can be Remedied What has been said before obviously indicates a need for a more thorough analysis of the situation and of the part to be played by various units of the hardware industry if we are to con- tinue dominant factors in the distribu- tion of hardware. In correcting the situation, I shall mention various things which I believe should be done, likewise various things which should not be done by the wholesaler, the association and the hardware retailer himself. As to the wholesaler it is obvious that there should be more of an effort to analyze the competitive price situ- ation of his customer—a building back from the retailer and consumer, in- stead of “forward” from the manufac- turer. Probably more effort could be placed upon of manufac- turer’s policies concerning preferential prices to syndicates: and a continued demand that syndicates be not subsid- ized by the manufacturer in granting special prices or preferential treatment. The activities of the wholesaler do not consist in the shutting off of sources of supply for dealers, which may result in dealers’ losing out en- tirely in the sales to large consumers. It is obvious that wholesalers should not expect to get all the dealers’ busi- ness and, at the same time, get all the quantity sales of consumers. It seems reasonable to assume that the wholesalers’ policy of demanding price protection from manufacturers should be accompanied by an equiv- alent release of consumer markets to the retailer. What other basis should be adopted? This subject requires a great deal of co-operative thought. The Association, obviously, has a big place in this picture. Their activities should largely surround the following points: the examination A. An analytic and continued study of the price situation to prevent dis- crimination against the retailer, B. Frequent conferences with sources of supply, whether wholesalers or manufacturers, by the State Trade Relations Committee and the National Price Committee to remedy unfavor- able situations. C. Publicity to the findings of price studies and to the result of conferences or other work with sources of supply. In this connection it will be interest- ing to review briefly some of the work which has been done by the association to correct inequities. The work of the Price Committee started a year and a half ago and their. report was present- ed at the 1933 convention in Grand Rapids, together with a display of competitive merchandise. Following this a 20 page pamphlet containing an analysis of the situation with a very extensive list of competitive items was sent to all members. The plan of operation for the Price Committee was drawn up at the state Secretaries’ Conference held in Chi- cago last October. This consists in a National Price Committee assisted by Trade Relations Committees in the various states. The chairman of the National Price Committee is C. G. Gilbert, of Oregon, Illinois, who talked to you two years ago in this city. The duties of the National Price Commit- tee is to work on the price situation, group by group, selecting a limited number of items for study at one time, gathering information as to syndicate prices, dealers’ average cost, dealers’ selling prices and any other informa- tion available as to prices and terms. This information is transmitted to the state Trade Relations Committees. The state Trade Relations Commit- tees are to assist in gathering informa- tion as to prices for the National Price Committee, to adjust localized price problems, so far as possible and to work on other problems involving the several branches of hardware distribu- tion, whether manufacturers’ or whole- salers’. The chairman of the state Trade Relations Committee is Joseph Gartner, of Wyandotte, assisted by Fred Olson, Ovid; Grant A. Smith, St. Clair; C. L. Goddeyne, Bay City; Chas. H. Sutton, of Howell. These men have assisted in gathering some of the information being presented to you today. Place of the Hardware Retailer It may be very well to talk about the faults of others and what others should do. At the same time, I make bold to say that the solution of the problem herewith presented would be easy if we were not forced with the inertia and inactivity of a great part of our own trade. 90 per cent. are likely to com- plain about a situation but only about 10 per cent. are willing to work. Like most people, dealers are just about as lazy as they dare to be. Relief can be had only in proportion to the time, work and energy the hard- ware retailer himself is willing to ex- pend. He cannot exercise his energy in complaint alone, no matter how much relief he may feel after he has entered the complaint. The hardware retailer’s house needs to be put in order and, in most cases, he has the plans and specifications for doing that. If the dealer thinks he can face a competitive price situation by scattering his business all over the face of the globe, giving a salesman a $10 or $15 order whenever he comes around and: paying bills after they are two or three months past due, he might as well fold up right now because the sit- uation is not going to be improved by continuance of lackadaisical methods of doing business. Perhaps those who have most seriously violated this busi- ness practice are not in this room. I am merely making a general observa- tion. I say this with full understanding of the difficult credit situation but nev- ertheless I have seen sufficient evi- dence of what can be done when the will to do so is present. If accounts are long past due, make a settlement, possibly in a series of notes to pay off the past due accounts gradually, taking care of current bills promptly. Accompanying this should come a control plan, setting up possible vol- ume, purchases and expenses and checking those figures every month. I know of nothing that will so quickly turn a failing business into a profitable one as such an examination. An organized sales and display pro- gram should accompany the finance control plan just mentioned. “The battle is not to the strong, nor The battle goes to the man or organization which has the race to the swift.” a consistent plan and is willing to put the time, effort and energy into that plan necessary to carry it to a success- ful conclusion. No one can evade his responsibility and expect to achieve a result. Our own situation is pretty much as we make it, or allow it to be H. W. Bervig. > Late News From the Verbeck Studio Los Angeles, Feb. 26—Word just reaches me that Clyde J. Burns, man- ager of Hotel Delta, Escanaba, was seriously burned when he fell asleep smoking a cigarette in his apartment in the hotel last week. Badly burned and partially overcome by smoke, he managed to knock the phone receiver off the hook and was rescued by the clerk and two guests. He is now in a hospital and is expected to recover rap- idly. Clyde is a mighty good friend of mine, of many years standing, and I feel warranted in suggesting to him that henceforth he either utilizes as- bestos cigarettes, or resort to the old cob with Peerless for fuel. made. IH. I. Heldenbrand, who operates Hotel Kimbark, Bay City, an individ- ual whom I have met on occasions, officially announces that he starts on his automobile trip to St. Augustine, Florida, leaving Bay City on March 16 and returning on the thirteenth day thereafter. I understand he invited the Tradesman conductor to go with him, but ye editor intimated he possesses a desire to cater to his readers for a while longer. The Poet’s Pen On Chittenden Detroit—William J. Chittenden, Jr., resident manager of the Book Cadillac, was the subject of a two-column cari- cautre in a local newspaper last Satur- day, below which was this legend: To-day, by means of pencil’s trace, Combined with poet’s quill, We celebrate a Boniface Known locally as “Bill.” A pleasant task for any pen To take a friendly crack, At William Chittenden, Of the Book-Cadillac. Frank S. Verbeck. pce aa Gabby Gleanings From Grand Rapids Pastoor Bros. have merged their grocery and meat business into two corporations. One will be known as Pastoor Bros., Inc., and will deal in groceries and provisions. The other will be known as Pastoor Bros. Hold- ing Co. and will attend to the financ- ing and conduct of the manufacturing business. The business of both organ- izations will be conducted at 753 East- ern avenue. The Grand Rapids Packing Co. has decided to specialize on lambs and veal from now on. Both will be taken in on Tuesday of each week. This will neces- sitate the erection of another building and the installation of additional ma- chinery. ne There’s so much planning of careers; so little building of them. oe >____ Hitting the high spots has landed many a man at the bottom. —_+-+-.___ Put principle before profit. 18 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN February 28, 1934 DRUGS Michigan Board of Pharmacy President—BKarl Durham, Corunna. Vice-President—M. N. Henry, Lowell Other members of the Board—Norman Weess, Evart; Frank T. Gillespie, St. Joseph; Victor Cc. Piaskowski, Detroit. Director—E. J. Parr, Lansing. Examination Sessions — Three sessions are held each year, one in Detroit, one in the Upper Peninsula and One at Ferris Institute, Big Rapids. Michigan State Pharmaceutical Association. Officers elected at the Jackson Conven- tion of the M. S. P. A. President—Duncan Weaver, Fennville. First Vice-President — Paul Gibson, Ann Arbor. Second Vice-President — J. E. Mahar, Pontiac. Treasurer — Wm. H. Johnson, Kalama- zoo, Secretary—-R. A. Turrel, Croswell. Executive Committee—A. A. Sprague, Ithaca; Leo J. LaCroix, Detroit: J. M. Ciechanowsky, Detroit; M. N. Henry, Lowell; Benj. Peck, Kalamazoo; J. E. Mahar, Pontiac. reap eae cecmmnec rapes ree Progress of Revision of U. S. Pharm- acopoeia The Eleventh Revision is progress- ing normally and the interest and en- ergy of most of the members of the Committee of Revision are such that the best traditions of the U. S. P. are being fully maintained. In this day of change and economic pressure it speaks well for the under- lying principles of the Pharmacopoeial organization that the Revision has pro- ceeded without reduction in activity or modification of program. The Scope of the U. S. P. XI Since announcing the proposed ad- ditions and “deletions” at this meeting a year ago many communications have been received physicians and pharmacists, approving and others opposing the recommendations. These have all been placed in full be- fore the General Committee of Re- vision and referred to the Sub-com- mittee on Scope. from some For the information of those who may be especially interested in this problem, all of these comments have been assembled under the official titles and pasted in a scrap book and this will be on display at the Pharmaco- poeial Exhibit throughout the week. The results of the “Prescription Ingre- dient Survey,” prepared under the di- recton of Professor Gathercoal, has also been of value in reaching final de- cisions. As the objective toward which to strive, the General Chairman recently sent the following statement to the the Sub-Committee on Scope and repeated it to the entire Committee at the Conference held last June: “The Scope of the U. S. P., from the viewpoint of ‘therapeutic usefulness,’ does, however, become one of the most important factors in the iS Pre vision, and it is this grave responsibil- ity which the Sub-Committee on Scope assumes. Dependent upon the deci- sions on Scope largely rests the success of the Revision. It is assumed that there are before the members of the Sub-Committee the vast array of known therapeutic agents resulting from centuries of empiric medicine and the more recent scientific studies into the clinical and pharmacologic value of drugs. From these thousands of drugs, members of chemicals and preparations, this group are asked to select ‘drugs and medi- cines of therapeutic usefulness or pharmaceutic necessity, sufficiently used in medical practice within the United States or its possessions.’ “Our new Pharacopoeia should therefore include therapeutic agents which the consensus of medical opinion of today accepts as of the greatest value and should represent a wide field of application so that, theo- retically, there should be no justifica- tion for any physician to step outside the list of U. S. P. XI basic drugs for any treatment of disease which he may be called upon to render. Furthermore, the Pharmacopoeial Scope should be such that every medical school would naturally and properly use the Pharm- acopoeia as the basis of its teaching, so far as treatment is concerned, so that the physicians of the country would think primarily of official titles and medicines when prescribing. Its completeness as to scope and efficiency should also be such that in hospital practice few other than official drugs should be employed.” A most earnest and conscientious ef- fort has been made to reach this ideal and when the final list js published it will be accompanied by an explana- tion, prepared by the members of the Scope Sub-Committee, that all may know the reasons for the more impor- tant decisions, those Interim Revisions At the last four decennial U. Ss. P. Conventions authority has been granted for the issuance of “Supple- ments” to the Pharmacopoeia. The 1930 Convention approved the follow- ing: “It is recommended that the Com- mittee of Revision be authorized to prepare supplements to the Pharma- copoeia, or lists of admissions or changes at any time they may deem such action desirable.” Under the authorization of the 1900 Convention, several supplements were issued immediately following the pass- age of the Food and Drugs Act—in 1906. Another “Supplement” was pre- pared to meet conditions arising from the World War, but the unexpected ending of the War made its issuance unnecessary. The rapid development of the know]- edge of vitamins, affecting Cod Liver Oil standards, and the extensive stud- ies here and abroad, dealing with the drug, Ergot, have made changes in these texts desirable. The Ergot re- vision has already been released and the Cod Liver Oil Text is assured within a few weeks. A third “Interim Revision Announce- ment” will also be issued within a few months covering a number of minor changes which have long been recog- nized as desirable, and were in line for change in the U. S. P. XI, but as an aid to the enforcement of Standards under the Food and Drugs Act, will be announced now without waiting for the appearance of the new Pharmaco- poeia. The New Cod Liver Oil Standards Entirely unforseen conditions made it necessary for extensive develop- ments in Pharmacopoeial activities in the field of vitamins. The need for Standards for Vitamins A and D, the establishment of International stand- ards for these and other vitamins and the necessity for the U. S. P. meeting this situation, have been responsible for the setting up of a U.S. P. “Vitamin Advisory Board,” the organization of a group of laboratories to assist in the development of Satisfactory vitamin assay methods and the determination of the Vitamins A and D potency of a special “Reference Cod Oil.” This will be distributed in the United States as the official standard of com- parison in assaying new Vitamin A or Vitamin D-containing products, both medicines and foods. In this program, the Pharmacopoeia is working closely with the Food and Drug Administration and Dr. Nelson, Director of the Government Vitamin Laboratory, is a member of the new U. S. P. Vitamin Board, Liver We are undertaking a new and dif. ficult program in attempting to coor- dinate the bio-assay results of seven- teen vitamin laboratories, all using the new U. S. P. assay method for Vita- mins A and D, but the willingness of the vitamin experts of the United States to assist has been a remarkable tribute to the authority and acceptabil- ity of the Pharacopoeia and to the lib- erality of Participating groups. Unfor- tunately, the cost of a vitamin assay is large, and without such extensive help from established laboratories this pro- gram would be impossible. The Board of Trustees is meeting the cost in two laboratories, but all other check tests have been offered without expense to the U. S. P. A Suggested Development It seems to be generaly conceded that for the Pharmacopoeia _ to fully meet the increased demands placed Marbles Base Balls Picnic Supplies White Wash Heads Grand Rapids SPRING SPECIALTIES a Rubber Balls Golf Supplies Tennis Supplies Playground Balls Seed Disinfectants Bathing Supplies Soda Fountain Supplies Turpentine Varnishes Enamels Brushing Lacquer Etc., Etc. a Sundries Now on Dis Room. Come look the play in Our Sample m over. a Hazeltine & Perkins upon it, there should be the revision of texts whenever the need for a change is demonstrated, through newly-devel- oped scientific facts, Also it is recog- nized that, without Waiting for the de- cennial period, some newly developed therapeutic agents should find their place in the official standard. Ephed- rine and its salts and some of their solutions, also Liver Extract, are illus- trations, “Interim Revi- sions” has been chiefly the difficulty of giving the change the needed publicity and permanent form. To meet this sit- uation it is now proposed that, as changes are made after the appearance af the UP. Xi they be announced in the medical and pharmaceutical press to become official on January 1st of the folowing year. Then, on the first of each year, a printed supplement to the U.S. P. XT shall be issued, uni- form in size with the original volume, with each “supplement” Carrying an index covering all preced- ing “Supplements.” To increase the practicability of this plan it is suggest- ed that a spring binder be supplied for these “Supplements,” the size and ap- pearance being uniform with the orig- inal volume, Perhaps at the end of five years the original U. S. IP. xT could be reprinted with all supplements included. Another feature will be the inclusion in the back of the U. 5 ee XI of a page of coupons. The owner of a book will thus be given the op- portunity of filling out the coupon for any of the subsequent annual supple- ments and obtaining it from the pub- The objection to succeeding lishers at a nominal price to cover the cost. If properly carried out this plan will keep the Pharmacopoeial text and con- tents in accord with changing and de- veloping medical science and render it more valuable and useful. This gen- Jacks Shelf Papers Insecticides Goggles Waxed Papers Paint Brushes Kalsomine Brushes Drug Co. Michigan ae 3 a peer tm Besa boas ahi Piiieiatsirna February 28, 1934 eral plan has received the approval of the members of both the U. S. P. Com- mittee of Revision and the Trustees. 3oard of Preparing Percentage Solutions The correct method for preparing a medicinal use percentage solution for has long been in dispute. Some au- thorities have always insisted upon us- (w/w) meth- Oth- ers have argued with equal insistence that the “Weight-volume’ (w/v) method the practical plan. The new British Pharmacopoeia has led the drug stores uniform by prescribing an official method as follows: ing the “Weight-weight’ od as the only correct procedure. was only way to make the practice in Percentage Solutions the is used according to three dif- order that the meaning to be attached to the expres- “Tn defining standards, expres- sion ‘per cent,’ circumstances with one of ferent meanings. In sion in each instance may be clear, the long has been which has by pharmacists, following notation, in use adopted. “Per cent. in weight, grammes of grammes of product. “Per cent. w/v, percentage, in volume, the grammes of substance millilitres of product. “Per in volume, millilitres of millilitres of product. been weight number of 100 w/w, expresses percentage, the active substance in weight number of in 100 expresses active cent. v/v, percentage, volume the number of substance in 100 expresses active “The strengths of solutions of solids in liquids are expressed as percentage weight in volume, of liquid in liquids as percentage volume in volume, and of gases in liquids as percentage weight in weight. “In the dispensing of prescriptions, when the expression ‘per cent.’ is used without qualification, it is to be inter- preted to mean, for solutions of solids in liquids, per cent. weight in volume, for solutions of liquids in liquids, per cent, of gases in liquids, per cent. weight in weight. Thus, a ‘10 per cent.’ or a ‘1 in 10’ solution is prepared by dissolv- ing 10 grammes of a solid, or 10 milli- sufficient of the A solu- volume in volume, for solutions itres of a liquid, in solvent to make 100 millilitres. tion of the same strength may be pre- pared on the Imperial System, and on the Apothecaries’ System, by dissolv- ing 44 grains (more precisely 43.847 grains) of a solid, or 48 minims of a liquid, in sufficient of the solvent to make 1 fluid) ounce (480 minims) of solution.” Our of Revision after discussion, voted at the recent Conference to introduce a similar para- graph in the new Pharmacopoeia. own Committee Revision of Food and Drugs Act now predict the final the rewritten Federal be passed No one can form in which Food and Drugs Act may by Congress or when that may occur, but it is of the utmost importance to the work of our Committee and to the future of the United States Pharma- copoeia that it should retain essentially the status proposed in the first draft offered to Congress by the Secretary of MICHIGAN and introduced into both House. Agriculture, the Senate and the The added recognition of copoeial inet covering as it does the U.S B. and N. B. criptions, fey the tions, Pharma- definitions, des- tests, assays and packaging and labeling specifica- places greatly increased respon- sibility upon the decisions of the U. S. P. Revision Committee. The meet the legitimate need for modifica- “variation clause” is retained to tions in official products, such as the demand for a “Half-Strength or Duble- Strength Ointment of Mercuric Ox- * “Halt-Streneth Pineture of lo- dine,” etc., the sale of ide, and to allow products of technical grade and also to permit the sale of established prepara- in flavor. color or the the new requirement will compel a la- tions differing strength from official. However, belling which clearly indicates wherein the product differs in strength, from the Pharacopoeia or unofficial and purity specifications of the National Formulary. a part of the law heretofore. quality This has not been feature which authorizes the to prescribe additional tests The Secretary or assay methods to determine whether or not the official standards are being found ne- This, complied with, should it be cessary, is entirely new. how- strengthens the position for no vital ob- or responsibility of our Com- disturbed and the enforce- ment of the necessary standards, ever, greatly of the Pharmacopoeia, jective mittee is which established, is Committee have The first duty of the Commit- our helped. tee of Revision is to decide the scope of the new Pharmacopoeia, that it may represent the therapeutic agents of the day believed to be worthy of recogni- This duty remains exclusively in A. Fullerton Cook, S. P. XI Committee tion. our hands, Chairman of U. of Revision, —_—_++.—____ Wholesale Sales Jump With the Spring buying season well under way, dry goods wholesalers have increased their sales to retailers from 75 to 100 per cent over those of last year, according to reports in the local markets yesterday. The season to date has been one of the most active since the start of the depression, wholesalers said, and shows no signs of let-up. While all sections of the country have shown marked improvement over last year, the gains in the South have bene astonishing, It is in that section that jobbers have done their best busi- ness, it was said. The Northern mar- kets have also been profitable, but not to the same extent as in the South. The heavy increase in dollar volume was attributed.partly to the sharp rise in price. 2 Boost in Rural Sales Higher prices Federal for farmers who cut production boost the dollar volume of merchandising in small towns areas. How much they help this trade is shown by the Department of Commerce which that January (value) in- cent. over the same For the entire year and checks and rural finds sales creased 45 per month last year. 1933, sales were 9 per cent. above those of 1932. TRADESMAN WHOLESALE DRUG PRICE CURRENT 19 Prices quoted are nominal, based on market the day of issue. ACID Acetic, No. 8, lb. 06 @ 10 Boric, Powd., or Xtal, Ib. _.--_. 084% @ 20 Carbolic, Xtal,lb. 36 @ 43 Citric. Ib Ae 35 @ 45 Muriatic, Com’l., Ib 034%@ 10 Nitric, Ip... 09 -@ 15 Oxalie, b._______ 15 @ 25 Sulphuric, lb... 7 ee 10 Tartaric, Ib... @ 46 ue aL Denatured, No. . Sal @ 55 Grain, gal... ; 00@5 00 Wood, gal._.__.- 50 @ 60 ALUM-POTASH_ USP Hump. 1b. 06 @ 13 Powd. or Gra.,lb. 054@ 13 AMMONIA Concentrated, lb. 06 @ 18 4-0 1b 20 06%@ 13 ao Ib. 22 054%@ 13 Carbonate, lb.--_. 20 @ 25 Muriate Lp., lb._18 @ 30 Muriate, Gra., lb. 08 @ 18 Muriate, Po., lb.. 20 @ 30 ARSENIC Bound 520.0) 2] 07 @ 20 BALSAMS Copaiba, 1b... 60@1 40 Fir, Cana., lb... 2 00@2 40 Fir, Oreg., Ib... 50@1 00 Peru, Tbe 2 00@2 50 EOI. IDeo os 1 50@1 80 BARKS Cassia Ordinary, Ib.__ @ 30 Ordin., Po., lb. 25 @ 35 Saigon, 1b.-___ @ 40 Saigon, Po., lb. 50 60 Bm Wh. 40 $ 50 Elm, Powd., lb.. 388 @ 45 Kim, Gd, Ib... 38 @ 45 Sassafras (P’d lb. 45) @ 35 Soaptree cut, lb. 26 @ 30 Soa ptree, po., lb. 35 @ : 40 BERRIES Cubeh, Ib. ..____ @ 95 Cubeb, po., Ilb.._ @ 75 Juniper, lb.-.-..10 @ 20 BLUE VITRIOL Foung 000 06 @ 15 BORAX P’d or Xtal, lb. 06 @ 13 BRIMSTONE Pound 2.200). @ 10 ; CAMPHOR Pound (200 80 @1 00 CANTHARIDES Russian, Powd. — 50 Chinese, Powd.__ @2 00 CHALK Crayons, White, dozen__ @3 60 Dustless, doz._ @6 00 French Honect, Com, Ib. 03%@ 10 Precipitated. Ib. 12 @ 15 Prepared, He 14 @ 16 White, lump, lb. 03 @ 10 : CAPSICUM Pods. Ib. 60 @ 70 Powder, ib, -.___ 62 @ 75 CLOVES Whole, lb 30 @ 40 Powdered, lb... 35 @ 45 COCAINE Ounée 12 68@14 85 COPPERAS Metal Ib. 03%@ 10 Powdered, Ib.--. 04 @ 15 CREAM TARTAR Pound 8 23 @ 36 CUTTLEBONE Pound 22.00 3. 40 @ 50 DEXTRINE Yellow Corn, Ib. fo 15 White Corn, lb._ 07 15 EXTRACT Witch Hazel, Yel- low Lab., gal. 1 10@1 70 Licorice, P’d, lb. 50 @ 60 FLOWER Arnica, Ib. ...... 50 @ 55 Chamomile, German, lb.-.. 35 @ 45 Roman, Ib.-.__ @1 00 Saffron, American, 1b.. 50 @ 55 Spanish, ozs.__ @1 35 FORMALDEHYDE, BULK Pound, 2.00 09 20 FULLER’S EARTH Powder, Ib.__-_. 5 10 ELATIN Pound _ oo 55 65 LUE Brok., Bro., lb... 20 @ 30 Gro’d, Dark, lb.. 16 @ 22 Whi. Flake, lb... 27%@ 35 White G’d., lb... 25 @ 35 White AXX light, ee a @ 40 Ribbon 22200). | 42%@ 50 GLYCERINE Monn 22 1544@ 35 GUM Aloes. Barbadoes, so called,lb.gourds @ Powd.. Ib. __ 35 @ Aloes, Socotrine, Db @ - bowed, Iho @ Arabic, first, 1lb._ @ Arabic, sec., lb._ @ Arabic, sorts, lb. 15 @ Arabic, Gran., lb. @ Arabic, P’d, ib. 25 @ Asafoetida, lb. _ 47@ Asafoetida, Po., lb. 75@ Guaise, ib _ @ Guaiac, powd. __ @ Kine, ib 2 @ Kino, powd., lb._ @1 Myrrh, 1b __ @ Myrrh Pow., lb. @ Shellac, Orange, oe 22%@ Ground, 1b.__._ 22%@ Shellac, white, (bone dr’d) lb. 35 @ Tragacanth, No. 1, bbls... 1 60@2 No, 2, Ibs... 1 50@1 Pow., ib..____ 1 25@1 HONEY Pound 220 2 @ HOPS ae Loose, Pressed. ee Hee @1 00 HYDROGEN PEROXIDE Pound, gross __27 00@29 % lb., gross____17 00@18 00 % Ib., gross____11 00@11 50 INDIGO Madras, lb.______ 2 00@2 25 INSECT a Pure. Ue 2 @ 41 LEAD ACETATE wetal Wo 17 @ 2 Powd. & Gran... 25 @ 35 LICORICE Extracts, sticks, por box... 150 @2 00 Lozenges, lb... 40 @ 50 Wafers, (24s) box @1 50 LEAVES Buchu, lb., short @ 60 Buchu, Ib.. long_ @ Buchu, P’d., Ib. — 70 Sage, bulk, ‘Tb. pela |e g 30 Sage, loose | pressed 4s, lb. @ 40 Sage, Oe eae oe @ 85 Sage, P’d & Grd. @ 35 Senna, Alexandria, Ib. 35 @ 40 Tinnevella, Ib.. 25 @ 40 Powd.. Ib... . 25 @ 35 Uva Urai, Ib. ___ @ 31 Uva Ursi,P’d, lb. @ 45 LIME Chloride, med., dz. @ 85 Chloride large, dz. @1 45 LYCOPODIUM Pound) 220 45 @ 60 MAGNESIA Carb., %s, ib..__ @ 30 Carb., 1/16s, lb._ @ 32 Pw, 1 15 @ 395 Oxide, Hea., Ib._ @ 75 Oxide, light. Th... @ 75 MENTHOL Pound 20 4 54@4 88 MERCURY Pound 1 50@1 75 MORPHINE Ounceg 22. @11 80 Cy Seite eee @13 96 MUSTARD Bulk, Powd.. select, ee 45 @ 50 No, a. ID 25 @ 35 NAPHTHALINE Balle Ip. 0s @ is Blake, Ib. 09 @ 18 a a NUTMEG Quid o20 2 40 Powdered, Ib.___ g 50 NUX VOMICA Foun 2200022 @ 25 Powdered, lb.-..15 @ 25 OIL ESSENTIAL Almond, Bit., true, ozs. 50 Bit., art. ozs._ @ 30 Sweet, true, lb. 1 40@2 00 Sw’t, art., lbs, 75@1 20 Amber, crude, lb. 71@1 40 Amber, rect., ib. 1 30@2 00 Anise: Ibi 1 00@1 60 Bay, Wb 4 00@4 25 Bergamot lb.___ 3 00@3 60 Cajeput, ib... 1 50@2 00 Caraway S’d, lb. 2 80@3 40 Cassia, USP, Ib... 2 10@2 Cedar Leaf, Ib... 1 70@2 Cedar Leaf, 60 20 Coml., th... 1 00@1 25 Citronella, Ib... 1 05@1 40 Cloves, iL. 1 75@2 25 Croton, Ibs.____ 4 00@4 60 Cubeb, Ib..--._.. 4 25@4 80 Brigeron 1b.____ 2 70@3 35 Eucalytus, lb... 85@1 20 Fennel __...___ 2 25@2 60 Hemlock, Pu., lb. 1 70@2 20 Heml’k Com., ib. 1 00@1 25 Juniper Ber., Ib. : 00@3 20 Junip’r W’d, lb._ 1 50@1 75 Lav. Flow., Ib. 3 50@4 00 Lav. Gard., lb.-. 1 25@1 50 Lemon, Ib... _ 1 75@2 25 Mustard, true, ozs. . 50 Mustard art., ozs. 35 Orange, Sw., Ib. 3 0093 25 Origanum, art, ee 1 00@1 20 Pennyroyal, lb... 2 75@3 20 Peppermint, Ib. 4 25@4 80 Rese, dy 2. @2 50 tose, Geran., ozs. 50@ 95 Rosemary Flowers, lb.__. 1 00@1 50 Sandalwood, Be Bo ib 8 00@8 60 WE i 4 50@4 75 Sassafras, true, 1h. 1 90@2 40 Sym Ib, 85@1 40 Spearmint, lb... 2 50@3 00 Tansy, lh... -- 3 50@4 00 Thyme, Red, Ib._ 1 50@2 00 Thyme, Whi., lb. 1 75@2 40 Wintergreen Leaf, true, lb. 56 75@6 20 Birch, lb. ____ 4 00@4 60 Sea 75@1 20 Wormseed, Ib. __ 3 50@4 00 Wormwood, lb. ~ 4 50@5 00 OILS HEAVY Castor, gal. ____ 1 45@1 60 Cocoanut, lb. -._ 22%@ 35 Cod Liver, Nor- wegian, gal, _. 1 20@1 50 Cot. seed, gal... 8@1 00 Lard, ex., gal... 1 55@1 65 Lard No. 1, gal. 1 25@1 40 Linseed, raw, gal. 77@ 92 Linseed, boil., gal. 80@ 95 Neatsfoot, Gxtra, gal. 80@1 00 Olive, Malaga, gal. _. 2 50@3 00 ; Pure, gal.___.. 3 00@5 00 Sperm, gal. _____ 1 2@1 50 Tanner, gal... 75@ 90 Tar gab 50@ 65 Whale, gak _.___ @2 00 OPIUM Gum, ozs., $1.40; We ee 17 en 00 Powder, ozs., $1.4 ) ee in 50@20 00 Gran., ozs., $1.40 I 17 50@20 00 PARAFFINE Pound _ | (6%e@ ts PEPPER Black, grd., lb... 25 q 35 Red, grd., ib i 45 55 White. grd., lb.. 40 g 45 PITCH BURGUNDY Pound 0 20 @ 265 PETROLATUM Amber, Plain,lb. 12 @ 17 Amber, Carb.,lb. 14 @ 19 Cream Whi., lb. 17 @ 22 Lily White, ib.__ 20 @ ’ Snow White, lb.. 22 @ PLASTER PARIS DENT’ . Barrelg 202. hése Ih 03%0° os 08 POTASSA Caustic, st’ks,lb. 55 @ 88 Eiquer, 1b. @ 40 POTASSIUM Acetate ib._____ 60 @ $6 Bicarbonate, lb.. 30 @ 35 Bichromate, lb.. 15 @ 25 Bromide, Ib. ___ 66 @ 98 Carbonate, lb... 30 @ 35 Chlorate, ital Wb 17 @ 23 Powd:, Ib... 17 @ 23 Gran, I 21 @ 28 Todilide, Ib. 2 71@2 90 Permanganate, Ib. 22%@35 Prussiate, Red Ibo 80 @ 90 Yellow, Ib.__ 50 @ 60 QUASSIA oe Pound 25.202 @ 30 Powd.. lh. ae @ 40 QUININE 5 Oz. Cans, ozs.__ 17 SA Bpsom, Thi. 2 03%@ 10 Glaubers, Lump, 1b... 03 @ 10 Gran., 1b... 083%@ 10 Nitre, Xtal or Powd.. 10 @ 16 Gram, Jb 09 2 16 Rochelle, Th. 17 30 Soda, RS oe 08 ODA 7.) Ee 03 @ 10 Bicarbonate lb.. 03%@ 10 Caustic, Co’l,, lb. 08 @ 15 Hyposulphite, lb. 05 g 10 Phosphate, lb... 23 28 Sulphite, tae, Ib... 12 Dry, Powd., Ib. a 20 Silicate, Sol., ‘gal. 40 @ 50 TURPENTINE Galions 12-2 91 20 MICHIGAN GROCERY PRICE CURRENT The following list of foods and grocer’s sundries not intended as a guide for the buy declining upon the market. the base price the week before, it s ket. This permits the merchant to thus affected, that he has in stoc The Michigan Tradesman is read impossible for it to quote prices to merchant watches the market and is listed upon base prices, er. Each week we list items advancing and By comparing the base price on these items with hows the cash advance or decline in the mar- take advantage of market advances, upon items k. By so doing he will save much each year. over a broad territory, therefore it would be act as a buying guide for everyone. A careful takes advantage from it. ADVANCED Canned Peas Coffee Kellogg Cereals Karo Syrup DECLINED Baker Chocolate AMMONIA Parsons 32 oz, Parsons, 10 oz. Parsons, 6 oz. Little Bo Peep, med.__ 1 35 Little Bo Peep, Ige.-.. 2 25 Quaker 32 oz. ss 2 10 APPLE BUTTER Table Belle, 12-31 oz., On 1 BAKING POWDERS Royal, 2 0z., doz.____ 80 Royal, 6 oz., doz....._ 2 00 Royal, 12 oz., doz.____ 3 85 Royal, 5 Ibs., doz.____ 20 00 10 0z., 4doz.in case__ 3 40 150z. 4doz.in case__ 5 00 250z., 4doz.in case__ 8 40 500z., 2doz.in case__ 7 00 5lb., 1doz.in case__ 6 00 10 Ib., % doz. in case__ 5 75 BLEACHER CLEANSER Clorox, 16 oz., 24s _____ Ses Clorox, 22 0z., 12s _____ 3 60 Lavzie, 16 oz,. 125. 2 15 Sunrae, 18 oz., 12s____ 1 35 BLUING Am. Ball, 36-1 0z., cart. 1 00 Boy Blue, 18s, per cs. 1 35 BEANS and PEAS 100 Ib. bag Dry Lima Beans, 100 Ib. 7 90 White H’d P. Beans__ 3 70 Split Peas, yell., 60 Ib. 3 90 Split Peas, gr’n. 60 Ib. 5 40 Scotch Peas, 100 Ib.___ 7 00 BURNERS Queen Ann, No.1 _____ 1 15 Queen Ann, No. 2 _____ 1 25 White Flame, No. 1 and 2, doz... 2 25 BOTTLE CAPS Dbl. Lacquor, 1 gross pkg., per gross________ 15 BREAKFAST FOODS Kellogg’s Brands Corn Flakes, No. 136__ 2 99 Corn Flakes, No, 124__ 2 90 Pep, No. 24... 2 20 Pep No. 250 Krumbles, No. 412... 1 55 Bran Flakes, No. 624__ 1 90 Bran Flakes, No. 650__ 85 Rice Krispies, 6 oz.-. 2 40 Rice Krispies, 1 oz.-... 1 10 All Bran, 16 oz. _.._ — 2 30 All Bran, 10 oz. 2 16 All Bran, % oz. --..___ 1 1¢ Kaffe Hag, 6 1-lb. Pane 2 57 Whole Wheat Fla., 24s 2 40 Whole Wheat Bis., 24s 2 65 Wheat Krispies, 24s__ 2 40 Post Brands Grapenut Flakes, 24s__ 2 10 Grape-Nuts, 248 _._-___ 3 90 Grape-Nuts, 50s _.____ 1 50 Instant Postum, No. 8 5 40 Instant Postum, No. 10 4 50 Postum Cereal, Ne. 0_ 2 25 Post Toasties, 36s__..__ 2 90 Post Toasties, 24s__.___ 2 90 Post Brank, PBF 24__ 3 15 Post Bran, PBF 36_- 3 15 Sanke 6-1ib. = BOB Amsterdam Brands Gold Bond Par., No.5% 7 50 Prize, Parlor, No. 6___ 8 00 White Swan Par., No.6 8 50 BROOMS Quaker, 5 sewed______ 6 75 Warehouses 7 25 Rossa 415 Winner, 5 sewed______ 5 75 Top Noth ss 4 35 BRUSHES Scrub Solid Back, 8in. ____._ 1 50 Solid Back, iin. ____ 1 75 Pointed Ends _________ 12 Stove power 1 80 NO. 60 2 00 Peerees 2 60 Shoe No. 4-9 eo 2 25 NO. 3 60 BUTTER COLOR Hansen's, 4 oz. bottles 2 40 Hansen's, 2 oz. bottles 1 60 CANDLES Electrie Light, 40 Ibs.. 12.1 Plumber, 40 Ibs..______ 12.8 Paraffine, 6s _.________ 14% Paraffine, 12s 14% Wicking s 40 Tudor, 6s, per box____ 30 CANNED FRUITS Hart Brand Apples No 10.00 5 00 Apple Sauce No. 10, dozen_________ 5 25 No. 2, dozen_____ = & aD Blackberries Pride of Michigan_____ 2 55 Cherries Mich. red, No. 10_____ 6 2 Pride of Mich., No. 2__ 2 60 Marcellus Red_________ 2 10 Special Pie... 1 35 Whole White..________ 2 88 Gooseberries NO. 20 Pears Pride of Mich. No. 2% 2 25 Black Raspberries NO. 2 2 60 Pride of Mich. No. 2__ 1 60 Red Raspberries NO: 2 2 2 25 ROt 1 25 Marcellus, No. 2______ 1 70 Strawberries NO, 2 3 00 2 oe 80 Marcellus, No. 2______ 1 45 CANNED FISH Clam Ch’der, 10% oz._ Clam Chowder, No. 2__ Clams, Steamed No, 1 Clams, Minced, No. % ’ Finnan Haddie, 10 oz._ Clam Bouillon, 7 oz.__ Chicken Haddie, No. 1 Fish Flakes, smali____ Cod Fish Cake, 10 oz. Cove Oysters, 5 oz._.. Lobster, No. 4 Shrimp, 1, wet________ 50 Sard’s, % Oil, k’less__ 3 35 Sardines, % Oil, k’less 3 35 Salmon, Red Alaska___ 2 25 Salmon, Med. Alaska_ 1 85 Salmon, Pink, Alaska_ 1 50 Sardines, Im. \%, ea.6@13% Sardines, Cal. ________ 1 00 be em bo bot pop toe on o : %s, Van Camps, — eri co 1 una, ls, Van Camps, 3 45 60 Ze Tuna, %s, Chicken Sea, Goze 1 CANNED MEAT Bacon, med., Beechnut ; Bacon, lge., Beechnut_ Beef, lge., Beechnut___ Beef, med., Beechnut _ Beef, No. 1, Corned ___ Beef, No. 1, Roast ____ Beef, 2% oz., Qua., Sli. Corn Beef Hash, doz. Be-fsteak & Onions, s. Chiii Con Car., 1s_____ Deviled Ham, %s _____ Deviled Ham, %s _____ Potted Meat, %4 Libby 48 Potted Meat, % Libby_ 75 tS et ee et 0 DO rr) or Potted Meat, % Qua... 65 Potted Ham, Gen. %__ 1 36 Vienna Saus. No. %_._ 90 Vienna Sausage, Qua._ 90 Baked Beans Campbells 48s ________ 2 30 CANNED VEGETABLES Hart Brand Asparagus Natural, Noa 2... 3 00 Tips & Cuts, No. 2____ 2 25 Baked Beans 1 lb. Sace, 36s, cs..____ 1 75 No. 2% Size, doz... 1 05 No. 10 Sauce_________ 4 00 Lima Beans Little Quaker, No. 10_ 7 90 Baby, No. 1 60 Reber Soaked | ___ oo 95 Marcellus, No. 10______ 6 00 TRADESMAN Red Kidney Beans NO. 10 4 25 NO: 8 90 String Beans Choice, Whole, No. 2__ 1 60 Cul, 00.10 7 25 Cat No? 1 35 Marcellus Cut, No. 10_ 6 00 Wax Beang Choice, Whole, No. 2__ 1 60 Cue No.10 7 25 Cut Ne 2 1 35 Marcellus Cut, No. 10_ 5 50 Beets Extra Small, No. 2.___ 2 00 Hart Cut, No. 10______ 4 25 Mart Cut, No, 2. $0 Marcel. Whole, No. 2% 1 35 Hart Diced, No. 2___. 90 Carrots Diced No.2 95 Diced, No.190 __ 4 20 Corn Golden Ban., No.2 ___ 1 35 Golden Ban., No.10@ __10 00 Country Gen., No. 2.__ 1 20 Marcellus, No. 2______ 1 20 Fancy Brosby, No. 2__ 1 36 Fancy Crosby, No. 10__ 6 75 Whole Grain, 6 Ban- tam No 2 - 1 45 Peas Little Dot, No. 2...___ 215 Sifted E. June, No.10 _ 9 Sifted E. June, No.2 __ 1 73 Marcel., Sw. W No. 2_ 1 Marcel., E. June, No. 2 1 40 Marcel., E. Ju., No. 107 75 Pumpkirt. NO. 10 0 4 75 No.2 1 2 4 EE 92% Sauerkraut O10 + 25 No. 2% Quaker______ 1 35 NO.2 Spinach Np ete 2 25 NO 1 gn Squash Boston, No. 3... 1 35 Succotash Golden Bantam, No. 2_ 1 75 Mart, No. 200 55 Pride of Michigan____ 1 25 Tomatoes No. 20 lg Ne. Me 2 10 Ne. 2 2 1 55 Pride Of Mich., No. 2% 1 35 Pride of Mich., No. 2__ 1 10 Tomato Jutce Hart, No. 10__.___.___ CATSUP Regal, § oz... doz. 95 Regal, 14 0z.-___ doz. 1 28 Sniders, 8 oz..._._.doz 1 20 Sniders, 14 0z._____ doz. 1 85 Quaker, 10 oz.____ Doz. 1 23 Quaker, 14 0z.____ doz. 1 % CHILI SAUCE Sniders, 80z. _________ 1 65 Sniders. 1462. 2 25 OYSTER COCKTAIL Sriders, 11 of..._____ 2 00 CHEESE Roguefort 80 Wisconsin Daisy _____ 161% Wisconsin Twin _______ 16 New York June ________ 24 Dap Sago 48 rick 18 Michigan Flats _______ 15% Michigan Daisies ______ 16 Wisconsin Longhorn __. 17 Imported Leyden ______ 28 1 lb. Limberger_________ 20 Imported Swiss ________ 56 Kraft, Pimento Loaf __ 24 Kraft, American Loaf _ 22 Kraft, Brick Loaf _____ 22 Kraft, Swiss Loaf _____ 27 Kraft, Old End, Loaf __ 31 Kraft, Pimento, % Ib._ 1 60 Kraft, American, % |b. 1 60 Kraft, Brick, % 1b._-_. 1 5( Kraft, Limbur., % Ib.. 1 3 Note that imported items are advancing due to the present dollar. CHEWING GUM Adams Black Jack______ 6t Adams Dentyne ________ 65 Beeman’s Pepsin ____ 65 Beechnut Pappermint___. 66 Doublemint 63 Peppermint, Wrigleys__ 65 Spearmint, Wrigleys___ 65 Juicy Brut 65 Wrigley’s P-K__________ 65 Teapery oo 65 CHOCOLATE Baker, Prem., 6 Ib. %_ 2 30 Baker, Pre., 6 lb, 3 oz. 2 40 German Sweet, 6 lb. 4s 1 70 Little Dot Sweet : s. i te 2 30 CIGARS Hemt. Champions ___ 38 50 Webster Plaza _____ 75 00 Webster Golden Wed. 75 00 Websterettes _____ 37 50 Cingos 38 50 Garcia Grand Babies. 40 00 Bradstreetg _________ 38 50 ms --- 40 00 R G Dun Boquet__.. 75 ¢0 Perfect Garcia Subl._ 95 00 Hampton Arms Jun'’r 33 00 Rancho Corono_______ 31 50 Remway 20 00 Budwiser 20 00 aea0eMS 20 00 Cocoanut Banner, 25 lb, tins____ 19% Snowdrift, 10 lb. tins_. 20 CLOTHES LINE Riverside, 50 ft_______ 2 20 Cupples Cord _________ 2 9 COFFEE ROASTED Lee & Cady 1 Ib. Package Arrow Brang == 23 Boston Breakfast ______ 24 Breakfast Cup ________ 28 Competition __.._._ 17% Se We 21 Masestic 30 Morton House _____.____ 32 Medrow - oe 27 Quaker, in cartons_____ 23 Quaker, in glass jars_.27% McLaughlin’s Kept+ Fresh Cpt fresh MY Coffee Extracts M. Y., per 100________ 12 Frank’s 50 pkgs._____ 4 25 Hummel’s 50, 1 1b.____ 10% CONDENSED MILK Eagle, 2 0z., per case__ 4 60 February 28, 1934 CONFECTIONERY Stick Candy Pails Pure Sugar Sticks-600c Big Stick, 28 lb. case__ Horehound Stick, 120s Mixed Candy Kindergarten Denger French Creams_______ Paris Creams_________ Jupiter Fancy Mixture________ Fancy Chocolate 5 lb. boxes Bittersweets, Ass’ted_ Nibble Sticks _._______ Chocolate Nut Rolls__ Lady Vernon____.____ Golden Klondikes_____ Gum Drops Cases Jelly Strings... Tip Top Jellies__._____ Orange Slices_________ Lozenges Pails A. A. Pep. Lozenges ____ A. A. Pink Lozenges ____ A. A. Choc. Lozenges .._ Motto Hearts... Malted Milk Lozenges___ Hard Goods Lemon Drone O. F. Horehound Drops. Anise Squares _______ Peanut Squares ________ Cough Drops : Bxs, Smith Bros.___... | 1 45 Luden’s eee ee! 1 45 Vick’s, 40/10c_________ 2 40 Specialties italian Bon Bons_______ Banquet Cream Mints_. Handy Packages, 12-10c 80 COUPON BOOKS 50 Economic grade__ 2 50 100 Economic Srade__ 4 50 500 Economic 8rade_.20 00 1000 Economic Srade__37 50 Where 1,000 books are Ordered at a time, special- ly printed front i CRACKERS Hekman Biscuit Company Saltine Soda Cracke bulk eel et enticey Saltine Soda Crackers, 1 Ib. pkgs...” Saltine Soda Crackers, 4 1b. pig Saltine Soda Crackers, 6% oz, pkgs... 1 00 Butter Crackers, bulk 13 Butter Crackers, 1 Ib. 1 72 Better Crackers, 2 lb... 3 13 Crackers, bulk 14 Graham C’s, 1 Ib._____ 1 90 Graham C’s, 6% oz.___ 1 00 Junior Oyster C’s, blk. 13 Oyster C’s, shell, 1 Ib._ 1 84 Club Crackers_________ 1 86 CREAM OF TARTAR 6 ib. boxes. a ORIED FRUITS Apples N. Y. Fey., 50 Ib. box__ N. Y. Fey., 14 oz. pkg. Apricots Evaporated, Ex Choice 18 SO Ex. Fancy Moorpack_.. 25 Citron Sie box os ? ' ! i oa Ati February 28, 1934 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 21 Currants JUNKET GOODS FRESH MEATS HERRING SOAP TEA Packages, 11 oz....__--- 14 Junket Powder __._. 1 20 Am. Family, 100 box_. 5 05 Japan : Junket Tablets ______ 1 36 Beef Holland Herring me. Ei, Ge 225 Medium 18 Junket Food Colors_.160 Top Steers & Heif.__-- 0 Mee eee 80 Fels Naptha, 100 box. 465 Choice 222777777777 21@28 Dates Good Steers & Heif.___.09 Milkers, kegs ~__.____- S88 Blake White, 10 box._.26006 Wane, = 30@32 Imperial, 12s, pitted__ 1 90 Med. Steers & Heif.-_._. 08 Boneless, 10 Ib. box__ 125 Jap Rose, 100 box_____ : - No. | Ninbs | 31 Imperial, 12s, regular. 1 60 MARGARINE Com, Steers & Heif. ___. 07 Hairy 100 box 5 Imperial, 12s, 2 Ib.__-- Wilson & Co.’s Brands Palm Olive, 144 box ___ ; 20 G Imperial, 12s, 1 Ib.___- Oleo Lake Herring Lava, 60 pox 225 cos unpowder : ae ae 09 Veal 1 bbl, 100 the Lin, Gio $6 2 32 : TOD he ee 11 Camay, 72 box.______ 1a _ Figs Coody 10 P & G Nap Soap, 100@ 2 60 Calif., 24-83, case_... 1 70 MATCHES Median: -200 08 Sweetheart, 100 box___ 5 70 Ceylon Diamond, No. 5, 144... 6 50 Mackerel Grandpa Tar, 50 sm. __ 210 Pekoe, medium ~-___-__- 50 Searchlight, 144 box. 6 50 Tubs, 60 Count, fy. fat 6 00 Williams Barber Bar, 9s 50 Peaches Crescent, 144 __....___ 5 90 Lamb Pails, 10 lb. Fancy fat 150 Williams Mug, per doz. 48 English Breakfast Evap. Choice ___----- 138% Diamond, No. 0__-___ 616 Spring Lamb 16 Bux Toilet, 60... 315 Congou, medium _... 38 ISM ees e eens eget 14 Congou, choice _____ 35@36 Safety Matches Medium, 22) 13 Congou, fancy ______ 42@43 Peel Red Top, 5 gross case 5 40 Poor __-----_-___---___-- 06 White Fish SPICES Lemon, Dromdary, Signal Light, 5 gro. cs5 40 Med, Fancy, 100 lb.-_ 13 00 Whole Spices Oolon (a 110 Milkers, bbls, _____--- 18 50 Allspice Jamaica______ @24 Medium . a Orange, Dromdary, Mutton K K K K Norway-_-_ = - Cines, Zansias = GG ian 3 4 oz., dozen____--___ 1 10 C00d -- 07 8 Ib. pails_-_---_______ Cassia, Canton _______ GA Wau = 50 Citron, Dromdary, MUELLER’S eee Medium (22) 05. Gat Bunch 2 i 60 Cuasias Ga phe, oe, 5 4 oz., Goxzen. 110 Macaroni, 9 oz.________ 200) Boned, 10 lb. boxes_._._ 16 Ginger, Africa _______- @19 Spaghetti, 9 Om 2s 3 10 Mixed, No. 1... @30 Elbow Macaroni, 9 oz._ 2 10 Mixed, 10c pkgs., doz._ @65 TWINE Ralsins Ege Noodles, 6 oz. __-- 210 Pork “Yutmegs, 70@90 ______ @50 Cotton,3plycone _____ 35 Seeded, bulk —~~--_.---- 6% Egg Vermicelli, 6 og. 210 Doings. 9.3 eee a or 13 SHOE BLACKENING Tutinegs, 105-110 _.__.. @48 Cotton, 3 ply balls _____ 35 Thompson's S’dless blk. 6% Egg Alphabets, 6 07:02 10 Butts, 13 2in1, Paste, doz....l 30 >epper, Rlack ________ @23 eg s'dless bik._--- Cooked Spaghetti, 24c, Shoulders 002 10 &E. Z. Combination, dz. 1 30 | ES ee es 1% 1 67.02 2 20) | Spereribs 2 0s) = Dri-Koot, doz, ___-.___ 2 00 i quker “Seeded, 15 0z.-_ 7% Neck Bones —_.--.--__- 4 babes os. 1 30 on anaes i Pat — phepritoe! : ‘ Shi Alispice, . Co +Té apids Srneaineg Sg re. 08 a Ee ” Cloves, Zanzbar _____ @28 ae 40 svat 19 California Prunes NUT -assia, Canton_______- @22 ite Wine, 40 grain__ 20 90@100, 25 Ib. boxes _.@07 Whole Ginger, Corkin -_--___ @17 White Wine, 80 grain__ 25 80@ 90, 26 1b. boxes --@07% Almonds, Peerless -_._ 15% STOVE POLISH Mustard _______._____ @21 70@ 80, 25 \b. boxes-.@07% Brazil, large _________ 14% PROVISIONS Blackne, per doz..____1 30 Mace Penang -___. @6) 60@ 70, 25lb. boxes _-@08% Fancy Mixed ____ 15 Black Silk Liquid, doz. 130 Pepper, Black -__-__- @20 WICKING 50@ 60, 26 lb. boxes _.@08% Filberts, Naples ____ 20 Barreled Pork Black Silk Paste, doz... 1 25 Nutmegs ---__-______ @25 No. 9, per gross 80 40Ib 50, 25 lb. boxes _.@09% Peanuts, Vir. Roasted 7 Clear Back___--16 00@18 00 Emnameline Paste, doz. 1 30 Pepper, White _______- @30 No.1, per eruss 1 25 30@ 40, 25 lb. boxes -.@11 Peanuts, Jumbo ______ 8% Short Cut, Clear... 12 00 Enameline Liquid, doz. 1 30 Pepper, Cayenne 1 @26 Ne > rac 1 50 20@ 30, 251b. boxes__@13 Pecans, 3, star ________-- 25 E. Z. Liquid, per dez.. 1 30 Paprika, Spanish --- @36 No.3, per gross _._.._. 2 30 18@ 24, 25 Ib. boxes _.@165% Pecans, Jumbo ________- 40 Radium, per doz......- 13 Peerless Rolls, per doz. 90 Pecans, Mammoth __---. 50 Dry Salt Meats Rising Sun, per doz._.. 1 30 Rochester, No. 2. doz. 50 Walnuts, Cal. ______ 14@20 D S Belles__18-29@18-10-08 654 Stove Enamel, dz.. 2 80 Seasoning Rochester, No. 3. doz. ~ 2 00 Hominy Hickory 020050 07 Vulcanol, No. 10, doz... 1 30 Chili Powder 134 oz g2 Rayo, per doz. ide Pearl, 100 lb. sacks___. 3 50 i Stovoil, per doz._._--__ 3 00 Celery Salt, 1% Ge 80 ee re a a Salted Peanuts Pure in tlerces. 2. 07% one. a oe se 1 . Bulk Goods Fancy, No. 1__--_-_-__ 09% 601b. tubs _____ advance mie ee 1 35 WOODENWARE Elb.Macaroni, 201b.bx. 1 26 12—1 Ib. Cellop’e case_ 1 2% 50 1b. tubs ----~ advance % SALT Wars 6 a 3 25 Baskets Egg Noodle, 10 lb. box 1 25 20 lb. pails ___.advance % F. 0. B. Grand Rapids Kitchen Bouquet... 4 0% Bushels, Wide Band, 10 lb. pails __.._.advance % Colonial, 24, 2 lb.___-_ 99) waural Pasuas ab apoce Bandies_. 2 00 Shelled 5 lb. pails __---advance 1 Colonial, 36-1% -_---- $6 Waters 1 go Market, drop handle__ 90 Pearl Barley Almonds 2000200 39 3: Ib. pails _____ advance 1 Colonial, Iodized, 24-2125 Savory, 1'oz.__.._____ 43 Market, single handle. 95 0000 00 Peanuts, Spanish, 125 Compound, tierces ___ 07% Med. No.1, bbls._._--. 2 90 Thyme. ton 40 Market, éxtra 7 1 60 Barley Grits....------ 5 00 i. Wee 7% Compound, tubs _______ 08 Med. No.1, 1001b. bk. 100 ‘Tumeric, 1% 02....... 46 oe lee 8 50 Chester 2 460 Wilbertsa 0 i. 32 Farmer Spec., 70 Ib.__ 1 00 (eee Splint, medium ______ 7 50 Pecans, salted __________ 45 Packers Meat, 50 Ib... 65 Splint, smal] __________ 6 50 Walnut, California ____ 48 Sausages Cream Rock for ice , Lentlis Bolopna (0. 10 cream, 100 1lb., each 85 STARCH Churns Chih 10 Bigae 2 a ea ae lea Salt, 280 1b. bbl. 4 00 Corn Barrel 5 gal., each____ 2 40 eG 6 Glock 60th. 0 inesfor arrel, 10 gal., each___ 2 55 MINCE MEAT a ig Baker Salt, 280 Ib. bbl 380 B,neS a a a 3 nega oe 18 Tapioca None Such, 4 doz.____- 6 20 Tongue, Jellied ___--___- 21 6, 10 Ib, per bale._____ 93 Argo, 24, 1 lb. pkgs.___ 1 58 Pearl, 100 Ib. sacks.-_-__ 7% Quaker, 3 doz. case__.265 HHeadcheese _........... 13 20, 3 1b., per bale____1) Gream 24-1 ~ oe oe Pails Minute, 8 oz., 3 doz..405 Yo Ho, Kegs, wet, Ib. 16% ‘0 Tb. bags, table_____.__ 45 See eee 10 qt. Galvanzed 2 60 Dromedary Instant --. 3 50 gat Gk — =< Smoked Meats 14 qt. Galvanized _____ 3 10 iL Gloss 2 Jiffy Punch Hams, Cert., 14-16 Ib.__15 12 qt. Flaring Gal. Jr._ 5 00 3 doz. Carton_______--- 4 25 OLIVES Hams, Cert., Skinned Argo, 24, 1 Ib. pkgs... 1 46 10qt. Tin Dairy_______ 4 00 4 oz. Jar, Plajn, doz... 90 wea Argo, 12, 3 lb. pkgs.__ 2 26 Assorted flavors. a N6-8 Ip 15 ; 16 og. Jar, Plain, doz..195 .” ata lace Argo, 8, b Ib. pkgs.____ 2 «6 Traps 26 oz. Jars, Plain, doz. 2 40 —_ i 22 Silver Gloss, 48, 1s____11% Mouse, wood, 4 holes. 60 G Gal Kees cach. 660 one y Elastic, 16 pkgs._____- 138 Mouse. EVAPORATED MILK Sa: Jan Gee A 115 California Hams ------ @10 Tiger. 50 lbs 2 32 use, wood, 6 holes__ 70 Quaker, Tall, 10% oz.- 285 907 ‘yar Stuffed, doz. 225 Picnic Boiled Hams..--@16 = Mouse, tin, 5 holes. 65 Quaker, Baby, 4 doz...143 5) Ge tue Sat don Gk ted Heme @23 Teen 1 00 Quaker, Gallon, % dz. 285 Gui" Ties stiff. do 19 Minced Hams —_--___-- @12 Kat, spring 000 1 00 Carnation, - 4 - S . so ees Oe Bacon 4/6 Cert.._-__- @17 it Mouse, spring_-______- 20 Carnation, Baby, 4 a 5 guimans Bate Baby 1 se "een Tub tman’s D’dee y PARIS GREEN Beef AMERICAN \~ ifn es 3lue K: N 14, 240 L i a= a te . “6 34 Boneless. rump-_...@19 00 Ce Eis wb talin Mehen ae , No. 5, 8 3 Y Po? an Pet, Baby, 4 dowen_--145 4s le 382 . Blue Karo, No. 10 3 14 Small Galvanized 6 75 Borden’s, Tall, 4 doz. 295 95 and 5s______-_______- 30 moe Wage Ws kk 8 Aa Oe anes ue Borden’s, Baby, 4 doz. 1 48 Liver Red Karo, No. 5, 1 da. 3 59 eT 2 10 ‘ee Run’g, 32, 26 oz. 2 4) Read Karo, No. 10 = 3 46 SE 35 Five case 5 eo 2 30) : aa Ba va A FRUIT CANS PICKLES Pore 06 Jodized, 32, 26 oz.--__- 2 4) : i - gigaageeaces 5 50 Hie casita 2 30 Imit. Maple Flavor a ae 6 25 Presto Mason Orange, No. 1%, 2 dz._ 300 G:4SS, single__-_______ 6 00 F. O. B. Grand Rapids Medium Sour Orange, No. 3, 20 cans 4 47 Double Peerless_______ 8 50 Half pint-.--.-------- 715 5 gallon, 400 count____ 4 75 ciple Peerless________ 7 50 One pinto 7 40 RICE BORAX Northern Queen______ 5 50 8 65 Maple and Cane Universal = 7 7 25 One Se, Sc 11 55 Fancy Blue Rose------ Se Twenty Mule Team Kanuck, per gal 1 10 a ne . 5 eos ae Small 7 25 Hancy Head --._--_ 7 * a. oe os , vr Kanuck, 6 gal. can____ 4 75 Banner, 6 0z., doz. __-. 90 io Oe Wood Bowls FRUIT CAN RUBBERS = Banner, quarts, doz. -. 2 10 eae 7 Grape Jue 13 in. Butter _-__.___. 5 00 Presto Red Lip, 2 gro. Paw Paw, quarts, doz. 2 80 Welch. 12 quart case__ 4 40 15 in. Butter _________ 9 00 carton: 2. 78 KS Welch, 12 pint case... 2 25 17 in. Butter _________ 18 00 Presto White Lip, 2 Postma Biscuit Co. Welch, 26-4 oz. case___ 230 19in. Butter _________ 25 00 gro. on-__-_____- 83 Dill Pickles 18 rolls, per case _____. 2 10 Gal., 40 to Tin, doz.... 815 12rolls, percase ______ 1 39 WASHING POWDERS 32 oz. Glass Thrown___ 1 45 18 cartons, percase ___ 235 Bon Ami Pd., 18s, box. 1 90 GELATINE 12 cartons, per case ___ 1 57 Bon Ami Cake, 18s_.-- 1 = WRAPPING PAPER Jell-o, 3 doz.---------- 1 80 Brilig ooo COOKING OIL Fibre, Manilla, white__ 05 Minute, 3 dog..__.----- ‘ 05 Dill Pickles, Bulk Big 4 Soap Chips 8/5-. 2 30 Staxos Nout Bibve 0 06% Plymouth, White____-- ‘ S tag 2... 3 65 Chipso, large -------- $4 ints 2 oe ae, cient OF 06% Jelsert, 3 doz._--.----- - Gal, 6... 11 25 SALERATUS oes ge ie < © Guise 1 (5 ae 3 45 mre a 06 Ces pst CO Wah nes cal sc co o e ~-~.____ Alcohol and Coffee as Counteractants Alcohol and coffee have an antagon- istic effect within the human body and both may aid digestion. Taken to- gether they show a tendency to neu- tralize effects. This is the finding of a study of the drinking of alcoholic stimulants con- ducted at the State College of Agri- culture at Cornell University, New York. The study was conducted with the aid of a photo-electric cell, which has been described as an electric eye. Drinking of alcoholic stimulants in- creased liability to errors from 2 to 25 a minute, the electric eye demonstrated This is important in its bearing on the efficiency of drivers of motor vehicles. The effects of alcohol and coffee upon capacity for coordination was deter- mined by tests with the electric eye. ———_s>2?>______ Rice Crop Control Secretary Wallace has given tenta- tive approval to a marketing agree- ment for the Southern Rice Milling In- dustry which provides for crop con- trol in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas. The proposed agreement is to be pre- sented to Southern rice millers for sig- nature before it becomes effective. INSURANCE INSURANCE COMPANY castle Pacem ET ikem cae FE Screen oma ABP, Bene ay i i i February 28, 1934 OUT AROUND (Continued from page 9) Several new political parties will be found upon the November, 1934, bal- lot, according to information reaching the department of state. The Progres- sive-Fusionist and the Peoples. Pro- gressive parties and the Common- wealth party, which is to replace the Prohibition party, already have quali- fied for places on the ballot. A new Farmer-Labor party to replace the one already qualified is being formed and members of the United party are planning to qualify within a few weeks. Reports are current that another large consolidation is to be effected in the automobile trade. The corpora- tions thus far mentioned as probable members of the merger are Chrysler, Reo, Hupmobile, Continental and Hayes-Ionia companies. No figures have been given out as to the probable capitalization of the new combine. G. M. Dame, President of the Cherry Growers Factory, Inc., of Northport, sends me a copy of a letter his organi- zation sent to H. A. Wallace, Secre- tary of Agriculture, protesting against the marketing agreement he has pro- mulgated in regard to the unsold pack of red sour cherries for 1933 and pre- vious years. I am sorry I cannot re- produce the letter entire. The con- cluding paragraphs are as follows: “Tf a marketing agreement is now put into effect, as outlined, the admin- istrators who have made records, which one who runs may read, will be vested with a dangerous power. All other in- dividuals allied to the industry will be relegated to the position of rabbits. “The proposed marketing agreement makes no reference to the variation in the type of cherries produced in differ- ent growing sections, nor does it take into account the difference in the effi- ciency as between the plants operat- ing in the same district. To undertake to establish a flat minimum price, without regard to the quality of the product, is purely academic. “In theory one would suppose that the product of efficient and competent management would command a pre- mium over the offerings of less care- ful operators or less favored districts. “In practice, however, this does not usually work and the effect of a dead level price usually tends to reduce the level of the quality of the output, which, in turn, affects the popularity of the product, finally resulting in a diminishing demand to the detriment of the industry. “To put the marketing of the product in a straight jacket will not tend to the advantage of the industry on this account. “Tt is always to be remembered that canned cherries should be consumed within the crop year. “Dr. Fitzgerald, chemist for the American Can Co., insists we cannot, with any degree of safety, hold cherries longer than twelve months. After twelve months these cans are subject to acid causing perforation, loss of product, spoiling, etc. “The Government statistics show that cherries should not be carried in cans over nine months. MICHIGAN “We pray that no action may be taken to formulate or endorse a mar- keting agreement relating to the pres- ent insight supply of cherries except as may be applicable to such canners as wish voluntarily to combine for this purpose. “We are hopeful that the agricultural department will lend its offices toward a solution of the problem of the indus- try as relates to the incoming crop of 1934.” Proponents of a marketing agree- ment for red sour cherry canning in- dustry said during the week at a public hearing in Washington on the pro- posed agreement that unless minimum prices were set for the remainder of the 1933 pack, producers would receive lit- tle more than the actual cost of har- vesting, A. J, Rogers, representing the Cherry Sales Corp., Chicago, IlIl., speaking for the proponents, estimated that 80 per cent. of the unsold stocks in the hands of co-operative associations and canners were sold on co-operative contracts, and that unless minimum prices were established anticipated price-cutting would destroy the equity of growers in the stocks. The proposed agreement for the cherry canners would establish minimum prices for sales by canners. It would establish a price committee, with representatives from each of the canners, to determine changes in the minimum price sched- ule. An executive committee would be established to supervise the perform- ance of the agreement, and to negoti- ate for an agreement for the entire cherry industry for controlling produc- tion and marketing of the 1934 crop. The proposed agreement specifically requests that the Secretary of Agri- culture license all canners of red sour cherries. If the remainder of the 1933 crop can be marketed under minimum price schedules, according to V. R. Gardner, of Michigan State College, East Lansing, the growers will receive a total of 2% cents per pound for their 1933 crop. Without an agreement growers will be unable to finance their 1934 crop, he stated. Orderly market- ing of unsold stocks will place the 1934 crop in a position for better prices, said Karl Reynolds, of Sturgeon Bay, rep- resenting the Wisconsin Cherry Pack- ers Association. George S, Wenger, of Cherry Growers Factory, Northport, stated that this organization was op- posed to the agreement on the ground that regulations as to price would upset marketing plans already formed by the industry. The present carry-over is not heavy, he said, and could be moved at fair prices, while establishment of a minimum price would tend to decrease consumption and make it impossible to dispose of the surplus before the 1934 crop is ready for market. He urged that the agreement not be made bind- ing to packers not signing. E. A. Stowe. —_+->—___ Syrup For Needy Needy families in several States of the Middle West will receive 225,000 gallons of surplus cane and sorghum syrups ordered by the Federal Surplus Relief Corporation. The syrup, which cost $130,000, will be parceled out in one-gallon cans. TRADESMAN IN THE REALM OF RASCALITY Questionable Schemes Which Are Under Suspicion Automobile headlights, flesh reduc- ing creams and hypnotic cures for pain, are among the commodities involved in a group of stipulation made public by the Commission. proceedings Federal Trade In each case, the adver- tiser of the commodity has agreed to discontinue the unfair practice charged. Several of the cases are for the public record. Names of respondents are giv- en. They are companies which have operated in St. Louis, Chicago, Spar- tanburg, S. C., Greenfield, Ohio, Ta- coma, Wash., Buffalo and Brooklyn. Mimeographed copies of the full text of the stipulation in any of the pro- ceedings may be had upon application to the Federal Trade Commission. De- tails of the cases are as follows: Magazine publishing advertisements of a correspondence course in physical culture will abide by Commission ac- tion in case against vendor. Magazine publishing advertisements of a cement for use in mending, agrees to abide by Commission action in case against vendor. Magazine publishing advertisements of correspondence courses in physical culture, will abide by Commission ac- tion in case against vendor. Three magazines publishing adver- tisements of company selling kitchen utensils and seeking agents to sell from door to door, agree to abide by Com- mission action against the vendors. Magazine publishing advertisements of a cement used for mending, agrees to abide by Commission action against the advertiser. Two magazines publishing advertise- ments of a correspondence course in physical culture, agree to abide by Commission action against vendor. Publisher of a Midwest daily news- paper of wide interstate circulation publishing advertisements of the vend- or of an alleged remedy for catarrh, colds, sinus troubles and kindred ail- ments, agrees to abide by Commission action against the vendor. Magazine publishing advertisements of a flesh reducing cream and a fat re- ducing cream, agrees to abide by Com- mission action against vendor. Two magazines publishing advertise- mentsof a hair dye agree to abide by Commission action against vendor. Magazine publishing advertisements of polishing cloths, agrees to abide by Commission action in case against vendor. Magazine publishing advertisements of stomach tablets, will abide by Com- mission action in case against vendor. Magazine publishing advertisements of dresses, and seeking agents to sell them, agrees to abide by Commission action against the vendor. Magazine publishing advertisements of a specific for leg sores and leg troubles, agrees to abide by Commis- sion action against vendors, Three magazines publishing adver- tisements of flesh building creams and fat reducing creams, agrees to abide by Commission action against the ad- vertiser. 23 George J. Masur, trading as George J. Masur Co., St. Louis, advertising a skin ulcer salve, agrees to discontinue statements held by the Commission to be exaggerated and misleading. —_>-+___ Lines of Interest to Grand Rapids Council (Continued from page 7) be discontinuing the funny sheets by the time he got delivery on one and the electric current, upon reaching his house, might be used for ice cubes in high-balls. We understand the Ghys- els are going to occupy a very fine place on East Fulton road in the Cas- cadia district, The graduaie is discovering that in the matter of getting a job, a sheepskin isn’t as important as sole leather. Those of you who love good wine perhaps do not know or realize what expense is necessary to store fine wines for aging. The least vibration will in- jure the quality of good wine, so great cellars are constructed deep into the sarth in order to protect the beverage from vibration. In some instances the caverns are lined with cork to insure complete insulation. Do not forget that Saturday, March 3, will be a big day for Grand Rapids Council members and their friends. A business meeting will be held in the afternoon and in the evening the big annual home coming party and _ ball will be given in the Moose Temple. At the business meeting in the after- noon, officers and delegates will be selected and in the evening the new officers will be publicly installed into their offices. The big party will con- sist of great big chunks of dancing, lots of entertainment, favors and eats. The whole darn mess is only going to cost you 40 cents per head, bald or otherwise. Come to this big jamboree and bring your friends—there is only one place to go on that evening and this is that. Notgniklip. —_+~-+-___ So many Government officials are on the air with an equal number of solu- tions for what is supposed to ail us that the old radio is getting confused. Phone 89574 John L. Lynch Sales Co. SPECIAL SALE EXPERTS Expert Advertising Expert Merchandising 209-210-211 Murray Bldg. Grand Rapids, Michigan es Business Wants Dzpartn ent Advertisements inserted under this head for five cents a word the first insertion and four cents a word for each subse- quent continuous insertion. if set in capital letters, double price. No charge less than 50 cents. Smail display adver- tisements in this department, $4 per inch. Payment with order is required, as amounts are too small to open accounts. I WILL BUY YOUR MERCHANDISE FOR CASH Dry Goods, Clothing, Shoes, Ready-to- Wear, Furnishings, Groceries, Furniture, Hardware, Etc. Will buy entire stock and fixtures, or any part. Also short leases taken over. All transactions confidential. Write, Phone, or Wire LOUIS LEVINSOHN Phone 27406 655 So. Park St. ____Sadinaw, MicKigas INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS using “Speedy Printer.” Prints cards, circulars, Complete outfit $12.50. Write Pekas Du- plicator Co., Lesterville, South Dakota. 626 24 THE RIGHT TO WORK And To Enjoy the Comforts of Life When this depression is placed un- der the microscope of economic anal- ysis it shows clearly the cause is un- bridled greed. The serious affect it has upon our welfare and happiness makes the subject worthy of further study. For many decades Congress and legis- latures enacted many special privilege laws, at the behest of many lines of business. Each industry was out to get advantages it otherwise would not have if it upon its merit alone. Under the pretext of “protec- tion,” hundreds of laws were passed, which permitted the beneficiary to charge more. These privileges were depended 1 first enacted to help some so-called “infant industry.” No one found any particuar fault in assisting a new en- terprise to get established. This was as far as the aid was supposed to go, but lo and behold, many of these “in- fants’ would not be weaned even when grown to giants. It was this special legislation that had much to do with the building of monopolies, which now invade the field of nearly all necessities of the people. While the money problem is important, it is no more so than the stagnation brought about by organized greed. It has brought our whole na- tional life into a struggle for exist- ance. Under the present monopolistic industrial set-up, there is no hope for millions of able-bodied people to have employment. If this nation is going to be ruled by greedy industrialism, it ceases to be a people’s government and becomes an oligarchy instead. This is the greatest menace with which we have to contend. We are told that times have changed as a natural order of events. That we should not complain or object to these changes. That present conditions are fore-ordained and we should submit to them peacefully and adjust ourselves accordingly. This has ever been the command of whether kings, monarchs or industrial monop- oppressors, olies. To-day the “handwriting upon the wall” is clearly before our eyes. Is this Nation to be preserved as the home of a happy and contented people or are they to be doomed to live longer in fear and doubt as to whether they will be permitted the God-given right to work and enjoy the fruits of their labor? Is the Government of this Na- tion to be the guardian of humanity or the instrument of industrial and financial greed? We are face to face with this problem and the answer depends upon our intelligence and will- ingness to fight for our rights. It is one thing to fight for our rights and it is quite another thing to fight for greedy gain. The oppressors of the poor are those already possessed of plenty. They are not content to live ia luxury upon the best the world can pro- vide, but they want more and more and will fight for it. They have suc- ceeded in nullifying the anti-trust laws made to protect the people. This per- mits them to charge more or to cut the price until the small business man is forced out. Then the price mounts MICHIGAN higher, as it did when the oil octopus forced the small dealer out and has since bled the people of billions of dol- lars. Thus have gigantic corporations been formed to secure national control of products the people must have. They have bought up leading manufac- turing plants in various lines until they have complete control of the industry. This is possible through the use of Wall street money, thus the interna- bankers are interlocked with leading lines of manufacturing, besides railways, telephone, telegraph, radio, electric and gas utilities. Besides these they have had control of our national monetary system, so they can regulate the supply of money, tional Those who think we live in a free country have another guess coming. Small merchants and manufacturers, as well as the great mass of the people, are tied hand and food. The smaller bankers were but pawns and dupes of the Wall street money kings. Millions have been crushed by their greed. Hu- man comfort and means nothing compared with the thirst for gold. The small merchant and manu- facturer, who were the backbone of the villages, towns and cities of the Na- tion, see the slimy coils of the octopus enter their community with its tenta- cles, then proceed to undersell and de- those of small means. Each branch of its chain is part of a great which drains the the community to Wall street. It not only destroys the inde- pendent business men and women, but the farmers as well, as it dictates the price of his crops and products and charges him monopoly prices for farm tools and machinery. Thousands have thus been ruined and in many towns and cities the independent merchant has been practically driven off of main street. happiness stroy pipe-line system, money of The tax upon chain stores will help equalize conditions for the smaller merchants, but it in no way stops the progress of monopoly, which is a vio- lation of present laws. The big chains now have lowest prices from manu- facturers, or own their own manufac- turing plants, while the small mer- chant must buy from the jobber and pay more. So there is no protection for the small merchant, unless the anti- trust laws are enforced and mo 10polies abolished. In the struggle to live we just about forget the human side of our business problems. It is a case of placing human welfare in one side of the scales and greed for money in the other. A low price is the weapon used so successfully by monopolies until it gets control, then up goes the price tu the consumer, who helped them. This was the tactics of the oil and farm ma- chinery trusts, who charge all they can get. The CWA and other plans of the President’s recovery program take into consideration human distress. It is planned to give work to the greatest number of people. The plan is not based upon profits in money, but to help worthy citizens in distress through no fault of their own. The work done by these unfortunate citi- zens might be done for less money by TRADESMAN a few using labor-saving machinery, but the President says human welfare must come first. This is not only the right way to look at it during an emer- gency, but it should prevail at all times. Jobs for men and women should al- Ways come first, then when there is more work to be done than there are me nand women to do it, start the ma- chinery to help meet the demand. If we would make our National slogan, “a job for every worker,” it would not be long until they would have buying power to keep industry and its ma- chinery operating steadily. With Fed- eral regulation to prevent over-produc- tion, there is no reason for business to not operate steadily. We have got to ‘earn that industry is only an adjunct for supplying human needs, and not a private institution for the sole purpose of making profits for stockholders. If we are to save patriotism and loyalty we must have a just govern- ment, that will guard the rights of the most humble citizen, When a govern- ment fails to perform this duty and becomes more interested in the wel- fare of greedy exploiters of the people, that government is doomed. The Pres- ident realizes that we are near the dangerline, and that there is a limit to human endurance. That all the peo- ple needing a job must have the oppor- tunity to earn enough for a comfor- table living. Every true American spurns the dole and asks for the rights God intended he should have. This Nation has the greatest opportunities of all the nations of earth. It is yet but a youth as the age of nations show, and it has always been blest with abun- dance of every gift of nature. Is it strong enough to subdue the power of greed and restore to everyone under its flag the right to work and enjoy the comforts of life? E. B. Stebbins. ——_2s2-2>______ Fine Drug Meeting Held at Marshall Fennville, Feb. 27—One of the best and most instructive meetings held in recent years in the drug trade was held last Thursday night at the Schuler Hotel, at Marshall. It was sponsored by the Battle Creek Drug Association and druggists from Holland to Ann Arbor were in attendance. Much credit for the meeting should go to the toast- master of the occasion, Edgar L. Til- ford, representative of Eli Lilly & Co., and Inspector Otis Cook of the Board of Pharmacy. Speakers for the occasion included Harry S. Noel, of the advertising de- partment of Eli Lilly & Co. He gave the druggists a talk which would awak- en dormant thoughts in anyone who had a drop of self-respect left in his druggist makeup. Mr. Noel told of varied experiences in his work and the stores in which he had worked, and best of all he told the group how to meet the modern troubles which confront every drug- gist. After his talk he had an open forum which lasted until nearly mid- night, which tells how interested each man was who heard the “gentleman from Indiana.” Other speakers were Inspector Cook, Representative Voorhies, of Cal- houn county, member of the State Leg- islature, Raymond Doud, of Battle Creek Druggists Association, and Dun- can Weaver, President of the M.S.P.A. —_22__ Americanism: Slaving to earn abundance; starving to take off the fat. —_+2.__ : The man who gets ahead is the one who plans and carries out the plan. February 28, 1934 Bond Printing ls a Business in Itself It requires not only the proper Bond Blanks but a knowledge of Bonds coupled with skill and painstaking care. We Have the Blanks We Have the Skill We Use the Care BOND PRINTING IS OUR BUSINESS We undoubtedly print more Bonds and Certificates of Stock than any other printers in Michigan TRADESMAN COMPANY a] and Rapids vale GOMpanl OLDEST LARGEST STRONGEST Handlers of Safes in Michigan No Commission too Large No Order too Small Our prices are 10 to 20 per cent. lower than those of Chicago and Detroit dealers, due to our low overhead. “adh RE aon Ye ESD ALIS, SOR. amas : ieee ad “ater —— ee EE A aN PR ee open = o> poh en a ae } t } ; { a ey ae a ae a a ey a a a TO OT TO OT OT OG OG GE LO OG OT OO EE TN eae ——" eee —_——— seer en eed ( DY ( I <4) 2 BY BY ( I OIE SLOW BUT SURE STARVATION Dominance of Chain Store Must Necessarily Result in Impoverishment of the Community. I have been accused of many things of which I had no knowledge during the time I have con- ducted the ‘Tradesman, but one accusation has never been laid at my door—that I have an inordi- nate love for the chain store. I have fought this menace to legitimate merchandising with all the vigor I could command ever since the viper showed its head. I shall continue to oppose it as long as I have any breath in my body, not because it has no good features to commend it, but because the bad features outweigh the good. Under existing conditions it has but one fundamental theory —to make money for the owner. Such features as service to the public, duty to the community, and fair treatment to clerks are entirely overlooked by the chain stores in the mad endeavor to make as much money as possible and get the money so made out of the town in which it is made at the earliest possible moment. Money made by a legitimate merchant usually finds lodgment in the local bank and is utilized to assist in meeting the payrolls of local factories, from which it comes back to the merchant in never ending procession and succession, but no local banker dares to use the deposits of chain stores in meeting local calls and necessities; because he knows that such action on his part will force him to either suspend payment or go on a borrowing expedi- tion day after tomorrow or week after next. The independent retail dealer sends out of town only sufficient funds to cover his foreign purchases. The remainder of his bank deposits, which represent the profit he has made in his store transactions, remain in the bank until invested in a home, devoted to payment on a home already purchased on time, applied to the purchase of additional home furnishings, needed addi- tions to his store building, desirable additions to his stock or fixtures or investment in local manu- facturing enterprises which give employment to home people and thus contribute to the growth and prosperity of his home town. The chain store, on the contrary, sends the entire receipts of the store (less rent and wages paid the store manager and his clerk) to the headquarters of the chain system in Detroit or else- where, to be immediately transferred to New York, where they are absorbed by high priced executives and clerks and divided among the greedy stockholders of the organization. This steady stream of money, constantly flowing out of town every week, NEVER TO RETURN, must ultimately result in the complete impoverishment of the community. It is a pro- cess of slow but sure starvation. This is the strongest indictment ever presented against the chain store—an indictment which precludes the possibility of a defense, because there can be no defense to a charge of this kind, based on the logic of events. This indictment effectually outweighs and overcomes any possible advantage which can be presented in favor of the chain store, because of its low prices on some lines of goods, alleged uni- formity in methods and prompt service. In the light of this disclosure, which no one can successfully contradict or set aside, the con- sumer who patronizes the chain store, instead of the regular merchant, is effectually destroying the value of any property he owns in the town in which he lives, placing an embargo on the further progress of his own community and helping to bring on a period of stagnation in business, real estate and manufacturing which will ultimately force him to accept less pay for his services and reduce the level of living he enjoyed under conditions as they existed before the advent of the chain store. The decadence of the town, due to lack of employment and the diversion of all available capital to the headquarters of the chains in Eastern money markets, will cause a depression in farm products, due to lack of local demand, which will ultimately result in the impoverishment of the farmer. He can still ship his wheat to T.ivernool, but there will be no local market for perishable products which must be consumed near at home.—F. A. Stowe in Michigan Tradesman. atta yl ee ee oe ee ee oe ee ee ee i i, ne, nte_an an ain ee en on ti i ei ein en An lll lnc atl tnt ctl tna atlanta tlie alliance atl atl atleeteltnn atin atin atlnnctliin Aaliee,..calls. or coool] aMn@ 0 Oo mutual Fare insurance companies Omutual isfe msurance companies © mutual savings banks a WIND WZIN ArTOomMn yw! [An / rr) hoy ay] TOT) { / 7: HALLS AY | SAIN Ls os UA oo Fl UUALTIOTIP DY | LP ZL an AllaynpAngomct ano TIM IIR Gu J WLS) LAS AS 4) ALN J cy a i ee 7 | TES | vE C | bo LIDLE LIES Gs LBL ML AL THE MILL MUTUALS ACENCY LANMS ENG DET IReET GRARD FAP EDT Rademaker-Dooge Grocer Co. Distributors of : PETER PAN COUNTRY GENTLEMAN CORN PETER PAN GOLDEN BANTAM CORN MISS MICHIGAN SWEET PEAS FREMONT SWEET PEAS BIG MASTER MALT BLUE RIBBON MALT BOUQUET TEA The House of Quality and Service GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD STOCK Nhe brand Ms cs = know, W. R. Roach & Co., Grand Rap- ids, 7 maintain seven modern Michigan facto- ries for the can- ning of products grown by Michi- gan farmers. i $e A few of the many items CANNED FRUIT CANNED VEGETABLES PRESERVES DRIED FRUIT Quaker Products Quality --- Purity --- Flavor packed under this popular brand. PEANUT BUTTER COFFEE SPICES SALAD DRESSING Sold by Independent Dealers Only. LEE & CADY