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Thirty-Second Year GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1915
MEN UNCHANGED
The centuries pass— —
But the young spring grass
Is the same each year as before.
The centuries pass
But the sons we bear
Are the same as Eden bore.
The Modern Man sat in his modern club
And boasted a modern boast;
**Men are different now than of old,’’ said he,
“Brutal nature is gone from such men as we.
We pity our ancestor’s savagery,
But it is forgotten—almost.”’
The Modern Man’s vaunt reached the ears of Jove,
Who frowned: ‘I created that fool;
“Does he think he has changed the man that I made
To another being of higher grade?
He shall learn that my law will be obeyed,
In spite of his man-made rule.”’ .
Jove dropped a spark on the dry brown Earth,
Then grimly leaned back in his place.
““Now, my fine fellow, we’ll see how far
You have changed yourself from what you are.
Will your culture act as a hindering bar
When some one has spit in your face?”’’
A roar spread over the dry brown earth
Like the roar of Attilla’s Huns.
‘‘Now learn,’’ thundered Jove, ‘‘that, first and last,
Man is just as I made him—that Present or Past
Has not altered his nature one jot from the cast
Where I molded the earliest ones.”
Oh, men may talk and men may boast,
But take you this secret in,
That underneath each Christian shirt
Is a savage’s naked skin.
Oh, men may vow that the price of peace
Is never too great to pay.
Yet the blood they shed flows as free and red
As the blood of Caesar’s day.
The centuries pass—
But the young spring grass
Is the same each year as before.
The centuries pass—
But the sons we bear:
Are the same.as Eden bore.
Anna Tressler Long.
BANANAMAN EM EE EE EOE aE OE
JOU OOOO UO UL UU UCU UU. OULU OOOOOOOOOOOO
Number 1639
| THE NATURAL DEMAND.
. '-e¥eated by advertising based on the positive purity and
goodness of the food and a fair selling policy will pay
the grocer better in the long run than free deals or
: premiums of any kind.
_| Shredded Wheat
is a steady seller all the year ‘round because it
is the best advertised breakfast cereal.on the
’ market and because the shredding process is
now. recognized as the best process ever dis- .
. covered for making the whole wheat grain
digestible. It is ready-cooked and ready-to-
serve. Always the same high quality and the
same price.
The Biscuit is packed in odorless spruce wood cases which may be easily sold
for 10 or 15-cents, ‘thereby adding to the grocer’s profits.
The Shredded Wheat Co., Niagara Falls, N. Y.
PEVWVAM
os fC. as =
sure to rise the Sunz
You can’t always make everything “just so.” Sometimes you will
get in more shortening'than usual; or make the batter a little thin; or
it may-not be convenient to put a cake in the oven the moment it is
mixed; or your oven may not bake evenly and it is necessary to turn
the pan around—none of these little uncertainties make the slightest
difference in results if you use
BAKING POWDER
This modern, double-raise baking powder has unusual strength and
is absolutely certain to raise your biscuits, cakes and pastry light and
feathery. It generates an abundance of leavening gas both in the mix-
ing bowl and in the oven, The raising is sustained until the dough is
cooked through. :
, Housewives who use K C never have “bad luck” with their baking.
ay K C at our risk. Your grocer will refund your money if you are
ot pleased in every way.
SQA TTA:
RSA N
SS
CLIOPTTSSAMA AAA
THM VILALTA
Mr. Dealer:
Above is a.specimen of the K C copy now
appearing in the local papers throughout the
country. Read it carefully. There is something
new in it that will give you a ‘‘talking point’’ on
K C Baking Powder. Take advantage of this
advertising and make it pay you.
JAQUES MFG. CO.
- Putnam’s
Menthol Cough Drops
Packed 40 five cent packages in carton
Price $1.00
Note reduction in price
“bss
Each carton contains a certificate, ten of
which entitle the dealer to
ONE FULL SIZE CARTON
FREE
when returned to us or your jobber
properly endorsed
PUTNAM FACTORY, National Candy Co
MAKERS
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
7 \
ULM
“
Wi,
whom order is to be filled.
' BUFFALO, N. Y., January 2, 1914.
DEAL NO. 1402. aS
Good Yeast
Good Bread
Good Health
Sell Your Customers
FLEISCHMANN’S
YEAST
aiteiccae snail aa
For a limited time and subject to withdrawal without advance notice, we offer
SNOW BOY WASHING POWDER 24s FAMILY SIZE
through the jobber—to Retail Grocers
BOY FREE!
25 boxes @ $3.60—5 boxes FREE
10 boxes @ .3.60—2 boxes FREE
5 boxes'@ 3.65—1 box FREE
2% boxes @ 3.75—%box FREE
F. O. B. Buffalo: Freight prepaid to your R. R. Station in lots not less than 5 boxes.
All Orders at above prices must be for immediate delivery. .
This inducement is far NEW ORDERS ONLY-subject to withdrawal without notice.
Order from your Jobber at once or send your order to us giving namie of Jobber through
.
Yours very truly, ee
_Lautz Bros. & Co.
ABSA, SERRE Sisto
orc enna
FIGA
Thirty-Second Year
SPECIAL. FEATURES.
Page
: Detroit Detonations.
. Upper Peninsula.
4. News of the Business World.
5. Grocery and Produce Market.
6
g
WN
. Bigger Than Ever.
. Editorial.
10. Must Deal Close By.
12. Clothing.
13. Imps or Mascots.
14. Financial.
16. Big Drain on Profits.
18. The Meat Market.
19. Food Reformers.
20. Looking Backward.
22. Bankruptcy Matters.
23. Are My Prices Right?
26. Dry Goods.
28. Woman’s World.
29. Rest Rooms for Women.
30. Stoves and Hardware.
31. Sears Roebuck & Co.
34. Should Work Together.
36. Shoes.
38. Butter, Eggs and Provisions.
40. The Commercial Traveler.
42. Drugs.
43. Drug Price Current.
44. Grocery Price Current.
46. Special Price Current.
47. Business Wants.
Interesting Meeting of the Retail
Grocers’ Association.
Grand Rapids, Feb. 16—Regular
meeting of the Retail Grocers’ As-
sociation was ealled to order prompt-
ly at 8 o'clock last evening with Presi-
dent Wood in the chair.
After the minutes of previous meet-
ing were read and approved, the new
firm name of Zebra, Mussey & Ced-
ry, located at 1430 Division avenue,
South, was presented and received into
the Association
A communication from the Kala-
mazoo Association seeking the sup-
port of the Grand Rapids delegation
at the Lansing convention in trying
to pull the convention to Kalamazoo
was read and due consideration was
given the matter. There seems to
be a certain tender cord binding Grand
Rapids and Kalamazoo. Elowever,
the matter was left open until we
meet face to face in Lansing.
A letter from the Association of
Cadillac | was tead statine | that
itis the imtention of its dele-
gates to accompany the Grand
Rapids delegates in their special car
to the convention. This news was
received with outbursts of joy.
In our agreement with the Associa-
tion of Commerce for the use of their
rooms was the right of the Grand
Rapids Retail Grocers’ Association
to select two men to represent the
retail grocers in the Association of
Commerce. President W. A. Wood
and A. J. Michershuizen were appoint-
ed. These men will represent the
grocers for the term of one year.
Fred W. Fuller at this time ex-
tended to the Grocers’ Association
his hearty thanks for the kindness
shown him by visits and flowers dur-
ing his illness in the hospital. Ful-
ler likes bouquets, even if they are
thrown at him.
A communication from Lansing was
read in regard to the action taken by
the Grocers’ Association of that city
against the house-to-house canvassing
which has proven to be a nuisance to
the retail grocers.
The action against the concerns
using this method of distribution was
taken because of the fact that the
jobbers refuse to take back the un-
claimed goods, thus causing the gro-
cer many times to carry in stock goods
which are slow sellers, and sometimes
he is obliged to hold these goods for
a long time on which a very small
margin is made.
GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1915
The subject of house-to-house can-
vassing was made a special subject for
discussion at our next regular meet-
ing, March 1. Every grocer in the
city should be present and hear the
discussion.
The chain store was a matter of
discussion for some time, everybody
taking a hand and relating history of
the chain store from the time of Adam
in the garden up to the present war
in Europe, and no one seemed to show
where the chain store ever hurt any-
one, and its finally resulted in con-
gratulations to them in their new
venture.
An invitation having been given
Edward Kruisinga, of National Grocer
Co., to address the retail grocers’ at
our next regular meeting, March 1, he
accepted, and he will be with us. We
should have our rooms crowded with
grocers to welcome Mr. Kruisinga. He
will speak of mutual benefits to both
the grocer and jobber.
Frank Merrill stated that arrange-
ments had been made for a special
car to leave union depot Tuesday,
Feb. 23, at 7 a. m., arriving in Lansing
at 9 a. mi.
Carfare of the Grand Rapids dele-
gates will be paid both ways by the
Association, it being understood that
the money will be returned to dele-
gates after returning from the con-
vention.
We extend the invitation to all sur-
rounding towns to plan on go‘ng with
our delegation.
Wm. P: Workman, Sec y.
>»
Last Appeal for the Lansing Conven-
tion.
Grand Rapids, Feb. 16—Have just re-
ceived word that everything is in readi-
ness at Lansing for our annual meeting
on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
February 23, 24 and 25, and you will
miss the best convention you ever at-
tended if you are not present, so do not
fail to answer the roll call Tuesday
afternoon at the opening — session.
However, if it is impossible to be
present the first day, we will be glad
to see you at any time during the
three days that it is convenient for
you to attend. I take the liberty once
more of extending to you, my Brother
Merchant, an invitation to join with
us at this convention, knowing that
if you attend this time you will be-
come so enthused that nothing wiil
keep you from attending any of the
future conventions of the State As-
sociation.
One merchant, as well as many
others, has told me that the time and
money expended at these annual
meetings was the best profit-getter
of any investment made during the
year. In nearly every mail I am re-
ceiving lists of delegates, also lettexs
from various cities about the State
that are anxious to entertain the con-
vention next year; also many others
are writing requesting the Associa-
tion to go on record favoring the
changing or amending of various laws
that are at present on the statue
books. If you are interested in help-
ing or having any of these laws
changed, do not fail to come. Come
to Lansing and make your wants
known. Get together in the small
towns, especially if not yet organ-
ized, and bring enough merchants with
you and we will perfect an organiza-
tion for you at Lansing.
The Lansing Association would ap-
preciate it if as many as possible of
the delegates bring their wives with
them.
Again urging you to be present, [
beg to remain,
Yours for the banner convention.
Fred W. Fuller, Sec’y.
———---_ 2 2
Sparks From the Electric City.
Muskegon, Feb. 15.—lLast week
Benton Harbor reminded us some-
what of a Presidential election. The
Harbor was organizing a Chamber of
Commerce. As soon as ten members
were secured a loud blast was given.
At 6 o’clock over 600 members were
secured. At this rate the reader can
readily see the cause of our first re-
mark.
Justice Oosterbaan has been ap-
pointed postmaster of Muskegon, suc-
ceeding PF. P. Schnorbach. Mr. Oos-
terbaan has resided in Muskegon for
twenty-seven years. He originally
was a baker and is another one of
those men who rose from the ranks
by hard work.
C, C. Moulton, President of the
Moulton Grocer Co., and wife have
left for the Pacific Coast. Mr. Moul-
ton figures on taking in the San Diego
and the San Francisco expositions
and expects to be gone about sixty
days.
We notice that the House of Rep-
resentatives of Texas has passed a
law similar to our Michigan Amend-
ment allowing traveling men to vote
away from home. Good for Texas!
Let some more states follow her lead!
Some time ago in these columns
we called attention to some places of
amusement which sell standing room.
This ought to be stopped before it is
too late and we are brought forth
to witness a catastrophe like the Iro-
quois fire in Chicago.
. H. Lee, formerly correspondent
for the Tradesman and still a mem-
ber of 404, has been elected a di-
rector for two years in the Michigan
Retail Hardware Association. The
Tradesman and 404 tender brother Lee
their heartiest congratulations.
Frank Smith, proprietor of the
Smith department store, at Fremont,
has left for'a trip through Florida
with his wife.
C. E. Wilson has recovered from
his recent illness and is now spend-
ing a short vacation with his parents
at St. Joseph.
P. P. Schnorbach, formerly post-
master of Muskegon, has been elect-
ed Secretary of the Chamber of Com-
merce. Mr. Schnorbach is an able
man and we think he will show a
good account of himself in his pres-
ent capacity.
Muskegon Council has sent a pro-
test to Lansing against the proposed
increase of passenger rates from 2c a
mile to 24%c. It would do no harm
to have all who are against the
amendment to write to their repre
sentative at Lansing.
Milton Steindler.
Hiswiagcila ‘Whecey of War.
“You must leave the people through
whose land you only their
eyes to weep with.”
march
St.. Johns delegates at the State
convention at Lansing next week are
C! Ai Putt, Mrs. Kitty Kuhns and
A. EF. Hotchkiss.
—_2+<—____
Many a friendship has
short by a long tongue.
been cut
Number 1639
Kalamazoo Grocers After Next Con-
vention.
Kalamazoo, Feb. 16—Kalamazoo
delegates from the Kalamazoo Retail
Grocers’ Association will try when
they- attend the meeting in Lansing
next week to land the next year’s
convention for this city. Every ef-
fort will be put forth to that end.
The local Association will hold a
pure food show in this city at that
time should it land the convention.
Hundreds of manufacturers from all
over the country would send many
representatives of their companies to
the city to attend the affair. There
has been already many who have
offered to put up exhibits.
Various organizations of the city
have offered their assistance in the
matter and others will follow likewise
should the convention be landed.
The Kalamazoo Chamber of Com-
merce was the guest of the commer-
cial body at South Bend last Thurs-
day. The Kalamazoo people were en-
tertained at luncheon and then visited
the ‘“made-in-South-Bend” exhibit.
The two commercial bodies have been
co-operating a good deal of late.
>
Fremont Merchants Form Local Or-
‘ganization
Fremont, Feb. 15—A large and en-
thusiastic meeting of local merchants
was held Wednesday evening, Feb.
10, at which every retail grocer in
I'remont, except one, was present,
and he was on his way to Florida.
State Secretary Fred W. Fuller gave
them in detail many of the benefits
that are to be derived from such an
organization. After Mr. Fuller’s talk,
they voted unanimously to join both
State and National Associations. The
following officers were elected for the
ensuing year:
President—C. Pikaart.
Vice President--A. C. Brink.
Secretary—Ray Brink.
Treasurer—George Sausman.
Peter H. Boven and A. C. Brink
were elected delegates to the State
Convention.
2 -<—o___——_
Pontiac—Alabra Manufacturing Co.
has been incorporated with an author-
ized capital stock of $10,000, of which
amount $9,000 has been subscribed and
paid in in property. This concern
will in the manufacture and
sale of racks for holding paper bags,
shock absorbers and automobile ac-
cessories.
—— —> ~~» —___
Niles—The Michigan Wire Goods
Co. has increased its capital stock
from $20,000 to $30,000 and will be-
gin the erection of a new four-story
factory building 60x200 feet to re-
place the building destroyed in No-
vember. The business was owned and
operated by William Reddick before
the fire.
engage
a
Detroit—The Carpenter Chemical
Co., Co-operative, manufacturer and
dealer in drugs, chemicals, etc., and
dealer in supplies for the drug trade,
has been incorporated with an author-
ized capital stock of $100,000, of which
amount $50,680, has been subscrib-
ed and $15,000 paid in in cash.
DETROIT DETONATIONS.
Cogent Criticisms From Michigan’s
Metropolis.
Detroit, Feb; 15.—Learn one thing
each week about Detroit: The paint
and varnish output of nine concerns
in the business in this city amounts
to $10,000,000 annually and it goes all
over the world.
William H. Graham, formerly with
George C. Weatherbee & Co., has ac-
quired a stock interest in the Char-
lotte Chair Co. and will become man-
ager of its sales department, with of-
fices in Detroit. Mr. Graham also
has charge of the company’s exhibit
at the Grand Rapids furniture expo-
sition.
M. G. Esch,. proprietor of a racket
store in Portland, was in Detroit on
a business trip last week.
When a fellow begins to find out
how little he really knows, he is on
the right road to learning.
At the meeting of Cadillac Council
last Saturday night a resolution was
endorsed condemning the action of the
railroads in their campaign for an
increase in passenger fares. Lou Birch
chairman of the Legislative Commit-
tee, was appointed by the Council to
appear before the Railroad Committce
of the House at Lansing this week to
present the traveling men’s petition.
The Carpenter Chemical Co., 54
State street, manufacturer of liquid
court plaster, has been taken over
by a syndicate of retail druggists who
will boom the sale of the court plas-
ter. E. E. Carpenter, who founded
the company, will retire. The follow-
ing officers were elected at the meet-
ing of the stockholders: John W.
Webster, President; A. T. Young,
Vice-President; Albert M. Evans,
Secretary and sales manager; Grant
W. Stevens, Treasurer and general
manager.
John Schram, for many years Sec-
retary of Cadillac Council, has an-
nounced his intention of giving up
the arduous duties of that office and
will not be a candidate at the next
election to be held March 13. Two
of the Council’s live wires have an-
nounced their intention of making a
fight for the position—Art Woods and
Howard Jackling—either of whom
has all the qualifications of a success-
ful secretary.
Everybody would be willing to pray
if the Lord answered all of their
prayers.
Harry Stickel, for a number of years
special representative for Burnham,
Stoepel & Co. has resigned to
accept a position with the Grand
River furniture Co. Harry’s many
friends predict that his success
in the retail world is an _ as-
sured fact and it will be but a mat-
ter of time before he rises to the up-
permost heights of the mercantile
world.
We still maintain there is not a
trace of animosity in our system to-
ward the Lansing scribe. We do
think, however, that there are times
when the truth should be withheld
from the public. He intimated that
the writer was of unsound mentality.
After twenty-eight years of service,
Norman D. Carpenter has retired as
manager of the Detroit branch office
of the Carnegie Steel Co. Frank E.
Spencer, of Pittsburg, will succeed
Mr. Carpenter, who leaves with a
most pleasing record. Under his di-
rection it is said the losses of the
branch in bad accounts have amount-
ed to less than $1,000.
If wishing were doing then beg-
gars might work.
Thomas Burton, representative for
the Lisk Manufacturing Co., of Ca-
nandaigua, N. Y., and one of the most
active U. C. T. members in the State,
scored a decided hit with his speech
at the meeting of the Michigan Re-
tail Hardware Association in Saginaw
last week. Tom told the dealers in
plain everyday English a few of their
mistakes and it is to be hoped that
MICHIGAN
the talk made an impression on many
of the “hard crusted” merchants. The
programme announced the title of his
talk as the “Traveling Man and the
Merchant.” One of the interesting
points brought out by Mr. Burton
was the relationship of the merchant
to his clerks. He contended that
when making purchases from the trav-
eling men, the merchant should call
in his clerks, as the information gar-
nered from the traveling man’s talk
would prove of inestimable value to
them in making sales to the custom-
ers, to say nothing of the added in-
terest a clerk will take in his work.
Mr. Burton also took occasion to rap
the catalogue houses who claim to sell
their wares at less prices by dispens-
ing with the services of the traveling
salesmen. Here’s what. the Saginaw
News had to say of Tom Burton’s
speech. “The associated members
were given an inning at the morning
session and batted 1,000 per cent.
T. F. Burton, a Detroit traveling re
resentative, gave a talk on the rela-
tions of the traveling man to the
merchant which earned him much ap-
plause. He talked from the stand-
point of one who has had experience
of the matters of which he discours-
ed and the talk made a hit.”
General C. R. Hawley, Bay City
business man and merchant, was in
Detroit last week on a business trip.
Frazer & Puffer is the style of a
new hardware firm who will begin
business March 1 at 1851 Grand Riv-
er avenue.
William Moore, Detroit hardware
merchant, 1522. Russell street, as is
usually the case at all of the hard-
Ware association’s conventions, had
charge of the singing at Saginaw last
week and again—as usual—his work
proved a sensation. No _ hardware
convention seems complete without
“Billy” Moore and his “trained” voices
Millionaire Breitung gave his gard-
ener son-in-law a job carrying dyna-
mite—and he seemed perfectly satis-
fied for his son-in-law to blow him-
self, too.
L. S. Schueller, of Rochester, was a
business visitor in Detroit last week.
W. S. Bacon, of St. Clair, has pur-
chased the drug stock of C. A. Drake,
of the same place. Mr. Bacon, who is
one of the most popular young men
in St. Clair, was employed for some
time in the drug store owned by Dr.
Ward. His popularity is not confin-
ed to his home town, however, as
right here in Detroit are many who
are proud to be numbered among his
friends. If good will and wishes count
for anything, Mr. Bacon is destined
to become a rich man.
“Women bear the brunt of war,”
reads a headline, which is the first in-
timation we have had that women in
general do not always bear their fuli
share of man’s burden.
Jarvis S. Jennings, one of the best
known tailors in the West, having
been engaged in that business in De-
troit for the past forty years, has
become President of a new corpora-
tion knowns as the Jennings-Colting-
ton Co. Raymond C. Jennings has
been elected Secretary and Treasurer
of the new concern.
H. Church, veteran merchant and
member of the dry goods firm of
Church & Linabury, Pontiac, was a
Detroit business visitor last week.
Uncle Sam appears perfectly will-
ing that the foreign navies make mis-
takes, providing that the stars and
stripes are not the mistake.
_ William S. Crane, who died in Bal-
timore last week and was buried in
Los Angeles, was a former Detroiter
and was one of the pioneers in the
bakery business. In 1872, with George
M. Vail, he established the Vail &
Crane Cracker Co., which was finally
succeeded by the United States Bak-
ing Co, Later the business was sold
to the National Biscuit Co. He acted
as Manager of the branch for the Na-
tional Biscuit Co. until 1901, when he
moved West. Mr. Crane at one time
TRADESMAN
was President of the Detroit Board
of Commerce. At the time of his
death he was proprietor of the Hotel
Leighton, one of Los Angeles’ finest
hostelries. Albert Crane, former
Grand Rapids attorney, is a brother,
as is George H. Crane, Secretary of
the Vail Crane Realty Co. Before
coming to Detroit Mr. Crane made
his home in Ypsilanti. :
Owing to a change in the original
plans of the W. B. Jarvis Co., the
concern will continue in business in .
Detroit, instead of moving to Grand
Rapids and consolidating with the
Grand Rapids store, as was first an-
nounced. Alterations in the store will
give the company a frontage on Clif-
ford street, instead of Woodward
avenue. It manufactures the “Ty
Cobb” line of athletic goods.
A small fire in the Griswold House
caused a hurried exit of the guests
early Sunday night. Small damage
was caused by the blaze, which broke
out in the hotel store room.
Detroit is the mecca this week for
the brick manufacturers of the coun-
try who are holding their annual con-
vention here. Incidently, Detroit ranks
third in the manufacture of brick in
the United States, the output in 1914
being about 300,000,000.
Leon Sweenskaduka, of Wyandotte,
is mouring the loss of a portion of
his shoe stock by fire. The blaze
that caused the mourning occurred
early Sunday morning.
Kansas member of the Legisla-
ture presented a bill which, if pass-
ed, would prohibit—or rather attempt
to prohibit—women under 45 from
using powder, perfume or ear rings.
That man is a member of the wrong
house. He should hold the highest
office in the bug-house.
Leo Leipziger, who made his first
trip as a traveling salesman a few
months ago, has already scored a
decided success—at least at the ad-
vertising game.. Leo, who has lived
in Detroit so many years that he is
obliged to omit a few on account of
his bachelorhood, built up a reputa-
tion, locally and in the neighboring
cities, as a comedian of real class. He
accepted a position a short time ago
as representative for the B. J. John-
son Soap Co., of Milwaukee, and
while we cannot say what his sales
have been, we do know that his work
as a comedian and entertainer has
done much to advertise both himself
and the company he repr:sent. On
February 24 he is billed. to entertain
at the grocers’ convention in Lansing
and on February 26 he will give
a crowd of grocery specialty sales-
men at Grand Rapids an opportuni-
ty to split their sides. Besides his
ability as a monologist, Mr. Leip-
ziger is considered some pumpkins as
a magician.
Mr. Ballentine, of the Ballentine
Dry Goods Co., of Port Huron, was
a business visitor in the city this
week.
The John W. Ladd Co., distributor
of creamery and dairy machinery and
supplies, has moved into its new
building at the corner of Lafayette
boulevard and Vermont avenue. The
company recently opened a new
branch store in Saginaw.
Edward A. Fetters, florist, has leas-
ed a part of the store occupied by
the W. B. Jarvis Co., on Woodward
avenue, and will move as soon as
the remodeling and alterations are
completed.
Mr. Cook, manager, and Jay
Thompson, Jr., of the Jay Thompson
Co., of Bay City, were business vis-
itors in Detroit this week. Mrs.
Thompson recently purchased the in-
terests of outside stockholders and
now is sole owner of the store, the
eet department store in West Bay
ity.
You cannot believe all you read
about newspaper men and poets. A
Michigan’ man, editor for fifty years,
died a few days ago and was buried
in a regular cemetery.
February 17, 1915
Thomas R. Stackable, for several
years-city sales manager for the Unit-
ed Fuel and Supply Co., has purchas-
ed an interest in the James Leonard
Coal Co. and entered the employ of
the company. The Leonard Co., a
retail concern, under the new arrange-
ment will also enter the wholesale
jobbing business, Mr. Stackable act-
ing as Vice-President and_ general
sales manager.
_ E. H. Cranston, of Springport, was
in Detroit on a business trip last
week,
We must all.take off our hats to
Grand Rapids. She showed Detroit
politicians how to play the game and
win without stacking the cards.
Miss Estelle Blumenthal, talented
daughter of Phillip Blumenthal, well-
known merchant of West Branch,
has returned to her home after a
week’s vacation spent in Detroit. One
of the worst features about Detroit
is that most people who visit here
are loth to leave.
To give an idea of thé advancing
values in Detroit real estate, the Mc-
Diarmid Candy Co. sold its lease on
the Parker Webb building to Wine
Bros. for $30,000. Wine Bros. took
over the property on speculation.
Within the next year Detroit will
see several new skyscrapers, either
finished or started. When the big
financial interests have faith in busi-
ness conditions we who are always
broke should worry.
Newspaper says. that a Chicago
came to Detroit to patronize the free
soup kitchen and then knocked it—
That’s pretty thin.
James M. Goldstein.
—_>-.___
Butter, Eggs, Poultry, Beans and Po-
tatoes at Buffalo.
Buffalo, Feb. 17—Creamery butter,
fresh, 28@32c; dairy, 22@28c: poor to
goods, all kinds, 18@22c.
Cheese — New fancy, 15c; new
cuaice 14%Z4@15c; held fancy, 164@
Cc.
Eggs—Choice fresh, 26c; cold stor-
age candled, 20@22c.
Poultry (live)—Cox, 11@12c; fowls,
15@1i7c; geese, 15@16c; turkeys, 20c;
chicks, 15@17c; ducks, 18@18c.
Poultry (dressed) — Turkeys, 20@
24c; chicks, 16@19c; fowls, 16@18c;
ducks, 18@19c; geese 14@15c.
Beans—Medium, new, $3.50: pea,
$3.40; Red Kidney, $3.50@3.65; White
Kidney, $3.50@3.75; Marrow, $4.
Potatoes—30@35c per bu.
= Rea & Witzig.
—__-v2e2>_____
The Aggrieved Versifier.
When I git my thoughts a-goin’
As I sit and woo the muse.
And the rhymes begin a-flowin’
Just as easy as you choose,
It is mighty aggravatin’
When my wife looks in and roars
In a voice that’s irritatin’:
“Jim, go out and do the chores!”
When I’ve struck a happy meter,
And am grindin’ out the dope
That will make some life the sweeter,
And fill some poor soul with hope,
To the ground my jingles tumble,
And I am a flustered bard,
When my wife begins to grumble:
“Jim, I wish you’d mow the yard.”
Lots o’ times when I’m inditin’
Lines to some swell, handsome giri,
I am bothered at my writin’
Till my thoughts are all a-whirl.
For, just as a line runs through me
In a grand poetic roll,
Then her strident voice yells to me:
“Jim, bring in a little coal!”’
I am filled with indignation
When I’m diggin’ out a. rhyme,
And am deep in meditation
At a very busy time,
If, just as the meter’s flowin’,
My good wife is sure to say:
“Mercy! how the weeds are growin’,
‘Won’t you pull a few to-day?”
It’s a tough old proposition
Writin’ jingle, at the best.
Lots of times I get to wishin’
I could cut it out and rest.
And I’ll bet my bottom dollar
That Ill do it, if my spouse
Keeps up that infernal holler
"Bout my workin’ ’round the house!
James M. Goldstein.
dina
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February 17, 1915
UPPER PENINSULA.
Recent News From the Cloverland of
Michigan.
Sault Ste. Marie, Feb. 15—E. S.
Taylor, one of Pickford’s hustling
grocers, was a business visitor here
last week on his way to Chicago
where he expects to take in the sights
of the windy city and see what they
have to offer in the line of bargains
in automobiles, as we understand he
is in the market for a larger truck
this year.
Many favorable comments have
been made on the new map of Chip-
pewa county just finished by Ross
A. Frederick, our local engineer. It
is certainly a splendid map of this
county and a fine piece of work. The
map is of large size and all marks
are distinct, showing excellent work-
manship. St. Mary’s river and inland
streams and lakes are shown, also the
township, tanges, sections and subdi-
visions, highways, railroads and
towns.
“Some people look at things, others
see them and a few see through
them.”
J. W. Moffly, of the firm of Moffly
& Chippley, real estate dealers, ac-
companied by Mrs. Moffly and son,
Charles, left last week for New Or-
leans to attend the Mardi Gras, after
which they expect to spend the re-
mainder of the winter in California.
Elmer Fleming, one of the hustling
salesmen at the Leader, who has been
putting in a strenuous winter, has
taken a leave of absence for a few
days, during which he will visit rela-
tives at Flint.
Chase S. Osborn, accompanied by
Mrs. Osborrt, left last week for Wash-
ington, D. C., where Mr. Osborn wiil
address members of the Geographic
Society. The subject is Africa. They
will visit friends at Montclair, N. J.
before returning to the Soo.
“Of course you do not have to talk
business every minute, but there is
no law against thinking it most of
the time.”
James Waybrant, for the past year
proprietor of Pickford’s leading ho-
tel, has discontinued the hotel at
Pickford and moved with his family
to his home at Stalwart, leaving the
Pickford hotel vacant Pickford is a
dry town, but this may not be the
cause for the discontinuance of the
hotel there, as the inhabitants are
well able to drink cider and butter-
milk and we see no reason why the
hotel should not pay and do a thriv-
ing business.
Two of our well known conduc-
tors on the Soo Line, Geo. Hill and
F, E. Swift, had an amusing experi-
ence in the Canadian Soo last week
and many hearty laughs were heard
in railroad circles over the experience.
From reports the two conductors
journeyed across’ the river on the
special train last week and alighted
at the Canadian end of the interna-
tional bridge, where they were
promptly picked up by a couple >%f
Canadian militiamen and taken to the
guard house, which is the customary
place for making explanations, as the
Canadians are practicing “Safety
First.” The part that the general
public cannot understand is how any
Canadian officer could have taken our
popular conductors for Germans, as
they might pass for Irish or Scotch,
but neither one of them speaks brok-
en English.
“Most every one can do it now, if
some one will tell them what to do
and how.”
J. B. Melody, local traveling sales-
man for Swift & Company, with head-
quarters at.the Soo, tells us of the
new work being taken up by Swiit
& Company at the general offices,
Chicago, in which a room on the first
floor is fitted up for a Continuation
School, where office boys meet, about
115 in number, in classes of from four
to five boys, where intensive work is
MICHIGAN
done on the things the boys need
most in their present work for future
advancement. The boys under a cer-
tain age are required to devote a cer-
tain part of their time to school work.
Small prizes are offered for excellen-
cy and improvement and the boys so
far have made a creditable showing.
Wm. Kirkbridge, Pickford’s pros-
perous butcher, was a business visitor
here last week. William reports the
roads in the best of condition and
states that he had a very satisfactory
business up to the present time and
is looking for an improvement in his
business the coming summer, as he
says there is every indication of a
prosperous year and he is enlarging
his business interests accordingly.
tT. Logan, proprietor of the
Logan bazaar and one of our busy
men, has made a success in his ven-
ture since opening up on a small scale
a few years ago. Mr. Logan is also
one of our leading plumbers and
while he is attending to large plumb-
ing contracts, Mrs. Logan is always
to be found on the job in the store,
so that the hard times scare has little
effect upon their prosperity.
The traveling fraternity have been
trying to figure out the occasion for
A. Allison’s purchasing large
quantities of flowers last week, as
there was no record of any funreal
on the territory during the week,
and as Frank has a happy home at
the Soo, it certainly could not have
been for any of the gentler sex. The
few that have ventured to enquire as
to the cause of the fragrance have
met with no success and it may be
possible that Frank intends to plant
them in his garden which has been
his hobby for the past year year.
Possibly by that time we may get
further explanation.
We appreciate the position of our
co-correspondents at Grand Rapids
and Detroit, who extended their sym-
pathy in the interest of the crushed
poetic ambitions in these columns a
couple of weeks ago, but instead of
passing resolutions to offer our avail-
able poetry to outside concerns, it
might be for the best to impose a fine
upon all poetry in these columns,
which would probably have the same
effect
The Soo is to have a new industry
which is just materializing. One of
our citizens, J. H. Hanson, local com-
pass adjuster, has perfected a com-
pass to be used on automobiles which
will overcome the magnetization
caused by the electrical connections
of the average machine. This will
also be a handy instrument for the
next inventor who will be able to put
a contrivance on the present automo-
bile so that it can be used as a hy-
droaeroplane. However, we under-
stand that the compass will be in big
demand, according to the automobile
manufacturers. A. J. Jean, the man
of many ideas and a genius in this
line, is to be associated with the new
firm which assures the new concern
success.
The Soo hockey team still holds the
record, so far this year, cleaning up
all of the regular leagues that have
crossed their path, and our local band
is getting much extra work in conse-
quence. The merchants are also work-
ing up more enthusiasm and if our
team keeps on at the present clip,
they will have to buy new hats of a
larger size at the close of the season.
W. G. Miller, local freight agent,
who recently came here from St. Ig-
nace to succeed G. Gilbert, moved
his family here last week. Mr. Mil-
ler seems to like his new field and it
is hoped that he will feel at home
among us.
“Take care of the night before and
the morning after will take care of
itself.”—Hass.
P. T. McKinney, member of the
firm of Peppard & McKinney, lead-
ing Portage avenue grocers, is enjoy-
ing his annual vacation this week.
Mr. McKinney went by way of Chi-
TRADESMAN
cago to West Baden mineral springs
and other Southern points. He is one
of our never tiring hard workers and
the much-needed rest will undoubted-
ly be of much benefit to him.
D. Demun, proprietor of the Hotel
De Tour, De Tour, was a city visitor
last week. He has been taking a
trip around the State and when call-
ing on his friends here was the pic-
ture of health and happiness and goes
back to De Tour with a smile that
won’t come off.
Miss Leila Seaman, for the past few
years head book-keeper for the Wat-
son-Bennett Co., De Tour, has tender-
ed her resignation and expects to
leave for Phoenix, Ariz., where she
will visit friends. Miss Seaman is one
of De Tour’s highly respected and
popular young ladies and her many
friends will miss her. Miss A. Fan-
son succeeds Miss Seaman and needs
no introduction, as she has been as-
sistant to Miss Seaman for the past
year and is also one of De Tour’s
society belles.
De Tour reports another wedding
last week, which was an event long
to be remembered, as De Tour is not-
ed for its wedding celebrations which
are always an event hard to surpass.
The latest being Murdock Montgom-
erg, one of De Tour’s popular young
men, who was united in marriage to
Miss Lillian King, of Rhinelander,
Wis., at De Tour, February 4, by
Rev. J. R. Kay. Mr. Montgomery is
a member of the band and got all that
was coming to him from that organ-
ization. The happy couple expect to
make their home at De Tour in the
residence of Mrs. Norma Sims.
C. Y. Bennett, proprietor of the in-
dustries at See Why, the enterprising
new town on the D., S.S. & A., was a
business visitor here last week. Mr,
Bennett reports much activity in his
lumbering operations this winter and
is well pleased with the success he
has had during the short time he has
broken ground for the new town. He
is a member of the Booster Club and
one of the men having made a mark
which is a credit to Cloverland.
The many friends of our esteemed
fellow citizen, Capt Marshall Duddle-
son, took him by surprise last week.
It being the anniversary of his birta,
they took possession of his premises
and gave a fancy dress party. That
it was a total surprise to Capt. and
Mrs. Duddleson is vouched for by his
numerous friends. The Captain stated
that he has had much pleasure on the
lakes and at various sports in other
lines, but this was the biggest affair
ever pulled off on him since he became
of age. The Captain is a talented
vocalist, also a fantastic artist, but
he was too much surprised to give
amy exhibition or entertainment dur-
ing the entire evening.
Harry Mather, book-keeper for the
Cornwell Beef Company, was called
to Bay City last week on account of
the death of his brother, Roy Mather,
who was hurt in the Y. M. C. A. gym-
nasium at Bay City during the early
part of the winter. He and Mrs.
Mather have the sympathy of their
large circle of friends here.
Many a good idea is wasted be-
cause the man who has it won’t work.
Learn one thing about the Soo:
The walking pedestrian will vouch for
the fact that there is one thing about
the two Soos that no other city in
the United States can come up to
and that is in the cost of mileage
for ferry service crossing the river
on the ice. There is a space of about
fifty feet of open water where the
ferry carries the crowds each way
at a cost of only 10c, which if figured
up at fifty feet, has got the increase
in mileage over the railroads beat a
mile. However, there are no rebates
or mileage books issued and as it is
a long way to Tipperary, there are
few but cheerfully give up the price
for the pleasure of so short a ride.
William G. Tapert.
$100.00
Electric-Cut
Coffee Mill
Safety Nail Release
Special Steel Burrs
Special Designed Motor
Push Button Electric
Switch
Nickel Egg Shaped Urn
/ Nickel Sub Base
Who Will Win This Mill At the
State Convention?
The best 4% H.P. Coffee Mill on the market.
All of these new construction features:
Canton Electric-Cut Co.
Canton, Ohio
All New
Electric-Cut
Features
Don't fail to see the com-
plete line of Canton Electric
Cut Coffee Mills Combina-
tions and Meat Choppers—
on display at the conven-
tion.
~MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
February 17, 1915
WOR
PRODUCE = MARKET
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Review of the Grand Rapids Produce
Market.
Apples—The price
$2.25@4 per bbl.
Bananas—The price is steady at $3
per hundred pounds. The price per
bunch is $1.25@2.
Beets—60c per bu.
Butter—Receipts appear to be about
normal for the season. The consump-
time demand is good, considering the
high prices, but the market can be
said to be but barely steady at pres-
ent quotations, which are about 1c
lower than a week ago. Fancy cream-
ery is now quoted at 30@3i1c in tubs
and 31@33c in prints. Local dealers
pay 22c for No. 1 dairy, 16c for pack-
ing stock.
Cabbage—60c per bu.
Celery—$1.25 per box of 3 to 4 doz.
for homegrown; $2.50 per case of 3
to 4 doz. fer Florida; 50c per bunch
for California,
Celery Cabbage—$2 per dozen pack-
ages.
Cocoanuts—$4 per sack containing
100.
Cranberries — Cape Cod _ Late
Howes have declined to $5.50 per bbl.
Cucumbers—$1.50 per doz. for hot
house.
Eggs—The market is still down-
ward. The quality of the receipts is
good and the quantity is increasing
regularly. There are still some stor-
age eggs available, but they are not
worth very much in comparison with
fresh, and the price is nominal. The
future depends largely upon the wea-
ther. Local dealers pay 23@24c for
case count, selling candled at 26@27c.
Fresh Pork—Local dealers pay 8c
for hogs ranging from 125 to 200 lbs.
and 714 for heavier.
Grape Fruit—$2@2.50 for Florida
all sizes.
Grapes—Malagas, $5@6 per keg.
Green Onions—35c for Shallots.
Honey—18c per lb. for white clover
and 16c for dark.
Lemons—Californias and Verdellis,
$3.25@3.50.
Lettuce—Southern head, $2.25 per
bu.; hot house leaf 12c per 1b.
Nuts—Almonds, 18c per 1b.; filberts.
15c per lb.; pecans, 15c per lb.; wal-
nuts, 19c for Grenoble and California;
17c for Naples; Michigan chestnuts,
18c.
Onions—The market has declined to
$1.25 per 100 Ibs. for red and yellow
and $1.50 for white; Spanish, $1.50
per crate.
Oranges—California Navels are in
large demand at $2@2.50 per box for
all sizes. Floridas fetch $2.25@2.50.
Pop Corn—$1.75 per bu. for ear, 4c
per lb. for shelled.
Potatoes—The
ranges from
condition is un-
changed. Country buyers are paying
22@25c. Locally, the wholesale price
is about 40c per bu.
Poultry—Local dealers pay 12@13c
for fowls; 6c for old roosters; 10c for
geese; 10c for ducks; 14@15c for No
turkeys and 10c for old toms. These
prices are 2c a pound more than live
weight.
Radishes—30c per doz. bunches for
round or long, hot house grown.
Squash—$1.50 per 100 lbs. for Hub-
bard.
Strawberries—35c per qt. for Flori-
da.
Sweet Potatoes—Kiln dried Dela-
wares command $1.75 per hamper.
Turnips—50c per bu.
Veal—Buyers pay 8@12c according
to quality.
—__+-.—____
The Michigan branch of the Amer-
ican Specialty Manufacturers’ Asso-
ciation will hold a banquet at the
Livingston Hotel (Grand Rapids)
Friday evening, Feb. 26. James S.
MacRae, Michigan representative for
the Corn Products Co., who is Pres-
ident of the organization, will pre-
side at the banquet. Covers will be
spread for 100, to include about thir-
ty-five members of the branch, six
local brokers and about sixty repre-
sentatives of the local wholesale gro-
cery trade.
——__.- +2
Harry C. Hagy is the happy father
of a girl baby. This is the second
time J. H. Hagy (Hazeltine & Per-
kins Drug Co.) has been made grand-
dad and he is as happy over the affair
as a boy with his first pair of boots
and can talk about little else. Those
who are familiar with Mr. Hagy’s
reticence in referring to family mat-
ters realize how joyous he must feel
to break over the traditions of a life-
time.
—_>+.—___—_
John Benson, formerly engaged in
the provision business at Coopersville
is preparing to start in the retail furni-
ture business at 312 Bridge street. He
is now procuring the stock and expects
to cpen his new establishment March
a
eo
R. M. Jorgensen, who is in charge
of the land department of the Buck-
ley & Douglass Lumber Co., of Man-
istee, is in the city this week to look
over the automobile show.
— +> —___
Traverse City—The John C. Mor-
gan Co., cider manufacturer, has in-
creased its capital stock from $30,-
000 to $50,000.
—_———_---
C. Fryling has purchased the gro-
cery stock of Koning & Son, 2020
South Division avenue.
TRADESMAN
The Grocery Market.
Sugar—Raws are a little lower and
refined grades are weaker in sympathy
with the recession in raws. It is pos-
sible, of course, that refined grades
may drop %4c—from 53%4c to 54c—
but it will be simply the lull before the
storm, because the market is statis-
tically strong and must inevitably
reach a high range. The crop in
Cuba is 210,000 tons behind last year
and the pressure may be delayed until
England and France decide to renew
purchases. They will need supplies,
for, although the European beet crop
is only 1,200,000 tons less than the
previous year, most of it is tied up
in Germany, Austria and Russia. Sow-
ings will be smaller abroad owing to
the war—25 per cent. less in the case
of Germany. Hence, on the theory
that the fighting will be continued
during the summer, firm prices are
pretty sure to prevail. Of course,
should peace develop into an early
possibility, calculations must be alter-
ed, but present indications point to
strength, barring the usual intermit-
tent reactions.
Coffee—The demand for Rio and
Santos coffee is just about season-
able, with nothing notable about eith-
er. Mild coffees are not substantial-
ly changed for the week. Good
grades of milds are firmly held and
not very plentiful, although the sup-
ply in different grades is good. Mocha
is still very high on account of scarc-
ity. Java is unchanged.
Canned Fruits—Apples are firm and
in some cases higher. California fruits
are steady. Supplies here are mod-
erate, and stocks in first hands on
the Coast are reported to be closely
cleaned up. Southern and Western
fruits are steady but quiet. Hawaii
produced 1,000 times as much canned
pineapple in 1914 as it did in 1901;
in round numbers, 2,000,000 cases in
1914, as compared with 2,000 cases
in 1901. This is a most remarkable
development in the face of active
competition from the older canning
centers of the Far East. The up-
to-date machinery and the cleanliness
that characterizes the Hawaiian fac-
tories are in sharp contrast with the
hand labor and the general untidi-
ness that is the rule in most of the
other pineapple centers.
Canned Vegetables—It is still pos-
sible to buy tomatoes at 67%c in
a large way, f. 0. b., but some pack-
ers are holding out for 70c. The
week’s business was interferred with
by the canners’ convention in New
York. Corn and peas are unchang-
ed and in quiet demand. Futures
are selling moderately.
Canned Fish—In salmon there is
moderately active jobbing demand,
and, with stocks here comparatively
small and offerings from the Coast
light, the market is firm, particularly
in the cheaper grades, which are just
now the subject of greatest demand
from the consumers. All imported
sardines are firm on limited offerings,
and the market for domestic goods is
firm on small offerings.. Demand in
all lines is on the hand-to-mouth or-
der. Tuna fish is growing steadily in
popular flavor. The market is firm
but not quotably higher. Crab meat
has a steady outlet at the quoted
prices. Lobster is steady, but at the
rather higher range of prices prevail-
ing there is not much demanded.
Dried Fruits—Stocks of prunes in
California are reported to be closely
cleaned up so far as growers are con-
cerned, and packers’ holdings are re-
ported to be light. Seedless varieties
of raisins are moving steadily into
consumption but on small orders.
With stocks closely absorbed on the
Coast and spot supplies here in few
hands the market is strong, but not
quotably higher. Seeded raisins are
‘quiet but steady on the basis of pre-
viously quoted prices. Currants are
quiet, as demand from consumers at
this time of the year is light. The
tone of the market, however, is firm
in sympathy with advices from
Greece. A good demand and a gen-
erally firm market are reported for
figs, although prices are more in buy-
ers’ favor, especially on the finer
grades, which are getting less atten-
tion than the ordinary stock. Bag figs
are strong, recent purchases by Can-
ada of some 20,000 bags having very
materially reduced the supply avail-
able in this market.
Rice—Local distributors are un-
able to replenish in the South as
cheaply as here, hence the recourse
to jobbers who have cheap supplies.
Quite a good volume of rice has swap-
ped hands in this way, and spot stocks
have consequently been materially di-
minished. It is pointed out that the
mills are asking full list, and, with the
demand from other sections of the
country, see no reason to make con-
cessions.
Cheese—The - demand is good—so
good, in fact that the market is firm
at an advance of %c. Stocks are
lighter than usual, almost entirely be-
cause of the unusual export demand
due to the war. A continued strong
consumptive demand is looked for
with a possible advance in the near
future.
Provisions — Smoked meats are
steady. The consumptive demand is
moderate. Both pure and compound
lard are firm and in good consump-
tive demand at prices which show an
advance of %c. Barreled pork is
steady, at a decline of 25c per barrel;
demand is very light. Dried beef and
canned meats are unchanged and in
light demand.
Salt Fish—No change has occurred
in mackerel during the week. There
is some small sign of interest on ac-
count of the approaching Lenten sea-
son, but it has not had any effect as
yet upon prices. Norway mackerel is
steady on a moderate basis of price
and quiet. Cod, hake and haddock
are about unchanged for the week.
—_++.—_—_
John Kingsbury, who with Ira M.
Smith and T. M. Ditman conducted
the Merchants Gold Stamp Co., an-
nounces that he has purchased the
interests of the other two and for a
time at least will continue as the sole
proprietor of the business. Head-
quarters will still be maintained at
the Ira M. Smith department store.
SS ET eS
sore ssig
——
BIGGER THAN EVER.
Annual Meeting of Hardware Deal-
ers at Saginaw.
The twenty-first annual convention
of the Michigan Retail Hardware As-
sociation, which was held at Saginaw
last week, was well attended. -The
Programme covered four days—Tues-
day to Friday inclusive—and was
replete with interesting features: from
start to finish. The exhibits were the
most complete and comprehensive
ever assembled in this State.
The first session, which was open
to all interested, was called to order
Tuesday afternoon by President C.
E. Dickinson, of St. Joseph. P. F.
H. Morley, with a few remarks in-
troduced the local speakers. Rev.
Emil Montanus, of Saginaw, gave the
invocation, followed by the rendition
of America. by the delegates, led by
William Moore of Detroit. Hearty
addresses of welcome were delivered
by Mayor Ard E. Richardson and
President W. S. Linton of the Sagi-
naw Board of Trade. The response
was given by Fred A. Rechlin of Bay
City.
The annual address by President
Dickinson was full of valuable hints
and suggestions. It was published
verbatim in last week’s Tradesman.
The appointment of the usual spe-
cial committees was announced.
The programme was closed with an
instructive address by Frank Stock-
dale, of Chicago, on “Keeping Up
With Rising Costs.” He gave a chalk
talk, showing by the use of figures
why it is better to keep turning stock
oftener to make more sales on less
profit and thus increase the business.
The meeting adiourned about 4:30
o'clock. The exhibit hall was open
from 4 to about 6:30.
In the evening the delegates and
their ladies enjoyed a splendid pro-
gramme of moving pictures and
vaudeville at the New Franklin thea-
ter.
The Wednesday morning session
- began promptly at 8:30 a. m., and after
a song by the delegates, Treasurer
William Moore, of Detroit, made his
atinual report, which showed that the
financial condition of the Association
‘was in very satisfactory condition,
followed by the annual report of Sec-
‘retary Arthur J. Scott of Marine City,
which is published entire elsewhere
/ in this week’s paper.
-»: Charles M. Alden, of Grand Rapids,
read a paper on “The Ideal of Ex-
cellence,” which was published ver-
batim in the last issue of the Trades-
man.
M. L. Corey, Secretary of the Na-
tional Retail Hardware Association,
and Charles A. Ireland, Ionia, for-
merly President of the National As-
- sociation, then spoke on the work of
the Price and Service Bureau.
The remainder of the morning ses-
. sion was given up to discussing the
Question Box, and this was contin-
ued during the entire afternoon and
evening sessions, under the leadership
of Fred A. Rechlin, Bay City.
_ The morning session Thursday was
‘opened at 8:30 with a song, after
which T. J. Burton, of Detroit, de-
--MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
livered an address on “The Traveling
Salesman and the Merchant,” in which
the speaker: pointed out some of the
many benefits the progressive hard-
ware dealer gains from the visit. of
the traveling salesman, such as keep-
ing in touch with the market condi-
tions, new articles on which extra
profits can be made, successful meth-
ods adopted by other dealers.
Richard Talbot, N. B. Hutton, Hein-
rich Pickert and others then enter-
tained the convention with “A Little
Diversion,” as the programme gave
it, songs and witty stories forming
a pleasant change from the routine.
Leslie H. Wildey, Graettinger,
Iowa, then spoke on “Mail Order
Competition,”. citing numerous in-
stances of how the’ dealers in his
town had won back mail order cus-
tomers by convincing them that on
the average the local dealer gives as
good or better value and service than
the mail order houses.
“Selling Efficiency” was the subject
of a splendid address by Edward F.
Trefz, Chicago, Field Secretary of
the Chicago Association of Com-
merce. Mr. Trefz emphasized. the
necessity for acquiring a complete
knowledge of his line if the dealer
were to become truly efficient as a dis-
tributor to the consumer.
At 7:30 p. m. the delegates met at
Hotel Vincent and marched in a body
to Arbeiter Hall, where a fine ban-
quet and vaudeville entertainment was
enjoyed.
Friday forenoon was devoted to
the exhibits. In the afternoon R. A.
Peterson, Chicago, delivered an ad-
dress on “Getting the Price,” after
which the reports of the committees
were read and adopted followed by
the election of officers and selection
of Grand Rapids as the convention
city for 1916.
On recommendation of the Com-
mittee on Nominations, of which
Charles H. Miller, of Flint, was chair-
man, the following officers for the
ensuing year were elected:
President—Frank E. Strong, Bat-
tle Creek.
Vice-President—Fred fF. Ireland,
Belding.
Secretary—Arthur J. Scott, Marine
City.
Treasurer—William Moore, Detroit.
Directors, Two-year terms— C. E.
Dickinson, St. Joseph; Karl S. Jud-
son, Grand Rapids; J. S. Lee, Muske-
gon; John H. McGraw, Jackson; and
Frank Trude, Traverse City.
Ernest Wise, Kalamazoo, was elect-
ed director for one year to fill the un-
expired term of Fred F. Ireland who
was elected Vice-President.
The Committee on Resolutions pre-
sented the following report:
Whereas—We have been shown by
Mr. Wildey what can be accomplish-
ed by’ one man alone fighting the
mail order houses; therefore be it
Resolved—That we recommend to
our Executive Committee that they
formulate a plan so that we can do
a united work along the line as laid
out by Mr. Wildey, and furtHer be it
Resolved—That we have a promise
from every member present that. they
will co-operate with the officers in this
work and especially write letters
when asked to do so.
Whereas—The abolishment of uni-
form retail prices on standard goods
is directly in the interest of large
aggregations of capital operating
through systems of chain stores and
mail order houses which, whenever
possible, have adopted the practice of
advertising articles of know merit and
established value at cut rates or be-
low cost for the purpose of creating
the impression that their entire stocks
are bargains, and
Whereas—In this way the uninform-
ed consuming public is attracted 10
buy large quantities of unknown
goods at unwarranted cost, and
Whereas—It is in the public interest
that dishonest methods of doing busi-
ness injuring honest merchants and
encouraging a monopoly in retailing
should be prevented, and
Whereas—The business welfare of
every merchant not in the control of
said combinations of capital is threat-
ened, and
Whereas—House bill 13,305, intro-
duced in Congress by Representative
Stevens, of New Hampshire, is a
measure that will protect the public
and give independent merchants an
opportunity to do business under le-
gitimate conditions; therefore be it
Resolved—That the Michigan Re-
tail Hardware Association heartily
endorses the Stevens bill, and calls
on the United States Senators from
this State and the Congressmen from
this district to favor that measure
and to use their influence to have it
enacted by Congress
Resolved—That the Secretary be
instructed to send a copy of these
resolutions to the President of the
United States, to each member of
the Federal Trade Commission, to
every member of the United States
Senate and the House of Representa-
tives, and be it further
Resolved—That we commend the
utterance of President Wilson at Phil-
adelphia, on Oct. 29, 1912, when, in
defining his policy, he said:
“Safeguard American men against
unfair competition and they will take
care of themselves. * * * If you
make the processes by which small
men are undersold in particular mar-
kets, criminal; if you penalize in the
same way those discriminations by
which retail dealers are punished, if
they deal in the goods of anybody
except the big manufacturers; if you
see to it that raw materials are sold
upon the same terms to everybody; if
you see that the closed market for
credit is opened up by a very different
banking system, then you have freed
America, and I for my part am will-
ing to stop there and see who has
the best brains;” and we pledge him
our earnest support in any efforts he
may make to enforce the principles of
equal rights and equal opportunity to
honest dealing with the consuming
public
Whereas—There are now, and for
years have been, large net profits an-
nually on first-class (letter) mail, and
whereas such profits have been en-
tirely dissipated by the losses incur-
ed in handling other classes of mail,
(notably the second-class mail or
periodical literature) at less than cost
of service, thus working injustice on
all users of first-class postage; There-
fore be it
Resolved—By the Michigan Retail
Hardware Association that it is the
sense of their organization that ex-
isting legislation fixing our postal
rates is unfair, improperly balanced
in application and unjust in its ef-
fect on the people of the country.
It was never the purpose and should
never be the effect of the law reg-
ulating rates of postage that the
handling of the mails for the peo-
ple should be a source of large reve-
nue and net profit to the country, yet
the two cent rate for the ordinary
letter shows an enormous profit over
cost of handling, and moreover there
is no excuse for this high rate be-
cause the revenue is not used in de-
fraying the general expenses of the
Government, but in making up the loss
February . 17, 1915
incurred in distributing second-class
mail at. the present low rate of one
cent per pound ($20 per ton) which
is so low as to be almost a franking
privilege. We maintain that each and
every class should be made to pay
the expenses of its own handling and
delivery. We state it to be our un-
alterable opinion that a reduction
should be made in the present charge
of handling the ordinary letter from
a two cent to a‘one cent rate. We
ask that our representatives in Con-
gress shall use their utmost endeav-
ors to secure a revision of our posial
rates as shall require each class of
mail to pay cost of the service ren-
dered.
Whereas—The post office depart-
ment has seen fit to abolish the spe-
cial parcels post stamps, the only way
of arriving at the exact cost of the
parcels post system; and
Whereas—This Association believes
this department is creating a great
deficit; therefore be it
Resolved—That this Association rec-
ommend that steps be taken to es-
tablish a system that will correctly
inform the public as to the true con-
dition of this department and such
rates be adopted to make it self-sus-
taining,
_ The Secretary of this Association
is hereby instructed to send copies
of this resolution to our Senators and
Representatives in Congress.
Whereas—The objects of the Amer-
ican Fair Trade League are as fol-
lows:
1. To aid in the re-establishment
and continuance of fair competitive
commercial conditions.
2. To promote honesty in manu-
facturing, in advertising and merchan-
dising, for the mutual interest of the
consumer, the middle man and the
manufacturer.
3. To bring to public attention the
existing evils in merchandising meth-
ods which operate to the injury of
society.
4. To act as a clearing house of
information concerning trade prac-
tices and systems and legislation re-
lating thereto.
5. To aid in securing the enact-
ment and enforcement of laws, state
and National, that will
(a) Prohibit and penalize
competition;
(b) Prohibit and penalize dishonest
advertising;
(c) Prevent the elimination of the
same business men by unfair meth-
ods. o
6. To secure to the public the
benefits and protection of stable uni-
unfair
form retail prices upon all trade-
marked and branded goods.
Whereas—We believe this league
can accomplish much to our advant-
age along the lines mentioned; there-
fore be it
Resolved — That this Association
strongly endorses the work of this
league and also urge its members to
always be ready to assist this organ-
ization whenever they are asked to do
so.
The Secretary is instructed to send
a copy of this resolution to the Secre-
tary of the American Fair Trade
League.
Whereas—The Trade Relations
Committee of the National Associa-
tion, with the help of various Siate
Trade Relations Committees, have ac-
complished and are doing such good
work in our behalf; therefore be it
Resolved — That this Association
heartily endorse the work of this im-
portant Committee and the Secretary
is instructed to send a copy of this
resolution to each member of the Na-
tional Trade Relations Committee.
Whereas—The price question is the
most important problem now _ con-
fronting the retailer and
Whereas—It is absolutely necessary
for the retailer to secure prices that
will enable him to compete if he is
to continue in business; therefore be
it
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pvr
February 17, 1915
Resolved—That this Association
recommend our own Price and Ser-
vice Bureau and urge all our members
to at least give it a fair trial.
Whereas—The farm press of this
country has seen fit to change its at-
titude toward the retail merchants and
is now excluding from its columns
unfair advertising and copy reflecting
on the retail merchants, therefore
be it :
Resolved—That this Association
commend the farm press for this ac-
tion.
Whereas—The Michigan Federation
of Retail Merchants composed of the
officers of the different trade associa-
tions of the State, are desirous of hav-
ing the Michigan Hardware Asso-
cover affiliate with them, therefore
e it
Resolved—That we would recom-
mend that our Association affiliate
with this Federation, provided they
can assure us of the affiliations of
three-fourths of all the retail State as-
sociations and membership of this
Federation to be composed of the
President and Secretary of the Retail
Trade Associations of Michigan.
Whereas—The advertisers in the
Bulletin and our souvenir programme
and also the exhibitors at the State
convention have contributed so large-
ly to the success of our National and
State Associations; therefore be it
Resolved—That we urge our mem-
bers to give them due consideration.
Whereas — Our Vice- President
Frank Strong, of Battle Creek, has
had the misfortune to fall and break
his arm, and hence is unable to be
sige at this convention; therefore
e it
Resolved—That this Association ex-
tend to Mr. Strong our sympathy in
his misfortune and our sincere regret
at his enforced absence.
The Secretary of this body is in-
structed to send a copy of this resolu-
tion to Mr. Strong.
We heartily endorse the untiring
efforts and splendid results accom-
plished by the National officers, the
Secretaries’ Association of Affiliated
States and the staff of the National
Bulletin. At this time we wish to
especially express our appreciation to
the officers of the various committees
and all who have contributed to make
this, the twenty-first annual conven-
tion, the most successful in the his-
tory of the Michigan Retail Hard-
ware Association.
The report was adopted and the
convention then adjourned.
—~722>__
The Right to Labor.
The right of a man to labor
And his right to labor in joy—
Not all your laws can strangle that right,
Nor the Gates of Hell destroy.
For it came with the making of man and
Was kneaded into his bones,
And it will stand at the last of things
On the dust of crumbled thrones.
Edwin Markham.
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
Exaggeration and Misstatement Still
Too Common.
A prominent house advertised “all-
wool sweaters at $2.95, value $5.” One
was bought and subjected to the “boil-
ing” process, showing it to be 75 per
cent. cotton. ;
A lady showed me six towels on
which she had embroidered a beauti-
ful monogram. I felt cotton in the
towels, and, without thinking, said,
“Why in the world did you put such
elaborate and beautiful work on tow-
els that are part cotton?’ She was
surprised and said they had been sold
to her as all linen.
An advertisement read, “Silk petti-
coats, $2.65, good value for $5. The
advertisement also said they were
part of a large purchase. The exact
counterpart of tle petticoats was be-
ing sold every business day in the
year, by other houses, for $2.65, and
the actual amount purchased in this
instance by the advertiser was four
dozen.
“Walrus bags, London make,” were
advertised at a special price. They
were made in Newark, N. J., and the
special price was not low. ‘“Umbrel-
las, $1.85, value $3”—the same articles,
same cover, handle made by the same
manufacturer, were being regularly re-
tailed around town at $1.50.
Cases of this kind might be multi-
plied by the score, but houses who
advertise in this manner lose the con-
fidence of the public in the end. Slow-
ly and gradually they find themselves
passed in the race by the merchant
who will not overvalue his goods.
It was my great good fortune to
be with James McCreey for many
years. He was a merchant of the best
school, honest and straightforward.
He never lent his name to deception.
I remember that on one occasion
a very fine semi-made satin robe em-
broidered and with pearls applique
was sent over by our European buyer.
The retail price was $1,000. It was
suggested to Mr. McCreery that we
teil customers this robe had _ been
made for the Empress Carlotto, who
became insane after her husband, the
Emperor Maxmilian, was shot in Mex-
ico! Mr. McCreey’s quick and posi-
tive reply was, “No sir, if we can
not do business without lying we will
not do it at all.”
There is no doubt that in many
cases of over-valuation and misrepre-
sentation the head of the house is not
aware of each and every instance,
but certain it is that a buyer or ad-
vertising manager would -not continue
that sort of advertising if he knew his
chief was opposed to it. Feeling that
it is winked at, he persists.
I call to mind an advertisement that
50,000 pieces of a certain line of mer-
chandise was on sale. The actual
fact was that less than 5,000 pieces
had been stocked. Why was the larg-
er figure advertised? Simply to im-
press the public with the idea that a
house purchasing such an immense
quantity must have obtained it at a
very low figure.
About two years ago a well-known
dry goods store advertised gloves at
$1, value $2. ‘I bought a pair out of
curiosity. They were years old, dried
out, hard, and had no “life.” Upon
being tried on, they split and crack-
ed. Gloves at this price would prob-
ably be purchased by women who
were obliged to be unusually econom-
ical, and they would not only be dis-
appointed with the goods but would
suffer a loss they could not afford. It
might be said that in such case the
articles could be exchanged or re-
turned, but the fact is that customers
of this class would hesitate to ex-
change or ask for credit on the gloves.
Merchants who print false and mis-
leading advertisements do not stop
to think of the money loss and in-
convenience they cause customers.
They are careless or indifferent. They
would be brought up with a round
turn in case a buyer invoked the law
and proved, as could be done with
ease, that misrepresentation had been
practiced. It would give the reputa-
tion of the house a blow that would
take some time to recover from.
Dry goods concerns divide into two
classes—those who are honest and
straightforward in their dealings with
the public; they probably lose many
a sale, for a time, to the unfair ad-
vertiser, and they undoubtedly strug-
gle against a form of competition that
is disagreeable, irksome and hard to
meet. But they build up a permanent
business and their customers return
to them. The other class works on
the principle that a sucker is born
every minute, and that if a deceived
customer never comes back, another
will in his or her place.
Of these two classes, which in the
?
long run will profit? The truthful
merchant, or the one who misstates
and overvalues? The question is not
hard to answer. Frank Stowell.
2.
What Some Michigan Cities Are
Doing.
Written for the Tradesman.
Three pickle companies have been
flirting with Battle Creek and one of
them, the Chicago Pickle Co., has as-
sured the city of a plant this year.
Weekly luncheon meetings inaugu-
rated by the Eaton Rapids Commer-
cial Club are proving successful. Out-
side men are investigating the ex-
cellent sanitarium and bath house op-
portunities that the city affords.
The Kalamazoo Council has passed
an ordinance providing that near-side
stops be made by all cars at the in-
tersection of paved streets. Far-side
stops will be continued on all dirt
streets.
The Benton Harbor Chamber of
Commerce is the title of the new civic
organization there.
Many cities are making enquiry of
the Pontiac Commercial Association
regarding the modus operandi of the
Merchants’ Central Delivery system
of that city.
Manistee now proposes to step into
front rank among the summer resorts
of Michigan and is starting early and
working hard for patronage.
Menominee is up in arms over the
new interstate passenger schedule
which takes effect March 1. The rate
to Milwaukee will be $4.11, while from
Marinette, two miles distant, the rate
will be 87 cents less. This will mean
that most people will buy their tick-
ets in Marinette. Almond Griffen.
eee
George Hendershot and John Knot-
ternus, for some years employed in
local grocery stores, have purchased
the stock of H. B. Elhart & Son, 1071
South Lafayette avenue, and are con-
ducting it under the style of the Hen-
dershot Grocery.
2 2.2.
Harm Boerman, who for some years
has been a farmer near Grandville,
has traded his farm property for the
general stock owned by H. Sweet, at
Beverly, and has started in business.
Landheer, who has had
some previous experience in the gro-
cery business, at one time in this
city, has purchased the general stock
of William Harman, at Austerlitz.
George
Quaker Coffee is Renowned---
Excellence in Every Pound
WoRDEN GROCER COMPANY
Grand Rapids—-Kalamazoo
THE PROMPT SHIPPERS
BicracanfapesMan
(Unlike any other paper.)
DEVOTED TO THE BEST INTERESTS
OF BUSINESS MEN.
Published Weekly by
* TRADESMAN COMPANY,
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Subscription Price.
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issues a month or more old, 10 cents;
issues @ year or more old, 25 cents.
Entered at the Grand Rapids Postoffice
as Second Class Matter.
E. A. STOWE, Editor.
February 17, 1915.
=
AMERICA’S REAL INTEREST.
America is concerned vitally in the
outcome of this war, but not in its
prosecution. The first we may pos-
sibly influence and should strive to,
but the last we are powerless to af-
fect. By outcome the Tradesman
does not mean with which nation vic-
tory shall ultimately rest, but what
results the terms of peace shall guar-
antee. Is there not danger that we
lose sight of this paramount interest
and thereby lessen the great moral
strength of our exceptional demo-
cratic position in the many-sided and
confusing war discussions now en-
grossing us?
The Tradesman would, as much as
possible, confine American discussion
and American attention for the future
to what the terms of peace should be.
As the most important neutral nation
and the world’s greatest democratic
power, we owe it to ourselves and to
the world to create and lead a public
opinion for terms favoring no one na-
tion at the expense of others, but writ
only in the interests of mankind; a
public opinion that by its size and
overwhelming unanimity could not
fail to influence governments. How
else can we count in this gigantic
crisis?
The part each nation took in the
outbreak of the war and all that has
followed since, the trespass on Bel-
gium’s neutrality, Belgian atrocities,
breaches of international usages and
laws, have all been pretty thorough-
ly reviewed and discussed by us, and
most of us have shaped our opinion
accordingly. But, after all, these are
only details of a war’s prosecution
wherein, as neutrals, we cannot par-
ticipate, and prolonged dwelling on
them threatens only to raise disputes
that befog the real issue in which our
interest lies.
The most important party to this
war is not Germany nor England,
France, or Russia, but Mankind, and
we are on its side. What it is going
to lose or gain, is the important ques-
tion for us. Mankind loses this battle
if a peace is concluded on the old
basis of to the victors belong the
spoils of territories and their inhabi-
tants, with the principle of might mak-
ing right left in the saddle, and with
rulers able in the future as in the past
to plunge their helpless peoples into
MICHIGAN
war. Mankind wins if a peace is con-
cluded whose terms brook no trans-
fer of territory from one government
to another without a plebiscite and
which provide for the limitation of
armaments and for international co-
operation in maintaining international
peace. Mankind’s interest in this war
is that the outcome shall en-
sure permanent peace. If the out-
come fails to do this and
leaves Europe just where the be-
ginning of the war found it—its peo-
ples at the mercy of rulers for their
world power contests, its soil the
bloody competing ground of govern-
ments for territory and subjects—well
may Mankind despair and well may
the United States look to its defenses
This is the situation that confronts
us and calls for the duty of bombard-
ing each warring nation with this
burning question: What terms of
peace will you dictate if victorious?
It should be our 42-centimeter howit-
zer with which to batter down all
arguments that avoid the issue. We
can dispute indefinitely on past mo-
tives and what has taken place, but
each answer to this question will
speak for itself. Germany, do you
want our sympathy? You have
the key to it in the right answer to
our question. Allies, has public opin-
ion been justified in siding with you
on the ground that you are fighting
for democracy and internationalism—
Mankind’s battle? Reassure us on the
question of peace terms you would
dictate if victorious.
For giving world prominence and
world influence to the strong public
opinion in America that is already
back of this question, would a Presi-
dential utterance or a Congressional
resolution be unneutral?
“PAY UP WEEK.”
Over in Wisconsin the merchants
have inaugurated a movement which
grew out of the conviction that once
each year citizens should make a sys-
tematic effort to put their business af-
fairs in order. The movement ap-
pears to have originated in Waukon,
where it was fostered by the Com-
mercial Club, which put up a purse
of $50 as a capital prize. On the pay-
ment of each account the payer was
given a ticket entitling him toa
chance at the prize. The merchants
sent out about 8,000 statements and
more than 2,000 accounts were set-
tled. The campaign was productive of
such good results that other neigh-
boring towns took up the matter also
and report equally satisfactory re-
turns.
The Tradesman has made a requi-
sition on the Waukon Commercial
Club for copies of its working plans
and hopes to present them to its read-
ers in next week’s paper.
near eae
Married women are to be the first
ones laid off at the Bureau of En-
graving and Printing in Washington.
This is on the principle that their
husbands ought to be able to support
them and that single girls have to sup-
port themselves, without any help.
Some of the married women earn
more than their husbands, although
the situation ought to be reversed.
TRADESMAN
BOOM CANNED FOOD VIRTUES
During the Canners’ convention last
week there was more or less discus-
sion around the lobbies about a pro-
posed general scheme for raising an
immense Canned Food Education
Campaign, in the hope of persuading
the people of the United States to
make more general use of canned
foods.
As nearly as can be ascertained— -
for the promoters of the scheme have
been working in the dark and devious
ways of secrecy about it until they
could feel sure of their personnel and
have some line on the prospects of
raising the money—the scheme is well
outlined on paper and has been
broached to those who are to be in-
terested in it in the form of per-
sonal letters setting forth the scheme.
The hopes of the committee are set
forth in this way:
We plan the raising, through sub-
scriptions from the individual mem-
bers of the food canning industry, and
of all the trades—notably the gro-
cers, the brokers, the machine and
supplies trade and the label, the seeds
and nursery men—in any way affiliat-
ed therewith, of $200,000, to be ex-
pended for a series of educational ar-
ticles to take the form of “editorial ad-
vertisements,” the same to appear
once a week for one year in the lead-
ing dailies and in a selection of the
household magazines, and to discuss
the true value of canned, in contrast
with the (so-called) fresh foods. This
may seem a large amount, but it must
be a large sum in order to cover what
we wish to accomplish. And it is un-
derstood that no subscriptions are in
force unless the entire $200,000 is sub-
scribed.
We believe we can raise it.
This committee will canvass the
metropolitan district for subscrip-
tions. And it desires to procure the
formation of auxiliary committees in
some eighty trade centers throughout
the country, which will undertake
similar work in their tributary terri-
tories.
Since there are some 10,000 con-
cerns in the food canning and affiliat-
ed trades, subscriptions from a fair
representation from that number, com-
mensurate with their interests and
means, would yield the amount re-
quired; and—since all suffer from the
ill-founded prejudice which alone pre-
vents the universal consumption of
those products—they should come for-
ward readily.
PERMANENT PROBER.
If the bill introduced in the Michi-
gan House of Representative a few
days ago by Representative Fred B.
Wells becomes a law, James W.
Helme, State Dairy and Food Com-
missioner, and his successors in office
will have greatly increased powers in
numerous ways and will be made per-
manent investigators of the high cost
of living.
The aim of this bill is to make the
Dairy and Food Commissioner also a
“commissioner of foods and markets,”
and for this work would pay $1,000 a
year salary, in addition to the salary
received as Dairy and Food Commis-
sioner.
This bill in specifying what the
duties shall be of the “commissioner
of foods and markets” embraces them
under six subheads as follows:
The first is that he shall investigate
the cost of food production and mar-
keting in all its phases.
The second is that he shall aid in
February 17, 1916
the formation of co-operation socie-
ties which will bring the farmer and
the marketman closer together.
The third empowers him to issue
subpoenas and take evidence in all
cases which he shall investigate.
The fourth empowers him to assist
personally in the starting of markets
where they are needed, but do not
exist. :
The fifth empowers him to pre-
scribe and enforce rules and regula-
tions governing markets and goods
shipped to them.
The sixth requires him to make
an annual statement to the Legisla-
ture on what he has done in the year
past and what he proposes for the
year following, and also submit a budg-
et of his expected cash requirements
to conduct his department.
The other day Col. John A. Joyce,
a ‘unique character in Washington,
died. He loved poetry and compos-
ed many verses himself. So fond was
he of rhyme that he left his last
will and. testament in two stanzas.
The document is said to be the first
poetic will ever offered for probate
at the National capital. It is duly
witnessed and signed, and reads like
this: “To my daughters, Libbie and
Florence, in equal proportions to
share, I give all cash and property,
When my spirit is soaring in air. Aud
appoint Mr, James J. Lampton, to
execute this, my last will, When I
rest ’neath the bloomy flowers in lot
444 on Oak Hill.”
Automobile tires are also useful as
life preservers. A New Jersey wom-
an, hearing cries of distress from a
pond, unstrapped an extra tire from
her motor car, fastened to it a rope
and threw the tire to the man strug-
gling in the pond. She was not strong
enough to pull the man out, so she
tied the rope to the automobile and
let the motor do the work. Life sav-
ing by automobile is strictly modern,
but if the man and maid should wed
after this episode that would be the
old fashioned ending of the life sav-
ing.
The National Canners’ Association
adopted a resolution at their conven-
tion in New York recommending to
Congress and the various state leg-
islatures that a metric system be
adopted in lieu of the standard avoir-
dupois system. Such action has long
been advocated by manufacturers of
foodstuffs doing business in foreign
countries where the metric system is
in vogue,
You may be able to say “Just out”
to a customer once without damage,
but the second time it creates an im-
pression that it will require much time
and expense to remove.
Throwing goods down and leaving
the customers to take them or leave
them is about as apt to make sales
as throwing the bare hook into the
water is to catch fish.
When you read an advertisement
from which the price of the goods
has been omitted, does it occur to you
that they cost less than you had ex-
pected?
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February 17, 1915
CHARACTER OF WASHINGTON.
History, so sad and so glorious,
which chronicles the stern struggle
in which our rights and liberties pass-
ed through the awful baptism of fire
and blood, is eloquent with the deeds
of many patriots, warriors and states-
men; but these all fall into relation
to one prominent and commanding
figure, towering above the whole
group in unapproachable majesty;
whose exalted character, warm and
bright with every public and private
virtue, and vital with the essential
spirit of wisdom, has burst all sec-
tional and National bounds and made
the name of Washington the proper-
ty of all mankind.. This illustrious
man, at once the world’s admiration
and enigma, we are taught by a fine
instinct to venerate. The might of
his character has taken strong hold
upon the feelings of all classes of
men. His genius, it is true, was of a
peculiar kind, the genius of character
of thought and the objects of thought,
solidified and concentrated into active
faculty. He belongs to that rare class
of men—rare as Homers and Miltons,
rare as Platos and Newtons—who
have impressed their characters upon
nations without pampering to national
vices. Such men have a nature broad
enough to include all the facts of a
pedple’s practical life and deep enough
to discern the spiritual laws which
underlie, animate and govern those
facts. Washington in short had that
greatness of character which is the
highest expression and last result of
greatness of mind, for there is no
method of building up character ex-
cept through mind. Indeed, character
like his is not built up, stone upon
stone, precept upon precept, but
grows up through actual contact of
thought with things. In him loftiness
did not exclude breadth, but resulted
from it; justice did not exclude wis-
dom, but grew out of it; and, as che
wisest as well as justest man in Amer-
ica, he was pre-eminently distinguish-
ed among his contemporaries for
moderation.
In scrutinizing the events of his
life to discover the process by which
his character grew gradually up to
its amazing height, we are arrested
at the beginning by the character of
his mother, a woman temperate like
him in the use of words, from her
clear preception and vigorous grasp
of things. There is a familiar anec-
dote recorded of her, which enables
us to understand the sincerity and
genuine heroism she early instilled
into his strong and aspiring mind, At
a time when his glory rang through
Europe; when excitable enthusiasts
were crossing the Atlantic for the
single purpose of seeing him; when
poets all over the world were sack-
ing the dictionaries for hyperboles of
panegyric; when the pedants of re-
publicanism were calling him the
American Cincinnatus and the Ameri-
can Fabius—as if our Washington
were honored in playing the adjective
to any Roman, however illustrious—
she in her quiet dignity, simply said
to the voluble friends who were striv-
ing-to flatter her mother’s pride into
an expression of exulting praise, “that
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
he had been a good son, and she be-
lieved he had done his duty as a man.”
Under the care of a mother who
flooded common words with such a
wealth of meaning, the boy was not
likely to mistake mediocrity for ex-
cellence, but would naturally domesti-
cate in his heart lofty principles of
conduct, and act from them as a mat-
ter of course, without expecting or
obtaining praise. The consequence
was that in early life, and in his first
occupation as surveyor, and through
the stirring events of the French
war, he built up character day by
day in a systematic endurance of
hardship; in a constant sacrifice of in-
clinations to duty; in taming hot
passions into the service of reason;
in assiduously learning from other
minds; in wringing knowledge, which
could not be taught him, from the
reluctant grasp of a flinty experience;
in the complete mastering of every
subject on which he fastened his in-
tellect, so that whatever he knew he
knew perfectly and forever, trans-
muting it into mind, and sending it
forth in acts.
Intellectual and moral principles,
which other men lazily contemplate
and talk about, he had learned through
a process which gave them a tough-
ness of muscle and bone. A man
thus sound at the core and on the sur-
face of his nature; so full at once of
integrity and sagacity; speaking ever
from the level of his character, and
always ready to substantiate opinions
with deeds; a man without any mor-
bid egotism or pretension or extrava-
gance; simple, modest, dignified, in-
corruptible; never giving advice which
events did not endorse as wise, never
lacking fortitude to bear calamities
which resulted from his advice being
over-ruled; such a man could not but
exact that recognition of command-
ing genius which inspires universal
confidence. Accordingly, when the
contest between the colonies and the
mother country was assuming its in-
evitable form of civil war, he was
found to be our natural leader in vir-
tue of being the ablest man among
a crowd of able men. When he ap-
peared among the eloquent orators,
the ingenious thinkers, the vehement
patriots of the revolution, his mod-
esty and temperate professions could
not conceal his superiority; he at
once, by the very nature of great
character, was felt to be their leader;
towered up, indeed over all their
heads as naturally as the fountain
sparkling in the July sun, which, in
its long, dark, downward journey,
forgets not the altitude of its parent
lake, and no sooner finds an outlet
in our lower lands than it mounts by
an impatient instinct, surely up to
the level of its far-off inland source.
Man’s Selfishness,
An aged German and his yife were
much given to quarreling. One day,
after a particularly unpleasant scene,
the old woman remarked with a sigh:
“Vell, I vish I vas in heafen!”
“T vish I vas in a beer-garden!”
shouted her husband.
“Ach ja,” cried the old wife, “al-
ways you try to pick out the best
for youreslf!”
SHALL WE EAT ALFALFA?
The logic by which a publicity
agent of an automobile concern ar-
gues that every horse killed and per-
manently displaced by the European
war means an increased supply of
grain to be consumed by mankind
has its reflection in the report from
Ohio that a number of business men
in Columbus recently demonstrated
that alfalfa is a practical food for hu-
manity. The report states that twen-
ty-four business men were present.
Alfalfa flour was used in the making
of the bread and of the puddings that
were served. It was very palatable,
but gave these eatables a peculiar
appearance on account of the flour
being green in color. Alfalfa salad
was also an item of the bill of fare,
the green leaves of the plant being
used. Tea was also brewed from the
leaves. This gastronomic innovation
was put on by the owner of a local
wholesale delicatessen store. who is
likewise the owner of a farm and an
enthusiastic alfalfa grower. The table
decorations were of alfalfa surround-
ing a farm house and apple trees
mades of candy, with candy roses in
the alfalfa.
Another food material is suggested
by a Belgian, Valentine Henneman,
of Bruges, which is of special interest
te those who live on the shores of
the ocean. He has proved to his
own satisfaction that rockweed, which
grows in profusion all along the coast
can be used as an article of food, and
when properly prepared is not only nu-
tritious but is appetizing as well. His
method of preparing this newly dis-
covered article of food is as follows:
Gathering a quantity of the weed he
boiled it in fresh water for three
hours, then baked it in a hot oven
and ran it through a coffee mill,
grinding it to a fine powder. The
boiling took out the salts, and it was
ready to be prepared. Mixed with po-
tatoes and bacon, well seasoned with
salt and pepper, it made a fine din-
ner. He made a rockweed soup by
combining the ground substance with
onions, beef bone, sorrel and bay
leaves. Boiled rockweed powder,
pork, vinegar, salt and pepper made
a fine breakfast. Another mixture
was composed of onions, rockweed, a
spoonful of flour, and the whole fried
in lard. He claims that rockweed
alone has a most delicious flavor.
Jolly ex-President Taft is having
such a good time going about the
country as a wandering professor
from Yale and making six speeches
a week, that it may seem unkind to
remind him of his more troublous
past. Yet it is impossible to forget
this. When one reads of his inveigh-
ing against the over-regulation of
business and against the tendency to
have the Government thrust its thumb
into every pie, one wonders if it is
the same Mr. Taft who backed up
every proposal of this kind made by
President Roosevelt, and who was
himself, while in the White House,
one of the most ardent regulators that
we had. Has he already forgotten
that he was the inventor of the cor-
poration tax, and that he defended it
9
upon the ground that it would enable
the Government to keep a firm hand
upon big business? Times change, of
course, and a man _ has a right to
change with them, but Mr. Taft’s con-
version is almost too nimble for one
of his build. To be really consistent,
he ought to make his present-day
ultra-conservative speeches standing
before his audience in a white sheet
Even that he could carry off, no
doubt, so unbounded is his good
humor, so infectious his smile. If he
were to pose as a penitent, everybody
would say that a more engaging sin-
ner was never seen.
a _—
A man is never as big as his job
until he can make his job as
big as himself, for the job is
not the man until he makes it so.
A little man in a big job can never
stretch himself to cover the job, but
a big man can always bring his job
to his own size, and Nature pays
men not according to what they do
but how they do it. Your job will al-
ways give back to you just what you
put into it. If you tackle it with a
grouch it will give back a greater
grouch. If you go after it as if noth-
ing in this splendid spherical world
was better worth doing, it will give
back the thrill of genuine accomplish-
ment, than which there is no greater
gain in life. Just doing a thing will
never get you anywhere; you must
learn to like doing it and then do it
for the joy you find in it. Tackled in
this spirit the meanest job becomes a
beautiful thing—beautiful both to the
creator and to the intelligent behold-
er. That man who lights a spark of
pride in his eyes while showing the
tools of his craft and the manner of
it is living a larger life than a great
many whom we look up to as bigger
men. Bigness is mental in men, after
all, and if we were all bigger ourselves
we would always see the truth of it in
measuring men and their jobs.
When Rudyard Kipling lived in the
United States he had trouble with his
wife’s relatives and decided that Eng-
land was a better country in which
to live. He also had trouble with
publishers who issued garbled ver-
sions of his poems, and he had every-
thing he wrote copyrighted. Since
the war began many of Mr. Kip-
ling’s poems have been going the
rounds of the newspapers, and his
publishers have felt called upon to
send out warning that they expect
pay for every poem published. Some-
times a person reads one of Mr. Kip-
ling’s poems and thinks it contains
sentiments which others should know.
This person sends the poem to his
favorite newspaper, asking its publi-
cation and is disgruntled because he
does not see the poem in the next is-
sue of the paper. It does not occur
to the admirer of the poem that the
newspaper has no right to publish
the poem without permission from
the publishers,
It is a little further around the
corner of a square deal, but the road
is better.
We cannot blame some men for
not taking their own advice.
10
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
February 17, 1915
MUST DEAL CLOSE BY.
Merchants Needn’t Worry About
Long Distance Competition,
Written for the Tradesman.
Well, I guess I’ll get a little more of
Tom Waters’ trade after this. I'd
been waiting for a chance at him and
when he came in to get a quarter’s
worth of sugar, I opened on him.
Asked him in an offhand way if he
had been out West lately. No? Why,
I hadn’t seen him for a long time.
“No,” says he, “You fellows have been
robbing me long enough; I get my
stuff wholesale now and it saves me
about 25 cents on every dollar.”
I was weighing up the sugar. “Bet-
ter take a dollar’s worth,” says I;
“this won’t last you any time; it’s
down to sixteen for a dollar now and
you'll want a lot for canning.”
“That’s just it,” he says; “I got
eighteen pounds for a dollar; had t5
get a little because we’re all out and
I got an order on the way now.”
“Well,” says I, “if you can get
eighteen pounds for a dollar f. o. b. -
Buffalo Hump I wish you would put
me next. But you better let me sell
you the other things because if they
lose money on sugar they got to make
it up somewhere else. Let me supply
the things they are making the long
profit on.”
“I didn’t say ’twas f. o. b. Buffalo
Hump,” he admitted.
“Oh,” says I, “then you don’t get
eighteen pounds for a dollar; you get
eighteen pounds for $1.15. Ti do
better than that; I'll give you nine-
teen pounds for $1.15. That ain't
wholesale price, that’s retail.
“They give you ninety days, I sup-
pose,” I says.
“You know better,” he says; “d pay
cash in advance when I order from
them.”
“Well,” says I; “of course I can't
compete with wholesale prices because
it costs me money to do business. I
have to deliver the goods right off
because my customers won't wait five
days or a week, and I have to be ready
to sell a quarter’s worth of sugar any
minute. That ought to be worth
something. But I’ll tell you what I’
do. Next time you want a bill of
goods, you give me chance to figure
on it, that’s all I ask. Just give me a
chance to figure. Maybe I can meet
the wholesale price you have to pay
and maybe I can’t. I'll figure up my
regular prices and I'll give you 3 per
cent. off for cash, and then if you
would rather deal with the other peo-
ple it’s up to you. If I can do as
well as the other fellows, I suppose
you'd be willing to give me an even
break?”
“Sure I would,” he says.
We worked round to his last order,
the one he had coming. I managed
to slip it into him twice more that my
stuff was right here, and all he had to
do was load it on his wagon. Small
stuff, if he was in a hurry he could
order it by telephone and have it sent
out by rural carrier the same day,
no trouble, no letter to write, no
money order to buy and no waiting.
He had never thought of that.
What do you know about that? And
I had been advertising for the last
three months that I would pay the
postage on all parcels within twenty-
five miles; I figure it doesn’t cost me
any more to send by post than it does
to deliver round town.
So we went over his order together.
I played straight on prices though !
was tempted to shave them in one
or two places where I suspected the
mail order house was jockeying quo-
tations on us. I was a little doubtful
about coffee for 18 cents. I told him
frankly that if he could get good cof-
fee for 18 cents I couldn’ meet it;
I had some but I hated to let it go
out of the store; got it for a chap
who has a construction camp up the
road.
“T’ll give you a sample of my 18
cent coffee,’ I says, “and I wish you
would try it; if it isn’t as good as
what you get wholesale, then I haven’t
anything more to say. But I'd rather
sell you my 30 cent coffee; it’s the
cheaper of the two for real value, but
you can have which you want.”
Then came to shoes at $2.00. I
can’t sell a pair of shoes for two dol-
lars.
“Are those you have on the same
kind?” I asked him. They were.
“Wear pretty well?”
“Oh, yes, as well as you can expect
for the price,” he says.
“You must have had those about
three months,” I says—they were pret-
ty near all gone.
“Let’s see, he says, “I got those
the last order but one,” and he fig-
ured out he had worn them not quit?
sixty days.
“Well,” says I, “I can’t sell you a
pair for $2, but I can quote you $2.50
give you another pair. At that rate
your shoes that you got wholesale,”
says I, “are costing you 25 cents.a
month; maybe you happened to get a
pair this time that wasn’t quite up to
average. But according to my propo-
sition it would cost you just half that.
I think probably you'll find my shoes
cheaper of the two.”
Well, we figured it out, and leaving
out the coffee and the shoes, and al-
lowing a cash discount I offered nim,
and adding freight, he was just 28
cents ahead on his mail order prices.
Deducting postage and money order
brought it down to 21 cents.
“Well,” I said, “you came in the
first time with your order; you'd a
had to do that if you bought the goods
of me. But you came in again and the
stuff hadn’t atrived; you have got to
make one more trip before you get
your goods. Think it would have
been cheaper to pay 21 cents more
and save those two trips?”
“T was coming to town anyhow,”
he says.
“Well, in that case,” I says, “you're
21 cents out if you buy that bill of me.
I’m sorry, because really I'd like your
trade.”
“Oh, well,” he says, “next time [
order I’ll get you to quote prices, and
if it isn’t any more than 21 cents in
$12 maybe we can do business. May-
be if you figured a little closer you
could meet those other fellows.”
“T tell you, Tom,” I says, “I don’t
guarantee to meet their prices every
single time on every item. There
may be some things they can get
cheaper than I do; more often they
sell specialties at cut prices to draw
trade. I don’t meet every cut price
that is made; I depend on prompt
service and satisfactory dealing to
hold my customers more than I do on
cut prices. But you give me a chance
to figure anyhow, and any time you
find I’m not giving you a square deal,
I give you permission to buy in Chi-
cago or Denver or New York or any -
other old place. All I ask is, you give
me a chance!”
So we parted on good terms and J
hadn’t knocked his wholesale house
once.
But I do think he might have taken
it back where he called us fellows
robbers,
And I do think those pirates ouglit
to be called down good and hard for
advertising themselves as wholesalers,
making wholesale prices at retail.
Suppose the pure advertising law
will stop that?
Oh, well, what’s the difference? No
mail order house can compete with
the local dealer one minute in service.
When a man wants a quarter’s worth
of sugar or a yeast cake or a stick of
candy he has to come to us. I’m not
going to worry about long distance
cor petition. John S. Pardee.
——__.- 2.
Kitchen Cabinets Good Sellers.
There are so many good lines of
kitchen cabinets, but best are those
that are most extensively advertised
and it is not hard for a dealer to sat-
isfy himself as to the one he wants
to carry. It is hardly worth while to
carry more than one line, although
many dealers do; rather strive to get
the exclusive agency for a popular
line and then work out your own sal-
vation as to how you are going to
make the most of the opportunity
you certainly have to greatly enhance,
not only your store’s popularity, but
your income as well.
Every manufacturer will co-oper-
ate to the limit with the dealer that
handles his goods and the kitchen cab-
inet maker has not only perfected his
wares but his selling policy and ad-
vertising methods as well.
There is no article sold in either
department that will merit the time
to “talk and demonstrate” as does the
cabinet, and it seems strange to real-
ize that at this day there are some
dealers who do not even stock them,
let alone go out after the trade to
come to the store and see them, and
then sell-them. Profit is made on the
goods that are sold. Cabinets that
are stuck under the stairs leading to
the basement and never see the light
of day, or whose fine selling points
are never brought to your customers’
attention might as well be in the fac-
tory back in Indiana.
—_—___ +>.
Bankruptcy Proceedings in South-
western Michigan.
St. Joseph, Feb. 1—In the matter of
H. W. Patterson and J. Earl Patterson,
copartners as H. Patterson & Son,
of Kalamazoo, bankrupt, the trustee filed
his supplemental final report and vouch-
ers and an order was made by the referee
closing the estate and recommending the
discharge of the bankrupts.
Feb. 2—In the matter of the Ross Cab-
inet Co., bankrupt, Otsego, the adjourned
first meeting of creditors was held at
Kalamazoo for the examination of the
officers of the bankrupt. The _ trustee
filed his bond and the same was ap-
proved by the referee. The inventory
and report of appraisers, showing assets
of the appraised value of $33,000, was
filed, whereupon an order was entered
directing the trustee to sell the entire
assets of the bankrupt estate at public
sale on Feb. 16. The Vice-President,
Secretary and two directors of the bank-
rupt were sworn and examined by the
trustee’s attorney and_ referee. The
reclamation petitions of the Dodds Ma-
chinery Co., Fay & Egan Machinery Co.,
and Wayne Machinery Co., were consid-
ered and the petitioners allowed to re-
claim the property described in the peti-
tions. The meeting was then further ad-
journed for three weeks.
Feb. 3—In the matter of the Hickory
Grove Distilling Co., bankrupt, Kalama-
zoo, the inventory and report of ap-
praisers was filed, showing appraised as-
sets of the sum of $3,300. The trustee
filed his bond and the same was approved
by the referee. An order was’ entered
directing the trustee to sell the entire
assets of the bankrupt estate.
Feb. 8—In the matter of Herman Vet-
ten, bankrupt, Kalamazoo, the trustee
having filed his supplemental final re-
port and vouchers an order was made
closing the estate and recommending the
discharge of the bankrupt. The record
and files were returned to the clerk of
the court.
Feb. 8—In the matter of Joseph Cor-
rell,, bankrupt, Hartford, the first meet-
ing of creditors was held at the latter
place. No creditors presented claims
and it appearing there were no assets
in the estate an order was made that
no trustee be appointed and that the
bankrupt be allowed his exemptions as
claimed. The bankrupt was sworn and
examined by the referee without a re-
porter and the meeting adjourned with-
out day.
In the matter of the Kalamazoo Oil
Co., bankrupt, Kalamazoo, the _ trustee
filed his final report and account, show-
ing total receipts of $38,780.29 and dis-
bursements of $1,223.53, leaving a bal-
ance on hand of $2,556.76, whereupon an
order was entered by the referee, calling
the final meeting of creditors at his of-
fice Feb. 24, for the purpose of passing
upon the trustee’s final report and ac-
count and the declaration and payment
of a final dividend. Creditors were also
directed to show cause why a certificate
should not be made recommending the
discharge of the bankrupt.
Feb. 9—In the matter of Calvin Ash-
line, bankrupt, Allegan, an order was en-
tered by the referee approving the sale
of the bankrupt’s assets to Marilla Gris-
wold for $42. An adjourned first meet-
ing of creditors was held at the referee’s
offce and claims to the amount of $4,000
aproved and allowed. The creditors’ ob-
jections to the allowance of the bank-
rupt’s exemptions were withdrawn upon
the payment by the bankrupt to the
trustee of the sum of $92.34. The trus-
tee’s report of exempted property was
eonfirmed by the referee and the meet-
ing adjourned for three weeks.
Feb. 10—In the matter of the Hickory
Grove Distilling Co., bankrupt, Kala-.
mazoo, the bankrupt by its President
filed its schedules showing the following
debts and assets:
Cook & Bernheimer Co., New York $139.17
Cornine & €o., Peoria ........-... 205.42
Chas. Denneby & Co., Chicago .. 210.00
Lash’s Bitt®rs Co., Chicago ...... 36.00
Liebenthal & Bros. Co., Chicago 37.00
Garret & Co., Cleveland .......... 42.50
Naring, Hart & Co., Norfolk 292.25
Morand Bros., Chicago ............ 80.40
Ohio Stoneware Co., Akron ...... 22.14
Pleasant Valley Wine Co., Rheims,
(AO a a ee ee we 53.35
Rock Spring Distilling Co., Pitts-
DUPE oe ey ee ec ee 456.20
S. Rosenbloom & Co., Chicago ... 107.08
Chas. Sterns & Sons, Chicago .... 90.00
H. H. Shufeldt, Chicago ........ 2,605.53
Union Distilling Co., Cincinnati 1,669.55
Chas. H. Werner & Sons, Detroit 43.10
Mrs. Ella Witwer, Kalamazoo 50.00
Woolner & Co., Peoria ............ 130.52
J. W. Wupperman, New York 47.55
Julius Kessler & Co., Chicago .... 90.00
Illinois Glass Co., Chicago ........ 50.00
OUR ee ee eae es se ces ole $6,757.95
Assets
Stock of liquors: .....0..52..06... $2,000.00
Accounts receivable ............. 1,000.90
$3,000.00
Feb. 11—In the matter of the Inter-
national Banana Food Co., bankrupt,
Benton Harbor, the trustee filed his bond
and the same was approved by the ref-
eree. The trustee also filed his first re-
port. The inventory and report of ap-
praisers showing total assets of $3,837.96
was filed, whereupon an order was made
by the referee directing the trustee to
sell the assets at private or public sale.
Feb. 12—In the matter of the Tiffany
Decorating Co., bankrupt, Kalamazoo,
the trustee filed a report showing sale
of the assets of the bankrupt estate to
Frank A. Boyce, of Kalamazoo, for $826.
Unless cause to the contrary is shown,
the same will be confirmed by the referee
within five days.
4-9
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February 17, 1915
“Hello” News of General Interest.
Written for the Tradesman.
Business of the Michigan State
Telephone Co. at Flint has shown
good growth during the past. year,
with 275 additional phones installed in
the city, bringing the total to 4,100.
Four new toll lines have been built
at a cost of about $15,000. These
are copper circuits going to Flush-
ing, Saginaw, Detroit and Holly and
the Flint exchange toll board has
been enlarged to accommodate twelve
operators.
The Blissfield Telephone Co. re-
ports a successful year with 692
phones now in service. During the
year 5,412 feet of cable has been add-
ed. The new officers are: President
and Secretary, Chas. Frary; Treas-
urer, W. C. Jipson; Manager, Henry
Ross.
The Michigan State plans to spend
more than $100,000 in improvements at
Jackson this year. Practically all poles
will be removed in the blocks bound-
ed by Cortland, Francis, Pearl and
Jackson streets and an aerial cable
will take the place, also much un-
derground conduit work.
The Citizens Telephone exchange
at Newaygo has 275 subscribers and
has connection with twelve farm and
resort lines.
The Southern Michigan Telephone
Co. has absorbed the Michigan State
at Union Cfty and John Morseman
is in charge. A new outfit has been
ordered for the exchange of the
Southern Michigan, which will han-
dle all local business as well as toll
line service.
Manager Norton, of the Michigan
State at Eaton Rapids, has signed
a contract with the Eaton Rapids
and West Aurelius company and
connections are made with three lines,
adding thirty subscribers to the Bell
exchange.
Reports made at the annual meet-
ing of the Grand Ledge Telephone
Co. showed undivided profits for the
year of over $4,000, with net gain of
over $300. The board of nine d‘rec-
tors was re-elected. The company
has 1,000 subscribers.
The Crystal Telephone Co. of
Montcalm county has voted in favor
of purchasing a building at Crystal
for exchange purposes. L. R. Phil-
lips was elected President and J. G.
Deyoe Secretary.
A new switchboard costing $6,000
is being installed by the Interlaken
company at Alpena.
The Michigan State has increased
its charge for pay station service
between. Calumet and Houghton
from 5 cents to 15 cents. The reason
given is that pay station users often
hold up the Calumet trunk lines for
long periods, as for example a trav-
eling man copying orders, and that
they should be willing to pay for
this service.
The Michigan State exchange at
Alma has made connections with two
independent lines in the southern pari
of the country, the Perrinton and the
Middleton companies.
Judge McDonald, of the Kent Cir-
cuit Court, in a recent decision sus-
tains the demurrer filed by the State
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
Railroad Commission in connection
with injunction proceedings brought
by the Michigan Independent Tele-
phone and Traffic Association. The
Independents sought to enjoin the
Commission from enforcing its order
of December 19, permitting the mer-
ger of certain independent lines with
the Michigan State. The case will be
taken to the Supreme Court and un-
til then the temporary restraining
order will remain in force.
The Michigan Railroad Commission
has approved a bond issue of $500,-
000 by the United Home Company
of Muskegon and Ludington, to pro-
vide for future expansion and im-
provements. Automatic phones will
be installed and a new’ exchange
building will be erected in the spring
on Terrace street, Muskegon.
H. H. Hutchins gives an interesting
history of the ups and downs of the
Saugatuck and Ganges Telephone
Co., in the Fennville Herald. The S.
and G. was the first co-operative ru-
ral telephone system in the State, if
not in the United States, so he says.
It was incorporated in 1895 for $1,000
and in 1896 was reincorporated for
$2,000, which is the present capital
stock. There was no thought of divi-
dends and all contributions were for
service. Nobody knew anything
about a telephone and few members
had any idea of after expenses, due
to electric storms, wind, ice, instru-
ment and battery troubles and all
the rest. When expenses came on
and expenses were levied a general
howl went up. New boards of direc-
tors and new officers chosen every
year, try as hard as they would, could
not stop the financial drain, until in
1910 the liabilities reached $3,547.80.
Then C. W. Bowles was made Secre-
tary and manager and through pre-
vious experience with telephones and
careful management the deficit has
been wiped out. Equal credit for this
happy outcome is also due to Fred
Thorsen, in charge of the wires and
mechanical end. In addition to pay-
ing its debts the company has added
two attendants and raised the wages
of others, installed a new switchboard
at Douglas at a cost of $375, replac-
ed 18 miles of old poles with new
ones and built 17%4 miles of new pole
line,
Hillsdale now has only one phone,
the Michigan State having taken over
the Southern Michigan company. The
deal also includes exchanges at Litch-
field, Allen and Hudson. The Fay-
ette Rural company, with about 400
patrons in Jonesville and vicinity, also
independent farmers’ centrals_ at
Litchfield, Allen, Mosherville, Mos-
cow, Osseo, Pittsford and _ other
points find themselves cut off from
free communication with Hillsdale, the
county seat. Another angle of the
rather complicated situation is this:
by recent decision of the State Rail-
road Commission the Fayette com-
pany of Jonesville must connect with
the Reading company on a toll basis.
If free exchange can no longer be
enjoyed with Hillsdale city then it is
regarded as likely that the independ-
ent companies will profit by the de-
cision and compel exchange on a pay
basis. The policy of the co-operative
rural companies has always been for
free exchange as far as possible.
Reading has been in the thick of
the telephone muss in Southern Mich-
igan. ‘Some months ago the Reading
Central company bought the Michi-
gan State lines and equipment and
all went well until the recent merger
in Hillsdale when the Michigan State
refused to transmit toll calls that
came into the Hillsdale office. A
meeting was held in Hillsdale and an
official of the State Railway Commis-
sion held that the Reading company
had the right to use the independent
circuit, not only to all parties in Hills-
dale but throughout the State.
Almond Griffen.
———_>-+ > ____
Protecting eee From Question-
able Solicitors.
Lansing, Feb. 15—To the com-
plaints of Lansing merchants who
claim to have been victimized by an
unindorsed advertising scheme, min-
isters of a number of local churches
have added their disapproval. On the
ground that they were not aware of
the nature of the scheme, the minis-
ters have informed Secretary Davis
that they will not be a party to it and
will not authorize the use of the name
of their church in connection with the
plan.
“Conditions demand that Lansing
money be spent at home,” said Sec-
retary Davis in a discussion of the
proposition, Tuesday. “The _ solici-
tors for this project avoided the
Chamber of Commerce, saying that
they knew their plan would be ap-
proved, I am told. Such schemes,
and in fact any solicitation for money,
should be able to present the Cham-
ber of Commerce endorsement when
approaching merchants. Merchants
and business men are warned to have
nothing to do with unindorsed pro-
jects.”
Despite the fact that their offices
bear cards announcing that they will
have nothing to do with schemes not
indorsed by the Chamber of Com-
merce several business men were tak-
en in on the scheme. The statement
that various local churches were be-
hind the project was taken as suffi-
cient recommendation, until the min-
isters learned the facts and refused to
stand sponsors for it.
Not only is the project in question
unindorsed by the Chamber of Com-
merce, but it solicits printing for an
out-of-town firm and otherwise en-
croaches upon legitimate local fields,
say the committee. ‘Investigation of
just such projects as this save to
Chamber of Commerce members
many times the amounts of their an-
nual dues,” said an officer of the or-
ganization.
“Of course there is no way of an-
ticipating when a merchant will ig-
nore the safeguard and ‘fall for’ a
proposition that is not approved by
the Chamber of Commerce commit-
tee. If a project is worthy, it need
have no fear about coming before the
Chamber of Commerce committee for
an investigation of its merits; if it
does not so do, there may be reasons
to look upon it with suspicion.”
—_——__2s2.>___
Boomlets From Bay City.
Bay City, Feb. 15—The World’s
Star Knitting Co. is planning to teach
young men how to knit socks. The
law prohibits the employment of
women at night and the large wear
contracts for woolen socks which this
company has secured necessitates the
operation of the plant twenty-four
hours per day.
The Loose block, corner of Mid-
land and Henry streets, has been sold
by Mrs. William Loose to T.
Handy. The Bay City Bank branch
will occupy the corner store of this
block.
11
A report recently issued by Post-
master A. M. Miller shows that over
$1,500,000 was handled by the Bay City
postoffice in 1914 and that the busi-
ness has doubled in the last eight
years.
It is not generally known that every
match manufactured in the United
States contains in its ingredients a
Bay City chemical laboratory’s prod-
uct. Pub. Com.
———>-- >
Mears Delegation Larger Than the
Wayne Delegation.
Mears, Feb. 15—The Tradesman
man was here in my absence and my
wife understood him to say my sub-
scription had run out. Think that is
an error, as I believe I have ten more
coming. However, I take unbound-
ed- pleasure in enclosing a check for
another year’s subscription. I thank
my lucky stars that you have not rais-
ed the price, while the “Jimmy Crats”
are so busy reducing the high cost of
living. I would have to come across
if you did double your rate, because a
man may as well try to run a gro-
cery store without scales on his coun-
ter as to run a big business like mine
without the Michigan Tradesman on
his desk.
I was a delegate to the State con-
vention on Lincoln’s birthday. Please
mention to Jim Goldstein, for me, that
while ‘he is puzzling his brain about
“Learn one thing each week about
Detroit,” to bear in mind that little
Mears seated one more delegate at
the convention than not only Detroit
but the whole of Wayne county.
Wow!
I put myself as chairman of the
Entertainment Committee, but when
I went to the Coliseum Saturday eve-
ning to report to the central commit-
tee, I found the meeting had adjourn-
ed on Friday evening. I don’t think
they would have put that over on us
if it hadn’t been for the fact that the
Kalamazoo bunch was anxious to get
home for a banquet. It is beyond my
ken why anyone who resides in Kala-
mazoo would be in a rush to return
there.
This is the first time I have brok-
en my New Year’s resolution to quit
writing foolishness. That committee
report I referred to has been mailed
to the sporting editor of the war cry,
but there wasn’t much in it of import-
ance, except that we turned down
the proposition of removing Wayne
from Michigan and annexing it to
Mexico. Ches. Brubaker.
The Chronic Kicker.
_——e-2e2o——————
Believes Business is What You Make
It.
Detroit, Feb. 15—I have been out
on my territory since January 5 and
business is much better than last year
in the sweater line and workmen’s
line of shirts, overalls, etc.
T have been covering my territory
for twenty years and business is up-
to-the-minute now. I hear a good
deal about depression in business, but
I can not see it. My customers claim
they have made a gain in the last
few months. Now I think if the com-
mercial travelers would omit that
sympathy that they extend on ap-
proaching customers. and tell them
that business is fine and forget this
hard time conversation, it would help
us all.
For instance, I was in a customer’s
store last week. A commercial trav-
eler selling shoes came in. The first
thing he said was, “Will, how is busi-
ness?” The merchant said, “A little
slow.” He replied, “Yes, I find it
that way all over.” He went away
without an order. About an hour
after another traveler came in. He
said, “How is business?” and got the
same reply. “A little slow. How
are you finding it?” He said, “Why,
I had a fine business since I came out
the first of the year.” He got an
order.
Now what I want to know is, Is
there a depression in business or only
in a few lines? What is your view
of it? Geo. H. Fleetham.
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MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
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Producing Business During February
and March.
When the January sale stops there
comes the hectic days of stock-taking,
and then what? Nothing. Trade
stops short. The occasional customer
lackadaisically buys a collar, a shirt
stud or possibly an overcoat, if it is
marked a few dollars less than cost.
The clerks fall into the slough of
despond, do little or no stock work
and watch the clock for the time to
go home. Every year the live mer-
chant feels that he will “do some-
thing” in February, but he does not
get around to it. He unconsciously
falls into the attitude that you cannot
get business when there isn’t any,
and so February is a bad month, to
be gotten over with as little loss as
possible, and, truth to tell, with as
little effort.
It is a bad way to fall into, for
there is always some possibilty for
the merchant who has a new idea,
or an old one well developed and
carried out. There is a little business
around in February, enough, perhaps,
to make you break even, if you plan
for it and make up your mind you
will get it. Of course, it would be
utterly useless to spend a large
amount of money in advertising, be-
cause it is, at the best, but the be-
twixt and between season. There
are some plans however, that have
been tried with profit by the live
merchant in February.
Most men dislike to buy new
clothes, even if they stand in urgent
need of them. There is always that
vast crowd of men who have not had
the money, and who need clothes,
but wait until they can buy a little
lighter suit, which can be used for
spring and summer. This is particu-
larly true in manufacturing and mill
towns, where seasonable products are
made. Their dull period is from just
before until after Christmas, and men
are just going to work again, and
have money in their pockets for the
first time, perhaps in several. weeks.
In a shoe town in the East one
merchant decided to do business in
February, and he did, but he made
up his mind to this far enough in
advance so that it gave him ample
opportunity to prepare for the busi-
ness he hoped to get in February. In
December he went to New York, told
his situation to a manufacturer of
cheap and moderaate priced clothing,
and together they figured out a plan
for producing excellent suits, and in
new spring styles, to be delivered to
the merchant on February 1. They
selected a good assortment of all-
wool cassimeres and worsted suitings,
to be made in spring models, and to
be sold to the retailer so that he
could dispose of them at a fair profit
by selling them at $10.
These suitings were remarkable val-
ues at the price... The manufacturer
had had the retailer’s account on his
books for many years, and went half-
way with him. The retailer himself
was contented with comparatively
small profit, but the consumer got
more for his money than he could an-
ticipate finding in the spring season.
Half a dozen of the most desirable
patterns were selected, and swatches
were furnished the merchant in time
for him to mail them broadcast
through his city before the sale.
In this line at $10 an excellent all-
wool cheviot and blue serge suit was
featured. No large advertising was
used in the newspapers, but moderate
space presented the conditions as they
were. That is, the man who found
himself in need of clothing at this
time would not be forced to select
from the already well-picked stock of
winter suits that remained in the
merchant’s store. It was forcibly pre-
sented that these were a number of
new, up-to-the-minute suits, suitable
for spring and summer wear, but at
the same time heavy enough to be
comfortable to put on at once, for par-
ticular pains had been taken to find
the most weighty summer materials.
In the city where this sale was so
successful it so happened that a con-
dition similar to the one spoken of
previously in this article existed. That
is, the shoe workers had just started
cutting shoes for spring and summer. ,
Many of them needed clothes, and
this opportunity to buy a new style
suit at a very moderate price appeal-
ed to them at once. One hundred
suits were sold on the opening Satur-
day, and about 250 during the week
the sale ran. Besides this unusual
offer of clothing the merchant had
taken care to display moderate priced
new spring hats, an excellent line of
59-cent shirts and new neckwear of
every description, but all moderately
priced.
The sale took hold. It was a suc-
cess, and it has proven a greater suc-
cess every season since it was
first tried. It put a new lease
of life into the clerks of the store;
it gave them a greater enthusiasm,
and the merchant proved to himself
that business could be done in Febru-
ary. Perhaps the moral effect on cus-
tomers, employes and employers was
of greater significance than the actual
sale. It satisfactorily demonstrated
that there is not a time when the’
right man with the right idea cannot
produce business. —
It was possible for this enterpris-
ing merchant, and it is possible for
every merchant in this country, in
some way to increase his February
business so that his organization will
not hibernate during the months of
February and March—Apparel Ga-
zette.
—> +.
He Who Is Prompt Profits Most.
Lord Nelson said, “I owe all my
success in life to having always been
a quarter of an hour before hand.”
We wonder how these words will
appeal to the army of workers who
manage to just arrive on time, or who
are always a little late reporting daily
at their place of business.
Surely the way to block advance is
to be forever tardy, as it’s the sur-
est sign in the world that the helper
has no interest in their work and
of course, without interest, will soon
fall by the wayside, also to complain
the loudest when advancements are
handed out and they find their name
not on the list.
In a large concern employing many
thousands of people, the loss in min-
utes is a mighty one, totals in a year
many a golden hour, all gone to waste
by reason of the fact, a minute here
and a quarter of an hour there goes
by the boards.
As an example of how the late
problem can be dealt with, and all
will agree it is a problem and a se-
rious one too, note the plan adopted
by a well known concern in the West
who states, “Our system of time-
keeping in based on time clocks which
are located in a corridor through
which all employes enter.
“These clocks have to be ‘punch-
ed’ four times a day.
“A time keeper removes the rec-
ords daily and checks them, sending
to each department head a list of the
tardy ones, once a week.
“In looking for an adequate check
on tardiness, it was felt a system of
fines should be used.
“Thereupon, a notice was. given
all employes that every time they re-
ported late, a fine of 10 cents would
be imposed—the money so collected
would be placed to the credit of the
Employes’ Beneficial Association, to
be used in any way the officers should
see fit,
“This system reduced the number of
late ones to a noticeable degree, but
it did not stop it altogether, as some
people would as leave pay 10 cents
fine for the joy of sleeping a bit
later.
“Once a month the various man-
agers get together for a meeting.
“At one of these meetings the man-
agement brought to the attention of
those assembled, the tardy list, using
a table of percentage as a basis of
these figures; that is to say, five tar-
dies in a department employing ten
people would mean a worse average
the the sum of twenty in a depart-
ment employing fifty.
“The grading was therefore fair to
all departments.
“For a couple of months after this
innovation was started no great re-
February 17, 1915
duction in tardies was noted, when
suddenly the managers of the various
departments woke up to the fact that
this was a contest.
“The heads of departments whose
helpers made a bad showing began to
to stir up their people, so at the next
meeting they would not have the
‘honor’ of having their people mak-
ing a. bad showing, in fact there was
a spirited competition to see what
manager could make the best show-
ing, and be as near perfect in the list
of ‘lates’ as possible.
“Inside of six months the tardy list
all over the entire building was re-
duced 50 per cent., and at this writing
still a greater reduction can be not-
ed, in fact, in time, after the helpers
get to knowing the value of these
golden early morning minutes, the late
will be a rarity.”
The chronic late erects barriers he
himself must surmount and at times
this is impossible.
——_2-2-2
Fined for Imitating Label.
In a case brought by the Monroe
Cheese Co. through George G. Bat-
tle as counsel, John Popper, of the
firm of Popper, Gray & Co, New
York, was fined $500 in Court of Spe-
cial Sessions.
It was proved that Popper had been
selling a cheese packed and prepared
like the Liederkranz brand made by
the Monroe Co. Popper’s cheese bore
the label, “Eichenkranz,” printed in
the same type as the Monroe Co.’s
“Liederkranz.”
Presiding Justice Collins, in impos-
ing sentence, said that a repetition
of the offense would result in a jail
sentence.
——_—__->
Some women are never old enough
to marry while they are young enough
to flirt,
SeeZ
== SUNBEAM ==
We are pleased to announce
that we are in our new location
and are installing a full equip-
ment of the most modern up-to-
the-minute machinery especially
designed for rapid and accurate
work.
In short our plant will repre-
sent the best in everything that
pertains to the production of
Harness and Collars, and a cor-
dial invitation to inspect it is ex-
tended to all friends and patrons.
As in the past, we shall con-
tinue to center our best efforts
for the success of all distributors
of the ‘‘Sunbeam’’ products.
Brown & Sehler Co.
Cor. So. Ionia Ave. and Bartlett St.
2 blocks south of Union Depot
Grand Rapids, Mich.
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CHIGAN STATE
TELEPHONE:
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February 17, 1915
MICHIGAN
TRADESMAN
13
IMPS OR MASCOTS.
They Lead Toward Either Success or
Failure.
Written for the Tradesman.
There is a trace of superstition
in all of us and we much prefer lucky
signs and emblems to those which
are reputed to exert the opposite in-
fluence. “Hard headed business men”
as well as “silly women” freely ac-
knowledge to possessing “pet super-
stitions’” which they do not choose
to ignore. Mascots, animate and in-
animate, abound and are enthusiasti-
cally coddled by men half earnestly
and half jestingly.. To attempt to
classify and bring out with revealing
prominence the characteristics of a
man which are his good and evil, his
strong and weak, influences and as-
sign to them commercial value is
something not every one would think
to do.
Not long ago, however, an expert
who had studied men with a special
view to discover the qualities that go
to make proper timber for develop-
ing gool salesmanship compiled a list
of common human traits, dividing
them as to their positive and negative
character. The positive, helpful quali-
ties he chooses to designate as mas-
cots; the negative and hurtful or weak
tendencies he classified as imps. The
list will be valuable to assist the aver-
age business man who wishes to de-
velop himself to the point of highest
efficiency to make an analysis of him-
self, and to inventory the qualities
he may have that lead toward suc-
cess or failure as the case may be.
To express these lists in commer-
cial terms one might call them as-
sets and liabilities. Every quality in
the mascot list can be made to yield
an actual monetary return to its for-
tunate possessor, while, adversely,
every trait in the imp classification
can safely be said to drive desir-
able business away from the man
who allows it to dominate him. To
expect to count among one’s active
assets all of the mascot qualities
would be unreasonable, and there may
be comfort in the knowledge likewise
that no man could be in any kind of
business and carry such a weight as
is represented in the entire imp col-
umn. Here is the list. Cut it out and
put it in a conspicuous place where
you can consult it often:
Mascots Imps
Mentality Ignorance
Activity Indolence
Concentration Inattention
Optimism Pessimism
Self Control Impatience
Tact Insincerity
Sincerity Instability
Tenacity Forgetfulness
Memory Inertness
Initiative Sophistry
Reason Lack of Judgment
Judgment Indifference
Enthusiasm Fear
Courage Selfishness
Utility Incivility
Sobriety Intemperance
System Carelessness
Punctuality Tardiness
Honesty Dishonesty
Fidelity Infidelity
Loyalty Treason
A ffability Irritability
Chastity Immorality
Provident Improvidence
Emotional Callousness
Trustfulness Suspicious
Perception Imperception
Gracefulness Awkwardness
Neatness Slovenliness
Calmness Rashness
Faith Doubt
Health Sickness
The wholly encouraging thing
about the above list is that the quali-
ties enumerated are such as it is pos-
sible to cultivate in the case of those
it is desirable to develop, and to over-
come and discard those that consti-
tute handicaps.
One of the writer’s old professors
used to have a favorite quotation
for those he caught with thoughts
a-wool gathering and he would make
the offender stand up before the
school and repeat it after him. It
was: “Attention is the one safe, sure
indispensable, available quality; it
will grow in the poorest soil and
with cultivation will yield both flow-
er and fruit.’ The same statement
might be said with equal truth of
the traits in the above list, “They
will grow in the poorest soil,” and
anyone who takes the trouble to cul-
tivate the desirable qualities will find
that they “will yield both flower and
fruit.”
While these lists were made up
with the primary object of specify-
ing the qualities desirable for a man
to foster or eradicate in order to’
acquire power as a salesman in the
business world, and success in com-
mercial endeavor, it is interesting to
note that few of them represent what
are commonly regarded as _ strictly
“business talents.’ They are quali-
ties that indicate “the measure of the
man,” and the inevitable conclusion
must be that one must first be a real
man if he hopes to become a real
merchant.
It is only accomplishing a one-
sided half-development to learn the
science of commerce, business sys-
tems and principles, if there is neg-
lect in developing the right person-
ality to go with the technical knowl-
edge. The character elements here
enumerated are those that make or
mar an individual’s personality, that
repel or attract people; and a suc-
cessful merchant must attract people.
One might choose the finest busi-
ness location in a town, erect upon
the site the finest kind of a build-
ing and equip it with all modern fur-
nishings and conveniences; stock it
with the most attractive merchandise
priced on close margins, but if the
place is presided over by an embodi-
ment of imp characteristics it will be
a mighty tedious task to build up a
satisfactory trade. The same condi-
tions under mascot control would ac-
complish the feat in half the time.
It cannot be urged too insistently
that the temper of present times is
such that it becomes more and more
clearly apparent that it pays in dol-
lars ahd cents to possess good moral
and mental character. But the para-
dox of the matter is that such char-
acter cannot be successfully devel-
oped under the motive of a material
reward, and mascots will only thrive
and develop to their highest useful-
ness when the qualities they repre-
sent are cultivated from unselfish mo-
tives and for their own sake.
E. E. Reber.
—_>+.—_____
Cash or Credit to Farmers?
There is no doubt that farmers are
much inclined to expect long-time
credits. Many country merchants
carry on their books accounts that
run for several months or even a
year before being paid. Hardware
and Metal (Toronto) reports an in-
terview with a dealer in Ontario who
believes that the country dealer should
do a cash business. His opinion fol-
lows:
“Times have changed since the
farmer only received his money once
a year, when he sold his crop in the
fall. Now, with mixed farming, cat-
tle feeding, hog raising and so on,
he has sources of income that bring
money to him at all seasons of the
year.
“Such being the case, it appears to
me that the time is ripe for mer-
chants to get together and educate
the farmers to the idea of paying
cash instead of asking for credit.”
Tt is not quite so easy to do a cash
business with farmers as with city
workers, for in spite of the above
fact, their source of income is still
more or less irregular. However, as
this writer says their failure to pay
promptly is largely a matter of the
habits they have been allowed to get
into. To continue:
“The farmers have become so ac-
customed to making us wait, that a
bill that is a year old is nothing to
them. It is almost a science with
some of them. They buy from the
merchant and put off payment for so
long that the latter has to go to the
bank and borrow to carry the load.
It resolves itself into a case of the
merchant paying the customer’s in-
terest, for the latter can rarely be
depended upon to pay any interest to
the merchant on the old bill.
“They intend to pay in their own
good time doubtless, but they refuse
to borrow to do so. They much pre-
fer that the merchant pay interest at
the bank than that they should. I
don’t find it so much a case of lack
ability to pay as a lack of inclination
to do so.”
These seem like rather discourag-
ing comments, but many merchants
who have done business with farm-
ers will agree with this writer. “There
is a big difference between seiltag a
barrel of flour and making a dollar
in profit on the sale and selling an-
other man the same thing and then
waiting a year for the money.” There
is not much profit left on that sale
by the time it is paid for. The amount
represented by the transaction should
have gone into other stock which
could have been turned over several
times during the year.
Everybody looks up and takes no-
tice when his or her name is spoken.
In no better way, certainly in no
easier way, can you get the attention
of the customer entering the store.
An Argument Against Advertising.
“Why don’t you advertise?” asked
the editor of the home paper. “Don’t
you believe in it?”
“lm agin’ advertisin,,” replied the
proprietor of the Haysville racket
store.
“But why are you against it?” ask-
ed the editor.
“It keeps a feller too durn busy.”
replied the proprietor. “Advertised
in a newspaper one time about ten
years ago and I never even got time
to go fishin’.”
—_+-.>—__
Coming Conventions To Be Held In
: Michigan.
February.
Michigan State Association of County
Drain Commissioners, Lansing.
Michigan State Rexall Club, Detroit.
Michigan Retail Grocers and General
Merchants’ Association, Lansing, 23-25,
Michigan Soda Bottlers’ Association,
Grand Rapids.
Farmers’ Institute, Saginaw, 24-26.
March.
Michigan Sheet Metal Contractors’
Association, Grand Rapids, 10-11.
Michigan Master Steamfitters’
ciation, Detroit.
Michigan Press and Printers’ Federa-
tion, Grand Rapids, 11-13.
Master Plumbers’ Association, Detroit.
,
Asso-
Michigan Threshmen’s Association,
Saginaw, 10-12.
Michigan Good Roads Association,
Grand Rapids, 9-12.
April.
Michigan State Association of the Mas-
ter Horseshoers National Protective As-
sociation, Grand Rapids.
Michigan State Bowling Congress,
Grand Rapids, 17. This meet will last
eight or ten days. About forty visitors
will arrive each day, the total attend-
ance probably reaching 400.
Michigan State Dental Society, Grand
Rapids, 15-17.
May.
Michigan Camp Modern Woodmen of
America, Flint.
Grand Conclave, F. & A. M., Bay City.
Michigan State Association of Post-
office Clerks, Grand Rapids, 31.
June.
Elks Grand Lodge, Grand Rapids, 3-4.
Michigan State Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation, Grand Rapids, 9-11.
Michigan Pharmaceutical Travelers’ As-
sociation, Grand Rapids, 9-11.
July.
Grand Commandery of the Knights
Templar (Colored), Detroit.
Michigan Retail Jewelers’ Association,
Kalamazoo.
. Michigan State Association of Station-
ery Engineers, Jackson.
Michigan State Firemen’s Association,
Petoskey, 138-15.
Polish National Falcons, Saginaw.
August.
Michigan State Association of Local
Fire Insurance Agents, Jackson.
September.
Michigan State Medical Society, Grand
Rapids, 7-9. This is the fiftieth anni-
versary of the organization and an at-
tendance of not less than 1,200 delegates
is expected. Additional information may
be secured from Dr. Cc. Warnshuis,
Sec’y Grand Rapids.
Michigan State Association of Metho-
dist Churches, Hastings.
Michigan State Association of County
Superintendents, Ludington.
Michigan Federation of Labor, Trav-
erse City.
Michigan Rural Letter Carriers, Sagi-
naw.
West Michigan State Fair, Grand Rap-
ids, 20-24.
Michigan State Teachers’ Association,
Saginaw, 28-29.
Octoner.
Michigan Association for the Preven-
tion and Relief of Tuberculosis, Grand
Rapids.
Michigan State Association of Osteo-
paths, Grand Rapids.
Michigan Presbyterian Synod, Sault Ste.
Marie.
December.
Michigan Bee Keepers’
Grand Rapids.
State Bricklayers and Masons’ Union,
Grand Rapids.
Michigan State Potato Association,
Kalamazoo, 4-5.
Michigan State Grange, Battle Creek.
Michigan State Horticultural Society,
Grand Rapids, 7-9.
Michigan Association of Commercial
Secretaries, Ann Arbor, 19.
January.
Michigan Tax Association, Detroit.
Michigan Engineering Society, Grand
Rapids, 18-20.
Association,
14
MICHIGAN
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The Grand Rapids Trust Co. is now
fully settled in its new quarters in
the Peninsular Club building. Noth-
ing in the way of furniture was mov-
ed over from the old location. Every-
thing is new and up-to-date and every
facility is present for the accurate and
economical handling of the business
of the institution. As now constituted
the official staff is as follows:
Officers.
Robert D. Graham—President.
Lee M. Hutchins—Vice-President.
Joseph H. Brewer—Vice-President.
Alexander W. Hompe—Vice-Presi-
dent.
Hugh E. Wilson—Sec’y. and Trust
Officer.
Adolph H. Brandt—Treasurer.
Joseph H. Carroll—Assistant Treas-
urer.
Employes.
Lemuel S. Hillman—Bond Depart-
ment,
James R. Hooper—Probate Depart-
ment.
Leon T. Closterhouse—Real Estate
Department.
George W. McKay — Custodian
Safety Deposit Vault.
The stockholders of the German-
American Bank of Detroit will meet
February 27 to authorize the increase
of the capital stock from $250,000 to
$500,000, recommended by the direc-
tors. Subscriptions for the issue of
stock must be sent in before March
15. The new plan goes in effect
April 1,
On the charge of swindling the Fort
Dearborn National Bank of Chicago
out of $7,700, Adolph Schmidt, form-
er manager of the foreign exchange
department of the People’s Stock
Yards Bank of Chicago, was arrested
in Detroit February 10. Schmidt admit-
ted the crime, according to detec-
tives and signed a waiver of extradi-
tion. Schmidt told a thrilling story
of his escape to London following
the passing of a forged check on the
Chicago Bank, his arrest by the Scot-
land Yard detective, his return to Chi-
cago @s a prisoner and of his subse-
quent escape through bribery of a
detective, whose name he refused to
disclose. Schmidt declared that the
detective asked him if he was willing
to put up $1,000 for the privilege of
beating it. He said that he paid the
$1,000 and escaped as arranged.
The Bank of Middleton has become
the People’s State Bank and starts
with a capital of $20,000, all paid in
and a surplus of $525. Grant H. Slo-
cum, J. M. Ealy, Geo. M. Slocum
and John R. Hudson, the original
stockholders, continue with the new
organization, Mr. Hudson remaining
as Cashier. The following have also
taken stock: Jas. J. Cross, Edwin
Rasor, Ernest Shinline, Jos. Sellmyer.
Henry P. Fitzpatrick, Theron J.
Wood, Frank Simmit and Abram Un-
derwood.
The Grand Ledge State Bank, W.
R. Clarke and R. A. Latting won a big
victory in Circuit Court at Charlotte
last Wednesday when Judge Smith
directed the jury that these parties
were in no way responsible for the
damages claimed by George J. Scho-
field growing out of the Andre failure
and they should not be considered in
fixing the damages because of the al-
leged misrepresentation. The jury
then proceeded to vote a judgment of
$6,522.77 against Bert L. Moore, Cash-
ier of the Bank at the time of the An-
dre crash. This is precisely the same
amount with interest that Schofield se-
cured against Andre at a former trial.
It is stated that neither men are finan-
cially responsible for the judgments.
Judge Smith said he would not under
any circumstances let a verdict be re-
turning against Mr. Latting, “whose
testimony was clear as a bell.’” “The
facts are,” said Judge Smith, “the
case against the Bank and Clarke and
Latting had not been strengthened
by the new proof, but in my judgment
Mr. Latting’s testimony clearly exon-
erated them from all blame without
considering the Supreme Court opin-
ion which clearly stated that the proof
of the former trial was not such as
to make them liable.” “I understand,”
added Judge Smith, “that Moore is
now out of the Court’s jurisdiction.”
Moore was not present and made no
defense.
‘Harry Simpson, former Cashier of
the First Commercial and Savings
Bank of Durand, sentenced to the
Jackson prison for a term of two to
ten years for embezzling the funds
of the Bank, has been paroled after
serving two years.
The American State Bank of De-
troit has taken a long-term lease of
the rear portion of the building at
the northwest corner of Woodward
avenue and Clifford street, occupied
by the W. B. Jarvis Co., dealers in
sporting goods and will establish
what is to be known as its Woodward
avenue branch. The American State
Bank was organized in 1907 as the
Fairview Savings Bank. It opened
offices on Griswold street a year ago.
The Woodward avenue branch will
TRADESMAN
be the seventh operated by the Bank.
Upper Peninsula bankers affiliated
with the Michigan Bankers’ Associa-
tion will assemble in Marquette Feb-
ruary 18 to form a district organiza-
tion. Nearly every banker in the
Northern part of the State is a mem-
ber of the State Organization.
The National City Bank of New ~
York has smashed all banking rec-
ords for the United States. Its total
February 17, 1915
assets for the first time in the 103
years of its existence, have passed
the $420,000,000 mark. Gross deposits
exceed $280,000,000 and its reserve has
risen above $135,000,000. The bank
is engaged in a movement toward the
building up of a greater foreign out-
let for American manufacturers.
The impressive change in our own
financial and commercial situation,
from what it actually was last autumn
and from what most people then ex-
THE PREFERRED LIFE INSURANCE CO. OF AMERICA OFFERS
OLD LINE INSURANCE AT LOWEST NET COST
WHAT ARE YOU WORTH TO YOUR FAMILY ?
LET US PROTECT YOU FOR THAT SUM
The Preferred Life Insurance Co. of America
Grand Rapids, Mich,
Affairs of concerns temporarily em-
barrassed are ably administered by
this company, and the business of
insolvent corporations or individuals
is operated with due regard to all
interests involved.
record of successful receiverships.
Consultation Invited.
oe
THE MICHIGAN TRUST Go.
It has a fine
City Bank Officers
offer their personal services in the advice
and purchase of securities, for banks,
bankers and private investors, and the
absolute security of the City Bank
vaults for the protection of valuables.
Resources Over
Eleven Million Dollars
AND CITY TRUST & SAVINGS BANKS
RSOeNCe rere nee
ee ae ee
corals
Saker nascar an SSR So
Sa cna anaes
February 17, 1915
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 15
pected it would be in 1915, has de-
veloped some altered views, even of
the longer future. The question of
actual destruction of capital in war-
fare doubtless stands by itself But
even as regards the effects of war it-
self, certain considerations pointing
the other way begin to get a hearing.
On one point, there seems to
be fairly large consensus of opin-
ion. It is that the war, instead of
diminishing the initiattve of mankind,
will greatly increase it. The revivals,
even of arts and letters, that have
been born of great periods of strife
in the past, may or may not have
their counterpart in the months and
years now before us; but that a situa-
tion analogous to them will be wit-
nessed in the domain of industry is
regarded as more than likely. This
possibility has not played much part
in the world’s thought, during the
last six months; but recently it has
received large consideration from
thoughtful minds.
What puzzles us is to know the
means by which such new initiative
could vent itself. On this point there
is a good deal of interesting conjec-
ture. The supply of capital will have
to be replenished by industry; but
some observers find encouragement
in studying+the statistics of gold pro-
duction. If the war were not so over-
shadowing a factor in the problem
that confronts us, one might say
without hesitation that the gold show-
ing is such as to foster belief in a
much earlier recovery from the pres-
ent depression than from similar great
catastrophes in the past. The Napol-
eonic wars were fought at a time of
stationary gold production, and the
world’s gold output decreased in the
years which followed that long con-
flict. Its average annual outpvt in
the decade, 1801-1910, was $11,800,000,
about the same as in the twenty years
preceding; but for the decade 1811-
1820 (in the middle of which the pe-
riod of warfare ended), the annual
average was only $7,600,000, and it was
ten years more before the earlier aver-
age figure was regained.
In the decade ending with 1914,
however, the annual rate of the
world’s gold output had increased
$50,000,000; it bids fair to increase, or
at any rate not to fall materially,
during many years to come. This is
why the gold reserves of the fight-
ing states stand at figures so much
higher. even than before the war. It
is possible to view the extraordinary
financial contingencies of Europe
with something of equanimity when
the above facts are recalled. Revert-
ing to the question of human initia-
tive, it is a fair assumption that the
burdens of debt and taxation which
Europe is now assuming may prove a
stimulus rather than otherwise. It is
at least an admissible theory that the
more the European governments take
from their subjects in the way of tax-
ation, the harder their subjects will
work to offset such a burden by in-
creased industrial gains. This was
certainly the case in England after
1815 and in France after 1871.
To sum it all up, the best senti-
ment here is that this is a very rich
world, and that it is not going to be
disastrously impoverished by this war;
that both here and abroad, every one
is going to be keener than ever before
to get down to work; that Europe, in-
stead of selling us out, will be eager
to cultivate closer and more binding
financial and industrial relations with
us than in the past. This is looking
at the situation in the largest way.
If one looks at it in any other way,
he finds himself in a maze.
~~» -e__-
Collection Scheme That Worked.
Why a request for a fraction of an
overdue bill should be specially pro-
ductive is rather a mystery, but A.
H. Palmer, hardwareman, writes that
he collected $500 in three days with
perfect ease by mailing the following
notice to delinquents:
Dear Sir:
Three hundred and twenty-four of
my customers are owing me $1,960.46
or an average of about $6 each.
About one-third of this amount I
need to pay bills coming due, so l
am sending this notice to all my cus-
tomers to-day with the request for
one-third of their account if unable
to pay all.
If you can pay this promptly it
will enable me to square up my bills
at once and will be greatly appreciat-
ed by Yours truly,
A. H. Palmer.
_— Oo -
The Saloon Bar.
A bar to heaven, a door to hell,
Whoever named it, named it well.
A bar to manliness and wealth,
A door to want, and broken health.
A bar to honor, pride and fame,
A door to sin and grief and shame.
A bar to hope, a bar to prayer,
door to darkness and despair.
bar to honored, useful life, ,
door to brawling, senseless strife.
bar to all that’s true and brave,
door to woe and pauper’s grave.
bar to joys that home imparts,
door to tears and aching hearts.
A bar to heaven, a door to hell.
Whoever named it, named it well.
William T. Pearce, Jr.
+e
PPP rp Pp
However, the city chap who imag-
ines he could get rich raising chickens
on a two acre farm may be perfectly
sane on all other subjects.
Ask for our Coupon Certificates of Deposit
Assets over $4,500,000
Geand Ripins§ avincsP ani,
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Grand Rapids, Mich.
Capital - - - - $500,000
Surplus and Profits - $500,000
Resources Over
8 Million Dollars
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Largest State and Savings Bank
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Fourth National Bank
Savings Commercial
Deposits Deposits
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Interest Paid Interest Paid
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Wm. H. Andersen, Capital Stock
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John W. Blodgett, and Surplus
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Ls oo $580,000
J. C, Bishop,
Assistant Cashier
The
Old National Bank
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
Our Savings Certificates of Deposit form an
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transferable by endorsement and earn interest at the
rate of 3% @% if left a year.
+
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a limited amount
City of Muskegon
4% School Bonds—due 1919
to net 414%
FFRAND RAPIDS [RUST [OMPANY
Ottawa Avenue and Fountain Street
Grand Rapids, Mich.
"16
BIG DRAIN ON PROFITS.
The Accumulation of Unsalable Odds
and Ends.
Written for the Tradesman.
One of the safest rules for mer:
chandising that one can follow is that
it pays to give the public what it
wants. The main problem, of course,
comes in determining just what it is
that is wanted. The elusive “pub-
lic,” composed’ of everybody in gen-
eral and nobody in particular, is hard
to lay a finger on, and no one has
yet solved the’ problem of how to
interview the public and determine
its desires in any direction. Not even
a straw vote, or a secret ballot, either,
will always indicate the wishes of
this heterogenous, powerful, myste-
rious public.
Yet the general merchant, like every
other business man, must constantly
study demand, because when he has
located it, he is in a much better po-
sition to buy intelligently. One of
the biggest drains on the profits of
any store is the accumulation of odds
and ends of stock that sold just well
enough to cause a loss. That is,
enough sales were made to justify
putting in a fair stock and most of
the last lot is still on hand, unsold.
If all of the goods which the mer-
chant who is honest with himself
charges off his inventory could be
converted into cash at invoice prices,
net profits would be far larger than
they really are.
Evidently, then, a good many mer-
chants have difficulty in finding out
what the public wants. Some of them
are poor guessers and stock up with
merchandise which the local public,
at any rate, irrespective of what that
in New York and Paducah, Chicago
and Kalamazoo may want, does not
take to. While no one can offer a sys-
tem which is a specific for eliminat-
ing losses of this kind, inasmuch as
nobody is on familiar enough terms
with the public to analyze its wants
very far in advance, or even at the
present, there is a way to find. out
to some extent, at least, in which di-
rections its wants lie.
Strange to say, the way which is
referred to is open to everybody and
has been open all the time, yet com-
paratively few have taken advantage
of it. The chances are that the value
of the information which is gratituit-
ously presented -is not appreciated or
that it is taken hold of from another
standpoint. Certain it is, however,
that the opportunity to make use of
it as a kind of merchandising com-
pass, to point toward the pole of pub-
lic demand, has seldom been develop-
ed.
Suppose a customer comes into your
store and asks for a certain branded
article which you do not happen to
carry.
What is your mental operation on
this request?
The chances are that you will
think of something similar in quali-
ty and price to the goods asked for,
with which you are probably familiar
to some extent, and your next act
will be to show this, in the hope of
diverting the demand from what you
have not to that which you have.
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
This is a perfectly legitimate op-
eration and is not open to criticism,
provided, of course, that the fact is
made clear to the customer that some-
thing else and not the original is be-
ing sold. Those who declaim against
“substitution,” including in this sales
of goods other than those asked for
by the customer, but sold for what
they are, are certainly unreasonable
and are assuming that the merchant
should carry a universal stock and
be prepared to supply anything what-
soever that the fickle and changeable
public may happen to ask for.
If the second choice does not sell,
you will likely see the customer de-
part and will feel some regret, but
probably will not think further of the
incident.
After you have forgotten the hap-
pening, and perhaps a week or more
later, somebody else may ask for that
same article, and the original opera-
tion will be repeated, with the same
or better success. But this, too, will
make an impression on your mind
only along the line of having to of-
fer and sell something different from
what the customer really intended to
buy.
Now, as suggested above, nobody
can afford to carry everything. Even
assuming that capital and space per-
mitted, it would be out of the ques-
tion to handle every brand of every
line of goods represented in the gen-
eral store. Therefore, the merchant
is up against the question of making
a right selection. The stock which
is well bought, meaning one which is
representative and well selected, is in-
deed half sold, while the one which
is not intelligently put together will
fail to coincide with the popular de-
mand which has been referred to,
and the troubles of the merchant will
be multiplied in converting his goods
into cash.
Good buying is not a sleight of
hand, however, but consists chiefly
of finding out what the community
wants and then having it on hand.
That emphasizes the point which has
been made, that every opportunity
to discover what is wanted should
be made use of. In the instances
suggested, the merchant did not at-
tempt to make use of the information
which was presented to him, at least
not in this direction. It did not mean
anything to him in connection with
the proper organization of his store
nor as to the stocks which he ought
to carry.
Suppose every time a customer
came in and asked for an article which
you do not happen to carry, you were
to make a note of it, and put it in a
file kept for the purpose. Suppose
you, looked through this file at fre-
quent intervals, noting the number
of calls for different things which
you did not have on hand, and try-
ing to determine whether these calls
represented a substantial, permanent
demand, or merely a fleeting, evanes-
cent impulse on the part of some one
individual. Such a record, kept over
a considerable period, would not only
be interesting and illuminating, but
would be a real guide to efficient buy-
ing. It would enable the operations
of the store to be based on experience
whereas the usual plan means that an
extremely valuable kind of experience
is discarded without any attempt be-
ing made to take advantage of it.
Even when the merchant sells the
customer something other than that
which was originally asked for, the
item should be put down, because it
does not follow that every consumer
who wants that particular brand will -
be satisfied with something else; and
if there are many calls, it is a good
bet that the merchandise should be
put in stock. One swallow doesn’t
make a summer, and one call doesn’t
indicate an overwhelming demand;
but certainly it is a straw showing
which way the trade wind is blowing,
and that sort of indication is too val-
uable to be overlooked.
If this information is worth while in
connection with competitive brands,
where the merchant is able to sup-
ply the demand with another brand
of the same kind of goods as those
asked for, how much more is it to be
considered when it relates to lines
which are not handled at all. A good
many shrewd merchants determine
their policies of expansion wholly by
means of the demand which is indi-
cated and studied in the manner de-
scribed. And when they follow the
line of least resistance, as this policy
might be called, they are pretty sure
to be able to meet a real demand,
and not a fancied want, as sometimes
turns out to be the case.
The merchant who handles most
of the trade himself may be tempt-
ed to rely on memory for facts about
goods called for, but not carried. He
should not attempt to burden himself
in this way, but make a permanent
record which can be compiled, if nec-
essary, and gone over from various
angles. The store with many clerks
should have an iron-clad rule on the
subject, and every call for goods not
carried should be reported. This is
a live tip which is worth as much to
the merchant as inside information on
the cotton market to the broker or
speculator. G. D. Crain, Jr.
—o2..
Bringing Trade to the Corner Gro-
cery.
Written for the Tradesman.
“There’s no satisfaction in buying
at these corner stores. I buy at Jones’
sometimes; but Blank’s is just on my
way home from work, and they have
the So-and-so cereal that Jones does
not handle, and when I call at Blank’s
every Saturday on my way home, |
order quite a bill of goods and have
them sent up.”
_This actual comment inferentially
diagnoses the ailment of many cor-
ner groceries.
The corner store has to battle with
the prevalent beliefs that its prices
are higher and its selection less varied
than is the case with the store down
town. On the other hand, it has the
advantages of lower rents, smaller
overhead expenses, and close prox-
imity to a certain section of the buy-
ing public. Its territory is limited;
it cannot aspire to city-wide trade;
but careful management has made
many a corner store a relatively bet-
February 17, 1915
ter business proposition than its com-
petitor down town.
The corner grocer’s problem is to
secure the largest possible amount
of trade from a limited clientele.
Diligence can largely overcome the
handicaps already mentioned. The
best answer to the price superstition
is to sell on the same terms as the
down town store. Careful buying will
leave the merchant as good a mar-
gin of profit.
To carry as large a stock as the
down town grocery is neither neces-
sary nor advisable. There is a more
effective way of overcoming the “lack
of variety” complaint. The grocer
must study his clientele. He ought
to have at least an occasional buying
and selling acquaintance with every
individual in his neighborhood; he
should aim to make the personal ac-
quaintance of all; and, buying and
selling, should study the demands of
his customers with a view to supply-
ing exactly the class of goods they
want. Much, indeed, will depend on
the general nature of the locality.
An average residential section will,
for instance, want nothing better than
a common 15-cent grade of pickle; a
high class section will take a 25 cent
line and afford opportunities for nov-
elties in sauces and jams. But, be-
yond these general demands, indi-
vidual preferences must be closely
studied.
Given time, it is not a difficult mat-
ter to secure an understanding of
the class of trade to which the gro-
cer must cater. Next, he must sup-
ply the goods his people want. Here
it is necessary in most instances to
purchase in relatively small lots, and
very carefully, aiming to avoid being
overstocked; for he has not the down
town merchant’s facilities for unload-
ing superfluous stock.
It is not sufficient, however, mere-
ly to satisfy an existing demand. The
shrewd and far-sighted grocer will,
very carefully and without plunging
too deeply, aim to introduce to his
customers such new lines as would
most likely appeal to them. Through
lack of space he must stock sparingly;
but he should ever be on the alert
for attractive new lines.
For instance, a short time ago, a
substitute for coffee was put on the
market. A grocer always on the look-
out for good things bought a sample
tin, tried it, pronounced it a likely
“hit” and stocked the article, and took
the trouble to personally introduce
it to his customers. The result was
that, when the article came into fair-°
ly general vogue, this grocer’s clien-
tele, instead of buying down town,
bought at his store. Not merely did
he, as a result of his foresight, add
a profitabie new line to his business,
but he helped to hold trade which,
had he not been alert, would have
gone down town with orders for
“cerealette.” Every new line which
“catches on” brings more than the im-
mediate sale; it helps to hold busi-
ness in sugar, salt, tea and other sta-
ple lines. William Edward Park.
—- 22 —_
The uphill road is the hardest one
to travel, but it is the only one that
rises,
ee REE arn eae
ns
rar ante
rata eterna? TA
Pb iateintaretneeancse arcs Cie reaMmemuanac SICAL ion cae Sn ace nsenenna
}
tn ee
os mre tere? Ali
February 17, 1915
Trade Pirates and Other Things .
Recently the writer was consulted
by a clergyman concerning the prob-
able cost of making an analysis of a
proprietary rheumatism remedy.
Upon gently suggesting that the
expense of an analysis would prob-
ably exceed the cost of half a dozen
packages of the stuff, and also that
it might be safer to consult a physi-
cian for the treatment of a case of
“rheumatism,” it developed that the
sample had been furnished by a phy-
sician who had been using it in his
private practice with extraordinary
success, and that if the formula could
be obtained he and his ministerial
emissary were to go “cahoots” in its
manufacture and sale to rheumatic
humanity.
Other interesting details were like-
wise developed, but the most signifi-
cant features of the negotiations were
the theologue’s complete inability to
sense the moral obliquity of appro-
priating the fruits of some one else’s
labors without consent or compensa-
tion, and the readiness of the Aescu-
lapian, who is a man of “some stand-
ing” in medical circles to exchange
the garment of professional regulari-
ty for the purple and fine linen of a
patent medicine king, provided his
actual connection therewith could be
concealed under the convenient and
all-embracing disguise of Co.
While itymay be uncommon to find
divinity and medicine uniting in a
project of this kind, it is not unusua)j
to find both physicians and laymen
who condemn the use of patent medi-
eines in the abstract, but are quite
MICHIGAN’ TRADESMAN
ready to engage in the manufacture of
one, provided they can find a good
seller, their idea of a “good seller”
being one that already enjoys a good
sale, and to appropriate without com-
punctions of conscience the ideas. and
enterprise of other men for their own
benefit.
Apparently the bulk of the real
thinking of the world is done by a
comparatively few men, while the
most of us, consciously or unconsci-
ously, just appropriate their ideas and
turn them around or inside out, and
persuade other people, and perhaps
ourselves as well, that they are our
very own. In fact, a real new thought
is about as rare as a new chemical
element; most of those we think are
new are combinations of thought ele-
ments that are as old as Greek philos-
ophy.
Of course, there is a kind of spe-
cial smartness required for the mar-
keting of ideas, and this of itself is
a kind of creative ability deserving
of a certain amount of credit. So,
also, a new combination of old things,
or the standing of an old idea the
other end up, may add real value not
present before the combination or in-
version, and for these improvemenis
the combiners or inverters may just-
ly claim reward.
The great naturalist, Alfred Russell
Wallace, said the other day that the
natural morality of man had not pro-
gressed beyond that of the maker of
the first stone implement. From
which, if correct, we may infer that
for what seeming morality there is
we are indebted to art rather than to
nature, and that twentieth century
honesty is either the enforced hones-
ty of blue sky laws and pure food and
drugs acts or the mechanical honesty
of cash registers and other automatic
devices of wood and metal.
J. H. Beal.
—__2 + >___
What Would You Think?
When the conductor reached out
his hand and said, “Fares, please,”
the woman shook her head.
“T have no money,” she replied,
“My husband wii! pay for me.”
The conductor looked around sus-
piciously.
“Were is ’e?” he asked.
“Out on the back platform.” said
the woman.
The conductor worked his way
through to the rear of the car, then
returned.
“Say,” he said confidentially, “w’ich
is him? There’s a half a dozen out
there. W’ich one belongs to you?
Wot does he look like?”
“THe’s very good looking,” said the
woman proudly. “He’s tall, and wears
a blue serge suit and a soft hat with
”
‘a gray band around it. You can’t
mistake him for anybody else or anv-
body else for him.”
Again the conductor went out in
quest Of the missing fare, and again
he returned.
“T found him all right, but ‘e
won't pay. He says you ain’t his
wife. He says ’e ain’t never been mar-
ried.”
“What!” exclaimed the woman.
“He says ’m not—that he has never
17
been—good gracious! I'll see about
this. You tell him for me, please,
that I am tired of this kind of fool-
ing. I won’t put up with it any long-
er. Tell him to pay my fare or I'll
come out there and see why he won't
pay it.”
“All right, ma’am,” said the conduc-
tor.
The next time he appeared he
nodded encouragingly.
“Tell be all O.. Ki” he said. ‘3
told him wot you said and he paid.”
A few blocks further on, the wom-
an left the car by the front door. As
she stood on the corner waiting for
-a line of trucks to go by, another car
stopped and a man got off. The wom-
an looked at him with bulging eyes.
“You!” she said. “You—and on
this car! Why, I thought you came
up in the car with me.”
“I did try to,” said the man, “but
the conductor rang the bell too soon
and I got left. I had to: take the
next car.”
The woman’s’ eyes
more.
“T’d like to know,” she said, “what
the man thought that paid my car
fare.”
bulged _ still
2-2
Result of Advertising.
A hen, as you have doubtless heard,
Is counted a peculiar bird
And yet there are some ways of hers
That other manufacturers
Might imitate. For instance, when
She doth produce an egg, the hen
Proclaims the fact both far and near
In such a way that all may hear;
With the result that the demand
For eggs is constant in the land,
And, though the output is immnese,
“Two fried’ still cost us twenty cents.
|
These Two New Packages
are the latest addition to the famous
CRYSTAL DOMINO
CTURED
ManuFacl™ oy
Se
EFT
AMERICANSUGARR
to OPEN © S
NING COMPANY Jersey City NJ.
N THIS LINE
FAMILY
The smooth richness and delicious flavor of Crystal Domino Syrup has instantly
made this 10c cup, containing 1 lb., one of the strongest sellers
in every store where it has been introduced.
As for the 10c. carton of Crystal Domino Sugar half-size
pieces—we don’t believe any grocer will require persuading to
stock up on this package.
Here are the prices:
Crystal Domino Syrup—to retail at 10c. per cup—packed 2
doz. to a container—$1.80 per container.
Crystal Domino Sugar—to retail at 10c. per carton—packed 4
doz. to.a container—$3.80 per container.
| The American Sugar Refining Company
NEW YORK
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
THE MEAT MARKET
—_
An Old Time Butcher to His Son.
Some time ago I wrote you how
successful a butcher up here had been
in installing a canned goods depart-
ment in his meat market. In your
reply to my suggestion you intimat-
ed that you did not think so much
of my suggestion, but that you would
think it over.
Since that time two other butchers
up here have followed the first one’s
example, and they have been just
as successfuly as he. It seems to
me that you ought to give this idea
quite a little thought, so that you can
get on the bandwagon before the
cream is all taken up by your more
progressive competitors.
There is every reason in the world
why a retail butcher should handle
canned goods. In the first place, the
line is a profitable one, with a fair
margin of profit for the butcher who
handles it. In the second place, the
goods are salable; they require no
great amount of pushing in order to
mount up to quite a respectable to-
tal of sales. In the third place, the
department requires no great expense
for its installation; no expensive fix-
tures are required, and it will occu-
py waste space in your market, turn-
ing a liability into an asset. What
more could you want than that?
Too many butchers turn the can-
ned goods proposition down with the
remark that they are butchers and not
grocerymen. That’s true as far as it
goes, but, like a good many other
snap statements, it doesn’t go very
far. The groceryman on the next
corner is a groceryman, and knows
nothing about meat, but that doesn’t
prevent him from working up a nice
little trade in provision and manag-
ing to take business away from you.
A good many fellows in our own
trade ought to take a leaf from his
book and pay him back in his own
coin. And the canned goods depart-
ment gives you the opportunity to
do it.
Let me tell you about a butcher up
here who has had canned goods for
two years now. He started it as a
flier, mainly on the sayso of a sales-
man who came in and finally convinc-
ed him that there was profit in it.
His equipment consisted of a few
shelves and an ordinary counter, and
the space it occupied was where the
boys had put their baskets when they
had returned from making their de-
liveries. His first stock represented
a mighty small investment, but it
consisted of well-known brands that
moved rapidly and gave satisfaction
to his trade.
At the end of two months he was
selling between $60 and $70 worth of
these goods weekly, at a fair margin
of profit, which was practically all
velvet, as he could find no increase
in his selling expense. And, mind
you, that business had practically es-
tablished itself, because, as he him-
self said recently, he had devoted no
particular attention to selling the
goods. The display which the sales-
man had arranged for him had done
the trick.
The gradually growing increase in
this business woke him up to his op-
portunity, however. He discovered
that only a few of his customers were
making purchases, and that these had
been practically on their own initia-
tive. He figured that if he devoted
a little attention to them it would not
be long before this business amounted
to a respectable volume of trade; in
fact, he figured that it might even
pay the running expenses of his mar-
ket, leaving him in the enviable po-
sition of selling meat without a sell-
ing expense.
So he instructed his clerks to lose
no opportunity of pushing them.
When a woman came in and pur-
chased a leg of lamb there were in-
structed to tell her what a fine brand
of peas was carried in stock. When
a woman bought a roast of mutton
the. current jelly that goes with it
was duly brought to her attention.
And in all his advertisements the fact
that he carried canned goods was
mentioned where it could not be
missed. As a result his expectations
have been more than realized.
His rules for success in canned
goods are simple. Although they are
not in the true sense of the word
perishable stock, still, at the same
time, he claims that buying frequent-
ly and in small quantities conduces
to a larger volume of trade because
of the fresh appearance and the ab-
sence of rusted and dingy-looking
cans. He claims that even if a quan-
tity price has to be sacrificed for this,
it is worth while.
Secondly, he claims that only well-
known brands should be _ handled.
These, he says, are practically sold
for you through the advertising the
packers put behind them. Always
give a salesman who offers you in-
ducements to buy his line the go by,
because if he offers you inducements
to buy you usually have to offer your
customers inducements as well, to the
detriment of your profit, and usually
to the loss of their good will as well.
Don’t substitute, for when you do
you take the guarantee of the goods
upon your own shoulders and have
to make good personally if anything
goes wrong. And the worst of it is
that you get a dissatisfied customer
even if you do make good.
Put in canned goods by all means.
They give you gfeater profits, they
draw trade, at practically no increase
in your expense. What better propo-
sition could you want?—Butchers’
Advocate.
—_—--.—2————
Boiling Hams.
There are two methods of cook-
ing hams; one is to steam them in
a retort or some other vessel where
they are cooked by the heat generated
by steam; another is to cook them
in water. The latter process, from
careful observation, seems to be the
one that will give the best results as
regards the shrinkage, although
steaming makes the ham more palat-
able. Many people wrap the hams
tightly in cloths or sacks for this
purpose, feeling that this prevents in
a measure some of the shrinkage.
However, the results thus obtained
are thought by many not to warrant
the extra labor and maintenance of
the cooking sacks. The hams before
being cooked should be bound and
wrapped with twine, which holds them
in shape. A form is also used suc-
cessfully, made of galvanized iron or
tin, with the ham tightly clamped on
the inside. The ham is cooked and
chilled in this mold.
It is much preferable to use fully
cured hams instead of old cured hams,
as the shrinkage is much greater on
over-cured meats. It is also advis-
able to sort the hams as to size, hav-
ing each vat or tank of hams uni-
form. If not uniform as to size there
is an excessive shrinkage on the
smaller hams, which are invariably
overcooked. In all cases the hats
should be soaked, thereby removing
the surplus salt. The length and time
of soaking depends altogether on the
age of the meat. The hams should
be thoroughly washed, and if they
are to be branded, this should be done
before cooking or boning. The meth-
od most commonly adopted is to cook
the hams first, then smoke very little.
Some smoke first, boiling afterward,
which is a very expensive method
owing to the excessive shrinkage.
When the hams are boned and
wrapped they should be put in a vat
of water, temperature about 70 de-
grees F., and the steam turned on
slowly until it reaches 160 to 165 de-
grees F. The hams are held at this
temperature until they are cooked,
which requires a somewhat longer
time than when they are cooked with
a higher temperature. A_twelve-
pound ham will require from four-
and one-half to five hours’ cooking
when boiled in this manner. After
the hams are cooked they should be
allowed to cool off in the same water
—not taken out, nor drained, nor set
in the cooler, for in this water are
many juices of the meat, which are
again absorbed by the hams as they
cool, and the shrinkage is much less
than if taken out immediately. They
should then be taken to the smoke-
house, laid on racks and given a very
slight smoke.
é
22.2
Just think what a happy world this
would have been if Adam hadn't han-
kered after a spare rib stew.
February 17, 1915
Treating Blood Fertilizér,
In the handling of blood all for-
eign matter should be kept from it,
especially water, for if this gets into
it it must be taken out when the
blood is cooked, and then carries away
with it a large amount of ammonia.
It is a matter of great importance
that the blood be kept as pure as
possible. As fast as the animals are
bled the blood should be run into
large vats or receptacles where it can
be held until a sufficient amount is
obtained to justify cooking it. It
should then be pumped or drawn into
the cooking tank. Any ordinary tank
or vat may be used for this purpose.
After the blood is in the receptacle
live steam is turned on and the ma-
terial allowed to cook until it is thor-
oughly heated. As soon as the steam
begins to show fully through the blood
it, is cooked, the object of the cook-
ing being simply to congeal or thor-
oughly coagulate it. Overcooked
blood is very hard to press and dry,
causing waste of ammonia.
The blood after being cooked
should be drawn into vat, allowing
all the water to drain off. It is then
put into a hydraulic press, the cakes
being built very thick— from eight
to ten inches. These are pressed
lightly, thereby extracting all the
moisture possible without compress-
ing them too hard. If blood is press-
ed too hard it is difficult to dry, as
it will come through the dryer in
small globular balls, which is broken
open and examined will show con-
siderable quantities of moisture; but
if pressed in large cakes and lightly
the blood readily granulates. After
the blood dries it is ready for mar-
ket. It is then known as “unground”
blood. If purchasers wish it ground
it is simply put through the mill and
screen and furnished as desired.
Pig Souse.
Scrape and clean the pigs’ ears
and feet, put in cold water and place
them over a fire to boil. When ten-
der put them in a jar or other recep-
tacle, depending on the quantity you
are making, and cover with a pickle
of cider vinegar, in which whole black
pepper, mace and cloves have been
boiled. See that the pickle entire-
ly covers the meat, keeping the lat-
ter down with a weight if necessary.
Let it stand for three or four days,
when it will be ready for use.
—_++-2——_—_
If a few thousand more city men
buy “little farms” in the country and
go to raising chickens and_ trouble
and a few ditto farmers move to the
city to get rich quick this country
will soon rival Brazil in the produc-
tion of “nuts.”
MAAS BROTHERS
Wholesale Fish Dealers
Sea Foods and Lake Fish
of All Kinds
Citizens Phone 2124 Bell Phone M. 1378
1052 Ottawa Ave., N. W. Grand Rapids, Mich.
|
February 17, 1915
FOOD REFORMERS
Whose Motives Are Open to Severe
Criticism.
The cost of living entered the po-
litical arena at the last Presidential
campaign. The increased economic
pressure has reached such a stage that
in order to bid for the popular vote
each party advertised that it held the
key to the solution of this problem.
T ask in sober earnestness, as a wom-
an studying economic problems as
they affect the home, why must our
prosperity depend upon any party?
Why must our very living, our bread
and butter, be at the mercy of poli-
ticians and political quarrels?
You say a woman’s place is the
home. We all know it is. Moreover,
we want it to be. I have never known
but one person who endeavored to
argue that it was not, and he was a
man writing suffrage articles for a
woman and using her name. Sober-
ly, what you have seen is this—you
have seen women start out hot-footed
after some reform, and in spite of
your protests, secure it, to the upset-
ting of all business concerned with
that particular thing. You have seen
them unwittingly add, and add, and
add to the cost of living by their de-
mands for right and proper things, but
things which cost four times as much
to make, sell or deliver as the former
ones which, to your mind, do quite as
well.
You are afraid, legitimately afraid
of women, when they get the bit in
their teeth, and you misunderstand
them and we misunderstand you. So
T believe it one of my duties, a great
privilege also, to be one of those who
may try to help in developing a better
- understanding and closer co-operation
between those who make the things
that we must use and those who use
the things that you produce. My busi-
ness is to state, from my _ view-
point, some of the things’ that
should be done; and not only to speak
of the things to be established but
some of the steps by which we may
hope to accomplish these aims.
The need of greater uniformity of
food and drug legislation has already
been presented. Doing is always eas-
ier than thinking. Perhaps the most
difficult thing we have to do at present
is just this—to get the actual facts
before people. Those who traduce
facts, those who subvert them to their
own ends, those who do not even
care to prove that they are facts, those
who lack the knowledge, experience
and training in science, or even the
fundamental education along food
lines which would make judgment pos-
sible, seem to hold the center of the
stage and the women follow. Public
sentiment cannot be aroused without
education, but the most difficult task
in the world is that of the construc-
tive educational campaign; for this is
not sensational; does not lend itself
to head lines; does not tear, or rend,
or agitate; but must quietly build.
You know, and I know, that for
some years the consuming class has
steadily had its confidence undermin-
ed. It has been told that increasing
prices were the effect of greed, un-
scrupulous methods of creating val-
ues, the producers’ or the grocers’ or
the butchers’ desire for quick profits,
or the evil machinations of the mid-
dlemen, each of whom has been pic-
tured as taking fat pickings from the
commodities passing through his
hands. When the prices of certain
goods took an immediate jump upon
war being declared the cry of “stop
thief” went up in many different tones
of voice,
Was there any thief? I think it is
yet to be proved. But you know all
this better than I. For the present
your secondary aim should be to sell
your goods, the primary one should
be to educate the consumer as to the
actual facts, or the value of these
goods, and then they will sell them-
selves if they are worth selling.
This leads me to expose my ignor-
ance and the courage which ignor-
ance breeds by venturing to criticise
misleading and uneducational forms
of advertising. You know more about
advertising than I will ever know,
but I do know this, that women buy
household goods and more and more
are trying to buy them with intelli-
gence and judgment. Knowledge al-
ways precedes judgment so when one
magazine prints an attack on alum
baking powder from the opinion of
one whom they at least suppose to
be a scientist, and there is no answer
in reply, no other article giving the
actual facts printed where they can
see it, they are quite naturally mis-
led. An effort to build up confidence
in advertising is a great step forward,
but it must be supplemented by other
things. First, it must be a genuine
effort. I do not know what can be
done to deter those who follow the
good things simply for the “loaves
and the fishes,” but something ought
to be done to establish advertising
censorship on such broad and proper
principles as to make it right. I only
know what my part in this matter is. It
isavery difficult, dangerous task to
state honestly and openly that I do not
approve of the methods of that maga-
zine or persons who put forth such
things; of so-called pure food lists;
of so-called pure food shows; of mis-
leading advertisements; of untruths;
of attacks on public officials the mo-
ment they begin constructive work:
of attempts to mislead the buyers of
products; and especially unproved,
unscientific statements made in the
name of truth.
It must be your aim, and my aim,
and the aim of all those who work
with us to labor together on this most
difficult task of educating the con-
suming public as to the scientific and
practical facts which underlie and
affect the manufacture and sale of
your products. It is necessary that
we work together to show the ridic-
ulous and costly discrepancies in state
laws which regulate the production
and sale of food materials. It is im-
perative that we co-operate in giving
to the public a new popular vocab-
ulary in which “safe food” is em-
phasized instead of that misnomer
“pure” of which there is no such thing.
I am confident that there is every-
where evident an increase and growth
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
in what we may call the civic con-
science—a righteousness shown in our
attitude toward our fellow men. The
answer to “where is thy brother Abel”
no longer comes the usual easy reply.
“Am ‘I my brother’s keeper,” but in
the acceptance of that responsibility
and the knowledge that we have the
welfare of others to consider as our
own.
It is even outside the proved fact
that “honesty is the best policy.”
Of course this is an astonishing ac-
knowledge, but I find many food
manufacturers who do certain things
because they believe them to be right
regardless of consequences. We all
know that the chief cause of wrong-
doing is ignorance, hence it becomes
our business to try to remove the
cause and not attack the effect. How
to do this is yours to work out on one
side, on the other it is mine and my
co-workers. Our chief need is to get
together. Helen Louise Johnson.
—_—_-o. ___—
Heard in a Restaurant.
“Where’s my baked potato?” asks
a customer. “Mrs. Murphy in a seal-
skin coat!” shouts the waiter.
“Two fried eggs. Don’t fry ’em
too hard,” says a customer. “Adam
and- Eve in the garden! Leave their
eyes open!” shouts the waiter.
“Hash,” says a customer. “Gentle-
man wants to take a chance!” shouts
the waiter. “I’ll have hash, too,” says
the next customer. “Another sport!”
shouts the waiter.
“Glass of milk,” says a customer.
“Let it rain!’ shouts the waiter.
19
isn’t It Funny?
Funny, isn’t it? The more pro-
ducers there are in the world the
harder it is to make a living.
Funny, isn’t it? The men and
women who produce the wealth can
never call it their own.
Funny, isn’t it? The people who
have the wealth of the world never
produce any.
Funny, isn’t it? The producers of
the world keep on producing wealth
for the non-producers and never get
wise to the game.
Funny, isn’t it? The non-producers
are always fearful lest the producers
-gét some fool Socialist idea into their
heads,
Funny, isn’t it? That so few work-
ers get any of those ideas.
Funny, isn’t it? The non-produc-
ers evidence so great an interest in
the welfare of the workers.
Funny, isn’t it? The fool worker
can’t see through the little joke be-
ing played on him all the time.
Funny, isn’t it? The interests of
the producer and the non-producer
are identical,
Funny, isn’t it? Their mutual in-
terests make it necessary for them
to vote the same ticket.
Funny, isn’t it? The politician
thinks so much of the workers before
each election and immediately after
the vote is counted forgets them so
quickly.
Funny, isn’t it? The workers even
forget they have been forgotten.
Funny, isn’t it? There are so many
funny things in this world. Why
don’t you laugh—or do something?
FLOUR
is the cheapest food product
on the market
Our Well Known Brands
Ceresota—Spring Wheat
Red Star—Kansas Hard Wheat
Aristos or Red Turkey
Fanchon—The Kansas Quality Flour
Barlow's Best Michigan Winter Wheat
Barlow’s Old Tyme Graham
Call up our Flour Department for some
attractive prices
The Pure Foods House
Judson Grocer Co.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
pcp
en
oo “ eo
visnevesomstiontin one eesanBi ae
LOOKING BACKWARD.
Detailed Report of Growth and Pros-
rity.
Events of world wide importance have
transpired since the time of our last
meeting and it becomes necessary for us
to analyze the situation and determine
to what extent the interests of the re-
tail hardware men will be affected by the
disastrous European War now in pro-
gress.
A review of the situation brings out
strikingly the fact that in the State of
Michigan the effect of present unsettled
conditions is less noticeable than in al-
most any other state that might be men-
tioned. The crops were good last year
and the great variety of the -nature of
the products manufactured here has pre-
vented the serious ill effects which have
been noticeable in cases where communi-
ties are dependent upon a limited num-
ber of industries.
The hardware trade appears to have
been least affected and it is going to be
largely up to us to overcome the adverse
effect of present conditions by displaying
confidence in the outlook for the coming
year and by employing our best efforts
to go after business even more agres-
sively than we have in the past. It may
be that the slowing up in general busi-
ness will prove a blessing in disguise in
that it will make us give more inten-
Sive thought to advertising and the de-
velopment of new business in our re-
spective communities.
From the standpoint of the Association
1914 has been a year of progress, and
our accomplishments in the matter of in-
creasing our membership and also in
securing results for the members com-
pares very favorably with that made in
any previous year.
Membership.
You have probably all read the As-
sociation’s record printed in our Souve-
nir Programme and if you have glanced
over the membership figures contained
therein, you will note that in practically
every year since 1905 we have in-
creased our membership over the previ-
ous year and we have gotten to the
point where Michigan is regarded as one
of the strongest organizations affiliated
with the National Retail Hardware As-
sociation.
At the time of our last convention we
had a total membership of 948.
There have been a very large number
of business changes this year, seventy-
four concerns having either sold out or
gone out of business entirely, while
twenty-one have either resigned or been
dropped for non payment of dues. De-
ducting these ninety-five names, there
are still 853 of our old members on the
list.
We have added 138 new members this
year made up as follows:
Taken in at the last convention
Brought in by Mr. F. W. Davis
Received direct by mail
Received through out associate
members ‘........... pas aes ses
This gives us a total membership
the time .this report was prepared of
991 and I’ believe by the time the report
is read through new members will be
added to bring our membership past the
1,000 mark.
Legislation.
Our State Legislature is now in session
and we are keeping in touch with events
that transpire at the Capitol so as to be
prepared to take action on any measures
that may come up either inimical or fav-
orable to the interest of our members.
I believe that every retailer ought to
give some thought to this matter of leg-
islation and if there are any of our mem-
bers who have suggestions to offer rela-
tive to needed legislation, the Secretary
and our committee on legislation will be
very pleased to have the same brought
to their attention. This organization can
yield a most potent influence in behalf
of or in opposition to legislation when
the occasion arises.
In the matter of National legislation
Wwe are right now especially interested in
two measures, one being the Stevens
Price Maintainance bill, which it has
been decided at: State and National con-
ventions to be of great benefit to the
retail dealer.
We are also giving our support to the
National One Cent Letter Association,
which has been working hard for years
to have the rate of postage on drop let-
ters reduced to one cent. If this reform
is secured it will be a big step in advance
towards universal one cent letter post-
age.
National Convention.
At our National conventian held in
Indianapolis. on May 19th to 22nd, the
affairs of that Association were shown
4 be in an unusually prosperous condi-
tion.
As a full report of this convention was
published in the June edition of the Bul-
letin, a copy of which was sent to all
of our members, it was not deemed ad-
visable to prepare a special report to he
submitted at this meeting.
At the above convention the reports
*Annual report
Secretary Michigan Retail Hardware As-
ee presented at Saginaw conven-
on.
of Arthur J. Scott, .
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
of the committee on Trade Relations
and also of the Price and Service Bureau
were especially interesting and the bene-
fits which have accrued to the hardware
dealers of the country as a result of the
work of these two departments can not
be over estimated. It was recommended
that each separate State Association ap-
point a Trade Relations Committee and
President Dickinson has in conformance
with this suggestion appointed a com-
mittee, whose work I take it will be
largely along the lines of co-operating
with the National committee.
Those who have used the Price and
Service Bureau report that they have
derived substantial benefits therefrom.
Unfortunately only a small percentage o*
our members have taken advantage of
the service which is available in this
connection and it is hoped more of us
will do so in the future.
It was decided in order to avoid con-
fusion in the future, to recommend one
uniform official button to be adopted in
all states and the style of emblem pre-
Some of our members condemn and
some commend the different concerns of
this character with which they have been
connected and for the benefit of those
who have not yet had any experience
along this line, it is to be hoped that
those who have had will make it a point
to express themselves upon the subject
oe it is brought up under the Question
OX.
Secretaries Conference.
On October 18th, 14th and 15th your
Secretary attended the annual meeting
of the National Association of Retail
Hardware Secretaries held in Chicago
and arrangements were made for a joint
meeting with the trade relations com-
mittee at the same time.
Practically the entire three days were
devoted to the discussion of practical
questions which arise in the carrying out.
of the business of the several State As-
sociations and the suggestions and ideas
which were gained through the discus-
sions have done a great deal towards
bringing our various affiliated associa-
BEAUTIFUL WHILE THEY LAST
viously used in Michigan but with the
red enamel background was selected as
the official emblem. The name of each
state will be distinctly stamped on the
shackel of the padlock.
A new form of associate emblem in
the form of a gold and enamel key was
also decided upon.
The advantage of this system of uni-
form emblems will appeal to all as it was
found that previously the associate em-
blem in one state closely resembled the
active emblem in some other state and
this caused confusion at state conven-
tions.
The new style of emblem is being dis-
tributed at this convention and I believe
that all of us ought to make it a point
to wear these emblems the year round.
They are not cumbersome and the work-
manship is of such a character that we
may all feel proud to wear them and at
the same time feel proud of the fact
that we are identified with the organi-
zation.
Buying Agencies.
We have received many enquiries from
members in regard to various buying
agencies and Syndicate Catalog proposi-
tions and find opinions based upon ex-
periences somewhat divided in regard to
the benefits derived from these organi-
zations,
tions closer together‘and enabling each
one to benefit by the experience of the
others in handling problems _ affecting
our common interests.
Ways and means to increase our mem-
bership and render better service for our
members were brought out at _ these
meetings, and it is at conferences of
this kind that ideas such as the inaugur-
ation of a Freight Traffic Bureau, the
publication of Bargain Sheets and other
innovations are developed.
Hardware Mutual Fire Insurance.
The matter of insurance is one which
is of vital importance to all of us and
I find that Michigan is really better off
than any other state in the Union as I
am told that this is the only state where
more than one Company paying 50 per
cent. dividends is legally authorized to
do business. We have for several years
received back 50 per cent. of the pre-.
miums paid to two of the Hardware
Mutual Companies in spite of which these
concerns have built up a net surplus of
$411,000. I can not personally understand
why every hardware dealer in the State
does not take full advantage of this great
saving. - Michigan has been unfortunate
during the past year in the matter of
fire losses. One of our Hardware Mutuals
reports a lose ratio of 90 per cent. and
another 69 per cent. of the premiums,
February 17, 1915
The average fire loss since the organi-
zation of these companies is about 35 per
cent., so you can see that in 1914 we
were far above the average. I mention
this fact for while none of us would
intentionally do anything calculated to
increase our percentage of fire loss, we
are probably more or less careless in the
matter of adopting precautionary meas-
ures against fire.
There is a good field for study right
here and I believe that if we will all give
attention to the matter, we can succeed
in cutting down the fire loss in 1915.
Liability Insurance.
There has been organized in connection
with the Wisconsin Association a Hard-
ware Mutual Liability Company operated
along the same lines as the Mutual Fire
Insurance Companies and their report
issued on December 31, 1914, shows a
ratio of loss to premiums of only 15%
per cent. an da return premium to policy
holders for the first year of 25 per cent.
The matter of Liability Insurance is a
fixed expense with all of us and I am in
hopes that within a very short time the
Wisconsin Company will be able to make
a showing which will justify its being
admitted to this State. When that time
arrives we can all effect a material sav-
ing by carrying out our Liability Insur-
ance with this Company.
; Traffic Department.
Our Freight Traffic Department has
performed conscientious service for the
members, but here again we find that
only a small percentage avail themselves
of this opportunity to have their freight
bills carefully audited.
In a number of cases absolutely no
errors have been found, but the man who
is fortunate enough to have his bills gone
over and to receive a report that he has
paid no overcharges has every reason to
congratulate himself, for he can feel that
he has not had any money tied up use-
lessly and is not obliged to pay the com-
mission charged when claims are recov-
ered.
During the coming year I am in hopes
that every member of this Association
will send in his freight bills covering
any period within the past five years and
you may rest assured that each individ-
ual bill will be gone over by an expert
and a claim placed for every case of
overcharge,
Local Organization.
In a limited number of cities in the
State local associations have been formed
and in every case substantial benefits
have accrued therefrom.
It isn’t necessary to go to any great
expense to get the dealers in one locality
together and in sections of the State
where there are no large cities, it would
be a fine thing if the merchants in the
several towns would get together and
form county organizations.
There are local problems and buying
opportunities open which can _ best be
solved by getting together in this way
and the Secretary of the State Associa-
tion -will be glad to extend co-operation
in bringing about the formation of those
local organizations wherever the oppor-
tunity is presented.
Parcel Post.
No Secretary’s report would be com-
plete if it failed to make reference to
the subject of ‘‘Parcel Post,’’ which we
have been called upon to consider from
many different angles during the past
fifteen years.
The authority given to the Postmaster
General appears to be too great as has
been evidenced by various reforms insti-
tuted since this law went into effect.
Whereas it was not originally intended.
or we were at least so toid, that Mail
Order houses would under the provisions
of this law be directly benefited, we learn
that these concerns saved upwards of a
million dollars during the past year by
the opportunity given to them to ship
their catalogs by Parcel Post. By send-
ing large freight shipments of these
books to different parts of the country
they have been able to mail them out at
a cost of a few cents apiece, whereas
the postage under the third class rate
used to be forty cents per book.
I believe it behooves us to forcibly ex-
press ourselves in regard to this matter
and regret exceedingly that the depart-
ment officials saw fit to do away with
the use of special Parcel Post stamos,
thereby dispensing with the opportunity
which we had of determining whether
or not this branch of the service 1S self-
ining.
ee The Press. 4 os
association movemen n gene
ee perce the loyal support of the
hardware trade papers during the past
year and I believe that we all ought es
read regularly as many of these publi-
i as we can. :
Tie Natiosnl Hardware Bulletin has
been steadily improved and every ee
per of the Association ought to wa oat
every issue not only for the helpfu
trade ideas which are cous ere
put also that he may at all times < e
familiar with the progress of the ~~
sociation movement nationally and ahs t
different states. The more we read a ay
what the other fellow in our line is
doing, the better will we be able to a
tain the high standing which the rete
hardware man enjoys in his Eiger y-
While the work connected with an As
a
February 17, 1915
sociation of this kind increases with the
growth in membership, the co-operation
of the officers and the keen personal
interest which each one has taken in
your welfare has simplified the work of
the Secretary during the past year.
It isn’t necessary to personally refer
to the work of each one of these officers
and the various committee men who have
given so liberally of their time to carry
on the work during the year and to
arrange for this convention and our hard-
ware exhibit. You, I pelieve, appreciate
the sacrifice made by those who are re-
sponsible for these results and I have
no doubt that the organization will suit-
ably express themselves in regard to
their efforts.
Personally, I feel under heavy obliga-
tion to the officers and to the members
for the consideration which they have
given me in carrying out the work which
devolves upon the Secretary. It is a
pleasure and an honor to serve an or-
ganization which is: made up of such
men as those which compose the Michi-
gan Retail Hardware Association.
a ad
Manufacturing Matters.
Cheboygan—The Cheboygan Dairy
Co. succeeds the Cheboygan Cream-
ery Co.
Charlevoix—Bracken & Feuless suc-
ceed Charles Novak in the cigar man-
ufacturing business.
Clio—The Clio Condensed Milk Co.
is now putting its own powdered
milk on the market.
Detroit—The American Pattern
Works has increased its capital stock
from $10,000 to $50,000.
Ypsilanti—The Michigan. Crown
Fender Co, has increased its capital
stock from $10,000 to $20,000.
Detroit — The Detroit Electric
Welder Co. has increased its capi-
tal stock frem $10,000 to $25,000.
Detroit—The Detroit Dental Man-
ufacturing Co. has increased its capi-
tal stock from $40,000 to $60,000.
Detroit—The Simon J. Murphy Co.,
chair manufacturer, has increased its
capital stock from $2,000,000 to $4,-
000,000.
Petoskey—The Blackmar Rotary
Pump, Power & Manufacturing Co.
has changed its name to the Black-
mer Rotary Pump Co.
Constantine — The Constantine
Creamery Co. has closed tempcrar-
ily and in the meantime the South
Bend Creamery Co. has opened a
branch here.
Muskegon—The Continental Motor
Manufacturing Co. is adding about
60,000 square feet of floor space to its
plant, to enable it to take care of its
increased business.
Detroit—The Dabrooks’ Perfume
Co. has been incorporated with an au-
thorized capital stock of $1,000, of
which amount $500 has been subscrib-
ed paid in in cash.
Trout Creek — A_ co-operative
creamery company, to operate a plant
here, has been organized. A_ build-
ing, 26x40 is being erected and will
be completed about April 1.
Muskegon Heights—The Michigan
Washing Machine Co. reports orders
on hand valued at more than $225,000.
About 140 machines have been man-
ufactured- daily for the last six
months,
Detroit—The Bell Pump and Man-
ufacturing Co. has been incorporated
with an authorized capital stock -of
$20,000, all of which has been sub-
scribed, $300 paid in in cash and $19,-
700 in property.
Flint—The John P. Ryan Co., man-
ufacturer and dealer in jewelry, op-
tical goods, cut glass, etc., has been
incorporated with an authorized capi-
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
tal stock of $18,000, all of which has
been subscribed and paid in in prop-
erty.
Chelsea—The factory building of
the National Peat Fuel Co. has been
purchased by the Detroit Wagner
Auto Spring Wheel Co., and a new
industry will be established as soon
as the necessary machinery can be
installed.
Bay City—The North American
Chemical Co., has placed an order
with the Westinghouse Electric Co.
for electrical equipment to replace
the old-style machinery now in use
in the manufacture of chemicals. It
will take two months to fill the order.
Detroit—The Federal Manufactur-
ing Co., manufacturer and dealer in
automobile horns, lamps and other
accessories, has been incorporated
with an authorized capital stock of
$5,000, of which amount $2,500 has
been subscribed and $1,000 paid in in
cash.
Marquette — The Marquette Art
Glass Co. has been incorporated with
an authorized capital stock of $4,000,
of which amount $2,000 has been sub-
scribed and paid in in property. This
concern will engage in the manufac-
ture and sale of glass, mosaics, em-
blems, statues, etc.
Fenton—The A. J. Phillips Co. has
been awarded a verdict of $650 by
the Lenawee Circuit Court in a suit
for damages against Frank W. Pren-
tice & Co., of Adrian, screen door
manufacturers. Suit was brought by
the Fenton concern when the Pren-
tice firm refused to pay for a screen
press, alleging it was worthless.
——>-+-o
Gave the Boys Buttons.
An enterprising merchant in one of
the Eastern cities made a big hit with
the kids by distributing buttons bear-
ing the name of the firm and a num-
ber. A few of the buttons were in
duplicate. He advertised that when-
ever two boys met whose buttons
bore the same numbers they could
come to his store and get a suit of
clothes free. The result was thous-
and of boys wore the buttons adver-
tising the store and all of them boost-
ed it. You can bet none of them
forgot the store, especially those lucky
enough to draw a new suit free.
————— > e—————
Quotations on Local Stocks and Bonds.
Public Utilities.
Bid Asked
Am. Light & Trac. Co., war’ts 313 317
Am. Light & Trae. Co., Com. 313 31
Am. Light & Trac. Co., Pfd. 108 111
Am. Public Utilities, Pfd. 64 66
Am. Public Utilities, Com. 34 37
Cities Service Co., Com. 50 53
Cities Service Co., Pfd. 50 51
Comw’th Pr. Ry. & Lt., Com. 54 56
Comw’th Pr. Ry. & Lt., Pfd. 81 83
Comw’th 6% 5 year bond 98 100
Holland St. Louis Sugar 4 6
Michigan Sugar 59 61
Pacific Gas & Elec. Co., Com. 42 45
Tennessee Ry. Lt. & Pr., Com. 8% 10%
Tennessee Ry. Lt. & Pr., Pfd. 35 40
United Light & Rys., Com. 44 46
United Light & Rys., 2d Pfd. 65 67
United Light & Rys., 1st Pfd. 68 70
United Light 1st and Ref. 5%
bonds 82 85
Industrial and Bank Stocks.
Dennis Canadian Co. 80
Furniture City Brewing Co. 50 60
Globe Knitting Works, Com. 180 140
Globe Knitting Works, Pfd. 98 100
G. R. Brewing Co. 90 110
Commercial Savings Bank 216
Fourth National Bank 215
G. R. National City Bank 169 175
G. R. Savings Bank 255
Kent State Bank 245 486250
Old National Bank 190 195
Peoples Savings Bank 25@
February 10, 1915,
TOO
= —— a
Pwo Extra Profits
Waste and
Spoilage
Stopped
TOT
Goods well
displayed
Sell
Quicker
HE perishable goods you waste every year because they spoil through lack of
proper refrigeration amounts to quite an item in dollars and cents. Figure
it up and see. In addition you can greatly increase your business and profits
by an inviting. attractive display of your goods Merchandise—especially foods—
well displayed is half sold. Youknowthat. Enterprising grocers and butchers
have discovered these two unlooked-for profits are easy to secure by installing
| Metray Grocers’ Display Reirigerators =
The McCray keeps all food and dairy products in perfect condition—attractive-
ly displayed and of easy access for your clerks, =
The McCray patented system of refrigeration produces a circulation of pure,
cold, dry air in every compartment. All odors and moisture are automatically dis- =
charged through a water-sealed drain and trap. Food is kept abselutely fresh and
E wholesome, free from taint and danger of souring from contact with other foods.
z The McCray complies with all legal requirements in regard to the display of perish-
able food products.
The McCray may be arranged for either ice or mechanical refrigeration. We
have them in a great variety of stock sizes or built to order to fit any space or
arrangement.
DUO
THOT
Ask us to send you the following catalogues: E
No. 69—For Grocers. No. 92—Regular Sizes for Residences.
No, 61—For Meat Markets.
McCray Refrigerator Company
775 Lake Street Kendallville, Indiana
For Branch Salesrooms in Principal Cities, See Your Local Telephone Directory
TOUT
21
When a trust company,’ under a
will, is appointed executor or trustee,
the law declares what investments
shall be made, determines how ac-
countings shall be prepared and pre-
sented, and supplies in the persons
of bank commissioners and bank
examiners, the supervisory authority
which assures the fulfillment of the
requirements of the law. Thus the
interests of those to whom property
is left are thoroughly safeguarded if
this company Is selected to handle
the estate as executor or trustee. It
has had twenty-five years experience.
Send for blank form of will and booklet on
descent and distribution of property.
THE MICHIGAN TRUST Go.
Michigan Crust Building Grand Rapids, Mich.
MICHIGAN
TRADESMAN
February 17, 1915
BANKRUPTCY MATTERS.
Proceedings in the Western District
of Michigan.
Grand Rapids, Jan. 26—In the matter
of I. N. Hillard & Son, bankrupt, Kaleva,
the final meeting of creditors was held
this date. Claims were allowed.
final report and account of the trustee,
showing total receipts of $386.75, dis-
bursements of $188.61 and a balance on
hand of $198.12, was considered and al-
lowed. Decision as to allowance of at-
torney fees was reserved and the final
meeting held open. It is evident there
will be no dividend for general creditors
in this matter.
In the matter of Alfred Mitting, bank-
rupt, Holland, formerly operating a nur-
sery business, the final meeting of cred-
itors was held this date. The final re-
port and account of the trustee showing
that he had neither taken in or paid
out any money belonging to this estate
was considered and allowed.- The meet-
ing was held open pending decision as
to creating a lien on the bankrupt’s ex-
emptions for actual administration ex-
penses. There will be no dividend. The
creditors in this matter are numerous
and represent for the most part parties
who had advanced money for stock.
Jan. 28—In the matter of George De
Weerd, bankrupt, Holland, the final
meeting of creditors was held this date.
The final report and account of the trus-
tee, showing total receipt from all
sources, $3,411.37, disbursements for pre-
ferred claims and administration ex-
penses, $2,031.79, and balance on hand of
$479.58, was considered and allowed. At-
torney fees and expenses were allowed
and there being insufficient funds to pay
a dividend to the general creditors, the
estate was accordingly closed. The bulk
of the funds of this estate went to pay
preferred creditors who had attached
property of the bankrupt by way of me-
chanic liens, thus defeating the general
creditors and other preferred creditors
who had not so attached the funds.
In the matter of DeWitt-Potter Co.
bankrupt, Grand Rapids, the trustee has
filed, a report showing offer for a part of
the assets consisting of stock of grocer-
ies, crockery, etc., fixtures and book ac-
count of the appraised value of $2,400
from D. F. Helmer in the sum of $1,500
and an order to show cause has been
made and served, returnable Feb. 10,
next, why the offer or any other or furth-
er offer or offers should not be ap-
proved and the sale confirmed at that
figure. The trustee has also filed his
report of exempted property of the two
individual copartners, and also a peti-
tion and objections to the allowance of
the objection. Various creditors have
The
also filed objections to the allowance of
the exemptions. The contention of the
objecting parties is that the bankrupts
waived their statutory exemptions by
reason of trustee mortgage given prior
to bankruptcy. The matter of exemp-
tions has been set down for hearing on
Feb. 13.
Jan. 29—In the matter of Charles A.
Konkle, bankrupt, Grand Rapids, the first
meeting of creditors was held this date.
It appearing from an examination of the
bankrupt’s schedules and from the ex-
amination of the bankrupt in open court
that the estate contained no assets not
claime das exempt it was accordingly or-
dered that no trustee be appointed in the
matter. The estate will be closed at the
expiration of twenty days.
Feb. 1—In the matter of the Sargent-
Vanden’ Berge Basket Co., bankrupt,
Grand Rapids, the adjourned first meet-
ing of creditors was held this date. The
bankrupt Vanden Berge was sworn and
examined by attorneys and the meeting
further adjourned to March 1.
In the matter of Mrs. W. S. Godfrey,
bankrupt, Hastings, formerly conducting
a clothing store at that place the final
report and account of the trustee has
now been filed and the final meeting of
creditors called for Feb. 11. The final
report shows the following: Balance on
first meeting of creditors was held this
date. Claims were allowed. ‘The first
report of the receiver, filed Jan. 13, show-
ing balance on hand of $215.91 and the
final report of the receiver showing ad-
ditional receipts from sale of mer-
chandise, $215.67, sale of stock of bank-
rupt, $1,249.10, deposit on sale of fixtures,
$100, total $1,780.68, and disbursement for
administration expenses of $62.72 and a
balance on hand of $1,717.96 was con-
sidered and allowed. John Snitsler, of
Grand Rapids, elected trustee and bond
fixed at $2,000. Written appointment
filed. A first dividend of 5 per cent. was
declared and ordered paid. The estate
will pay further dividends, but the
amount thereof it is impossible to state
at this time. This bankrupt offered a
composition of 20 per cent. prior to bank-
ruptcy, but the offer was not accepted
by creditors.
Feb. 5—In the matter of Handy Things
Co., bankrupt, Ludington, the referee
has declared the first dividend of 15 per
cent. in this matter. The funds in this
estate are the result of judgment rend-
ered in favor of the estate against the
Stearns Salt and Lumber Co. An appeal
has been taken to the District Court on
an allowance granted by the referee to
the attorneys representing the trustee in
Secured.
A. Van Duren, Holland ......... $2,505.00
A. Van Duren, Holland ......... 659.92
Unsecured.
Holland Printing Co., Holland ....$100.00
Union Paper Co., Detroit ........ 32.14
Vogue Co., Chicago .............. 17.80
Newman Adv. Co., Holland , 98.85
Carson, Pirie & Scott, Chicago ... 478.75
EK. H. Kluge Weaving Co., New
MORK “City: ooo es ee os 6.50
Harris Co., New Yerk ........... 16.83
Thread Co., New York ............ 110.04
Preefrock-Setton Furn. Co., St.
FGQUAR atic ci eee ey ac a, 20.00
A. Nelson, Seattle, Wash. ...... 22.10
Edw. Rose, New York ........... 75.20
.2
General Paper & Twine Co., Chicago 83.65
I, Greene, Chicago ................ 34.80
THE WORLD WAR
order to visualize the struggle, the Board of Strategy has to utilize all its resources
hand, as per first report and account,
$2,897.70; disbursements, as follows: ad-
ministration expenses, $113.83; bankrupt’s
exemptions paid in cash, $200; preferred
claims, paid by order of court, $133.87;
first dividend of 15 per cent. heretofore
declared, $1,115.65; total, $1,563.35 and a
balance on hand of $1,334.35. The estate
will pay a further dividend, but the
amount thereof it is impossible to state
at this time.
Feb. 2—In the matter of Pearl Hill,
bankrupt, Muskegon, formerly doing a
garage business, the first meeting of
creditors was held this date. Claims
were allowed. The referee appointed
Ernest Ter Veen, of Muskegon, trustee
and fixed his bond at $200. Appraisers
were appointed and the assets will be
sold within a short itme. The estate is
very small and it is not expected will
pay a dividend.
Feb. 3—In the matter of Adrian De
Young, bankrupt, formerly conducting a
meat market at Grand Rapids, the first
meeting of creditors was held this date.
Claims were allowed. Edward L. Smith,
of Grand Rapids, was elected trustee
and his bond fixed at the sum of $500;
the assets have been sold for the sum
of $410, which does not include the ac-
counts and bills receivable. The bank-
rupt’s exemptions have not been de-
termined.
Feb. 4—In the matter of Empire Cloak
& Suit Co., bankrupt, Grand Rapids, the
the special litigation involved in the suit
that recovered the judgment, and antici-
pating some delay before the matter may
be finally settled this first dividend is
paid at this time. The estate will, no
doubt, pay in the neighborhood of 30
per cent. in all.
In the matter of P. G. Mayhew Co.,
bankrupt, Holland, attorneys for the pe-
titioning creditors have filed schedules of
the bankrupt and the first meeting of
creditors has been called for Feb. 23, at
which time creditors may appear, prove
their claims, elect a trustee and transact
such other business as may properly
come before the meeting. The schedules
are not complete for the reason that
information to make them so is not now
available and the exact amount of assets
and liability is in doubt. The following
have been listed thus far as creditors of
the estate:
Preferred.
City. taxes oo ee sods s cases ve $ 90.84
Water TaAxCS: 8.66. soi tek es ak 19.43
Light and power rates ........... 46.53
Margaret Dalman, Holland ....... 12.29
Alice Beekman, Holland .......... 10.19
Dena Beltman, Holland .......... 6.50
Marta Solosth, Holland ........... 56.00
Geneva Lyons, Holland ........... 77.68
Emma De Haan, Holland ......... 48.00
Martha Kramer, Holland ....... os) ceceeD
T. Smith, Holland .......... seeee 80.20
Louis Witvleet,. Holland ..........
Proudfit Loose Leaf Co., Grand
RADIOS te eae ee 41.30
Chicago Mill & Lumber Co., Chicago 17.20
Spool Cotton Co., New York ...... 38.54
Lyon Furn. Agency, Grand Rapids 60.00
Michigan Tilting Co., Kalamazoo
William Blom, Holland .......... 18.45
John Vander Veen, Holland ...... 95.05
Boome Bros., Holland ............ 16.00
Etheridge Co., Grand Rapids .... 89.75
B. W. Adams, Holland ........... 1.46
1. M: Ross, Seranton: : 23. .06502543 51.10
Vaupell & Walworth, Holland ... 19.79
Dean-Hicks Co., Grand Rapids ... 293.30
Crescent Engraving Co., Kala-
MZAOO Ses oe. oe he cee ss ke - 107.05
Jacob Goldfinger, Holland ....... 93.80
KR wissehner, Bolland: ...: 2.0.0.2... 02.58
TT. a Shaw, Chicaeo..o.0 0.050... 317.00
Tyler Van Landegend, Holland 300.00
Chas. Bolt Co., Cincinnati ...... 75.93
G. Reis & Bros., New York ...... 19.51
Feb. 8—In the matter of George B.
Farmer & Son, bankrupt, Lake City, the
first meeting of creditors was held this
day. Claims were allowed. William B.
Holden, Grand Rapids, was elecied trus-
tee. Bond fixed at $2,500. Appraisers
were appointed in the matter. The as-
sets are covered by a chattel mortgage
and the dividend to general creditors
will be a small one. Grand Rapids cred-
itors are heavily involved in the matter.
In the matter of Irving F. Rogers,
bankrupt, Grand Rapids, the first meet-
ing of creditors was held this date. It
appearing from an examination of the
bankrupt’s schedules and the bankrupt’s
examination in open court that there are
no assets not claimed as exempt, it was
accordingly determined that no trustee
be appointed in the matter.
—_++<>___.
There is only one thing that sticks
worse to a man than his mistakes in
life, and that’s peanut butter to the
roof of your mouth.
Bee ete ok, aR eee ee ee ee
Fe Pe a eR, ee ae
er
Se ee Oe eg eS ee
February 17, 1915
ARE MY PRICES RIGHT?
Viewpoints of Manufacturer, Whole-
saler and Retailer.
[Every man in business feelS a _ per-
sonal interest in the correct answer to
this question. To help find that answer
the Tradesman herewith presents the in-
dividual points of view of three leaders
in their respective fields. Each of these
representative business men has formu-
lated policies on the basis of long and
successful business experience. No prob-
lem is more fundamental in every busi-
ness than this growing question of price
in its relation to costs on the one hand
and to sales on the other. The line of
action followed by each of these men,
therefore, will help every other man in
business to determine his course.]
Paper One—The Manufacturer.
Some fifty years ago, a country
storekeeper in Iowa took occasion to
write a big Chicago wholesale house
for a bit of business advice.
In those days the perpetual in-
ventory idea was almost unknown.
Merchants counted up stock at the
end of the year—and let it go at that.
During the year, when a certain stock
shelf began to show bare spots, the
merchant checked up the goods on
that shelf and perhaps placed an order
for a replenishment.
But this Towa storekeeper was am-
bitious, and he wrote his Chicago
wholesale friends—thinking they
might know a better stock-keeping
plan.
_ The reply came promptly. It was
very courteous—but about as_ in-
formative ‘as though it had been writ-
ten in Sanskrit. In polite, but very
definite terms, the wholesaler stated
that it gave his house great pleasure
to handle the retailer’s orders, but that
the retailer could hardly expect his
wholesaler to run his business for
him; it was hard enough for the
wholesaler to keep track of his own
stock.
I can vouch for the above letter,
for I was the country merchant who
received it. And, as I look back on
the episode, I do not recall that I
considered the reply especially dis-
courteous or inconsiderate. In fact,
after I had sent my query to the
wholesale house, I was somewhat
ashamed of my presumption in hav-
ing bothered a total outsider with an
intimate business problem of my own.
The reply I received, I felt, was all
I could have expected; it was typical
of the distant and wholly detached
relationship of the wholesaler and re-
tailer of those days.
I cite this instance out of my per-
sonal experience as a storekeeper to
show the tremendous change that has
taken place in the attitude of the
maker toward the retailer.
To-day, such a letter written by a
manufacturer to a retailer would be
considered a business crime—not only
an error in salesmanship, but a posi-
tive silght in service. No alert manu-
facturer of to-day considers that his
service to the retailer ends when he
has filled the retailer’s orders. The
mere making, shipping and billing
of goods is, to-day, only one section
of the manufacturer’s moral contract
with his trade.
The far-sighted maker of to-day
feels that his dealer’s problems are his
problems; that health and wealth in
the factory are directly dependent on
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
health and wealth in the dealer’s
store; that no deal with the dealer is
done so long as there is anything
further the manufacturer can judic-
iously do to promote the dealer’s
growth.
‘The modern manufacturer’s interest
in a bill of goods does not cease when
he has collected his profit on it; he
is interested in seeing that the dealer
gets his profit, too; that he gets the
right and natural profit consistent with
the best retailing judgment.
He is interested in knowing how
much the retailer clears for himself
out of that profit; whether it is too
much or too little for the ultimate
advancement of the retailer’s own suc-
cess; how much the retailer pays out
of that profit for clerk hire, for rent,
insurance, general up-keep and ad-
vertising; and whether these _per-
centages indicate that the retailer is
getting the utmost in efficiency and
results from the money he is spend-
ing.
It is not too much to say that the
progressive manufacturer of these
times does all his planning with the
dealer’s welfare in view. He styles
his product; sets his prices; makes
his policies with the double consider-
ation actuating him—the utmost profit
for the dealer as well as the utmost
profit for himself.
And the dealer’s profit comes first,
too. Not because the manufacturer
of to-day is extraordinarily beneficient
or magnanimous, but because he is
shrewd and far-sighted. For the
modern manufacturer prospers in
exact ratio as the rank and file of his
retailers prosper.
And so we come to the question
asked the writer. Which is this: “Is
the manufacturer doing anything to
reduce the retailer’s costs?”
Is the manufacturer striving, in any
way, to assist the retailer to offset
the upward trend of up-keep?
Ts he working to enable his trade
to enjoy increased net-earnings, de-
spite a rising overhead?
In the light of the new partnership
relation between maker and dealer,
these questions seem almost equiv-
alent to asking if the manufacturer is
doing anything to further his owt:
fundamental bread-and-butter wel-
fare.
Cut the retailer’s cost of doing busi-
ness, and you increase, his buying
capacity—strengthening his resources
for credit and expansion. Spread that
sort of cost-cutting help among thou-
sands of other retailers, and you mul-
tiply the demand on _ innumerable
products, and increase the output of
vast factory-acreages.
When it is asked, therefore, if the
manufacturer is working to help the
retailer cut his costs, the question
might just as well read, “Is the manu-
facturer working to help himself
grow?” For that is the kind of work
from which the manufacturer’s future
growth must emanate—work that
creates smoother and better methods
and smoother and better business in
the retailer’s store.
Thus, this work of studying the re-
tailer’s costs and giving him construc-
tive help to circumvent those costs is
destined very soon to be considered
the manufacturer’s chief job. It is
the best and most effective sales plan
the manufacturer has yet evolved.
When it is successful, it is more ef-
fective, in increasing the dealer’s pur-
chases from the maker, than all the
“dealer-approaches” ever conceived.
When a manufacturer analyzes his
price problem, he finds certain decisive
factors that must be considered. His
production cost is only a starting
point, assuming that it is as low as it
can be made without sacrificing essen-
tial quality, style and service. His
price, in addition, must cover his own
selling cost, his management overhead ~
and his profit—yet it must be low
enough to allow the retailer a margin
that will take care of his selling cost
and profit without exceeding the price
level at which similar competing lines
are sold. Right here is where the
manufacturer runs into difficulty. He
can control his factory costs, can hold
his expenses down to the efficiency
level and get results for every dollar
spent on sales and advertising. But
his dealer is the outside factor which
cannot be coerced. Efficient or in-
efficient, he must make a profit or he
throws your line overboard. And the
only way to keep his selling cost-profit
margin where it ought to be is to
make him an efficient retailer and help
him to eliminate his wastes and losses,
the burden of which your goods and
your users must bear.
To achieve this “cost-cutting” serv-
ice is the end and aim of all the mil-
lions spent to advertise and standard-
ize the so-called “popular brands” car-
ried in the retailer’s store. Cheerful-
ly, the manufacturer stakes his great-
est cash resources to help the dealer
eut his selling costs—by enabling the
retailer to “turn over” the stock he
buys from the manufacturer quicker
and easier and to a wider clientele.
“Cost-cutting help” for the retailer is
the whole object of the big National
advertising campaigns.
And cheerfully the manufacturer
likewise stakes his greatest brain-re-
sources—the time and talent of the
shrewdest sales expert he can hire—
to analyze and clarify the problems
of store management that shunt the
retailer’s progress and profits.
Scores of big concerns of to-day,
which distribute their goods through
the dealer, maintain highly efficient
service bureaus and research depart-
ments—the sole function of which is
to develop and pass along to the trade
tried and proven plans for insuring
greater economy and greater net earn-
ings in store management.
But it is in the rendering of selling
assistance that the manufacturer is
giving his most vital cost-cutting serv-
ice.
One of the largest general retailers
in the State of Wisconsin said in a
recent trade paper article: “The
amount of usable sales help that
certain leading manufacturers give
to their dealers is a constant
Source of marvel to me. It is
a liberal education in the art
_of advertising for any young re-
tailer just to read this sales material
himself. And such quantities! There
are complete window trims, pictorial
news service window bulletins, signs
for the outside and inside of the store,
charts for interior store decoration,
novelty lithographs and “cut-outs,”
electros for newspaper advertising,
slides and films for motion picture
theaters, sixteen sheet posters — ir
fact, live, well planned, practical ma-
terial for almost every sort of local
advertising for a large or a small
store. I do not see how they can
afford it!”
But they can afford it. They can
afford it because, in the long run, it
is real economy to the manufacturer.
It makes it possible for the dealer who
uses the service intelligently and con-
sistently to cut his biggest rising cost
item—his selling expense—and thus
do more business with the manufac-
turer—and, if you please, decrease the
manufacturer’s own rising costs.
I believe the day is not far when
every big manufacturer will maintain
a service bureau to work out con-
crete plans and methods for the bet-
terment of the retailer—Joseph Vehon
in System.
—_++.—____
The real reason so many people fail
to “keep sweet” is that they depend
too much on a diet of bumblebee’s
honey instead of the milk of human
kindness.
OFFICE OUTFITTERS
LOOSE LEAF SPECIALISTS
Tue Fisch
237-239 Pearl St. (near the bridge) Grand Rapids, Mich.
Use
Citizens
Tea
Oke
Long Distance Service
To Detroit, Lansing, Jackson, Holland,
Muskegon, Ludington, Traverse City,
Petoskey, Saginaw, Grand Rapids; also to
all intermediate and connecting points.
Connection with 200,000 telephones
in Michigan
Citizens Telephone Company
24
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
February 17, 1915
THIS IS THE STORY the UNITED PROFIT-SHARING
HEN I went into the retail cigar business twenty years
ago, I had less trouble in getting customers for my
store than I had in collecting the bills which they in-
curred.
On the face of things, as my books showed, I was making
money almost from the start, but I was not long in finding out
that no dollar was mine until I had it to my credit in the bank.
Whether they were good debts or bad debts they kept me
awake nights.
I had to pay mine or quit
Another thing that hit me hard was the unfairness of letting
the man that bought cigars and tobacco on credit get just as
much for his dollar as the fellow who paid me spot cash.
I studied this a long while and finally figured out that I could
take the old idea of giving coupons redeemable in premiums and
give it new meaning and values in Profit-Sharing. I could then
put my business on a cash basis and make the Profit-Sharing
plan hold my trade steady by making it an object to trade
with me. : ;
I figured that the man who traded with me right along was
earning me bigger profits than the fellow that only came once in
a while. I could hold his trade easier and with less expense.
Therefore, the way to keep the steady customer was to give
him a share of those profits. If I could do it in a way that made
his share of the profits grow in just the same proportions as the
trade he gave me grew, I would be treating everybody alike and
making it an object for a man to deal with me just as much as
he could.
So I started the coupon plan of profit-sharing in a small way,
but with this differnce from most coupon plans:—
First, I gave as premiums nothing but standard quality goods,
the kind you'd select when you wanted the best make of any
article.
Second, the redemption value of the coupons in merchandise
was unusually liberal, so that it was easy to get premiums with-
out any long waiting.
Each coupon was worth two-fifths of a cent in merchandise
and I gave eight cents’ worth of coupons with every dollar’s
worth of goods I sold. ‘So every purchase from five cents’ worth
up earned the consumer a profit-sharing coupon.
He was earning profits for me and his continued trade made
these profits bigger than if I depended on transients, so why
shouldn’t he get his share?
You see, I wasn’t asking him to pay more because he got this
profit-sharing. My goods had to meet the keenest competition
in quality and price and I had to give my customers at least as
much yalue as they could get anywhere else, to hold their trade
at all.
Now I have told you just the outline of the idea itself—the
profit-sharing plan that made-my first success in the cigar busi-
ness. When we organized the United Cigar Stores, we knew
this plan was absolutely sound and we made it a feature of
these stores right from the start. This soundness depended
upon a high redemption value of the coupons and a rigid rule
that every single premium that we catalogued must be a standard
high-quality article advertised in the newspapers and magazines
and carried in stock at the best stores.
That was thirteen years ago.
And our business grew steadily, and our volume of profit-
sharing through Profit-Sharing Coupons kept pace right along.
We kept opening more Profit-Sharing Stations to distribute the
premiums and kept adding to the lines of goods given as pre-
miums until you could get almost anything you wanted either
for your own use, wear or pleasure or to give to someone else,
or for the home.
And all the time we had to sell our goods at prices that would
meet all competition, otherwise we could not have kept our
customers.
The coupons had to be a share of the profits
they earned for us.
Every now and then some manufacturer in some other line
would ask me if he could arrange somehow to pack Profit-
Sharing Coupons with his goods. I didn’t care much for the
idea because I knew that if the goods didn’t happen to hold the
confidence of the people, the plan not only wouldn’t work for
him, but would hit back at the United Cigar Stores.
But recently a number of leading manufacturers of well-
known, trade-marked goods came and urged me to let them
make this Profit-Sharing a standard feature of their merchan-
dising. And they gave me a reason for wanting Profit-Sharing
Coupons that goes right to the heart of one great problem in
modern business.
Their reason was that if you put two different makes of
goods on the dealer’s shelf, both the same in kind, quality and
price, and one make has the Profit-Sharing Coupons and the
other does not, the man or woman who buys will select the one
that earns the Profit-Sharing.
I have always had a lot of sympathy for the dealer’s view-
point about so-called “substitution.” I believe dealers as a rule
are giving the best value they can and carrying as big a variety
of goods as they can. And when you come along and ask for
Geo. J. Whelan’s -
February 17, 1915
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
‘ Story of Profit Sharing
CORPORATION is telling to YOUR CUSTOMERS
one make of goods and he has only some other line which is
just as good in quality .and price, he can’t go out and get you
the make you ask for unless enough people want it, and you
are going to take the one he has unless there is some teal reason
why you should insist on the other.
The dealer isn’t trying to substitute. He is
trying to please the greatest number of cus-
tomers.
These manufacturers who wanted to pack United Profit-
Sharing Coupons with their goods urged that these coupons
would do away with a lot of so-called “substitution” by building
up a steadier trade for the dealer. This, in turn, would enable
him to buy to better advantage from the manufacturer, thus
helping the dealer’s profits. And the manufacturer, in turn,
could then, well afford to divide his profits with the consumer
by packing the coupons exchangeable for the most valuable
premiums.
I could not help seeing that if only those manufac-
turers of standard quality goods with established
reputations for responsibility and honesty could put
our profit-sharing into effect, the entire nation would
benefit.
Profit-Sharing is in the very air nowadays—here is Henry
Ford, for example, dividing his profits with the people who help
him earn them. His latest idea now is to give a share of his
profits back to the man who buys his motor cars when his sales
have reached the point where he can do so. People are battling
with the high cost of living and this is the best answer that has
yet been found—to enable them to share in the profits they earn
for others.
This is the way the United Profit-Sharing Corpora-
tion came into existence. It is now fully organized and
doing business. Its members consist already of some
forty manufacturers of a great variety of products
such as food, household necessities, wearing apparel,
etc , etc.—in every single instance a standard, trade-
marked article.
So a new opportunity for sharing profits is open to the house-
wife and, indeed, to every member of the family.
It is the dollar spent on every-day purchases that is most reg-
ularly spent and, therefore, the dollar that should regularly earn
a profit for its spender. Consequently, the manufacturers ad-
mitted to the use of this plan are those whose lines will meet
the every-day need of the people. The coupons are known as
United Profit-Sharing Coupons, and they carry the same per-
centage of profit to the consumer on every dollar’s worth of
goods as do United Cigar Coupons and are good for the same
variety and grade of standard Premiums.
I have been asked to explain why these profits are not divided
in money instead of merchandise. You will see the answer in-
stantly when I explain it.
Suppose that you receive four cents in cash with every
dollar’s worth of goods. You are not a wholesaler and, there-
fore, you would have to spend your money at retail. The
United Profit-Sharing Corporation, because of the enormous
business it handles, becomes immediately one of the biggest
wholesalers in the country. It can, therefore, buy in the mar-
kets of the world in big quantities and at the lowest wholesale
prices.
Consequently you get twice as much value
in merchandise as could be given you in actual
money.
Jt is just as if you invested your cash discount money and
doubled it thereby. You invest in goods containing United
Profit-Sharing Coupons. These goods earn you, say, a profit
of four cents in money value, but this profit is paid to you in
just the kind of merchandise you want, giving you twice the
value of the money-profit you earned. How much more, there-
fore, the people are benefited by profit-sharing in standard mer-
chandise than by any other plan that could be devised. It makes
their money go twice as far. And yet it does not add one single
penny to the cost of their merchandise, for the values and prices
of the goods they get are fully as desirable as those of any goods
not containing the coupons.
In the past thirteen years merchandise to the value of more
than $14,000,000 has been given out as premiums. More than
800,000,000 Profit-Sharing Coupons were redeemed by the
United Cigar Stores Co. alone during their last fiscal year. Of
these 86%4 per cent. of all the Profit-Sharing Coupons put out
by the United Cigar Stores Co. during that period were re-
deemed—which clearly indicates how fully the people really
appreciate the value of these coupons.
Now, with so many manufacturers packing United Profit-
Sharing Coupons with their products, literally billions of coupons
will be redeemed and profit-sharing with the consuming public
will amount to millions of dollars yearly.
I commend the United Profit-Sharing Coupons to the entire
public. They offer even for the smallest purchase a share in all
profits earned by that purchase and give the people full value
in standard goods plus the share of wealth earned by their
money which they rightfully should have. It will make a more
prosperous New Year for the households of this country.
MICHIGAN
ay HK TMV r
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DRY GOODS,
FANCY GOODS” NOTIONS. |
ert Cg
Pos AR Sy
Wash Dress Goods—Supremacy of
American Manufacturers.
Written for the Tradesman.
Every dog has its day, and _ the
American manufacturer of cotton
dress goods now is having his. No
wonder, for he is a good dog, and
although he had to wait long, he hus-
tled diligently while he waited. He
justly deserves that his day, which has
at last arrived, shall be long and very
prosperous.
Low-priced staple cotton goods of
almost all kinds have been made in
this country ever since cotton manu-
facture, in a modern sense, has its be-
ginnings. But until recently we were
buying our better grades of dress
goods abroad. France made our high
priced novelty fabrics, Switzerland
our finest sheer white goods, while to
Manchester, England, and to the fac-
tories of Scotland, we looked for the
greater portion of other good cotton
wash materials. Times have changed
and the word “imported” which used
to throw such a spell of real or fan-
cied excellence over any wares to
which it was attached, has lost much
of its compelling charm. Indeed,
buyers now tell you that the old cus-
tom of calling constantly for import-
ted stuff was due more to habit than
to the merit of the goods obtained.
In a recent article on embroideries,
the writer was. obliged to concede
that the foreign makes still are given
marked preference. In fact, but little
of domestic manufacture is to be
seen at all. But the departments in
which wash dress goods are handled
tell a vastly different story. They will
show you the most exquisitely beau-
tiful’ crepes, voiles, silk and cotton
mixtures, and novelty materials, all
American made.
During the last few years the
Massachusetts manufacturers in par-
ticular have made wonderful progress
in turning out the better grades of
cotton dress goods. Many of these
fully equal the foreign makes in tex-
ture and colorings, while the designs
used are such as appeal more strong-
ly to the American taste and meet
with heartier approval than those of-
fered by the foreign mills. Ameri-
can manufacture has reached the point
(and this applies to woolens as well
as cottons), where we need no longer
depend upon Europe for our apparel.
The variety of American fabrics is
almost endless and their wearing
qualities all that can be desired. Es-
pecially in what are classed as the
sturdier fabrics, those of domestic
make are the superior article.
The American factory, as to both
quality and price of its products, can
more than compete with its foreign
rival. The American woman can be
patriotic and buy what is made at
home, giving employment to Amer-
ican labor, capital and machinery, and
at the same time do not the slightest
violence to either her taste or her
pocketbook.
The American manufacturers seem
to be prospering in the face of a re-
duced tariff. Without going into de-
tails, it may be said that the duties,
which before ranged from 25 to 60
per cent., were by the last tariff re-
vision lowered somewhat. Some
goods come in now at 15 per cent.
If the present tendencies continue, it
would seem that ere long Uncle Sam
can not count much on imports of
cotton goods for his revenues, for
practically all that we use will be
made in this country.
In this awakening to his possibili-
ties, the American manufacturer has
found ready at his hand _ resources
which formerly he did not know he
possessed. For long years it was im-
plicitly believed that certain places in
Europe, notably St. Gall, Switzerland,
and Manchester, England, had ad-
vantages in climate and water, the like
of which were not to be found on
this side. Now it is known that the
water of the Schuylkill River, along
which many of our foremost factories
are located, possesses peculiar prop-
erties that are unequaled for the fin-
ishing and bleaching of cottons and
for mixing the dyes.
The war has given a wonderful
impetus to American manufactures
and the makers of cotton dress goods
have now gotten a grip which they
will not relinquish when the conflict
ceases.
In the matter of dye stuffs it was
feared that it might be impossible to
obtain supplies. A few months ago
it was even deemed advisable to start
a slogan “Wear White,” on this ac-
count. But experiments in produc-
tion have been so successful that it is
believed that the dyes that can be
made at home together with the lim-
ited supply that can still be obtained
from Europe will meet every demand.
While it doubtless will be a great
year for white, this will be from
choice and not from necessity.
In some certain lines, the European
products still excel ours. St. Gall
as yet surpasses us in sheer white
materials, although it is thought that
this supremacy may not long con-
tinue. In embroidered flouncings,
both white and colored, the best are
made abroad, although those of do-
TRADESMAN
mestic manufacturing retailing as high
as $2.50 per yard are to be seen.
But few fine ginghams are made
in this country. One certain firm
with a quaint Scotch name, located
in Glasgow, sets the world’s standard
of excellence in gingham. You will
see their goods that retail at 50 cents
a yard, in the small check patterns
with which we have associated the
word gingham from
friend recently returned from Pasa-
dena tells me that these ginghams of
unequaled quality are used by wealthy
matrons there for children’s dresses.
The delicate blues and pinks and
even the lavenders wash perfectly. A
lady in the same city, who is famous
for a certain kind of patchwork qu'lt
that she makes, uses in her wonderful
creations these same 50 cent ging-
hams. They are good enough for the
millionaires of Pasadena!
Many of the so-called French ging-
hams that we use are made in Man-
chester. Few if any of them come
from France. I recently talked with
a very well posted cotton dress
goods man, who told me that in no
store where he had been employed
had he ever handled a yard of French
gingham that was made in France.
Our lower-priced ginghams, some
of them excellent in both washing
and wearing qualities, are practically
all made in this country. It seems
not unlikely that we may soon be sup-
plying ourselves with the better
grades as well.
It will not be long that we shall
buy any cottons of Europe except in
childhood. .
Revised Proverbs.
Face, soap, clarity, and the greatest
of these is clarity.
A rolling your own gathers no cou-
pons,
_ A hair in the head is worth two in
the comb.
Go to the aunt, thou student, eat
of her pastry and be wise.
Soap deferred maketh the dirt thick.
A grind hath no honor in his own
house.
Cast not they bread aside for it
shall return unto thee after many days
as bread-pudding,
The fresh
fear to tread.
rush in where seniors
Having concluded, lift up thy head
and laugh.
—_~+-.—____
Money Wasted.
“That young millionaire
holds you in the kindest
brance. He says it was at a party giv-
en by you that he proposed to his
wife.”
“The affair has unpleasant
niscences for me. That was a very
expensive party, and I gave it in the
expectation that he was going to pro-
pose to one of my girls.”
says he
remem-
remi-
Get Ready
Rods, Etc.
sure to please you.
House cleaning season will soon be here.
time to look up your stock of Lace Curtains, Lace Curtaining,
Scrims, Marquisettes, Shades,
The lines we carry in the above named items are
Get our samples and quotations before placing your order.
Now is a good
Linoleum, Matting, Curtain
Wholesale Dry Goods
PAUL STEKETEE & SONS
Grand Rapids, Mich.
30 to 50%.
We Will
Buy—yvou “Used” Fixtures or
Your discarded fixtures for “New”
Exchange—.: “Used” but up-to-date fixtures
S | | RE cel or “Used” Store and Office Fixtures,
e Furniture and Appliances at a saving of from
or
803-805 Monroe Ave.
Grand Rapids Merchandise & Fixtures Co.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
Co Sea
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Allow People Their Little Triumphs
and Vanities.
Written for the Tradesman.
One of the first things to find out
when you make a person’s acquaint-
ance, is his or her point of pride.
Without this important knowledge
you are liable to let fall some re-
mark, which while absolutely devoid
of malicious intent, will wound feel-
‘ings and very likely delay the be-
ginnings of friendship, if it does not
destroy all possibility of amicable as-
sociation,
Fortunately this so essential knowl-
edge is usually not difficult to obtain.
Very often it is thrust upon one. The
average human being is open-hearted
and his emotions are much on _ the
surface. What is uppermost in the
mind comes out in the first few mo-
ments of an initial conversation.
The point of pride is often some
quite simple or ordinary thing in
which one has attained a real or imag-
inary excellence. With one person
it is one thing and with another some-
thing entirely different, the widest
possible variety of objects and con-
ditions being included.
Taking a few persons of this im-
mediate neighborhood, their small
vanities and triumphs may be tabulat-
ed as follows:
Young Mrs. Hendricks’ baby. This
first offspring of the latest house of
Hendricks is of course an infant mar-
vel. In intelligence, in strength, in
health, in sweetness of disposition, in
sprightliness, in genuine cuteness, he
far and away surpasses any young
human creature ever before known
to his parents or grandparents. If the
near neighbors were consulted they
would be quick to add lung capacity
to the list of this youthful prodigy’s
excellencies. The Hendricks’ pride
has lately been confirmed and if pos-
sible increased by the fact that their
little Lucious Harold scored the high-
est in a recent contest. He is not
only a “better” baby, but the best
of all that were entered. His aver-
age was very close to absolute per-
fection, a wee fraction higher, by the
way, than the Larkins baby, who was
his only real competitor.
Mr. and Mrs. Larkins are all brok-
en up. They and all their immediate
kin can prove clearly (to any one who
will listen) that the judges were in
error in at least two important par-
ticulars. Their George Weston was
given only 97 on some point in which
he certainly was entitled to at least
9914; while Lucius Harold was allow-
ed 98 on some other in which no one
outside of an insane asylum would
have thought of marking him more
than 94. The reader can see what the
result would have been had the judges
done their plain duty (from the Lar-
kins’ point of view) and given George
Weston his just dues. Grandpa Lar-
kins darkly hints that Grandpa Hen-
dricks may have slipped something to
somebody, and relations between the
Hendrickses and the Larkinses are
sadly strained.
It always is pretty safe to assume
that a first baby is the point of pride
in any family where the phenomenon
has occurred—with the mother in
particular and with the father and
other near relatives in a vicarious
way. With the arrival of a second
or a third child, maternal perspective
begins to correct toward the normal
and a baby, while still the sweetest and
most lovable being in the world,
comes to take its proper place as a
link in the chain of existence, and
does not fill the whole range of vis-
ion. But we must return to our tab-
ulation.
Mrs. Kirkland, her house plants.
The size and thriftiness and beauty of
her Boston ferns, begonias, fuchsias
Martha Washingtons are the wonder
of the neighborhood. She has abun-
dance of bloom and dark, healthy
foliage when others can show only
spindling stems and sickly yellow
leaves. The forced hyacinths which
she displays in the coldest weeks of
winter are paragons of fragrance and
color. Canny soul, she is determined
to keep her pre-eminence, and of her
choice novelties she refuses to give
slips or cuttings or bulbs.
Mr.Sanderson, Mrs. Kirkland’s next
door neighbor, his lawn and outdoor
roses. His supremacy in his lines is
as undisputed as Mrs. Kirkland’s in
hers:
The Morrisons, their auto. This is
a fine seventy horse power eight cyl-
inder affair, which cost somewhere -
around $4,000. It is a car of class.
Its superiority is the more marked
because all the rest of us hereabouts
who can own autos at all, run around
in the littles s that can be bought
with a check of three figures, and a
check considerably less than the larg-
est that can be drawn for three fig-
ures at that. The Morrisons can not
afford such an auto as theirs any bet-
ter than their neighbors, but Mrs.
Morrison justifies the extravagance
by explaining that “if Tom was going
to have a car at all, he just didn’t
want one of those little cheap, com-
mon ——-s.”
The Richards, Nancy’s school rec-
ord. In her specialty this maiden of
10 has distanced all the other chil-
dren in this city. She has attended
five years, never had a tardy mark,
has missed only one day, and her re-
port cards commonly show E+ in
deportment and in every study.
The Northrops, “Jamie.” The
Northrups are a ne’er-do-well set, who
always have lived from hand to
mouth and had difficulty in keeping
any sort of a roof over their heads.
But “Jamie” is different.
very bright boy, has forged ahead,
and now at the early age of twenty-
nine is receiving $150 a month as a
traveling salesman. His mother never
tires of telling about “my son James,
who is on the road for a big New
York house.”
We might go on and on but these
are sufficient to point a moral
which in this case devolves upon one.
Mrs. Tichenor, a mistaken woman
who goes about among these good
people and unsettles and wounds their
pride and their little harmless vani-
ties. As some one has expressed it,
“Mrs. Tichenor never lets any one
put anything over her.’ She will
work her head nearly off to grow a
larger fern than Mrs. Kirkland can
show, or a finer white rose than Mr.
Sanderson.
If she doesn’t have the bigger and
better thing herself, she is sure to
know of some one who has. For in-
stance, her niece who lives in Hub-
bardsville has a baby, Pearl Lucile
Matthews, who scored 99 9-10 and
puts both Lucius Harold Hendricks
and George Weston Larkins unspeak-
ably in the shade. She has not failed
to inform poor Mrs. Northrup that
she (Mrs. Tichenor) knows a young
man, the son of an old schoolmate
of hers, “a boy only a little past 27,
who is getting $175 a month, and his
firm simply wouldn’t know how to get
along without him.”
Mrs, Tichenor is an adept at mak-
ing herself disagreeable. She is post-
ed in all the minutie of an unbeliev-
able number of subjects, and she uses
this knowledge to humble, or to try
to humble, her acquaintances. She
can tell of an automobile owned by
some people only three blocks east,
that is in every way better than the
Morrisons,‘ and she can particularize
as to just the respects in which this
other machine is superior. She sol-
emnly asseverates that a girl of elev-
en, living in Hastings, Nebraska,
never has missed even one day at
school, and has made better stand-
ings than those of Nancy Richards.
Three years ago Mrs. Tichenor made
a visit to some cousins in Philadel-
phia. Ever since, if she can not find
close at hand the means of disturb-
ing any little self-conceit or egotism
on the part of her neighbors, she can
quickly recall something she saw cn
that memorable trip that will not fail
to do the work.
There are many Mrs. Tichenors in
the world, who needlessly make them-
selves disliked and cause others much
unhappiness. While not really de-
stroying the good opinion which
their associates hold of themselves or
some of their belongings, they cause
a feeling of doubt that is fatal to per-
fect complacency.
What is the harm in a little egotism
He was a-
February 17, 1915
and vanity? When we consider our-
selves as mere units in the toward
two billion human beings that live on
this great earth, our littleness and
insignificance fairly stagger the mind.
But if we can mount to ever so small
a pinnacle and look a little over the ,
heads of our fellow creatures who
are nearest arotnd us, it brings amaz-
ing cheer and comfort to our hearts.
Whether we admit it or not, most
of us are failures in nineteen out of
every twenty of our undertakings. If
amid all the sorry mess of our mis-
deeds and misapplications of energy,
we can point to one real success, even
though it is a little one, no gentle
and considerate soul would do aught
to mar our day of triumph.
If a person makes a great big suc-
cess, as of money or fame, and is so
lacking in taste as to arrogate to him-
self too great glory, then it may be-
come a bounden duty to take him
down a bit. But with the average
creature, Fate and circumstances keep
him sufficiently humble,
It is a very human weakness, this
wanting to be a little ahead in some-
thing, and one of which we all ought
to be tolerant, for we all have it our-
selves. The person who would not
take a lively satisfaction in owning
a baby or a cat or a chicken or a pic-
ture that is better than other peo-
ple’s, would be simply too good for
this earth. When. a nature becomes
so sublimated as all that, we may ex-
pect to hear at any time the dreaded
rattle of the undertaker’s wagon.
Quillo.
Are Your
Net Profits
Satisfactory ?
Probably not, if you
are like nine out of ten
merchants.
Your trouble probably
is (1) you have too much
of some items; (2) not
enough items.
If you will buy the
“many lines in one bill”
offered by our monthly
catalogue of General
Merchandise, you easily
can apply the remedy.
Butler Brothers
Exclusive Wholesalers of
General Merchandise
New York Chicago
St. Louis Minneapolis .
Dallas
February 17, 1915
REST ROOMS FOR WOMEN.
They Add to the Trade of Any
Town.
Written for the Tradesman.
There is no doubt that some mer-
chants who read the heading of this
article will sniff contemptuously and
say that any man who has ever been
in business knows that merchandising
is anything but a “social stunt,” but
the man who hastily arrives at that
conclusion is quite likely to find after
a little study that he must revise his
views on the matter, and it may even
be discovered that one of the reasons
why he has not been as successful as
he should be is because he has been
too much concerned with immediate
dollars and cents that cross his coun-
ters, while some very effectual means
of attracting trade to his store have
been neglected.
We hear a great deal about “wel-
fare work” which owners of factories
carry on for the benefit of the social
side of their employes’ lives, and how
recreation and entertainment, meals
and music promote the health and
good feeling of men and women who
work, and add not only to the hap-
piness of the toilers, but to their effi-
ciency. A happy, well fed, cheerful
individual makes a better worker, and
it is just as true that the comfortable,
sociable, glean-feeling man or wom-
an makes a more cheerful and liberal
buyer.
Anyone who has gone into one of
the luxurious, elaborately appointed
waiting rooms, with apparently every
convenience for business or personal
comfort at hand, and filled to over-
flowing with men and women—for
while these places are politely called
“Women’s Waiting Rooms,” there is
usually a good sprinkling of men in
those parts of the section not strictly
private—reading, writing, visiting, will
ever say again that merchandising
has no social side. No shopping of
any kind whatever is done in these
waiting rooms, the finest of them are
not surrounded with manicure and
hair dressing rooms, ladies’ shoe shin-
ing booths, or anything that seems
to invite special patronage in the way
of trade.
Primarily these rest rooms are in-
tended for use of the store’s own cus-
tomers and they were originally in-
tended for just what their name im-
plies. Many people do use them now
for rest during shopping tours from
floor to floor of the immense estab-
lishments, but it is also true that hun-
dreds of women avail themselves of
their conveniences and use them as a
meeting place and for actual visiting.
This is abuse which cannot entirely
be controlled, but at the same time
they are an indispensabe adjunct to
the big store that makes any preten-
tions whatever to the comfort of its
clients.
If there is one thing more than an-
other which the small towns to which
come large numbers of country trad-
ers need it is something in the way
of a rest room, however modest its
size and furnishings, for the conveni-
ence of the women who come to town
to buy goods and supplies. In many
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
hundreds of towns this need offers
an opportunity for some progressive,
wide awake dealer to combine altru-
istic effort with cold business acumen,
and reap for himself rewards both
material and spiritual far in excess
of outlay.
One merchant last winter made an
experiment which resulted in the
opening up of a general rest room
in his town. When the cold weather
began he installed in one corner of
his store a coffee percolator with
tank and used a good sized space in
the local paper to invite the people
from the country to come in and have
a cup of coffee at his expense on cold
days. Some of the merchant’s com-
petitors tried to work up adverse
sentiment in the town by saying that
the “free coffee stunt wasn’t fair tc
the restaurant keepers,’ an argument
easily answered by the merchant whe
declared that so long as these same
restaurant men did not object to the
saloons serving free sandwiches, he
couldn’t see any point to any objec-
tion to coffee. And the “coffee plant”
continued in operation and was lib-
erally patronized by both men and
women.
The innovation was not intended as
a temperance one by this merchant,
but such it proved to be. He speedily
discovered that a cup of hot coffee
will keep many a weak man away
from a saloon, and that money not
spent for drink goes in the vast ma-
jority of cases into the coffers of
the merchants of the town for food
and clothing.
This coffee idea also attracted the
town women into the store, for it was
good coffee, well made. I may even
disclose it was the dealer’s wife who
superintended its making and the re-
sult was the general adoption of the
percolator method of coffee making in
that community. As a consequence
the dealer sold a large number of
small percolators and built up a large
trade in the particular brand of cof-
fee he served. This and other gen-
eral business that came to him direct-
ly traceable to these efforts more than
paid the cost of appliances and sup-
plies.
When spring approached he fitted
up a small rest room in a vacant
room on the second floor of the store
which had been used principally for
storage. The furnishings were plain
but comfortable, but by this time the
other merchants began to wake from
their slumbers, and asked to be let
in on some of this merchant’s plans,
for they wanted to co-operate to
make S a good trading town. They
didn’t all want to open up rest rooms,
so they combined resources and se-
cured a conveniently located place,
supplied the room with rocking chairs,
a couple of couches, necessary com-
forts and reading matter. It was
made so attractive withal that it was
soon noted that many women who
seldom came to town before devel-
oped into frequent and regular visi-
tors, and more and more people whu
lived equal distances from two trad-
ing points were coming to the town
with the rest room.
There is always a certain amount
of trade hanging in the balance and
it is the town and the merchant which
offers the little extra attraction that
that will get the advantage ultimate-
ly. The man who says there is no
sentiment in business is sadly mistak-
en, and he who thinks there is no so-
cial side to merchandising is equally
deceived. Sociability and sentimen-
tality in their broad aspects are strong
influences in all departments of ac-
tivity, not excepting commercial en-
deavors. E. E. Reber.
>> —
The Grocer and the King.
Sir Thomas Lipton’s grocery firm _
is in trouble in England, the war
office accusing it of bribing canteen
quartermasters to push its groceries
in the army canteens.
A Chicago grocer, apropos of this
said the other day:
“Lipton was a great friend of the
late King Edward’s. Lent him
money, you know. That’s how he got
his knighthood. Edward once invit-
ed Lipton to a very smart dinner
party in Sandringham. The queen,
hearing of the invitation, took the
king to task.
“*The idea,’ she said, ‘of inviting a
grocer like that! Think what you
Owe society.’”
‘But think, my dear,’ the king
chuckled, ‘think what I owe Lipton.’ ”
———_--—>___.
The eternal fitness of things gets
busy when a boy who “sassed” his
mother grows up and marries a wom-
an who won't stand for any back
talk.
ETI,
B
y
quick turnover.
small.
way.
advertising.
fresh goods.
Counter Display
and Repeat Sales
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These goods are of first
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The packages carry the air of
appetizing goodness and sell themselves.
The successful grocer sees opportunity in
goods strongly advertised in a national
He sees the value of meeting the
strong conviction in the mind of the house-
ai wife produced by forceful and repeated
ISI He knows that repeat sales
of worthy goods are the best profit-makers.
A good display of National Biscuit goods
will tell the woman customer in a flash
that you Carry a good assortment of these
nationally advertised, high quality, oven-
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Theatre Seating
€merican Seating Company
General Offices: 14 E. Jackson St., Chicago; Broadway and Ninth St., Grand Rapids, Mich.
ASK FOR LITERATURE
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MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
February 17, 1915
Michigan Retall Hardware Association.
President—C. E. Dickinson, St. Joseph.
Vice-President—Frank Strong, Battle
Creek.
Secretary—A. J. Scott, Marine City.
Treasurer—William Moore, Detroit.
The Art of Learning to Pull Together
Written for the Tradesman.
Right now is an opportune moment
to make an effective start toward de-
veloping a more effective system of
store co-operation for the coming
year.
I have known hardware _ stores
where the salespeople never seemed
to pull together. The clerks had it
in for the boss, the boss always found
fault with the clerks; and, as is natural
where such conditions prevailed, busi-
ness sadly sagged.
The remedy is, not to say “You
shall not most persistently knock at
one another,” but to say, rather,
“Come along, boys. Let’s all pull
together and make this year a hum-
mer.”
It is largely from lack of a positive
purpose that so many stores develop
the purely negative spirit of “knock-
ing.’ The merchant who, from the
very start, wants to help the boys
along, will find the boys,in ninety cases
out of a hundred, eager to do their
best; and the clerk who sets out to
give his employer a good measure of
service will in the overwhelming ma-
jority of cases find the employer re-
sponsive. And, where the “pull to-
gether” ideal is developed, pretty big
things are apt to result.
If the pull together idea hasn’t taken
root yet, there’s no question whatever
who should plant it. The man most
interested is the man at the head of
the business—the proprietor. It is up
to him to start things moving.
A good many ways have been sug-
gested for getting the clerks inter-
ested in their work and keeping them
interested. Some employers have
weekly staff conferences, when sug-
gestions are invited from all members
of the staff. In one store, each clerk
is given a department as his particu-
lar care, and bonuses are given for
the largest advance in sales each
month, or the greatest percentage otf
increase, or the best individual show-
ing in proportion to stock carried.
Some stores have a system of sales-
recording for each individual clerk,
and the man who makes an excep-
tional showing is marked as in line for
the first promotion. One man does
the trick entirely without forms or
records of any kind, by the simple
process of chatting frequently with
each member of the staff, talking over .
the goods, the customers, the need
of pushing the stuff that brings in
a profit, and all the little details in-
cidental to selling. Often, weekly or
monthly luncheons are held. In large
stores the annual picnic is occasion-
ally an institution, and the proprietor
cheerfully shuts up shop for half a
day in the summer time in order to
give his salespeople a jolly outing.
Whatever the method, it is the
spirit behind it which counts. The
boss who takes a genuine interest
in his salespeople, who shows by his
attitude toward them that he is will-
ing and ready to reward good and
faithful service in proportion to its
value, and who volunteers promotion
when it is earned instead of holding
off and yielding it only when it is
demanded, is the boss who is going
to get the best out of his clerks.
One rather crusty old chap, who,
nevertheless, did a mighty fine busi-
ness used to have a “Straight Talk”
to every newcomer on his staff. It
was simple and direct.
“T’m in this business to make money
for myself. I’m hiring you to help
me make money.
got to sell goods, and particularly to
sell the goods that make a big mar-
gin of profit. You've got to sell,
furthermore, in such a way that you'll
please the people who deal here, hold
their good will and patronage, and not
merely keep their business but get
that of their friends. I'll always have
my eye on you; and if I find six
months or a year from now that you
are making more money for me than
you are now, I’m ready to divide up.”
And—he unfailingly kept his word:
He had a better percentage of good
clerks than most merchants. Per-
haps it was due to the fact that he
put the issue squarely before them
at the start; that he said something
at the very beginning of things that
set them thinking along profit mak-
ing lines.
- What you want in your store is a lot
of salespeople who are interested in
the hardware business. Get a man in-
terested in anything to start with, and
he’ll do the rest himself—with per-
haps a little assistance. And, to get
the boys interested in the business,
you must show at the start a friendly
interest in them. I know from ex-
perience the meaning of even a little
word or two of friendly interest from
the boss. “How’s the aluminum
goods selling, Billy?” or “Do you
ever feel shaky when you talk to
customers, Tom? I used to, myself,”
helps to show the boy just starting
that you have an eye on his work.
And, when he has questions to ask
that may strike you as absurd, and
wants information on some _ point
that to you is mere commonplace, re-
To do that you’ve
member that you were a beginner
once yourself, that this young fellow
is your salesman, and that it’s worth
as much to you as to him, and worth
a whole lot to both of you, to give
him a little lift and a cheering word.
It is particularly in an off year—
a year when people are bewailing the
business outlook—that a store needs
the “pull together” spirit. Where
the boss doesn’t show the slightest in-
terest, it’s very easy for the boys to
say to themselves: “Well, there’s no
use trying to sell things. The war
has shot everything to pieces.” But
I notice that where the boss keeps a
stiff upper lip, softened occasionally
with a cheery smile, the boys at least
are trying to do business—and hon-
est trying is more than half the bat-
tle. Courage is contagious; and cour-
age is what salespeople and mer-
chants need more than anything else.
More than half the world’s’ trouble
are troubles that never happen
except in the imagination; and a
mind full of courage leaves no
room for unnecessary forebod-
ings of evil that does not come.
So get the boys together, while the
year is young, and make a start at
inculcating the “pull together” spirit.
It’s never too early to begin—nor too
late. And, whatever the year may
bring (and I’m hopeful of a mighty
good year for America) it will bring a
lot better results if you make an hon-
est try at pulling all together than
will ‘fall to your lot if you just sit
still and wait for better days. You
will never have better days until you
help to make them.
William Edward Park.
—_—_—_..——_—_
S-S-S-S-S-S-S’S.
Sudden swallows swiftly skimming,
Sunset’s slowly speeding shade;
Silvery songsters sweetly singing
Summer’s soothing serenade.
Susan Simpson strolled sedately,
Stifling sobs, suppressing sighs,
Seeing Stephen Slocum, stately
She stopped, showing some surprise.
“Say,’? said Stephen, ‘‘sweetest sigher,
Say, shall Stephen spouseless stay?’
Susan, seeming somewhat shyer,
Showed submissiveness straightway.
Summer’s season slowly stretches—
Susan Simpson-Slocum she;
So she sighed some simple sketches
Soul sought soul successfully.
Six September seasons swelter—
Six sharp seasons snow supplies—
Susan sat in sofa’s shelter
Six small Slocums side by side.
+ --->__.
Some people marry in haste and
then live to have golden weddings.
My Auto ’Tis of Thee!
My auto ’tis of thee, short cut to
poverty—of thee I chant. I blew a
pile of dough, on you some time ago,
and now you refuse to go, or won’t or
can’t. Thru town and country side,
you were my joy and pride; a happy
day. I loved thy gaudy hue, thy nice
white tires sovnew, now you're down
and out for true, in every way. To
thee, old rattle box, came many bumps
and knocks, for thee I grieve. Badly
thy top is torn, frayed are thy seats
and worn, the whooping cough af-
fects they horn, I do believe. Thy
perfume swells the breeze, while good
folks choke and wheeze, as we pass
by. I paid for thee a price, ‘twould
buy a mansion twice, now every-
body’s yelling “ice’—I wonder why?
Thy motor has the grippe, thy spark
plug has the pip, and woe is thine. I
too have suffered chills, ague and kin-
dred ills, endeavoring to pay my b'lls
since thou wert mine. Gone is my
bank roll now. No more ’twould
choke a cow, as once before. Yet if
I had the mon, so help me, John—
Amen, I’d buy myself a car again and
speed some more.
—__2->—___
If every man was as fond of his
wife in private as he lets on he is in
public the judges and divorce courts
would soon be in the bread line.
SAFETY
\. ESTABLISHED 1868 ’
e Ro
FIRE UNDERWR\
FIRS
In buying Roofs you cannot ‘‘see’’ the
quality. Ytis the test of time and the repu-
tation of the maker which establishes in your
mind the “‘quality.”’
Reynolds shingles have been on roofs for
12 years.
The test of time has proven their durability.
and their beauty is seen and appreciated
every day.
Ask your lumber dealer or call up our office
for particulars.
H. M. Reynolds Asphalt Shingle Co.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Foster, Stevens & Co.
Wholesale Hardware
uf
157-159 Monroe Ave. —::
Grand Rapids, Mich.
151 to 161 Louis N. W.
February 17, 1915
SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO.
Corporation ; Earns 94 Per Cent. Per
Annum. :
The directors of Sears, Roebuck &
Co. have declared a stock dividend on
the common stock of 50 per cent. pay--
able on April 1, which will increase
the common stock from $40,000,000 to
$60,000,000.
In the calendar year 1908, Sears,
Roebuck common sold between 56 and
24 and was paying no dividends. A
fair average would be $40 per share.
If it is assumed that an investor
bought three shares that year, after
April 1, 1915, he will own six shares
which have cost him nothing addi-
tional.
The company paid a stock dividend
of 383% per cent. on April 1, 1911,
which increased his three shares to
four and the present stock dividend
will increase his holdings to six
shares.
During the seven year period which
he has owned these shares, his divi-
dend return to April 1, 1915, will have
been as follows:
1900) oe $13.50
POV) ee 21.00
A9tt 2a. 24.50
OTD ee oe, 28.00
TOES ee ee 28.00
TOTS ia 28.00
TOTS eee vee. 14.00
Votal cacy. $157.00
This shows an average annual divi-
dend return of $22.43, or 18.7 per cent.
After April 1, he will be the owner of
six shares which will probably have a
market value of not less than $125 a
share or $750.
Taking the value of the six shares
at $750 and adding the dividend return
of $157, the total return from his $120
investment will have been $907, or
an appreciation of $787 on his original
investment.
This is at the rate of $112.43 a year
of 94 per cent., which is not bad for
an investment in a corporation which
is not a monopoly in any sense of the
word and which has the sharpest com-
petition from two other large mail
houses in the same city.
Sears, Roebuck reports for the year
ended Dec. 31 net sales of $96,024,754
as compared with $91,357,276 in 1913,
an increase of less than $4,700,000 and
the smallest yearly increase since
1911.
Cost of merchandise and all ex-
penses were $86,247,960 as compared
with $81,287,267, an increase of just
under $5,000,000, so that gross profits
show a decrease of about $300,000.
This. shows a reduced margin of
profit from 11 per cent. to 10 per cent.
Owing to decreased expenditures for
repairs and renewals and appropria-
tion for depreciation and reserves, the
surplus for dividends was $9,081,520,
as compared with $9,027,669 in 1913.
After the payment of 7 per cent. on
the preferred, the balance for the
common was equal to 21.3 per cent.
on the common stock as compared
with 21.17 per cent. in 1913, 7 per cent.
being paid in dividends on the com-
mon in both years.
If there should be no increase in
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
the profits for the current year, the
company would still be earning 14 per
cent. on its $60,000,000 common which
will be outstanding after the stock
dividend is distributed, or twice the
7 per cent. dividend rate.
The following shows sales, costs
and margin of profit for the period
since July 1, 1906:
Yr. end. Margin
June 30. Sales Costs Profit
1907 $50,722,840 $47,187,297 6.97
1908 40,843,866 38,452,538 5.85
*Dec. 31,
1908 21,813,592 19,494,265 10.64
1909 51,011,536 44,391,680 12.98
1910 61,329,792 54,360,515 11.36
1911 64,112,194 56,948,625 11.17
1912 77,116,859 67,961,160 11.87
1913 91,357,276 81,287,266 11.02
1914 96,024,754 86,247,960 10.18
*Six months.
The second table shows surplus for
dividends with percentage earned on
both classes of stock:
Yr. end. Sur. for % on % on
June 30. Dividends Pfd. Com.
1907 $3.238,502 32.59 8.47
1908 2,034,796 20.87 4.50
*Dec. 31,
1908 1,991,457 20.43 5.50
1909 6,192,361 64.72 18.40
1910 6,759,076 76.60 20.47
1911 6,984,967 82.18 15.96
1912 8,322,611 104.03 19.34
1913 9,027,669 112.53 21.17
1914 9,081,520 113.52 21.30
*Six months.
The final table shows the working
capital and property account at vari-
ous dates:
Working Property
Capital Account
June 30, 1907 $ 2,777,808 $ 9,206,354
June 30, 1908 3,756,093 —-9,520,893
Dec. 31, 1908 5,646,236 9,242,311
Dec. 31, 1909 8,720,480 9,443,965
Dec. 31, 1910 10,846,506 10,308,511
Dec. 31, 1911 12,497,088 10,442,767
Dec. 31, 1912 14,837,726 9,502,626
Dec. 31, 1913 17,548,211 9,879,185
Dec. 31, 1914 23,231,178 9,771,675
Working capital increased from
$17,548,211 to $23,231,178 during the
year and the net tangible assets be-
hind the preferred stock on Dec. 31
were $41,450,000. Deducting the $8,-
000,000 preferred stock at par and the
balance of net tangible assets behind
the common stock were $33,450,000 or
$83.63 per share.
The floating debt of the company
was reduced during the year from
$4,750,000 to $1,000,000 and the cur-
rent liabilities were about one-fifth
of the current assets.
The amount of cash on hand Dec. 31
was over $2,000,000, the largest cash
holding since 1911, when the company
had nearly $2,400,000.
For the month of January Sears,
Roebuck reports an increase in sales
of $213,000, or about 234 per cent.
Even if the entire year should show
no higher rate of increase than this,
the total would reach approximately
$100,000,000.—Boston Commercial.
ise
Customers are not very likely to
buy from the man who acts as if he
did not care whether they: buy or not.
The independent acting clerk will
have independent acting customers.
Alarmed Over Threats of Hot Headed
Germans.
Detroit, Feb. 8—I beg that I may
be permitted to suggest in your col-
umns that it is time to reckon in
some practical way with the ugly facts’
of German propaganda in the United
States. The challenge flung so in-
solently in our faces by the Ger-
man societies at their amazing meet-
ing in Washington should be taken
up and answered, regardless of the
so-called amenities. We should have
done with the fetichistical idea of
neutrality which has induced us hith-
erto to condone uncounted German
breaches of the ordinary laws of hos-
pitality Persons like Bernstorff,
Dernburg and Ridder we can afford
to ignore—their fatuity is so obvious
—and besides, we have made up our
minds about the war. But these so-
cieties now deliberately organizing to
subvert American ideals of govern-
ment are striking at the roots of our
National life. I am no alarmist. I
have no expectation of a German in-
vasion of these shores. 3ut the
Washington pronunciamento offers
the clearest possible evidence that if
such an invasion were to occur it
would find here several million Ger-
mans prepared to facilitate its prog-
ress.
It would be idiotic, after the experi-
ence of Belgium, France and Great
Britain in the matter of German es-
pionage, to assume that the Germans
in this country would hesitate between
the interests of America and those
of their “Fatherland.” They would
be for the “Fatherland” first, last and
all the time, and we should have to
pay the consequences. Do not dis-
miss these bitter observations as re-
flecting the prejudices of a crass anti-
German. I have traveled in Germany.
I have known Germans there and
at home. I am fairly well acquainted
with their literature and their art,
their morals and their manners. l|
know all about the “nice” German,
especially in the Southern part of the
Empire. But that has nothing to do
with the hypenated marplots who, as
their Washington platform vividly
shows, would freely embroil us with
Europe in order to aid Germany.
These people have _ found in the
United States a prosperity they
could not find in the ‘“Father-
land.” They are released here
from the pressure of that mili-
tarism which reacts so harshly upon
the whole social fabric of the “Father-
land.” In the security of our politi-
cal system they save their skins, make
their fortunes and enjoy every bless-
ing of equality. Even from the ma-
terialistic point of view of their own
philosophy it is plain to the wayfar-
ing man that what they have left
behind them is not to be compared
with what they obtain here. America
welcomes them ungrudgingly, and in
everything that means _ beneficient
opportunity she gives to them with
both hands. But now these ungrate-
ful children of her adoption would
sacrifice her to the “Fatherland.” The
baseness of it stinks in the nostrils of
an honest man.
Something unquestionably must be
done to combat the German peril
just brazenly let loose in our midst.
Organization must be met with or-
ganization. In newspapers, in pul-
31
pits, on the public platform, in clubs
and other social places, wherever
Americans can give voice to their op- |
position to this abhorrent movement
they must make themselves heard.
If, as the Washington meeting an-
nounces, the fight is to be carried into
politics, yet us accept the issue and go
after the destruction of it as we would
go after any foulness in the public
health. But let it be understood, let
it be proclaimed from the housetops,
that this is not a civil war, not a war
between two bodies of Americans. It
is a war between Americans and Ger-
mans. Let the line be drawn sharp
and deep, for all men to see.
An American.
2-2.
Kalamazoo Covets the Next State
Convention.
Kalamazoo, Feb] 15. — Kalamazoo
delegates will be out in earnest at
Lansing next week. Kalamazoo wants
the 1916 convention and means to
kave it.
Inasmuch as the Celery City hus
endeavored for three years past to
bring the convention to Kalamazoo,
but has very courteously waived its
rights in favor of Flint, Grand Rap-
ids and Lansing, it seems no more
than fair that the delegates from the
three cities mentioned should turn in
and help us this time.
Some of the older delegates will
remember the splendid entertainment
which the Kalamazoo boys gave the
State convention on the occasion of
the last convention, some twelve or
thirteen years ago.
Kalamazoo has a larger organiza-
tion now, a barrel of money and much
enthusiasm, and if the delegates go
to Kalamazoo next year, there will
be something doing every minute.
Among the delegates elected to
go to Lansing this year are R. Bell,
Henry Schaberg, Wm. Moerdyke,
Frank Toonder, H. J. Van Bochove,
F. McQueen, Geo. Freeman, Samuel
Poelstra, Walter P. Johnston.
Walter P. Johnston, Sec’y.
Oe
The Grand Rapids night school stu-
dents in salesmanship are rejoicing
over the fact that they have secured
the official lecturer, H. L. Fogleman,
of the Sheldon School of Salesman-
ship, to give a lecture on Personali-
ty in Salesmanship at the Central
High auditorium Friday evening, Feb.
19. This class is composed of 125
young men, all live wires, who work
at their vocation in the day time and
study how to become more efficient
in the evening. Numerous local men
have addressed the class during the
winter. The young men realize the
opportunities in their chosen profes-
sion, hence they are going out to sell
tickets for the lecture and put their
training in practice. They want others
to realize the opportunities offered.
ar nnn a
What will you give to be thought
the most accommodating business
man in town? You can have the repu-
tation without any money cost if you
will take pains to please people.
Size
30x3
30x 3%
32x 3%
34x4
DIAMOND TIRES
NEW FAIR PRICE LIST
Smooth Tread Squeegee Tread
$ 9.00 $ 9.45
11.60 12.20
13.35 14.00
19.40 20 35
Other sizes reduced in about the same proportion.
carry all regular sizes in stock,
SHERWOOD HALL CO., LTD., Distributors
30-32 Ionia Ave., N. W., Grand Rapids, Mich.
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February 17, 1915
Some of the Possibilties in Poultry
Specialties.
Written for the Tradesman.
Poultry specialties represent good
profits for the general merehant—
particularly for that merchant who
has some specific knowledge of poul-
try raising and takes a genuine in-
terest in fine fowl. At this particu-
lar time, with spring approaching,
poultry lines are exceptionally sea-
sonable, and should be energetical-
ly pushed, where they are handled at
all. For, whatever is worth handling
is certainly worth pushing.
The merchant who thus links up
with the poultry fanciers is part of
a sort of endless chain, which yields
him at least three good possibilties of
profit. In the first place, he can pur-
chase and retail to the fanciers the
eggs for hatching. Of course, for
this purpose ordinary store eggs won’t
do; the merchant must get in touch
with fanciers who have high grade
eggs to sell for hatching, and these
will usually be very glad of the re-
tailer’s co-operation in extending their
sales. A little later, with the hatch-
ing of chicks, comes the demand for
poultry feed, tonics, regulators, char-
coal, lime, grit and other incidentals,
to keep them thriving. Still later
the merchant handles the finished
product, the broilers and subsequently
the fresh eggs—which is getting back
to the staring point, and completing
the chain.
If you intend to go after this busi-
ness at all, it will pay you to go after
it energetically and intelligently. A
pre-requisite to success is a complete
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
stock of poultry specialties. The
poultry fancier is glad to be in touch
with a store where he can buy any-
thing and everything he needs and re-
ly upon getting it every time.
Next, you should read up on poul-
try to some extent, and get in touch
personally with the leading fanciers
in your town and vicinity. Talk hen
with them, now and then—the pro-
fessional poultryman likes to discuss
his birds, the amateur poultryman en-
joys it even more; and this swapping
of opinions with men who know the
subject will add to your own poultry
knowledge, while at the same time in-
creasing your circle of steady cus-
tomers. You can rely upon it that
the poultry fancier will buy prefer-
ably where his interests are known
and where the storekeeper’s attitude
is sympathetic.
Finally, go after the business ener-
getically. It isn’t an overcrowded
field in most localities. Stock the
goods; and give them a special de-
partment or counter in your store,
and an occasional window display.
The range of stock is wider than
most merchants are apt to think.
There are many varieties of poultry
food, poultry tonics, egg producers
and the like. The stock will include
charcoal, grit, lime, insectides of var-
ious sorts, cut clover or alfalfa, cut
bone, and mechanical devices of vari-
ous sorts, such as egg carriers, bas-
kets, boxes, nest devices—as well as
the inevitable china egg. Then, too,
there is the demand for poultry net-
ting to be reckoned with.
While winter weather still lingers,
egg producers can be pushed. With
eggs retailing from 3c to 4c each and
upward, it pays the poultry raiser to
spend some money in stimulating pro-
duction. The pushful dealer who calls
the poultry raiser’s attention to his
stock ought to increase his normal
sales considerably, right now. This
in turn, paves the way for the hatch-
ing ege business, and the chick spe-
cialties which will be in season after
March 1.
All sorts of advertising ideas can
be adapted to this line of business.
One merchant in a small town offers
prizes. There is a cash prize of $5
for the largest number of chickens
raised from a single setting in the
hatching season—which in his par-
ticular locality, runs through March,
April and May. Another cash prize
is offered for the largest number of
chicks hatched and raised to maturi-
ty by any customer of the store.
The stipulation is made confining the
contest to purchasers of a certain
brand of chick feed, for which the
merchant has the exclusive local agen-
cy. Often, instead of cash prizes,
the trophies take the form of poul-
try supplies of one sort and another,
which arouse interest just as keen.
Where goods are offered, there can
be a series of prizes; and it is a rec-
ognized fact that competitors will
usually go into a contest far more
readily where there are a number of
prizes than where there is only one.
Then, too, it pays to get the ad-
dresses of poultry fanciers, profes-
sional and amateur, and to send them
circular letters; or, better still, to get
“estimable service to his own
into personal touch with them. Per-
sonal acquaintance is an important
factor in booming this line of busi- |
ness, particularly where the merchant
is himself interested in poultry rais-
ing and has specific and avaluable
knowledge of the pursuit.
Incidentally, it is worth remember-
ing that any encouragement thus giv-
en to poultry raising helps to solve
the egg problem. There is in every
community a crying need for more
and better egg production; and the
merchant who helps to interest people
in poultry raising along scientific and
up to date lines is rendering an in-
com-
munity, as well as leading his cus-
tomers to take up a business which
is bound, if properly handled, to yield
them good profits.
William Edward Park.
—_+>->___
Valuable.
A tourist in Scotland came to a
wide ferry. It was stormy and the
wind was constantly increasing. The
Scotch ferryman agreed to take the
tourist across, but told him to wait
until he had first taken a cow across.
When he had returned and started
across with the traveler, the latter
became curious.
“Will you tell me why you took the
cow over and made me wait?” he
asked.
“Weel, now,’ explained the ferry-
man, “ye see, the coo wur valuable,
and I feared th’ wind wud increase
so the boat micht upset on th’ second
trip.”
RETAILERS AREN’T DEAD—
THEY'RE ONLY SLEEPING
SOME DAY—SOON—THEY’LL WAKE UP AND WIN
A prominent UNITED STATES SENATOR in answer to an enquiry as to where he stood on the
STEVENS BILL said, in substance, that if he could be assured of the BACKING OF RETAIL MER-
CHANTS, he would vote for the bill, but the retailers do not hang together.
that injures them, they SIMPLY FUSS among themselves, but they never get out and make a fight.
The MAIL ORDER HOUSES WILL MOVE HEAVEN AND EARTH to defeat at the next election
any senator who incurs their ill-will.
The retail merchants of the Country with their clerks of voting age represent close to a MILLION
VOTERS. Senator after senator and representative after representative were elected this fall on margins
so narrow, that the business vote in their states or districts could easily have defeated any or all of them.
The dealer is in a position to get recognition, but he allows himself to be a POLITICAL NON-
ENTITY. Legislative questions, if we only knew it, are of as great importance to us as many of our
trade problems, but we are not taking the interest in legislation that we should.
Politically, retailers have got to become mugwumps; they have got to be ABSOLUTELY INDE-
PENDENT AS TO PARTY, if their interests are to be served. When this is done, every resolution
will carry with it the CERTAINTY THAT THE BUSINESS MEN WILL VOTE AGAINST AND
WORK AGAINST ANY MAN WHO FAILS TO LISTEN.
“Remember the Stevens Bill”
If legislation is passed
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34
SHOULD WORK TOGETHER.
Co-operation Between Farmer and
Business Man.*
The subject given me, “Better Co-
operation Between the Farmer and
the Business Man,” owing to the wide
variation of opinions, is one of the
most difficult that could be placed
on a programme. Were I to take
sides on this subject I might, undoubt
edly, please one side or the other,
however, that is not my aim. The im-
portance of the topic, its co-operation
value and its far reaching influence
on. your community compels me to
handle this subject in a way that I
hope will prove a lasting benefit.
Therefore I shall speak plainly and
try to present the facts as I see them,
but in doing so I assure you I am aim-
ing at no occupation or person and
only desire to say something that
might be of some value to yet all.
T will receive some criticism from
both sides, for both have their critics
and some on each side are so far from
the fold as to make co-operation im-
possible even were you to tender it
to them on their own terms. To them
I hope you will not listen, but rather
listen to and follow your broader
leaders whose farms and stores show
the result of honest toil, whose chief
arguments lie is their acts of gen-
erosity and a desire to be fair. To
them an not to the uncompromising
you must turn in your hour of need
criticise so severely, men who happen
to be engaged in another occupation,
you must turn in your hour of need
or any attempts to co-operate must
fail and vanish, and with it must van-
ish, the fruits of your toil.
I am a thorough believer in organ-
ization for both sides and if organiz-
ations desire to co-operate and bring
about better conditions, they should
choose for their leaders their best and
safest men, men who will narrow any
breach that may exist and not widen
it; men who are successful in the oc-
cupations that they follow and being
successful are entitled to lead others
to success, men who are ready to
sacrifice personal gain for public
good.
You cannot expect a merchant
whose methods are obsolete and
whose views are narrow and who con-
demns every farmer who enters his
town, to co-operate any more than
you can expect a farmer whose fences
are down, his barns untidy, and whose
stock pastures on his neighbors, to
be struck with the co-operative idea.
Both are relics of the past and have
long ago failed to recognize any good
in their fellow man and as such should
be consigned to that humane scrap
heap where worthless objects go, so
as not to impede the progress of their
fellowmen.
All co-operation is based upon con-
fidence and faith in those with whom
you would co-operate. Without faith
in each other you must fail or meet
only partial success. You must do by
those with whom you deal as you
would be done by if you were in their
place. If your fairness, generosity
*Paper read at Antrim County Farm-
ers’ Institute by John A. Lake, the Pe-
toskey grocer.
_ mine what it is to be.
MICHIGAN
and desire to be helpful to others has
grown beyond the realms of selfish-
ness, you are indeed, in a safe condi-
tion to co-operate with and_ bring
about a far better condition for both
yourself and your neighbors. I fancy
I hear some one say, “It cannot be
done, this farmer or that merchant is
too big a hog and wants it all.” To
such let me say, retire to your prem-
ises and don’t dare to again venture
where you will be a stumbling block
to your fellowman. With your de-
parture, an obstacle to the betterment
of your community will have been
removed,
Let us consider a few of the sub-
jects where co-operation would be
beneficial. The real backbone of any
community is its citizens. Raise the
standard of them and you have added
greatly to your assets. In this day
and age of the world, any wide awake
concern would rather enter a city or
country where the standard of its peo-
ple are high. Its chances for success
are far greater, besides it is much
pleasanter to transact a successful
business. Therefore let every com-
munity use the greatest possible care
J. A. Lake.
in the temptations placed before its
young men and young women and re-
member that the boys and girls of to-
day are the men and women of to-
morrow. The training that you give
them will largely determine the future
value to themselves and the communi-
ty. Keep your city clean morally.
No city has a right to allow vice to
exist to pave the way for the down-
fall of its young men and women as
well as those of the surrounding coun-
.try. Therefore you should never re-
lax your co-operation to make your
homes, schools and churches better,
for these together with a child’s nat-
ural ability and the character of its
playmates are the factors that deter-
Your city
schools should always be open to the
boys and girls from the country who
desire to continue a more extensive
course than the country school af-
fords and at the lowest possible cost
I look forward to the time when
every town and city shall maintain
a public rest and reading room at
public expense for the benefit of those
who are detained or wish to spend
the day in the city. But until such a
time comes your merchant can do
TRADESMAN
much by having a few chairs or seats
about your store, not so much for the
benefit of those who desire to chew
tobacco and are careless about where
they spit, as for the benefit of the
tired women and children who are
compelled to walk the streets. See
to it that people who desire to make
your store their headquarters are
made to feel welcome and you have.
done much toward making your town
the most important trading center in
your community.
A business holiday in which all mer-
chants, farmers and city laboring
men and their families take part, be-
come acquainted and enjoy them-
selves generally, is to be commended
and will prove beneficial. It also of-
fers an excellent place to discuss pub-
lic questions.
A city and country clean up day in
which your lawns, highways, alleys,
streets and all private and _ public
grounds are cleaned and _ beautified,
should exist in every community. Ar-
bor Day should be made the most of
by both city and country by the gen-
erous planting of shrubs and trees.
Farmers also appreciate a good and
safe place to hitch and care for their
teams, good watering troughs, clean
streets and safe and easy access to a
place where they market their pro-
duce.
Country roads should receive a
great deal of attention. Your trunk
roads should be State rewards. Good
roads greatly reduce the cost of
marketing produce for the farmer,
draw patrons from a much greater dis-
tance to your markets and adds great-
ly to the appearance of your coun-
try. It also induces new and better
settlers and adds to the value of real
estate in both country and city. I
am pleased to say that Mancelona is
a leader on this subject and needs
no advice but rather credit for the
great work you have done on coun-
try roads.
The subject, by far, needing your
greater co-operation at present and
the one I shall give most of my time
to is your coming markets and es-
pecially on live stock, poultry and
small produce. These markets depend
on many things, such as the quality
and quantity of the produce offered,
nearness to the great markets. where
the produce is consumed, the charac-
ter and reliability of the men handling
your produce and your means of
transportation. All our Northern cities
have been handicapped more or less
in the past and will be some in the
future until the quality and quantity
offered warrants some good and re-
liable firms to stay permanently with
us. You are well looked after in
the marketing of your potatoes and
grain but you were unfortunate for
some years in the marketing of live-
stock. Your local men took every-
thing offered regardless of the quality
at the same price, thus placing a prem-
ium on poor quality. These animals
which were not consumed at home
were sent to nearby towns and were
not always satisfactory, hence people
who wanted such goods went where
they could better depend upon the
shipper and the quality of goods ship-
February 17, 1915
ped. If outside butchers want your
beef it is for the meat and not the
hides and bones. If they want chick-
ens it is the bird and not the feath-
ers that they are after. There is
not an outside shipper but knows
well the probable condition of any
article shipped from a certain locality.
And the place. that can furnish the
best goods gets the preference even
at a better price.
To bring up your market here it
will be necessary that you get your
stock and fowls in shape before you
offer it for sale. It will be neces-
sary that your local buyer grade it
when he buys it. It is necessary
that both buyer and seller should
work together to both increase the
quantity and also the better the qual-
ity of what you raise, for the more
you produce and the better it is, the
more will be the demand from this
locality and the better the price will
be. Large concerns, such as will pay
the best prices, will not enter a lo-
cality unless stock exists in sufficient
quantities to pay, and any large con-
cern when they enter a territory and
do not find conditions right or stock in
sufficient quality does not return but
goes some place where conditions are
better. I am going to furnish you
with a few illustrations of the effect
of this. When we first purchased
a store here we shipped a great deal
up to Petoskey which worked nicely
while we were here ourselves, but the
man we left in charge sent us so
much poor produce we were. not
breaking even so had to stop shipping
for months. We have had veals ship-
ped us of such poor quality that we
never cut them up on _ the _ block,
Many of the chickens run thin, and
we were unable to better conditions,
so ultimately had to stop shipping
until Mr. Holbrook took charge of
affairs. I well recall one veal I pur-
chased while here, giving the com-
mon regulations for dressing it. The
man brought it in with head and hoofs
on and when asked why he did so he
told me he went to see another
butcher and was told I was putting
it over on him. You can see how
long a person would continue to ship
under those conditions if they could
better conditions elsewhere. Two
years ago Mr. Holbrook reported to
us that he wished we could send some
one down to pick up the surplus cat-
tle. We sent our best shipper from
Petoskey and after driving around
three days, he returned dissatisfied
after having bought five or six cattle.
I have tried to get him back since
stock was plentiful but without effect,
although he comes as far as Alba and
Bellaire for stock many times during
the year. I am informed that one of
your local men brought a man in this
fall to buy up the surplus hogs, but
after traveling about three days and
offering a fair price for hogs alive,
he gave up and returned. This same
thing was done at Petoskey and the
company who made the effort after-
ward informed me that had they been
able to locate the car they would have
lost money on it, owing to the slump
that followed. This effort to co-oper-
ate is discouraging to your merchant
4
February 17, 1915
unless his efforts bring success, and
it is seldom the same company will
come back again.
It is decidedly to the interest of your
local merchant htat you have a good
market for this surplus, as it great-
ly increases his sales and enables him
to use select produce instead of using
everything. It encourages you to
raise more and better produce and
it brings a great deal of outside
money into your neighborhood, thus
increasing your wealth. But the ship-
ping business is not all profit as our
experience on a car of poultry will
show. So many farmers up our way
had turkeys, away beyond local con-
sumption and it was evident some one
must ship them out. We ordered a
car and advertised for all kinds of
poultry and when the day came the
farmers came from miles around with
their surplus poultry. Often during
the day we had five or six teams
waiting in line to unload and by night
we had paid out practically $1,000.
Then our trouble began. No. car
came. We put them in coops, hired
men to care for them over Sunday.
We shipped Monday expecting to
meet the poultry car at Traverse City,
it failed to get there and they did
not know when it would be,.so we
hired them dressed and shipped to
various places, and to date we have
not received our initiative cost of
the poultry alone. In spite of this
trouble we are going to promise you
two cars of poultry out of here next
year, one before Thanksgiving and
one before Christmas, both starting
from Petoskey and finishing here, and
we ask you people to co-operate with
us by furnishing us with a liberal
supply of choice number one poul-
try. The better the quality is the
better the price will be, and the more
sure you will be of having it repeat-
ed year after year.
A new market of generous propor-
tions will also open to the North
next year. A large concern with an
excellent reputation and money back
of them has purchased a sight and
will erect a large cold storage plant
at Petoskey to be operated in connec-
tion with their sales department. They
expect to handle nearly everything in
the line of produce from the farm.
This means if properly co-operated
with, a steady market at all times. It
means. that instead of shipping in pro-
duce to compete with you, they ex-
pect to ship your produce into other
neighborhoods to compete somewhere
else. In my judgment this is the most
important transaction for the bene-
fit of the farmer and business man
alike that has ever taken place in the
Northern part of Michigan. Our store
here will assist it in every way pos-
sible just as it will at Petoskey, and
with your co-operation it may be the
forerunner of many institutions just
such as this section of Michigan needs
to develop it markets and utilize its
labor.
Now don’t think that I am scolding
or finding fault, but these are facts
and my regrets are expressed when I
say that the men who need this criti-
cism the worst do _ not attend
Farmers’ Institutes, and I cannot
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
reach them. Most of you people
have good produce and it is fully 50
per cent. better on the average than
when we came here four years ago.
You people present can do a great
work by encouraging your neighbors
to raise the best produce they know
how, and just think what it would
mean to your markets if butter, eggs,
beef, pork and poultry would be-
come famous if shipped from Man-
celona.
Your location and possibilties make
that possible.
Every article that can be made,
raised or purchased in Mancelona
should be used by our consumers.
Every dollar sent out of your com-
munity is a dollar that has been pro-
duced here and sent away to enrich
other communities and in the future
must be taxed there. Both _ sides
should be fair and just in this mat-
ter, and always give your home farm-
er and merchant a preference. Both
need your support. Both are labor-
ers and producers that enrich your
community and are decided assets.
Neither of you can well stand alone
and your future lies in doing right
by each other. It is far better to
have a population evenly distributed
Over our great country than to al-
low some states to point with pride
to its city of millions. How long
could New York, Chicago and other
great cities survive if thrown on their
own resources? Not long I am sure.
The business tactics that two many
of us pursue makes them like a great
octupus whose wealth is added to
each year by drawing on every com-
munity to contribute to its support.
Far better for us if we keep and sup-
port Michigan and the more even we
support it the more even will its
wealth and population be distributed.
These are only a few of the sub-
jects that come up in common _ in
every community. There is no sub-
ject but is of common interest to
you both, and if it is of special bene-
fit to either side and damage to
neither, then there is a just reason
why you should work for and not
against it. So I appeal to both sides
to stop knocking, bury your ham-
mer, get down to business and find
out the pleasure and the profit of a
good, well supported, well balanced
and harmonious community. It’s
yours for the asking but neither need
ask alone.
—_—_2->___
Couldn’t See a Miracle.
The lawyer asked the witness if an
incident previously alluded to wasn’t
a miracle, and the witness said he
didn’t know what a miracle was.
“Oh, come,” said the attorney.
“Supposing you were looking out of
a window in the twentieth story of
a building and should fall out and not
be injured. What would yo call that?”
“An accident,” was the reply.
“Yes, yes; but what else would you
call it? Suppose you were doing the
same thing next day; suppose you
looked out of the same window and
fell out, and again should find your-
self not injured, what would you call
that?”
“A coincidence,’
,
said the witness.
“Oh, come now,” the lawyer began
again. “I want you to understand
what a miracle is, and I’m sure you
do. Now, just suppose that on the
third day you were looking out of
the twentieth story of a building and
fell out, and struck your head of the
pavement twenty stories below and
were not in the least injured. What
would you call it?”
“Three times?” said the witness,
rousing a little from _ his
“Well, I'd call that a habit.”
apathy,
Light Given Back by Colored Sur-
faces,
Dark blue reflects 6% per cent. o!
the light falling upon it.
Dark green, about 10 per cent.
Pale red, a little more than 16 per
cent.
35
Dark yellow, 20 per cent.
Pale blue, 30 per cent.
Pale yellow, 40 per cent.
Pale green, 46% per cent.
Pale orange, nearly 55 per cent.
Pale white, 70 per cent.
A window finished in l'ght oak can
be lighted with much less wattage
than a window finished in dark ma-
hogany; likewise, a window in which
white goods are displayed, can be
lighted much more economically than
a window for a display of dark cloth-
ing, furniture or hardware, such as
stoves, tools and goods of a like
nature.
i
If you are not pleasant and agree-
able to people habitually, you may
be sure they will do business with
you from necessity rather than choice.
pace AN) Ne
a
| ee da
; CHICASY:
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IT’S THE HE
IGHT OF THE
COFFEE SEASON
And every day must be made to Count, if
you would show that your coffee depart-
ment is really a feature in your business as
it may be if you will handle
“WHITE HOUSE”
og
Distributed at Wholesale by
Judson Grocer Co., Grand Rapids, Mich.
fixtures.
Clothing Merchants
The Gannon-Paine Co’s entire stock of Circassian Walnut
Clothing, Hat and Overcoat Wall Cabinets; Plate Glass Show
Cases, etc., must be moved March 1, 1915.
This is an opportunity for you to equip your store with
strictly Up-to-Date Fixtures and Furniture at a great saving,
and furthermore we will take in exchange any of your
803-805 Monroe Ave.
Grand Rapids Merchandise & Fixtures Co.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
eee enone ae enatakeeuaeedl
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Re eters eee eres
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MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
Building Up a Profitable Repair Busi-
ness,
Written for the Tradesman.
Several times during the last year
or two I have called attention in these
columns to the phenomenal growth
of the shoe repair business. Doubt-
less the principal reason for the in-
crease of repair work must be attrib-
uted to the introduction of modern
machinery. Power-driven machinery
in a repair shop is a decided advant-
age in several ways. It enables the
repair man to turn out work quick-
ly, neatly, and (relatively speaking)
inexpensively.
One of the standing objections to
the old-fashioned shoe cobbler was
that he was mortally slow. He was
brought up in a leisurely atmosphere.
His methods of going about the job
were slow. And furthermore he was
ordinarily not averse to interruptions.
He was willing to stop work and talk
with almost anybody, and at any time.
Patrons had to wait-on the cobbler’s
convenience. The shoes might be
ready when you called; and again they
might not. But the modern repair
shop is a strictly business institution.
Work is systematized, and put
through with promptness.
And the work is neatly done. The
average repair shop of to-day is able
to re-bottom or half sole a pair of
shoes in a workmanlike manner, so
that, if the uppers are sound the
shoes look almost as good as new—
and generally feel better than new
ones to the feet inside. The mod-
ern edge-trimmer and heel-burnisher
are a great improvement over the tra-
ditional finishing processes of the old-
time cobbler,
And, of course, the work can be
done at a more nominal price. Oper-
ations that used to require hours are
now done in minutes. And there is
a further saving in the buying of ma-
terials due to their being purchased
in greater quantities. In other words,
the repair business has grown to be
a real business.
Making a Feature of Repair Work.
Shoe dealers and others who solicit
repair work, ought to consider it
worth while. If it’s worth doing at
all, it is worth doing well. And one
never can do much with his repair
business unless he really makes a
feature of it. Play it up for all it is
worth. Give it the same care.and at-
tention you bestow upon other fea-
tures of your business. Look upon
it as a form of public service in which
less than your very best is not
enough.
‘The repair business is growing.
People used to say that the shoe re-
pair business was a sort of barometer
of business conditions; that it drop-
ped off when times were good, and
increased inversely as other classes of
business slumped. But this has ceas-
ed to be a correct statement of the
situation. I have it, on the authority
of a number of first class repair men,
that more shoes are repaired in pros-
perous times than in less prosperous
days; that the repair business of to-
day suffers when other lines of busi-
ness suffer; that the more a com-
munity prospers, the more work the
repair shops of the community re-
ceive from week to week.
And, if one stops to think about the
matter somewhat, one can readily see
why this is true. A fairly good-look-
ing and serviceable pair of shoes may
reach a certain stage where new heels
or soles, or both, would be distinct-
ly advantageous to the wearer both
in point of looks, wear and comfort;
and yet if the job should cost sixty-
five or seventy-five cents—and it isn’t
convenient to the owner just at that
time to spare this trivial sum—he may
easily decide to get on with them a
few weeks without the needed repairs.
And, naturally, when times are hard,
there will be a larger number of
people who will assume this attitude.
It may be poor economics, but any-
how it’s the way the average human
biped argues—and acts. On the other
hand, when times are flourishing, there
will naturally be a proportionately
larger number of people in every com-
munity who will respond to impulse
to have their shoes repaired prompt-
ly when such repairs are needed.
And here is where the shoe dealer
who does repair work, and the propri-
etor of the repair shop, have an ed-
ucational duty — and opportunity.
Prove to the people that it is a most
mistaken idea of economy to allow
shoes to deteriorate rapidly because
of needed repairs that are neglected.
There is much that may be said along
this line. For instance, a pair of
rounded heels throws the shoes out
of plumb and places abnormal strains
at certain points; how thin, worn-
through soles permits. the dampness
to penetrate the shoe and undermine
its foundation; how a small break any-
where develops into a more serious
defect, if not attended to at the proper
Jn Demand Everywhere
Don’t let Chicago Mail Order Houses get
all the profits. Make it known to your
trade that you have
Rouge Rex Shoes
for men’s and boys’ hard wear, and other
Hirth-Krause Shoes for all other require-
ments for men, women and children.
Planet Line welts for men
Ruth shoes for women
Playmate shoes for children
Glove rubbers for all.
Stock these goods, and show your trade how
much better you can serve them personally than any
other firm can possibly do at long range.
You will please them, satisfy them, save them
money and swell your profits. Write us. Let us tell
you how we can help you.
HIRTH-KRAUSE COMPANY
Hide to Shoe
Tanners and Shoe Manufacturers
Grand Rapids, Michigan
STOCK UP FOR SPRING ON THESE
Pioneer--Good Service Numbers
In Stock for
At Once
Shipment
Orders
Solicited
No. 884—Men’s 12 inch Black Norway Chrome Uppers, % Double Sole, Re-inforced
Shank, Nailed Bottom, Fair Stitched, Large Nickle Hooks and Eyes, Four
inch cuffs with Buckles and Straps. Full Bellows Tongue, Blucher, ex-
actly like cut.......-. sete estes eeeeee es per ede teins Scstneeecesss cen asccsressehs ss oce. $3 25
No. 8883—Same only Regular six inch Blucher tip...... 1.0... 0.220 eeeeeeeeeseseeeeee scanners 2 25
No. 878—Same only Regular six inch Blucher plain............ 2... ccecee ceeececuccceswceces 2.25
Samples on Request They Wear Like Iron
Herold-Bertsch Shoe Co.
Mfgrs. of Serviceable Footwear GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
February 17, 1915
February 17, 1915
time. It’s all more or less of an ex-
pansion of the old statement— “a
stitch in time saves nine’”—but it’s
true and effective none the less.
Calling for and Delivering Work.
In the repair business it’s the ser-
vice feature that counts big.
There’s not so much difference in
work turned out by present-day re-
pair shops. They all use pretty much
the same machinery, the same meth-
ods, and the same sort of material.
Their jobs look pretty much alike
when finished. And the price has
been fairly well standardized.
But there is often quite a difference
in service of repair shops in a com-
munity. And it is the difference of
service that tells the story.
I know of a repair man who is
making a notable success of his busi-
ness just because he has introduced
high grade service into it. He is
training his patrons to use the ’phone
—not to bother about bringing their
shoes to his shop, or sending them;
but to merely call him up. He sends
a boy around on a bicycle for them.
When the work is finished, the boy
delivers the shoes, neatly done up in
a parcel.
In this way he gets a vast amount
of work that he would otherwise miss.
It isn’t always convenient to take
one’s shoes in person to the repair
shop. Somg people have an aversion
to appearing on the street with par-
cels under their arms. It isn’t always
convenient to send some one with
the parcel. It simplifies matters if
the shoe dealer or repair man can
send for, and return, the work. It
removes one of the great hindrances.
And it doesn’t cost much. In fact the
matter of cost for this service isn’t
at all in proportion to the benefit
conferred by it.
At another time I hope to discuss
some matters connected with the ad-
vertising of a repair service, and
show how a very small advertising
appropriation can be made to accom-
plish much in building up a profitable
repair trade. Cid McKay.
—_222>—__—__
Do Away With Mid-Season Styles.
No other question considered last
week at the conventions of retailers
and manufacturers transcended in im-
portance the unanimous conviction
that the practice of introducing new
styles in mid-season is a dangerous
and unprofitable policy for retailers
and manufacturers alike.
The practice of showing new styles
after the traveling salesmen have near-
ly finished or completed their trips,
and when retailers have selected their
styles for a new season in the belief
that what they have bought are the
styles the people will want, is of com-
paratively recent origin with most
manufacturers. A few manufactur-
ers of the highest grades, particularly
women’s footwear, have more or less
always done this, but within the past
year we find that manufacturers of
almost every grade have adopted this
policy in a wholesale way.
In the words of a member of the
National Shoe Retailers’ Association,
who was one of a committee appoint-
to confer with representatives of the
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN : . 3
Last Makers’ Association and the Shoe
Manufacturers’ Association to see if
something could not be done to mini-
mize the introduction of mid-season
styles, it is time that the retailer stood
up and asserted his rights and emphat-
ically objected to this practice.
The style situation and the “novelty
game” is complex enough without
making it more puzzling, as well as
an extremely disturbing factor to busi-
ness, by introducing mid-season styles.
The practice is absolutely unfair to
the retailer. Shoe buying has greatly
changed in recent years; retailers are
placing smaller orders for advance
delivery; many are depending - upon
the stock departments for the newest
styles; manufacturers complain be-
cause of small orders and traveling
salesmen say “ditto.” This condition
is now accentuated and buying made
more difficult and dangerous with
greater risks and losses forced upon
the retailer, by mid-season styles.
Until now the retailer has been
forced to hold the bag and assume all
the risk in picking his styles, but it
seems as if he is about ready to place
the bag in the hands of the manufac-
turer.
At any rate, there is no doubting the
temper of retailers toward mid-season
styles. The rank and file of the trade
is opposed to the practice, but it is
for them to demonstrate to the man-
ufacturer in a forceful manner that if
he introduces new styles in the mid-
dle of a season that he must assume
whatever risk goes with them.—Shoe
Retailer.
—_——_»- +. —___-
“Burned Shoe” Kicks.
Isn’t it true that every man who
carries his own risk on an article
will exercise diligente and care in its
protection?
Shoes are the rank exception.
Over half the claims that come back
to dealer are shoes that have been
exposed to heat. This destroys the
fiber in the leather, causing it to
break up, and to seem in that partic-
ular place to be “just rotten.”
No! This couldn’t happen before it
came to the wearer. Unless it were
sound, the leather would not stand
the heavy strain of being pulled over
the last.
All leather is tanned in liquor, so,
if damaged in one spot, it could not
be sound in the rest of the shoe.
Few people realize just when a shoe
is burned, and most of them are per-
fectly sincere in declaring it couldn’t
have happened to them.
Many of us never know when we
run over a nail, but the puncture is
there all the same.
Before returning a shoe that has
these symptoms, take it to your local
cobbler and ask his frank opinion.
If it is a “burned shoe,” don’t send
it back to the manufacturer or jobber.
Play fair—Boot and Shoe Retailer.
__ _ 5 —_
A Judicial Error.
A colored gentleman on trial for
his life in a remote Tennessee town,
was asked by the judge if he had any-
thing to say, whereupon he replied:
“All I has to say is this, Judge: If
you hang me, you hangs the best bass
singer in Tennessee.”
The Hood Plymouth Line
“Is the Line For Me”
That’s what a man who does hard work said.
That’s what they all say, too—
Because
They
Wear
Made in Storm (called Plymouth Waverley)
Made in Low Cut (called Plymouth Overs)
Like cut
Plymouth Plymouth
Waverley Over
Men's Bedford, W. and London, F. W. 6-12............ $0.82 $0.80
Boys’ London, F. 24-6.... 2.3226, .70 ‘66
Youths’ London, F. H7 ee: .60 .06
Women’s Heel, Opera, F. De ak. .63 o
Misses’ Half Heel, Opera, F. 1-7... 2... 155
Child’s Spring Heel, Opera, F. 41054. .<5.....- .48
An extra quality rubber. Save that 5% discount.
Grand RapidsShoe & Rubber (6.
The Michigan People Grand Rapids
ag
Our Yard Wide Shoe
A New “Eight Wide” Last
Giving an abundance of room across the ball of the
foot, yet neat and dressy in appearance.
We carry this shoe in stock in gun metal, vici and
kangaroo leathers.
Rindge, Kalmbach, Logie Company
‘Makers of Shoes that Wear” Grand Rapids, Mich.
MICHIGAN
TRADESMAN
February 17, 1915
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Michigan Poultry, Butter and Egg Asso-
clation.
President—H. L. Williams, Howell.
Vice-President—J. W. Lyons, Jackson.
Secretary and Treasurer—D. A. Bent-
ley, Saginaw.
Executive Committee—F. A. Johnson,
Detroit; Frank P. Van Buren, Williams-
ton; C. J. Chandler, Detroit.
Fresh Cheese Driving Out
Cheese.
Well cured cheese, once so popu-
lar, has been compelled to take a back
seat; indeed, the eclipse has been so
complete that it is becoming hard for
the customer to buy aged cheese at
all.
Exhaustive enquiries have not only
served to establish this fact beyond
question, but have also unearthed sev-
eral good reasons why this condition
has developed.
Cured
The primary cause lies in the desire
of the dealers, manufacturers, ship-
pers, commission men and wholesale
grocers, to turn money invested in
cheese as often as possible. This is
necessary in order to realize any prof-
it on a year’s business, as the mar-
gin on cheese is small and the cost
of storage great, not to’ mention the
danger of a sudden drop in the mar-
ket. These combined circumstances
compel the dealer to get his cheese off
his hands as soon as possible, so that /
it is becoming a hard matter to buy
cheese which is more than three or
four months old. Most of the cheese
manufactured is in the hands of the
wholesale grocer within one to five
weeks after leaving the factory. Thus,
in a fashion, green cheese is being
poked down the throats of consum-
ers. They must eat gréen cheese or
none. This is too swift an age for
either dealers or consumers to sit
around six months waiting for cheese
in storage to become venerable. The
consumer demand is great, and it suits
the purpose of the dealer to satisfy
that demand in a hurry, which gives
cheese small chance to grow old.
The younger generation prefers
green cheese, according to one deal-
er, because it looks brighter and bet-
ter than aged cheese, albeit that the
latter is about ten times more di-
gestible. Most of the aged cheese is
eaten by alien families, who, by the
way, consume more cheese of all
kinds than our native sons. They
eat Brick, American and Limburger
cheese, and the older the better—
cheese three times a day, in salads,
soups, and without bread. One prom-
inent cheese dealer on South Water
street, Chicago, swears he could write
a strong article proving that the glow-
ing good health of the peoples of
Northern Europe is due to their
heavy consumption of cheese!
Of necessity, the foreign cheeses
which come to this country, including
Edam, Roquefort, Rejjaino, Limberg-
er and Romano, are aged. There
are two reasons. One is that a month
is required for transit. The other is
that our good neighbors across the
pond have not yet caught the idea—
they are not in a hurry—and will not
buck at keeping cheese in storage six
months, in order that it may emerge
in the condition which they consider
correct. The difference between the
European and American viewpoints
is well expressed when we say that
in Europe the manufacture of cheese
is an art, while in America it is a
business.
Of course, the new taste for green
cheese has not affected the palates of
all consumers. Many old-timers still
insist that the cupboard should con-
tain no cheese less than six months
old. They still cry for cheese that
crumbles in their fingers and pos-
sesses that sharp, nut-like tang.
—_+->____
Triumph of the Italian Tomato.
Washington, Feb. 15.—The tomaio
was given to ‘the world by America.
but Italy is to-day teaching the rest
of the world by example how it should
be raised and how it should be pre-
served. Italian canned tomatoes have
practically pushed the American prod-
uct out of the English market, and
have gained an enormous market in
the United States. The Italians raise
a solid meaty tomato of fine color
and it is so packed in the cans that
the consumer is not obliged to pay
for a large perventage of water.
Canned tomatoes, however, are put
up principally for the export trade.
The Italians themselves prefer their
tomatoes in the form of
paste, which is nothing more nor less
than boiled down tomato pulp, minus
the skins and seeds, as set forth in
an interesting manner in a report by
Commercial Agent J. Alexis Shriver
entitled, “Canned-Tomato Industry in
Italy,’ recently issued by the Bureau
of Foreign and Domestic Commerce.
This sauce is put up in cans and is
used by the Italians in a great va-
ricty of dishes, of which spaghetti is
perhaps the most familiar to Ameri-
cans.
According to fairly accurate statist-
tics the area planted in tomatoes in
italy is about 22,000 acres, producing
about 385,000 tons. The exports to
the United States amount to about
20,000 pounds of canned tomato and
tomato satice, the some_ 8,000,000
pounds of the product go to South
America. The total value of the to-
mato exports from Italy is well over
$6,000,000.
The skins and seeds that were for-
merly wasted are now utilized, the
former as stock feed and the latter
as a source of oil. The crude oil is
suitable for soap making and for
lamps, and refined oil is said to be
edible. Commercial Agent Shriver’s
report, Special Agent Series No. 93,
sauce, or:
may be obtained from the Superin-
tendent of Documents, Governmen:
Printing Office, Washington, at 5
cents a copy.
Shippers of live poultry through the
West are reported as considerably up
in arms. Shipments of live poultry
in Iowa in the future will be few,
according to statements made to the
Interstate Commerce Commission by
shippers when a suspension
creased freight rates was asked. The
Interstate Commerce Commission
notified the council recently that the
suspension had been denied. This
means, apparently that live poultry
will be classed as third instead of
fourth class freight. The increase in
rates is from 10 to 40 per cent. The
rate on dressed poultry has not been
changed.
—_+ + >—____
A Choice.
A little girl about six years old was
visiting friends, and during the course
of the conversation one of them re-
marked:
“T hear you have a new little sister.”
“Yes,” answered the little girl.
“just two weeks old.”
“Did you want it to be a little girl?”
asked the friend.
“No, I wanted it to be a boy,” she
replied, -“but it came while I was at
school.”
NOT A LUXURY
The many uses and
economy of
Mapleine
classify it as a necessity that
goes far and costs little. As
a flavoring it is very popular.
Order from
Louis Hilfer Co.
4 Dock St., Chicago, Ill.
CRESCENT MFG. CO.
Seattle, Wash.
of in-
Py
GRAND RAPIDS 5
Satisfy and Multiply
Flour Trade with
“Purity Patent” Flour
Grand Rapids Grain & Milling Co.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Rea & Witzig
PRODUCE
COMMISSION
MERCHANTS
104-106 West Market St.
Buffalo, N. Y.
Established 1873
Liberal shipments of Live and
Dressed Poultry wanted, and good
prices are being obtained. Fresh
eggs plenty and selling s’ow at
quotation.
Dairy and Creamery Butter of
all grades in demand. We solicit
your consignments, and promise
prompt returns.
Send for our weekly price cur-
rent or wire for special quota-
* tions.
Refer you to The Peop!es Bank
of Buffalo, all Commercial Agen-
cies and to hundreds of shippers
everywhere.
HART GRAND CANNED GOODS
Packed by
W. R. Roach & Co., Hart, Mich.
Michigan People Want Michigan Products
Geo. L. Collins & Co.
Wholesale Live and Dressed Poultry,
Calves, Butter, Eggs and Country Produce.
29 Woodbridge St. West
DETROIT, MICH.
AS SURE AS THE
SUN RISES
Voist's
ONO
eee
Makes Best Bread
and Pastry
BEANS
Pea Beans, Red Kidney, Brown Swedish. Send
us samples of what you have for sale. Write or tele-
phone. Always in the market to buy beans, clover
seed.
Both Phones 1217 MOSELEY BROTHERS Grand Rapids, Mich.
30 Ionia Avenue
If You Have
GOOD POTATOES
to offer let us hear from you.
If you are in the market, glad to quote you delivered prices in car lots.
H. E. MOSELEY CO.
F, T. MILLER,”Gen. Manager
Grand Rapids
Use Tradesman Coupons
February 17, 1915
Relation of Apples and Health.
Chicago, Feb. 13.—The writer takes
the liberty of enclosing a clipping
written by the famous writer and lec-
turer, Elbert Hubbard, and published
in the Chicago Examiner of February
9,
Your very able journal has always
displayed a good collection of choice
articles and it may be called in trade
circles “The Review of Reviews,” or,
as the writer would put it more pleas-
antly, “Reviews of the Choicest
Things in Mercantile Life.”
Coyne Bros.
Apples and Health.
A doctor’s bill doesn’t always have
to be paid at once. Apples are gen-
erally bought for cash.
But in the long run apples are much
cheaper than medical service. The
old maxim still holds, “An apple a
day keeps the doctor away.”
Asa race we have never had enough
fruit. We have lived too much on
meat and white flour. Any doctor
will tell you that there are a hundred
diseases that would absolutely dis-
appear if we would adopt a fruit diet,
say for one meal a day.
Apples agree with every one. Ap-
ples tend to modify the demands of
the meat trust, increase the flow of
bile, and their plentiful use will add
to our happiness and length of days
by eliminating the dregs of much pes-
simistic theology that yet clogs our
social system.
In apple*season, when you saunter
through an American’ orchard and
see a pile of Nature’s Health Nug-
gets, you think of a painting by Tur-
ner. Old Sol has dipped into Mother
Earth’s palette and colored them with
gold, russet and vermilion drawn out
of the soil, and then flavored them
with an Elysian essence.
Later, man learned to co-operate by
spraying the trees, irrigating, plow-
ing and leveling the soil. And it came
to pass that the world learned that
art in apple culture paid.
The apple growers of California,
Oregon, Washington and Colorado
were the orchard teachers of this
country. They made the farmers of
the East realize that apples might
well be taken seriously—that they
were not a sort of garden truck.
The Hood River Valley apples have
attained an international reputation.
This Hood River Valley is one of the
most picturesque and beautiful spots
one can imagine. The cool nights
and the warm sunshine of the days
seem to contribute exactly the right
conditions for apple culture. How-
ever, there are many other districts
that can produce just as good fruit
as the Hood River Valley, provided
the same amount of genius is brought
to bear.
I admire the Hood River Valley
apples, but I admire the Hood River
people more. They have brought gen-
ius to bear in the business of apple
culture and apple salesmanship. They
know how to prepare their wares for
the market in the most attractive
shape. _
Many American apples command a
price in England. I have paid a shill-
ing for an American apple and had
it brought in on a silver platter with
the original wrapper on it, duly served
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN : 39
by a flunky in side whiskers, who ex-
pected a tip for his genius in selec-
tion. And, really, I was a little proud
of the fact that people in America
occasionally do their work so superb-
ly well.
And, as the years go by, apple cul-
ture will receive a degree of atten-
tion that it has never had before.
Fruits, vegetables and poultry are
now being regarded just as import-
ant as corn, wheat and oats, and per-
haps a little more so.
We prefer to buy our doctors by
the barrel, bushel or box, rather than
by the “call.”
—_+--~>—__—_
Money in Waste Paper.
Dealers should be familiar with the
advantages of baling their waste pa-
per. The amount of waste paper
which accumulates in the average
store is very large. Getting rid of it
is somewhat of a problem.
There are several types of baling
machines on the market, some of
which are run by electricity. Baled
waste paper sells for from $5 to $8
a ton, the price depending on its
quality and the locality in which it is
sold.
A further consideration in favor of
the paper-baler is the elimination of
fire risk, and a saving of space that
is taken up by the accumulation of
loose waste paper.
Immense quantities of waste paper
are taken from the subway, and the
large office buildings in New York
every day. Its sales brings in many
thousands of dollars during the year.
There is no reason why the retail
dealer should not also turn this item
of waste into one of profit. In an
economy and efficiency survey waste
paper should be accounted for.
oo
Ice Cream by Mail.
A Nyack, N. Y., ice cream man is
shipping ice cream by parcel post.
He has devised a special package for
the purpose. It is a box made of cork
slab protected on the outside and
holds a quart of ice cream. The box
weighs four pounds and the can of
cream two pounds, making six pounds
in all—five pounds less than the limit
allowed in the parcel post. The man-
ufacturer expects to deliver ice cream
to other patrons by the same method
of preservation thus doing away with
the large buckets or tubs packed with
ice. This invention was thought out
by the manufacturer long before the
parcel post service went into effect,
and it was designed to deliver cream
anywhere without the inconvenience
of packed ice. The ice cream will
keep perfectly for five hours in this
package.
—__2-+-.—____
By watching the periodicals in Na-
tional circulation merchants can see
which of the goods being handled by
him are Nationally advertised. By
cutting out such advertisements and
using them as part of a window card,
announcing that the goods advertis-
ed are in the hands of the merchant,
many new patrons can be induced to
give the store a trial, and if the mer-
chant cannot convert them into regu-
lar patrons there is something wrong
with his salesmanship.
POTATO BAGS
New and second-hand, also bean bags, flour
bags, etc. Quick shipments our pride. pure food laws of every State and of
the United States.
ROY BAKER Manufactured by Wells & Richardson Co.
Wm. Alden Smith Bldg. Grand Rapids, Mich. Burlington, Vt.
Dandelion Vegetable Butter Color
A perfectly Pure Vegetable Butter
Color and one that complies with the
Make Qut Your Bills
THE
Save Time and Errors.
Send for Samples and Circular—Free.
Barlow Bros., Grand Rapids, Mich.
Watson-Higgins Milling Co.
Merchant Millers
Grand Rapids tt
EASIEST WAY
Michigan
Mic
Bell Phone
higan Beans and Potatoes
If you are in the market ask for prices.
14 Farmers Elevator & Produce Co. Bad Axe, Mich
Endorsed by the Railroads
The Official Classification Committee of the Transcontinental Railroads has issued the
following order, effective Feb. 1, requiring the use of a dividing board in egg cases— ‘except
that when an excelsior packing mat or cushion (made of excelsior covered with paper)
not less than eleven inches square, of uniform thickness and weighing not less than 2%
ounces is used, dividing board will not be required next to eggs at top.”
In the
Case Cushions in preventing breakage. It means that the experimental stage of these cushions
is passed. They have been tried, tested and now are approved as the best.
Sy)
sa
The above illustration shows very plainly just how Excelsior Egg Case Cushions are
used. From this it will at once be seen that when they are used there is a great saving in time
in packing, over the usual manner of distributing loose excelsior at top and bottom of the
crate. This.
in each crate will pay for the packing), puts the egg packing situation into a place where it is
scarcely an
to use them.
They may be used repeatedly with ordinarily careful handling, as they are made from
odorless basswood excelsior, eventy distributed throughout the cushion, enclosed in the best
quality of manila paper, thus reducing their cost toa minimum. You really can't afford to take
the chances
Excelsior Wrapper Co. - . =
Excelsior Wrapper Co. - - 3
Excelsior Wrapper Co. -
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wording of these specifications there is an evident testimonial to Excelsior Egg
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combined with the practically absolute assurance against breakage (one egg saved
economy not to use Excelsior Egg Case Cushion and a very distinct economy
necessary, on other methods of packing. Let us give you prices and samples.
Samples and prices can be obtained
from any of the following addresses:
Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Sheboygan, Wis.
224 West Kinzie St., Chicago, Il.
Our Facilities are such that Promptness is our slogan.
The Vinkemulder Company
Fruits and Produce
Jobbers and Shippers of
Everything in
Grand Rapids, Mich.
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
February 17, 1915
S
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ecelll
Aneecse
BAYS UNDA
NW
Grand Council of Michigan U. C. T.
Grand Counselor—M. S. Brown, Sagi-
naw.
Grand Junior Counselor—W. S. Law-
ton, Grand Rapids.
Grand Past Counselor—E. A. Welch,
Kalamazoo.
Grand Secretary—Fred C. _ Richter,
Traverse City.
Grand Treasurer—W. J. Devereaux,
Port Huron.
Grand Conductor—Fred J. Moutier,
Detroit.
Grand Page—John A. Hach, Jr., Cold-
water.
“a Sentinel—W. Scott Kendricks,
nt.
Grand Executive Committee—E. A.
Dibble, Hillsdale; Angus G. McEachron,
Detroit; James E. Burtless, Marquette;
L. P. Thompkins, Jackson.
‘ Next Grand Council Meeting—Lansing,
une.
Michigan Division T. P. A.
President—Fred H. Locke.
First Vice-President—C. M. Emerson.
. Second Vice-President--H. C. Corne-
us.
Secretary and ‘Treasurer—Clyde E.
rown.
Board of Directors—Chas. E. York, J.
W. Putnam, A. B. Allport, D. G. Me-
Taren, W. EB. Crowell, Walter H. Brooks,
W. A. Hatcher.
In and Around Little Traverse Bay.
Petoskey, Feb. 15——R. T. Reilly,
the newly appointed postmaster for
Alanson, has taken charge of the of-
fice. Mr. O’Reilly has been a life
long Democrat, is an experienced
farmer and will give the village of
Alanson good service. Mr. O’Reilly
is a Spanish war veteran and was
discharged from the service with high
honors. Mr. O’Reilly owns a large
farm north of the village of Alanson
and is interested in the growing of
stock and fruit and is a booster for
the Western Michigan Pike.
V. J. Kahler has purchased the
property formerly known as_ the
Schilling store, on the west side of
Petoskey, and is conducting a gro-
cery store with hay and feed in con-
nection. Mr. Kahler formerly con-
ducted a grocery store in Boyne City
where he enjoyed good success. Pre-
vious to this Mr. Kahler owned a
store at Horton’s Bay, where he was
also successful. Mr. Kahler is well
acquainted with the farmers of Resort
township and Horton’s Bay and is
deserving of success. We are pleased
to have him with us.
T. J. Cox, a young man of Carp
Lake, has accepted a position with
the Temple Manufacturing Co., in the
grocery department. Mr. Cox is a
bright young man and will, we be-
lieve, prove himself worthy of the po-
sition he has attained.
W. H. Cornell, the oldest butcher
‘in Harbor Springs, has originated a
plan whereby he will become im-
mensely wealthy. Mr. Cornell is spe-
cializing on capons and will have
for sale the coming year the finest
chickens that can be purchased. At
the present time Mr. Cornell is not
thoroughly versed on the proposition,
but states that he is having good suc-
cess, only seven out of the first four-
teen operations proved fatal. Mr.
Cornell says that 50 per cent. is a
good average for a beginner.
John Nyman, well known Petos-
key resident, left Thursday morning
for Grand Rapids as a delegate to the
Republican State convention. Mr.
Nyman is superintendent for tne Pe-
toskey Crushed Stone Co., is a prom-
inent politician and an energetic work-
er in Petoskey Lodge, B. P. O. E.
Mr. Nyman was accompanied by Mrs.
Nyman. They expect to spend two
weeks visiting Grand Rapids and
other points. During the absence of
Mr. and Mrs. Nyman the householi
affairs will be in charge of their son,
Arthur. We are told that Arthur is
well versed in the culinary art and we
hope that the dog and cat will live
until the return of Mr. and Mrs. Ny-
man.
J. M. Shields, representative of the
Worden Grocer Co. and a prominent
resident of Petoskey, has dicovered
a positive cure for sore throat. Mr.
Shields experimented upon himself
and is alive and ready to testify that
nected in the grocery business and
in real estate.
A. B. Klise is the Republican can-
didate for Mayor of Petoskey. Mr.
Kllise is widely known as the Presi-
dent and manager of the A. B. Klise
Lumber Co., which operated for
years at Sturgeon Bay. Mr. Klise
also has extensive interests in the
Upper Peninsula and, if elected to the
Mayorality of our city, will devote
to it the same business integrity which
made for him his success as a lum--
Herbert Agans.
cca ean
Plea For the Railways by an Employe.
Paris, Feb, 15—Railroads to-day,
outside of the public school system,
have become the greatest columns of
our civilization; being the great ar-
teries through which the tide of com-
merce flows, developing and spreading
their network over every state and
territory, penetrating the almost in-
accessible parts of our Nation, making
the desert blossom like the rose, forc-
ing their way into the darkest corners
of the Continent, and opening avenues
of commerce to the humblest citizen,
in the remotest corners of the Earth.
To look upon the position of
these great corporate public bene-
factory, every creation of mankind
must intelligently place them second
berman.
he died,
a mile,
A DREAM!
One night a salesman dreamed a dream, and, dreaming,
Then straightway to the Pearly Gates his sin-stained spirit hied.
And then before the Saints he stood, with downcast head hung low,
“My record’s pretty rank,” he said, “I guess I’m bound below.
“T’ve smoked a lot and drank a lot, confess it all, I must,
I’ve flirted too, and then, besides, great heavens, how I’ve cussed!”
The good Saint Peter looked at him with kindly, smiling eye, then
Shook his head. “Don’t ask,” he said, “a mansion in the sky.
But let me ask some questions, sir—are you a traveling man?”
The sinner bowed, then in this strain the good old Saint began:
“You've chased the wrong train once again, and chased it full
Amid the train crew’s jeers a-sounding all the while.
You've gotten up at 4 a. m., the time-card played its trick,
And then you’ve found, as usual, that your train goes out at six.
You’ve taken some gay merchant out and spent a ten or more,
And then he calmly said he’d bought his goods the day before.
You’ve spent your life at bad hotels, and eaten still worse meals,
With oleo and waiter girls, all run down at the heels.
Your letters have been sent astray, your trunks have wandered too,
With porters, clerks and baggagemen you're in a constant stew.
And once a month you see your wife, now, tell me, is it so?”
“Tt is,” replied the drummer, as he took his hat to go.
“Ah, well,” said good Saint Peter, as he opened the portals wide,
“I’m very glad to meet you, sir, just kindly step inside.
We'll try and make you happy here, we'll do the best we can,
You’ve served your time in Hades, for you’ve been a traveling man!
dreamed
’
7
Doan’s ointment is unexcelled for the
purpose mentioned.
Frank Kaden, the well known mer-
chant of Boyne City, and family are
wintering in Florida. Mr. Kaden ship-
ped his automobile to Jacksonville
and from there they drove through
to Orlando. A recent letter from him
states that they are having fine weath-
er and are enjoying themselves.
Jimmie Sheridan, G. R. & I. engi-
neer, who has been on the Harbor
Springs run for a number of years,
is enjoying a much-earned vacation.
While Mr. Sheridan is on his vaca-
tion his place is being taken by
George Worden, of Grand Rapids.
J. S. Meacham, of the firm of
Meacham & Co., Boyne City, is con-
fined to his home with an attack of
pnuemonia. We hear that his con-
dition is much improved and trust
he will soon be able to assume his
duties in his grocery _ store. Mr.
Meacham is an old resident of Boyne
City and has been prominently con-
to none. As one of our great railroad
presidents has said, ‘No public enter-
prise exists upon which the great mass
of humanity depends so much and
requires as much the co-operation of
every citizen that make a Nation.”
Yet to-day these great interests are
treated in legislative halls as a canker
on commercial prosperity and various
remedial laws are suggested, enacted
and forced by legislation with a view
to increase public benefits that in
operation prove disastrous to intent.
While it may be true that every cause
needs opposition and difficulty to en-
sure its fullest success, yet public en-
terprise and public servants can only
obtain greatness through service and
legislation that in effect diminishes the
fullest service; likewise diminishes and
retards the prosperity it intends to
create.
In advancing rapid progress, every
transportation line has thrown around
every citizen, possibilities to him here-
tofore unknown; and in the develop-
ment of these possibilities and his ac-
cumulating resources, natural demands
are made in the growth and for in-
creased facilities which transporta-
tion lines have fully met, until they
have become the mighty factors in
the world’s commerce.
Many of the greatest minds and
most brilliant intellects have moved
the great transportation world for-
ward to its present era of perfection.
Because it is looked upon in all its
vastness as a colossal enterprise, it
must be remembered that it can be
no greater than the power of its re-
sources which must be productive of
its revenue.
During the last few years, legislation
has hampered transportation service,
reducing revenues, increasing the cost
of operation and producing sharp
competition, until every line of raii-
road has been using every effort and
the utmost energy to render preferred
service. Millions have been spent for
safety. The best and modern equip-
ment of construction and _ capacity
have been supplied. Steel of superior
quality and of the best standard reach
from ocean to ocean and from the
Great Lakes to the Gulf.
To keep up this high standard of
operation and comply with legislative
enactments, railroads have reduced
and exhausted surplus earnings and
in Many cases caused new capital. to
be solicited for investment.
_ The public appeal to the railway
lines for speed, the elimination of
time and safety of equipment have
brought forth the creative and reserve
powers of the mind of man. To th
average mind, the cost of development
is not comprehended in comparison
with the production of revenue traffic.
The public demand is for immediate
action and traffic increases only as
service demonstrates its own excel-
lence to justify its solicitation.
There is no railway line but what
desires an organization qualified and
equipped that has passed beyond the
experimental era, to render a service
of safety. The public demand it and
legislation defeats it by prohibiting
the people from supplying sufficient
revenue to ensure it.
No employers can go into the field
of commerce and labor and secure
service of the highest type and qual-
ifications without the remuneration
such service demands.
Aggressive legislation against
transportation lines in its benighted
dream to aid prosperity, penetrates
the whole fabric of commerce, defeats
its very object and chokes the foun-
tains of industry. F. E. McCollom,
Agent G. R. & I, R’y.
2.2 ____
Busy Doctor.
Teacher—Joseph, why have you
been absent for the last three days.
Joseph—My maw was sick,
(Silence).
Joseph—Teacher, I’ve got a new
brother.
Teacher—Is that so?
(Silence).
Joseph—Teacher,
brought it.
Little Ikey (from the back of the
room)—Teacher, teacher, we take
from Dr. Finkenstein, too. ‘
EAGLE HOTEL
EUROPEAN
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
$1.00 PER DAY—BATH DETACHED
Excellent Restaurant—Moderate Prices
Dr. Finkenstein
HOTEL CODY
EUROPEAN
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
Rates$l and up. $1.50 and up bath.
February 17, 1915
Pussy Foot Railway Tactics Rebuked.
Two weeks ago the Tradesman pub-
lished a leading editorial entitled
“Why Not Play Fair?’ in which we
implored the railway officials ‘to dis-
continue their sneaking, clandestine
methods and come out in the open
like honorable men and show their
hands in man fashion. The Trades-
man had no idea this pleading would
result in anything tangible, because
railway officials have become so accus-
tomed to accomplishing their ends by
bribery, cajolery and deception that it
seems next to impossible for them to
do things in a manly way. The
Tradesman described in the editorial
above referred to how the railway
hirelings who are pursuing a pussy
foot campaign in this State got a few
carefully selected and especially invit-
ed members of the Grand Rapids As-
sociation of Commerce together by
stealth and undertook to secure an en-
dorsement of their project in a clan-
destine manner. The endorsement
was refused, yet the railway men
caused a report to be secretly cir-
culated to the effect that the Grand
Rapids Association of Commerce had
endorsed the passenger rate increase.
The underhanded methods of the
railway officials recently found expres-
sion in Marquette, where a_ secret
meeting was clandestinely held in a
business office, attended by only a few
picked employes and henchmen of the
railways. Resolutions were adopted
in support of the pet measure of the
railroads and an account of this ac-
tion was telegraphed broadcast all
over the State as the expression of
Marquette Council, No. 186, U. C. T.
Sneak work of this sort did not set
well on the stomachs of the members
of Marquette Council, who gave the
matter consideration at their regular
meeting last Saturday evening and
unanimously adopted the following
stinging resolutions:
Whereas—At a so-called “special
meeting” held at a business office in
this city, on Saturday evening, Jan.
16, 1915, there were passed certain
resolutions relating to the proposed
increase of railroad fares in the State
of Michigan and particularly in the
Upper Peninsula, and
Whereas—Said resolutions did in no
wise voice the prevailing sentiment of
this Council, but to the contrary mis-
represented the sentiment of fully
nine-tenths of our membership, and
Whereas—The said meeting was ir-
regularly called and conducted, mem-
bers not having been notified as pro-
vided for by our constitution and by-
laws, and ‘
Whereas—An account of said meet-
ing, and a copy of the resolutions
passed were published in the Mar-
quette Mining Journal and copied and
editorially commented on by several
other papers throughout the Upper
Peninsula and State, subjecting the
members of this Council to the criti-
cism and ridicule of the traveling
public; be it therefore
Resolved—That we, the members of
U. P. Council, 186, U. C. T. of A.,
Marquette, in regular session assem-
bled, do thereby strongly condemn
the action taken at said “special meet-
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
ing” and repudiate the resolutions
passed at that time; and be it further
Resolved—That we deplore the pub-
licity given by the press to the hold-
ing of said meeting and the resolu-
tions passed thereat, and that we do
hereby affirm that this Council is not
now, nor has at any time, been in
favor of an increase in the railroad
fares from 2 cents to 8 cents per mile
and that we will use all honorable
means at our disposal to defeat such
a measure; be it further
Resolved—That a copy of these
resolutions be forwarded to our Leg-
islative Committee and also that they
be published in the Mining Journal, in
order that the true sentiments of this
Council be publicly expressed.
G. E. Webb, Senior Councilor.
C. A. Wheeler, Secretary.
The Tradesman is unable to ex-
plain on any reasonable hypothesis
why the railroads cannot see that it
is to their interest to play fair, in-
stead of trying to put something
over on the public by clandestine
methods and back stabbing tactics.
On the face of things, it looked as
though the railroads had a pretty fair
chance to win the contest, providing
they presented their claims properly
and did not attempt to hoodwink the
public.
oe _-
Gabby Gleanings From Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids, Feb. 15—Learn one
thing about Grand Rapids this week.
Grand Rapids has the lowest electric
light and power rates of any city of
its class in the United States.
MacMillan, chairman of the
Dance and Entertainment Committee
of Grand Rapids Council, announces
that there will be only two more
dancing parties this season. The next
will be at Herald hall next Saturday,
Feb. 20, at 8:30 p. m. Those who
love to trip the light fantastic are very
much pleased with the parties which
have been held and congratulate the
committee in charge for the able way
they have conducted the parties and
the good times always shown the
guests. The attendance keeps increas-
ing and the Committee predicts a
good big party and an extra good
time in store for those who attend
next Saturday’s event.
H. P. Wilcox left Monday to cover
his regular territory for the Peck-
Johnson Co. H. P. states that, in
spite of the bad fire which his house
sustained, it expects to be able to fill
all orders promptly as it has a large
stock of pharmaceuticals on hand.
Mrs. F. E. Beardslee left Sunday
for Chicago to attend the funeral of
a relative in that city.
It is reported that Jay Herrick
(Northrup, Robertson ®& Carrier)
while in Byron is stopping nights at
the Grand Trunk depot, room No.
2,168,945. Jay says accommodations
are first-class until along about 3
a. m., when the seats get pretty hard.
Don’t forget assessment No. 125
is due and must be paid before Feb.
24.
Wm. P. Drake, the popular distribut-
or of Judge Wright cigars, slipped on
the ice a week ago Monday and in-
jured his shoulder severely. He has
been confined to his home, 572 South
Lafayette, because of the accident.
John Hondorp, with the Sherwood
Hall Co., also sustained a bad fall
and we understand is confined to the
house as a result. Grand Rapids
Council wishes both of these brothers
a speedy recovery.
Traverse City Council holds its an-
nual banquet Feb. 27. Harry D. Hy-
dorn, District Deputy, will respond to
a toast. The Traverse City boys are
‘ranging from 250 pounds
a bunch of live wires. They have
some good poets also in that section
of the country who are now regular
contributors, likewise ourselves, to
the Bungtown Bugle.
Ten members of Grand _ Rapids
Council, with their wives, were enter-
tained at a hobo party at the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Anderson, 1,555
Lake Drive, last Saturday night. Mrs.
Anderson demonstrated her ability to
spring surprises on her friends in the
form of a unique entertainment. Atl
present were dressed in most profes-
sional hobo costume. Not even the
red nose and clay pipes were entirely
omitted. At 6:30 a hobo dinner was
served, the method of serving being
typical of that nomadic race. A table
cloth was spread on the floor (to pro-
tect the rug), no chairs were in evi-
dence and twenty hungry hobos,
down to
100 pounds in weight arranged them-
selves on the floor around the festive
board. Napkins tied on a stick were
handed each guest. These were to
represent the hobo’s knapsack and
proved to contain a roll and an olive.
Then followed a very sumptuous re-
past which was indulged in with such
delight as to reflect credit on the
hungriest hobo. After the dinner was
over the guests participated in a spir-
ited game of 500. Prizes were dis-
tributed as follows: Mr. and Mrs.
Swift, first prize; Mr. J. A. Burr and
Mrs. Lout, second prize. Those pres-
ent all agreed that the entertainment
was good enough to deserve repeat-
ing, also christening, so it was named
the Midnight 500 Club. The next
meeting will be held at the home of
Mr. and Mrs, A. T. Heinzelman, 709
Lake Drive.
The G. R. & I. officials have an-
nounced that they are going to sell all
land which they own along their rignt
of way which is not in actual use by
the company.
Dr. G. W. Ferguson was initiated
into the mysteries of the Ancient
Mystic Order of Bagmen of Bagdad
last Saturday night. It has leaked
out that the Doctor demonstrated tiat
he wished to be an active member
from the very start.
The annual meeting of Absal Guild
is only two months ahead. Every
member should bring in a new memi-
ber for the final round-up.
J. R. Case, better known as “Bob,”
manager of the Handy House, at
Mancelona, has been nursing an at-
tack of rheumatism for some time.
Bob says that war and rheumatism
are similar, according to Sherman’s
definition of the former.
Until further notice all members of
the patrol of Absal Guild are request
ed to be at the hall for drill each
Saturday at 1:30 p. m. sharp.
During four years that the Grand
Rapids Traveling Men’s Benefit As-
sociation has been in existence, the
total cost has been less than $1 per
year per member. Every member oi
Grand Rapids Council should be a
member of this Association for his
family’s protection.
William E. Sawyer.
——_>-2 > __—
Detroit Wants Interchangeable Mile-
age Book.
The Transportation Committee of
the Board of Commerce has recom-
mended to the Board of Directors of
that body that no opposition be of-
fered the railroads in their campaign
for higher passenger fares in Michi-
gan, provided the carriers include in
the proposed legislation a provision
for the issue of interchangeable mile-
age books, good for use over all roads
in Central Passenger Association ter-
ritory, at a rate of fare which shall
not exceed two and one-quarter cents
per mile. The recommendation is the
result of the four-hour hearing given
the carriers by the Committee when
“event of an
41
representatives of the roads presented
arguments for the higher fare.
“The Committee recommended that
no opposition be offered because then
it leaves the legislators free to act
as they deem best,” said A. T. Water-
fall, Traffic Commissioner. “The roads
have given us some plausible argu-
ments, but the legislators have be-
fore them data on which the roads
are basing their plea and are there-
fore better able to judge the merits
of the case of the carriers than are
we. The legislators ought to be left
free to do justice to all concerned, in
our opinion, but we feel that in the
increase in rates, the
people who use mileage by the whole-
sale should be given a preferential
rate the same as are wholesalers in
other lines and therefore we have
asked that 2% cent rate be given when
mileage books are purchased.”
The Directors adopted the report of
the Transportation Committee.
——>2~»
William E. Sawyer has been elect-
ed to respond in behalf of the travel-
ing men at the banquet tendered the
fraternity by local jobbing houses
Saturday evening. This explains why
Gabby Gleanings did not reach the
Tradesman office this week until every
member of the staff was sure some-
thing had happened to the would-be
poet of the Bungtown Bugle. Those
of the boys who have seen the genial
William since the selection was an-
nounced say that he is tearing his
hair, that his eyes are bloodshot and
that he looks like a man who had
not slept a wink for a week. Hotel
keepers along his route insist that
strange noises proceed from his room
at unseemly hours of the night, to
the great anneyance of the guests
and to the disgust of the employes
who are unable to get their regular
rest. Never mind, fellows, it will be
all over Saturday night, after which
William will resume the even tenor
of his ways and Gabby Gleanings
will resume its usual proportions and
—what is quite as important—will
reach the publication office in plenty
of time.
—_+>2>_____
John A. Sherick, the veteran shoe
salesman for the Rindge, Kalmbach,
Logie Co., Ltd., will deliver his lec-
ture on the “Greatest Thing in All
the World” at the South Congrega-
tional church (Grand Rapids) Thurs-
day evening of this week.
BUSINESS CHANCES.
Wanted—Good location for bazaar or
grocery; would purchase small_ stock.
State particulars in first letter. Address
J. G. E., care Tradesman. 904
Look Here Merchants! You can col-
lect all your old, ‘“‘given up’’ accounts,
yourself, by our new plan. Enclose stamp
for sample and full information. Pekin
Book Co., Detroit, Michigan. 903
For Sale
Stock of general merchandise
at Reedsburg on G. R. & I., out of
Lake City. Only store in town.
Inventory near $2200. Make an
offer but be quick.
HALL, GILLARD & TEMPLE
Attorneys for Attaching Creditors
1025 Michigan Trust Building
GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
cm =
= =
= =
: =
> =
OAS
—___
Coral Lip Salve.
White Wak ..5.6000....025 70 Gm,
WASGUNE ooo sso bie 5 ee 100 Gm.
Alkannin ......... eh Wiis 4.25 Gm.
Ole Temon . 2. 55.6... 1 Gm.
Oil) Bergamot: ...,...06...;. 1 Gm.
Ol Rose... 6. hens. 0.5 Gm.
The Growing Use of Liquid Petro-
latum.
Luiquid paraffin has been used in
toilet preparations and nasal medi-
cation for some years, but its use for
internal purposes is of quite recent
date. The eminent Sir William Ar-
buthnot Lane, whose fame for ab-
dominal surgery has spread over the
whole world, was the first, I believe
to popularize its use for internal pur-~
poses and explain its real action.
From buying one or two gallons a
year the hospitals are contracting for
the supply of hundreds of gallons,
using it for out-patients and in-pa-
tients. It is in great demand also by
medical men themselves.
Its regular action on the intestines
as a lubricating oil has been responsi-
ble for this demand. So many of our
ills are due to constipation, or lack
of muscular tone in the intestines, as
well as overcrowding of the bacterial
content of the lower bowel and the
consequent autointoxication produc-
ed. From this autointoxication arise
those dull headaches once called
“liver,” and what are popularly de-
scribed as muscular rheumatic pains,
while innumerable cases of seeming-
ly severe rheumatism have been rap-
idly cured.
The lubricating action on the main
tract of the intestines, of which we
possess about thirty feet, has its many
advantages. Many cases of severe
anemia were found to be due to a ca-
tarrh of the particular part where
iron salts are absorbed into the blood
stream, as well as a consolidation of
feces. I am told that it is no uncom-
mon thing to find at the autopsies of
the middle-aged that the feces are so
caked that there is scarcely room for
a thin stream of water to pass. It is
obvious that absorption of food ma-
terial cannot take place under such
conditions, and the life of the patient
is of short duration.
Catarrh of the intestines, which is
so obstinate to the action of drugs,
is responsible for a very great deal of
the so-called chronic bronchitis. Many
braver spirits have found relief by
taking white or yellow soft paraffin,
thinking that the bronchial tubes
were thereby oiled, and little know-
ing the real explanation.
When one considers the large part
that the digestion and absorption of
food after it has left the stomach
plays in regard to our health and
comfort, it is easy to see why such
a substance as liquid paraffin is of
such great use. The normal! time for
food to stay in the alimentary canal
is thirty hours. There have been
numerous instances of a meal taking
six or seven days to pass when ex-
periments have been conducted with
bismuth. These cases, in the course
of a week or two, gradually come
down to 100, 80, 60, then 40 and 30
February 17, 1915
hours, showing the action in a very
simple way.
The liquid paraffin enters the cecum
mixed with the ileal contents, and
keeps the contents of the large bowel
soft. Moreover, it accelerates the
passage of the feces through the large
intestine, which consequentlv does not
become overloaded. Far less bacte-
irial action goes on, and the feces are
found to contain fewer microbes.
The whole of the ingested paraffin
can be recovered from the _ stools;
there is no toxic action, even with
large amounts.
The dose is 4 drachms or more.
With children it is a useful rule to
give 2 drachms three times daily un-
til free oil is passed; then reduce
the dose to 1 drachm twice or once
a day. For adults the same rule is
advisable, many people taking 2
ounces twice daily for two days, then
1 ounce, continuing with a daily dose
of 4 drachms after the principal meal.
The only objection put forward
against its use is that it produces yel-
lowness of the skin. There is no
proof of this; indeed, this condition
is one that is treated with liquid par-
affin with great success, the pigmen-
tation finally disappearing.
J. Wicliffe Peck.
——2--———
To Color Wood Alcohol.
The suggestion has been made that
our country should follow in the lead
of Sweden and give a distinctive colos
to wood alcohol, in order that it may
be distinguished at a glance from
grain alcohol. Past experience has
taught us that a poison label is not
sufficient warning apparently, to the
careless, but a colored liquid could
not be mistaken as readily as is the
colorless liquid, which sometimes
cannot be distinguished from a poi-
son until it is absorbed into some un-
fortunate’s system.
Inasmuch as this deadly poison is
responsible for the deaths of a num-
ber of people every year, not to men-
tion the number of cases of blindness
also occurring, the suggestion strikes
us as a mighty good one. In addi-
tion, we do not believe that a law
or ordinance will be necessary. We
imagine that the first enterprising
manufacturer who adopts this depart-
ure will find such a demand for his
product that his business rivals will
be compelled to fall in line.
aS Oe
Violet Witch Hazel.
Eiquid: Oil Orris: «2.07.02... 1 dr.
Essence Jasmine ............ 4 ozs.
Hamamelis Water ........... 54 ozs.
Mix and filter clear through talcum.
The solution may be colored pale
green with chlorphyll, if desired. Rec-
ommended for use in place of bay
rum, especially for use by barbers for
application after shaving.
*» TANGLEFOOT €
The Non-Poisonous Fly Destroyer
46 cases of poisoning of children by fly poisons were reported in the press of
15 States from July to November, 1914.
February 17, 1916 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 43
WHOLESALE DRUG PRICE CURRENT 6 aoa i AM oe
FOOTE & JENKS C.OLEMAN’S (BRAND)
Priccs quoted are nominal, based on market the day oi issue. :
7 | Terpenctess [Lemmon and viehcwss Vanilla
Acids Mustard, true ..9 00@9 50 Ipecac .......... @
ACeteG oc cos 6 @ 8 Mustard, artifi’l] 3 50@3 75 Iron, clo. ...... @ 60
meen 2 eae ao . - oe coerce ee - aoe voces ee z. & Insist on getting Coleman's Extracts from your jobbing grocer, or mail order direct to
SPDOHG 8 oe, ive, pure .... 50@ YITN --ceeeceee
Citric ss. 68 @ 7% Olive, Malaga, Nux Vomica .... 70 FOOTE & JENKS, Jackson, Mich.
Muriatic .£5. 25. 1%@ 5 yellow. i.2..5. 1 75@2 00 Opium ......... @2 75
Nitric: (6... 5.... 5%@ 10 Olive, Malaga, Opium, Capmh. @ 930
Oxalic ......... 20 @ 2 Sreen oc... 1 65@1 90 Opium, Deodorz’d @2 75
Sulphuric ...... 1%@ 5 Orange Sweet .. 2 25@250 Rhubarb ....... @ 70
Partaric i502) 53 @ 55 Organum, pure @2 50
Ammonia Origanum, com’l @ Paints
Water, 26 deg. .. 64%@ 10 Pennyroyal ...... @2 75
Water, 18 deg. .. 4%@ oa Peppermint .... 250@2 75 Lead, red dry .. 7 @ 8
Water, 14 deg. .. 3%@ 6 Rose, pure .. 14 50@16 00 Lead, white dry 7 @ 8
Carbonate .... 183 @ 16 Rosemary Flows 1 50@1 75 Lead, white oil 7 8
Chloride ee 10 @ 25 Se eeca B. ce pred Se te : 1%
aleams = = ee 5
Copaiba ........ 75@1 00. Sassafras, true @1 10 Putty .......... 2%@ 5
Fir (Canada) .. 150@175 Sassafras, artifi’l @ 60 si venet is 1 g 1%
Fir (Oregon) .. 40@ 50 Spearmint ..... 3 25@8 50 ec 2 i a ; an
Pom oi cl 3 00@3 25 Sperm ........ 90@1 v0 » Eng. g oh
PAnsy eo. 4 50@4 75 Vermillion, Amer. 15@ 20
MOM 2. eae. ss 90@1 20 mar ‘USP ... B0@ 40 Whiting, bbl. .. 11-10@1%
Turpentine, “bbls. @5o%, Whiting ........ 2 5
Ferree Turpentine, less 56@ 64 L. H. P. Prepd 1 25@1 35 :
Cubeb 4.2.2... 85 @ 90 Wintergreen, true @5 00 a
Fish Deeae eee ss ¢ 15 @ 20 Wintergreen, sweet Insecticides
Juniper ........ 10 @ tS pire oo... 2 75@3 00 arsenic 2@ 15
Prickley Ash @ 50 Wintergreen, art 1 25@1 50 Blue Vitra GAL @ bi
et 3 Nes os Blue Vitro!’ less 7g 10
Barks rm ease < ae Mix Pst 8 15 . é
Cassia (ordinary) 25@ 30 ee cata a on Linseed Oil Turpentine
Elm (powd. 35c), 30@ 35 Bicarbonate ..... eG 8 fe ee White Lead Dry Colors
oa ee oe = c) @ Bichromate ..... 20@ 25 [ime and Sulphur
ses ut (powd. ae Brome aaa, oo - Solution, gal... 15@ 26
Co seeeeceerees sarpoOnate .......- d Paris Gr og 20 ‘ aii
’ oe Chlorate,"xiai “and een 5%@ Sherwin Williams Company
xtracts powderea@: ...... 1
Licorice. ........- 27@ 30 Chlorate, granular 483@ 45 Miscellaneous Shelf Goods and Varnishes
Licorice powdered 30@ 35 Gyanide ......... 23@ 40
A oo wig @ PO ee wee Ben "OS Colonial House and Floor Paints
rnic&a ...ceseces -ermanaganate 27 DO FALUTT nce eeeeeee
Chena: (Ger. eo a Prussiate, yellow 35@ + Alum, powdered ot 4‘ one
mie -russiat es ° ee °
a Su ee Baan, Sonar Kyanize Finishes and Boston Varnishes
Gums Wate: <...: --- 2 97@3 00
Acacia, ist °....-- 50@ 60 Roots Borax. xtal or :
an i 50 powdered .... 6 12
pec te 6 Alkauet cc... 30@ 85 Cantharades ‘po 2 007 04 Japalac Fixall
Acacia, Sorts .. oe Z oe 400) ao Sal re vo co * ee *
Acocie, powdored 22@ vs Hlecampane, pwd. 15@ 20 Carmine 11111" 3 75@4 25 We solicit your orders for above and will
aloes (Barb. Pow) 5, «Gentian, powd. 15@ 25 Cassia Buds .... @ 4
Aloes (Cape Pow) 20@ 25 Ginger, Atrican, og CLOVES nv ee ene 30@ 35 ship promptly.
Ate (oe, How) 40@ 80 pemtored ing i Chalk Prepares | ig
Asafoetida .....-- 60@ 7 Ginger, Jamaica, Chloroform ... @ 43
Asafoetida, Powd. powdered .... 22@ 28 Chioral Hydrate 1 eo 20
Fore oe = 2 Goldenseal pow. 6 nea 00 | Saas 4 55@4 75
. S. P. Powda. pecac, powd. .. ocoa utter .. 65 65 ° °
Camphor .....++- 56@ 60 Licorice ........ 18@ 20 Corks, list, less 70% ° Hazeltine & Perkins Drug Co.
Guaiac ..... a poe ff Fiooriee, powd. a ae Copperas, bbls. os @ 01
Guaiac, powder rris, powdere Oopperas, less .. 2 3° : ‘
Kino Cs 70@ 75 Poke, powdered 20@ 25 Copperas, powd. 70 6 Grand Rapids, Mich
Kino, powdered 75@ 80 Rhubarb ........ 75@1 90 Corrosive Sublm. 1 15@1 25
Myrrh ..... ee @ 40 Rhubarb, powd. 75@1 25 Cream Tartar .... 36@ 40
Myrrh, powdered @ 50 Rosinweed, powd. 25@ 3 Cuttlebone ..... 35@ 40 2
Opium... .. 10 00@10 20 Sarsaparilla, Hond. Dextrine ..... 7@_ lw '
Opium, powd. 12 00@12 20 ground ....... @ 65 Dover's Powder . @2 50
Opium, gran. 12 50@12 70 Sarsaparilla Mexican, Emery, all Nos. 6@ 10
Shellac ...... 28@ 35 : ground ......... 30@ 35 Emery, powdered 5@ 8
Shellac, Bleached 30@ 35 Squule <2. 2.66.50. 20@ 35 Epsom Salts, bbls @ 2
fe Squills, powdered 40@ 60 Epsom Salts, bec aa 5
Tragacanth 2 25@2 50 Tumeric, powd. 12@ 15 Ergot: ...:...3.. 00@2 25
No. 1 ......-- 159 Valerian, powd. 250 30 Ergot, powdered ; 75@3 00
Tragacanth pow 1 25@ Flake White ......15@ 20
Turpentine ...... 10@ 16 Seeds Eorischyse Ib. 10@ 15
ambier ....... 10@ 15
ait Laaey Anise ....... 20@ 25 Gelatine .......... 40@ 50
Buchu .....-.-. 2 25@2 50 Anise, powdered @ 25 Glassware, full Fea 6
Buchu, powd. 2 50@2 75 Bird, Is .. @ ” Glassware, less 70 & 10%
Sage, bulk ...... 25@ 2 Canary ..... : an Glauber Salts bbl. 19 3
Sage, %s loose .. 30@ 35 Caraway . Glauber Salts less 2
Sage, powdered 30@ 35 Cardamon ..... 2 00@2 25 Glue, brown .....
Senna, Alex ..... 30@ 35 Celery (powd. 40) 380@ 35 Glue, brown grd. 100 ib
Senna, Tinn. .... 18@ 25 Coriander ...... 10@ 18 Glue, white .... 15@ 25
Senna Tinn powd 25@ 30 oF eee ae cee 2 - one te grd. ae A
eeveces Oars okies
ee Pe fe oo 44@ 1 Hops .......... 2 450. 60 OU O I } OO S
on Flax, ground .. 4%@ 10 Indigo ....... -. 150@1 75
wae Foenugreek, pow. 8@ 10 Iodine ........ 4 55@4 80
Almonds, Bitter, Hemp -... ccc ce 10 lodoform ...... 5 20@5 80
true .....-.-- 6 50@7 00 Lobelia ......... 50 Lead Acetate .... 15@ 20
aeons caren 1 50@1 7% ae zellow io = Lycopdium ...... 1 25 i:
artificial .... ustard, ac MSGO oo occ.. cs 90@1 00
Almouds, Sweet, 1 25@1 50 sahnda powd. cc be — powdered 1 Dot 10 They save time and expense
tFU@ ...cce- OPPY .--..- eee enthol ........ 3 50@3 75 :
Almouds, Sweet, GQamice .......... $00@i a Mey "Toad ie They prevent disputes
peceargee aos os a Bale a wages eee g - Morphine ce 5 90@6 35 :
Amber, crude .. adilla ...... ux Vomica .... 5S 7
Amber, rectified 40@ 50 Sabadilla, powd. _@ 40 Nux Vomica pow © 20 They put credit transactions on cash basis
Anise: (Jochpese. 2 00@2 25 Sunflower ........ 15@ 20 Pepper, black pow @ 30 c ‘
Bergamont .... 4 75@5 00 Worm American 18@ 20 Pepper, white ... @ 35 Free samples on application
Cajeput ......-.> 1 ees 0 Worm Levant .. 76@ 85 Ee ch, Burgundy 15
Cassia ......6- uassia ........ 0. 16
Castor, bbls. and Tinctures Quinine, all brds 109 40
Pi jesegenes eee: ie Aconite! 2. e @ 7 jog etme Salts i 26@ 30
Gitronella..... 100@110 Ales ......... oS Grae 20° 18
one tee a Arnica aertsctess | BEE Soidittz: Mixture’ 22@ 25
Capeennt es soa be 25 ‘Belladonna ©... @1 65 Beep. ureon aes : 20
nent ‘God Liver ...+++ 1 35@# 59. Bensoin .....-.. @1 00 Soap, mott castile i @ 15
; Cores See "3 Soa 3 Benzoin Compo'd Qt 00 — ite castile @6 25
Cupbebs ...... 4 25@4 50 Ruchu --i..*.... Qa 8 soap, white castile
2 00@2 Cantha C8 .... 1 b
Higeron ........ + teen 20 Capsicum ...... @ 90 . em ner ar... @ “
eee ure. @i oo Gafdamon ...... LER Sore Zeurbonate 1n@ & T
++ amon, Comp.
Juniper Berries 2 o0ga 25 ere Seti g 60 Soda, Sal ...... 1@ 4 radesman Company
ee oe 00 00 ae tee . ft Saher talk ao 2%o %
sete olchicum ..... cee : ¢
Lard, No. 1 ..... 6@ 75 Gubebs ......... @120 Sulphur Subl. ....3@ 5 Grand Rapids, Mich.
Laven’r Flowers @6 00 Digitalis ....... g go Tamarinds ..... 15@ 20
oe neees ie cee os 2 = ee ee
teeeeees NSO 2. cc css +
Linseed, boiled, “pol. @ a Guaiac Mg ues @1 05 Turpentine Venice 40@ 50
Linseed, bbl. less 66@ 70 Guaiac Ammon. 80 Vanilla Bx. pure 1 00@1 50
Linseed, raw, bbl. @ 60 Jodine ......cce. @2 00 Witch Hazel ... ® 00
Linseed, raw, less 65@ 69 Iodine, Colorless @3 00 Zinc Sulphate .. 7@ 16
MICHIGAN
GROCERY PRICE CURRENT
These quotations are carefully corrected weekly, within six hours of mailing.
and are intended to be correct at time of going to press.
Prices. however, are
liable to change at any time. and country merchants will have their orders filled
at market prices at date of purchase.
ADVANCED
Cheese
Washboards
Flour
DECLINED
Index to Markets
By Columns
A
Ammonia .......cceee
Axle Grease
Baked Beans ........
oa Brick ...cccaccecs
reakfast Food
rooms
Brushes .....-cccscose
Butter Colo
Cc
eecese
NR 5 ccc sasees
adh osvsus
occscccceces
eoeesece
®
Dried Fruits ........-
F
arinaceous Goods ...
ishing Tackle ......
lavoring Extracts ..
our and enense
Fruit Jarw® ...ccsceoes
Gelatine ..cccccccsees
Grain Bags .ccccos-ce-
: H
Herbs ...cccceesecses
Hides and Pelts .....
Horse Radish
J
MU: on cnc ccscccrcs es
Jelly Glasses .....-.-
5
eoeeece
Macaroni
Mapleine
Meats, Canned .....
Mince Meat .........-
MolasesS ...ccseeeeses
Mustard ......
Olives
Pickles
PIDOR osc c esse essen s
Playing Cards ......
POtQER ..ocs eos sa
Provisions .......... :
BRIOD Sua ese ee saee~ ss ae
Rolled Oats
s
Salad Dressing
Saleratus
Sal S
RIRNE Gob cuss ses ce oeens
Salt Fish
BOGOR ois cisosrsees
Shoe Blacking .......
Snuff
Soap
Soda
Spices
Stare’
Syrups
Ceoeerecesscroscse
eeccssscescseoccne
weceeecesccesceces
seeerccesecocsce
eeeresecercecsecs
T
Table Sauces
Tobacco ........ 11, 12,
Twine
Vv
eeeececccocece
Vinegar
PIOMINR osc ices es. ss
aca Keeeeo es
pring Paper .....
Y
Yeast Cake ..........
e
Dad pal Pat fad fd fd fd fab pas
@Q Ol m 60 66 C0 O60 60 08 08 6800800
ant BIVIIANA @
08 OO G8 tO GO OO 03 OO 00 G0 -]
>
oo
00 00 00 00 CO
14
14
1
2
AMMONIA
Z.
12 oz. ovals 2 doz. box 75
AXLE GREASE
Frazer's.
-1Ib. wood boxes, 4 doz. 3 00
1m. tin boxes, 3 doz. 2 35
8%lb. tin boxes, 2dz. 4 25
10%. pails, per doz. ..6 00
15%b. pails, per doz. ..7 20
25tb. pails, per doz. ..12 @0
BAKED BEANS
No. 1, per doz. "7788 90
No. 2, per doz. ...75@1 40
No. 8, per doz. ...85@1 75
BATH BRICK
English
BLUING
Jennings’.
Condensed Pearl Bluing
Small C P Bluing, doz. 45
Large C P Bluing, doz. 75
Folger’s.
Summer Sky, 3 do. cs. 1 20
Summer Sky, 10 dz bbl 4 00
BREAKFAST FOODS
Apetizo, Biscuits .... 3 00
Bear Food, Pettijohns 2 18
Cracked Wheat, 24-2 2 50
Cracked Wheat, 24-2 2
Cream of Rye, 24-2 .. 3
Quaker Puffed Rice .. 4
Quaker Puffed Wheat 3
Quaker Brkfst Biscuit 1
Quaker Corn Flakes 1
Victor Corn Flakes .. 2
Washington Crisps .. 1
Wheat Hearts .......1
Wheatena ........00. 4
Evapor’ed Sugar Corn
Farinose, 24-2 ....... 2
Grape Nuts .....e... 2
Grape Sugar Flakes.. 2
Sugar Corn Flakes .. 2
Hardy Wheat Food .. :
2
2
3
4
2
2
2
3
1
4
2
2
2
89 916 p41 89 OS 101
omoogon
SSR
onoooco
Holland Rusk .......
Krinkle Corn Flakes
Mapl-Corn Flakes ...
Minn. Wheat Cereal
Ralston Wheat Food
Ralston Wheat Food
Roman Meal ........
Saxon Wheat Food ..
Shred Wheat Biscuit
Triscuit, 18. 3.0.50...
Pillsbury’s Best. Cer’l
Post Toasties, T-2...
Post Toasties, T-3 ..
Post Tavern Porridge
BROOMS
Fancy Parlor, 25 tb.
Parlor, 5 String, 25 tb.
Standard Parlor, 23 Yb.
Common, Tb. ..... 8 25
Special, 23 tb. ...... 2 75
arehouse, 33 tbh. .. 4 25
Common scecs a we
Fancy Whisk ....... 1 26
BRUSHES
Scrub
Solid Back, 8 in. ..... 7
syreccaes
D Mm GO OO G2 ~1 Co BO O13 Oo
eneeucnen4;ae
Go
oo
One
AS bo
eon
Solid Back, 11 in. .... 95
Pointed EXnds ........ 85
Stove
BIO 8 ice ecckceece O8.
NOD iiiscsccseceseso d Ob
MOS 8 cee sce css oc es 5
No. 8 esas 1 00
0. pod ce esha cece ces
MO. FD iccsnacccesscse 2 20
INO OR. ec cieeeseeses 1 40
INO. °3 2025... 0050--0s 1 9D
BUTTER COLOR
Dandelion, 25c size ..2 00
CANDLES
Paraffine, 68 ........
Paraffine, 128 ....... 7%
WVICKING:: oss cscs oes 20
CANNED GOODS
pples
3 Ib. Standards .. @
Gallon ...cesecee @2 50
Blackberries
esseveses 1 50@1 90
Standard gallons @5 00
Beans
Baked ...5.; seas @1 30
a onngasle es 18
Carson City ... 18
WOK Goccsiesace Go
Blueberries
veeeecoes sss 1 80
bys cseckcceesce 0 a8
Clams
Little Neck, 1tb. .. 1 00
Little Neck, 2tb. .. 1 50
Clam Bouillon
Burnham’s % pt. ....2 25
Burnham’s pts. ......3 75
Burnham’s qts. ......7 50
Corn
MOIre eels 65 70
GOOG sss cee ss 90@1 00
WAnCY: <2... 5s 1 30
French Peas
Monbadon (Natural)
DOr COZ. ooo. es 5. 1 75
Gooseberrles
No: 2, Pair ...c¢..5: 1/50
No. 2, Fancy ........ 2 35
Hominy
Standard ............ 85
Lobster
34. IDs .sevceevcessecs 2-80
Me IDs) Sess iwceseecs oes 8 1D
Mackerel
Mustard, l1tb. ....... 1 80
Mustard, 2Ib. .. 2
Soused, 144th. . 1
Soused, 2Ib. ...
Tomato, 1tb. .. aie
Tomato, 2%. ....-... 2 80
Mushrooms
Buttons, 4s .... @ 15
Buttons, 1s ..... @ 30
Hotels, 1s ...... @ 20
Oysters
Cove, 1th. ........ @ 85
Cove, 2tb. ........ @1 60
lums
Plums .......... 90@1 35
p
No. 3 cans, per doz. ..1 50
Peas
Marrowfat ......
Early June .....
Early June siftd
90@1 00
1 10@1 25
1 46@1 55
Peaches
BIO scsccssessss 1 00@1 25
No. 10 size can pie 3 25
Pineapple
Grated ........ 1 75@2 10
Sliced 5.6565. 95@2 60
Pumpkin
MOAT ouseases ees s ss 80
GOOG o.6s5s sees Bae 90
WOMCY. 15.6 csceceseecc A OO
Gallon «2 ....ssccsess 2 40
Raspberries
Standard .......
Salmon
Warrens, 1 th. Tall .. 2 30
Warrens, 1 Ib. Flat ..2 45
Red Alaska ....1 70@1 75
Med Red Alaska 1 40@1 45
Pink Alaska .... @1 20
Sardines
Domestic, %s ........ 3 75
Domestic, % Mustard 3 75
Domestic, % Mustard 3 25
French, 4s ........ 7@14
French, %s ........18@23
Sauer Kraut
No: 8, CONS ...csccees BO
No. 10, cans ......... 2 40
Shrimps
Dunbar, Ist doz. .... 1 45
Dunbar, 14%s doz. .... 2 56
Succotash
Pair 4432... eeeeee
GOO. ees cscs sss 1 20
Fancy ........ 1 25@1 40
Strawberries
Standard ........ 5
POUCY 2 os .es0.5cc 2 25
Tomatoes
GOOG icccewcecs cans 90
Fancy ...cccccccces 1 20
NO. AD: wo ssics sew cne 2 90
CARBON OILS
Barrels
Perfection .....cesee0. 9.4
D. §S. Gasoline ...... 14
Gas Machine ......... 19.9
Deodor’d Nap’a .... 13
Cylinder ....... 29 34%
Engine ........ 16 22
Black, winter .. 8 1¢
CATSUP
Snider’s pints ....... 2 85
Snider’s % pints ......1 35
TRADESMAN
3
CHEESE
ACGME. 2.02.5... @16%
Carson City @16%
Hopkins ....... @16%
BAC ee es cain @16%
Deiden ....-...... @15
Limburger ...... @13
Pineapple ...... 40 @60
ORAM a ee @85
Sap Sago ...... @22
Swiss, domestic @20
CHEWING GUM
Adams Black Jack .... 62
Adams Sappota .......
Beeman’s Pepsin ...... 62
Beechnut ..............° 62
Chiclets ........ bsecee bao
Colgan Violet Chips .. 60
Colgan Mint Chips .... 60
DONTVNO icc e cs esccs'ss Ge
Flag Spruce .......e-+e- 59
Juicy Fruit ........++6. 59
Red Robin ............ 62
2°86). cases es secescoe 62
Spearmint, Wrigleys ... 64
Spearmint, 5 box jars 3 20
Spearmint, 3 box jars 1 92
Trunk Spruce .......... 59
Yucatan .....
OGG ceases ss scasess OS
CHOCOLATE
Walter Baker & Co.
German’s Sweet ...... 22
Premium ............. 22
C@racaS ....-ccccess:: 8
Walter M. Lowney Co.
Premium, YS .......-- 29
Premium, %s ........ 29
CLOTHES LINE
Per doz.
Twisted Cotton 95
Twisted Cotton
Twisted Cotton
Twisted Cotton
Braided Cotton 1
Braided Cotton 1
Braided Cotton :
1
. 40
No. 50
No. 60
No. 80
No. 50
No. 60
No. 60
No. 80 Braided Cotton
Nod. 50 Sash Cord .....
No. . gay Cord ..... 2
. 6 MUO bee ies aies
0. 12 Jute .......... 4 10
60 Sisal .......... 1 00
Galvanizea Wire
No. 20, each 100ft. long 1 90
No. 19, each 100ft. long 2 10
No. 20, each 100ft. long 1 00
No. 19, each 100ft. long 2 10
COCOA
BGKCr So occ e cence cces BF
Cleveland ............. 41
Colonial, 4s ..... ect ete iO
Colonial, 4448 .........-- =
ershey’s, M 42. --. 80
Hershey’s, is Sclcesees ae
FAUVION - cic scccccsseace! OO
Lowney, 8 ......-... 34
Lowney, %8 .......... 34
Lowney, 48 ....-.---- 33
Lowney, 5 Ib. cans .... 338
Van Houten, %s .. 12
Van Houten,, 48 ..... 18
Van Houten, %s ..... 36
Van Houten, 1s ...... 65
Wan-Bta ..........---- 36
WEDD ©. ccesceeccses soe 88
Wilber, Boccecceees a oe
Wilber, S 33.5... <..- 32
COCOANUT
Dunham’s per Ib
%s, 5tb. case ...... 30
4s, 5Ib. CaSe ......-- 29
¥4s, 15Ib. case ...... 29
4s, 15Ib. case ...... 28
is, 15tb. case ....... 27
Y%s & ts 15%. case 28
Scalloped Gems ...... 10
Ys & Ws pails ...... 16
Bulk, pails .......... 1
3
Bulk, barrels ........ 12
Baker’s Brazil Shredded
10 5c pkgs., per case 2 60
26 10c pkgs., per case 2 60
16 10c and 33 5c pkgs., .
per CASE ......0s.
COFFEES ROASTED
Rilo
Common ......-<2.--> 19
“MAIC (.ecaacs ceceessss 4008
Choice se eee heres 320
PONCY .3.0.65sccs cress 2i
Peaberry -........... 23
Santos
Common ...... Sertecs 20
HOI 55s vee csc eree. 20%
Cnoice 2... se oo 21
Fancy 2...2-2se0
tn
—?
Ail Leaf, oe & 7 oz... 30
BB, 3% 02. ..ccccee-- 6 00
BB, T OM sccccucacccle OO
BB, 14 OB. ccccocec. 34 00
Bagdad, 10c tins ....11 52
Badger, 3 oz. ........ 5 04
Badger, 7 0% ........11 52
Banner, 5c ........-. 5 76
Banner, a edecdccee 5 OO
Banner, gessececes 2 an
Belwood, 5 10c 94
Big Chief, 2% Of. ....
Big Chief, 16 oz. .. ..
LARS ART RN LOTR I ORE OTN ILEG IEEE LT ISON
en ete ee ee eet eee oe ee eae eee eee
a
' Rob Roy, 25c doz. ....
MICHIGAN
SPECIAL PRICE CURRENT
4
12
Smoking
buu Durham, be .... 5 85
Bull Durham, 10c ....11 52
Bull Durham, 1l5c .. 17 28
Bull Durham, 8 oz. .. 3 60
Bull Durham, 16 oz. .. 6 72
Buck Horn, bc ...... 5 76
Buck Horn, 10c ...... 11 52
Briar Pipe, 5c ....... 5 76
Briar Pipe, 10c .... 11 52
Black Swan, 6c ..... 5 76
Black Swan, 14 oz. .. 3 50
Beb White, 5c ...... 6 00
Brotherheod, 5c ..... 6 60
Brotherhood, 10c ....11 10
16 oz. . 5 05
Carnival, % oz. .... 39
Carnival, 16 DS. ass 40
Clip "8: Johnson 30
Cc Clip p’s, Seymour 30
Identity, 3 & 16 oz. .. 30
Darby Cigar Cuttings 4 50
Continental Cubes, 10c 90
Corn Cake, 14 oz. .... 2 55
Corn Cake, 7 oz.
Corn Cake, Sc ....
Cream, 50c pails ..... : 70
Cuban Star, 5c foil .. 5 76
Cuban Star, 16 oz. pls 3 72
Ghips, 10c ...........10 30
Dills Best, 1% oz. .... 79
Dills Best, 3% oz. .... 77
Dills Best, 16 oz. .... 73
Dixie Kid, 5c ........
Duke’s Mixture, 5c ..5 76
Duke’s Mixture, 10c ..11 52
Duke’s Cameo, 5c cores 76
Five Bros., 5c ...... 5 76
Five Bros., 10c ...... 10 53
Five cent cut Plug .. 29
F OB 10c ...........11 52
Four Roses, 10c ..... 96
Full Dress, 1% oz. .. 72
Glad Hand, 5c ..... . 9 48
Gold Block, 10c ...... 12 00
Gold star, 50c pail .. 4 60
Gail & Ax. Navy, Sc 5 76
Growler, 5c .......- : 42
Growler, 10c .. : 94
Growler, 20c . . 1.85
Giant, 5c ...... 5 76
Giant, 40c .......... . Sale
Hand Made, 2% oz. .. 50
Hazel Nut, Sc ...... 5 76
Honey Dew, 10c ....12 00
ee Sec gesuaes Re
Me Mi BR ko oes ec eee 6
Ix L, in palis sosces BOO
Just Suits, 5c ........ 6 00
Just Suits, 10c ......12 00
Kiln Dried, 25c ..... 2 45
King Bird, 7 oz. .... 2 16
King Bird, 10c ......11 52
King Bird, 5c ........ 5 76
ie rurka, Se ........ 5 76
Little Giant, 1 Th. .... 28
Lucky Strike, luc .... 96
Le Redo, 3 oz. ..... -10 80
Le Redo, 8 & 16 oz. 38
Myrtle Navy, 10c ....11 52
Myrtle Navy, Bc ..... 5 76
Maryland Club, 5c ... 50
Mayflower, 5c ....... 5 76
Mayfiower, 10c ...... 96
Mayflower, 20c ...... 1 92
Nigger Hair, 5c ..... 6 00
Nigger Hair, 10c ....10 70
Nigger Head, 5c ..... 5 40
Nigger Head, 10c ...10 56
‘Noon Hour, 5c ...... 48
Old Colony, 1-12 gro. 11 52
Old Mill, Sc ....... 5 76
ala isnglisn Crve 1%oz. 96
Old Crop, 5c ........ 5 76
Old Crop, 25c ....... 20
P. S., 8 oz. 30 Ib. cs. 19
Pr, 8. 3 mi. per ao 5 70
Pat Hand,
Patterson a 1% “oz. 48
Patterson Seal, 3 oz. .. 96
Patterson Seal, 16 oz. 5 00
Peerless, 5c ........ 5 76
Peerless, 10c cloth ..11 52
Peerless, 10c paper "10 80
Peerless, 20c ........ 2 04
Peerless, 40c ae
aga, 2 gro. case .
Plow Boy, 5c 5
Plow Boy, 10c ......11 40
Plow = 14 oz. ......4 70
Pedro, cee ee ke -11 93
Pride "of “Virginia, 1% 77
BIG BO isc caeeca ss 76
Pilot, 14 oz. doz. .... 2 10
Prince Albert, 5c .... 48
Prince Albert, 10c .... 96
Prince Albert, 8 oz. .
Prince Albert, 16 oz.
Queen Quality, 5dc ..
Rob Roy, 5c foil ....
Rob Roy, 10c gross ..1
Nenmrouw a9
w
So
Rob Roy, 50c doz.
& M., 5c gross ...
8. & M., 14 oz., doz.
Soldier Boy, 5c
@eldier Boy,
gross
» 1c ....10 0
13
Pilot, 7 oz. doz.
Soldier Boy, 1 Yb.
Sweet Caporal, 1 oz. 60
Sweet Lotus, 5c ...... 5 76
Sweet Lotus, 10c ....11 52
Sweet Lotus, per dz. 4 60
Sweet Rose, 2% oz. .. 30
Sweet Tip Top, 5c .. 50
Sweet Tip Top, 10c .. 1 00
Sweet Tips, % gro...10 08
Sun Cured, 10c ....... 98
Summer Time, 5c ... 5
Summer Time, 7 oz... 1
Summer Time, 14 oz. 3
Standard, 5c foil .... 5 76
Standard, 10c paper 8
Seal N. C. 1% cut plug
Seal N. C. 1% Gran. 63
Three Feathers, 1 oz. 48
Three Feathers, 10c .1: v4
Three Feathers and
Pipe combination .. 2
Tom & Jerry, 14 oz. 3 60
Tom & Jerry, 7 oz. ..1
Tom & Jerry, 3 oz. ae 76
Trout Line, 5c ..... 90
Trout Line, 10c ..... 11 00
Turkish, Patrol, 2-9 5 76
Tuxedo, 1 oz. bags .. 48
Tuxedo, 2 oz. tins oe 96
Tuxedo, 20c ........- 90
Tuxedo, 80c tins .... 7 45
Twin Oaks, 10c .. .. 96
Union Leader, 50c ... 5 10
Union Leader, 25c .. 2 60
Union Leader, 10c ..11 52
Union Leader, 5c .... 6 00
Union Workman, 1% 5 76
Uncle Sam, 1l0c ..... 10 98
Uncle Sam, 8 oz. .... 2 25
U. S. Marine, 5c ... 5 76
Van Bibber, 2 oz. tin 88
Velvet, 5c pouch .... 48
Velvet, 10c tin ....... 96
Velvet, 8 oz. tin .... 3 84
Velvet, 16 oz. can ... 7 68
Velvet, combination cs 5 75
War Path, 5c ...... 6 00
War Path, 20c ...... 1 60
Wave Line, 3 oz. .... 40
Wave Line, 16 oz.
Way up, 2% oz.
Way up, 16 oz. palls . os Be
Wild Fruit, 5c ...... 5 76
Wild Fruit, 10c ..... 11 42
Yum Yum, 5c ...... 5 76
Yum Yum, 10c ....-.- 11 62
Yum Yum, 1 th., doz. 4 60
TWINE
Cotton, 3 ply ........ 20
Cotton, 4 ply ..... son 20
Jute, Diy: .-2.------- 14
Hemp, 6 ply ......... 13
Flax, medium ....... 24
Wool, 1 th. bales 10%
VINEGAR
White Wine, 40 grain 8%
White Wine, 80 grain 11%
White Wine, 100 grain 13
Oakland Vinegar & Pickle
Co.’s Brands
Highland apple cider 22
Oakland apple cider ..16
State Seal sugar ..... 14
Oakland white picklg 10
Packages free.
WICKING
No. 0, per gross .... 30
No. 1, per gross ..... 40
No, 2, per gross ..... 50
No. 3, per gross ..... 75
WOODENWARE
Baskets
Bushels ....... 1 00
Bushels, wide band — on 15
Market
Splint, large ......... 4 00
Splint, medium ...... 3 50
Splint, small ........ 3 00
Willow, Clothes, large 8 75
Willow, Clothes, small 7 25
Willow, Clothes, me’m 8 00
Butter Plates
Ovals
% Yb., 250 in crate .... 35
% tb., 250 in crate .... 35
1 Th., 250 in crate ...... 40
2 Tb., 250 in crate ...... 50
3 tb., 250 in crate ...... 70
5 th., 250 in crate ...... 90
Wire Ena
1 th., 250 in crate ...... 35
2 Tb., 250 in crate .. . 45
3 Tb., 250 in crate ...... 55
5 Ib., 20 in crate ...... 65
Churns
Barrel, 5 gal., each .. 2 4C
Barrel, 10 gal., each ..2 55
Clothes Pins
Round Head
4% inch, 5 gross ......
Cartons, 20 2% doz. bxs
Egg Crates and Fillers
Humpty Dumpty, 12 dz. -
No. 1 complete .......
No. 2, complete
Case No. 2, fillers, 15
MRCS civn icesgssacs a OO
Case, medium, 12 sets 1 15
14
Faucets
Cork lined, 3 in. ...... 70
Cork lined, 9 in. .... 80
Cork lined, 10 in. ...... 90
Mop Sticks
Trojan spring ........ 90
Eclipse patent spring 85
No. 1 common ........ 80
No. 2 pat. brush holder 85
Tdeal No. 7
12%. cotton mop heads. 1 30
Palls
2-hoop Standard .... 2 00
2-hoop Standard .... 2 25
3-wire Cable
Fibre
Toothpicks
Birch, 100 packages .. 2 00
Ideal
Traps
Mouse, wood, 2 holes .. 22
Mouse, wood, 4 holes .. 45
10 qt. Galvanized .... 1 55
12 qt. Galvanized .... 1-70
14 qt. Galvanized..... 1 90
Mouse, wood, 6 holes .. 70
Mouse, tin, 5 holes .... 65
Rat, WOOd 2.5.5.6. 6 80
Rat, Bring 2.55.5... 15
Tubs
20-in. Standard, No. 1 8 00
18-in. Standard, No. 2 7 00
16-in. Standard, No. 8 6 00
20-in. Cable, No. 1 8 00
18-in. Cable, No. 2 7 00
16-in. Cable, No. 3 6 00
No. 1 Wibre ........; 16 50
No, 2 Fibre .......... 15 00
No; 3 Fibre ....5.... 13 50
Large Galvanized ... 5 50
Medium Galvanized .. 4 75
Small Galvanized ... 4 25
Washboards
Banner, Globe ....... 2 50
Brass, Single ........ 3 25
Glass, Single ........ 3 25
Single Acme ..... ss oe aD
Double Peerless .... 8 75
Single Peerless ..... 3 25
Northern Queen .... 3 25
Double Duplex ...... 3 00
Good Enough ....... 3 25
Universal ........... 3 15
Window Cleaners
2°43. 25 sé se seee5 2 00
94° in. 2552: waleeeisicssc A SBD
96048 co ccs es 2 30
: Wood Bowls
13 in. Butter ....... wed 25
15 in. Butter ........ 2 50
17 in. Butter .. oes 2.75
19 in. Butter ......... 7 50
WRAPPING PAPER
Common Straw ...... 2
Fibre Manila, white .. 3
Fibre Manila, colored 4
No. 1 Manila ........ 4
Cream Manila ........ 8
Butchers’ Manila . 2%
Wax Butter, short c ‘nt 10
Wax Butter, full e’nt 15
Wux Butter, rolls ... 12
YEAST CAKE
Magic, 3 doz. ....... 1 15
Sunlight, 3 doz. ......
Sunlight, 1% doz. .... 50
Yeast Foam, 3 doz. ..
Yeast Foam, 1% doz. 85
YOURS TRULY LINES
Pork and Beans 2 70@3 6¢
Condensed Soup 3 25@3 60
Salad Dressing 3 80@4 50
Apple Butter .... @3 80
Catsup ......5. 2 70@6 75
Macaroni ..... 1 70@2 35
Spices. ...5.... 40@ 85
FIOVOR 65 ici @ 7
AXLE GREASE
1 bb. boxes, per gross 9 00
3 Tb. boxes, per gross 24 00
OTF eOLer. ue
Car lots or local shipments,
bulk or sacked in paper or jute.
Poultry and stock charcoal.
M. O. DEWEY CO., Jackson, Mich.
TRADESMAN
15
February 17, 1915
16 17
BAKING POWDER Roasted German Mottled, 25 b. 3 05
K. C. Dwinnell-Wright Co’s B’¢s Late Naphtha 100 ck. 3 45
Doz. Marseilles, 100 cakes 6 00
10 oz., 4 doz. in case 85 Marseilles, 100 cks. 5¢ 4 00
15 oz. 4 doz. in case 1 25 Marseilles, 100 ck. toil 4 90
20 oz., 3 doz. in case 1 60 Marseilles, % bx toil 2 10
. 0Z., : doz. in case 2 00
0z., 2 doz. plain top 4 00 Proctor &
50 oz. 2 doz screw top 4 20 1 oe
80 oz., 1 doz. plain top 6 50 ie wii lsre cect gs 3 20
80 0z., 1 doz. screw top 6 75 ore’ GOB essen - 400
Barrel Deal No. 2 tape? 10 OF +e eee 8 75
eae each 101s and (it 8 Star... asec. BOR
woe 7 oo ; Sie 32 80
ozen oz. free Swif:
sa Barrel Deal No. 2 Swit - oe
oz. each, 10, 15 and wift’s Pride ....
oon 24 60 White Laundry.” 348
With 3 dozen 10 oz. free Wool, 6 oz. bars ....4 99
Half-Barrel Deal No. 3 Wool, 10 oz. bare |. 116 és
4 doz. each, 10, 15 and ae
Pb OZ. ec dece ue 16 40 Tradesman Co.’s Brand
With 2 doz. 10 oz. free
All cases sold F. O. B.
jobbing point.
All barrels and_ half-
Black Hawk, one
Black Hawk, five bes 2 oe
White House, 1 tb. Black Hawk, ten bxs 2 25
onenee
barrels sold F. O. B. Chi- White House, 2 tb. ...... . B. Wrisi
ae. Excelsior, Blend, 1 t..... Good Ghee: a
Royal Excelsior, Blend, 2 tb. .... Old Country 2277! )7! 2 49
Tip Top, Blend, 1 th.
10c size -. 90 Royal Blend ............. Scouring
%%b cans 1 35 Royal High Grade ........ Sa@polio, gross lots .. 4 5y
6 ozcans190 i Sapolio, half gro. lots 4 86
i Gee 450 uperior Blend .......... Sapolio, single boxes 2 4{
“ Boston Combination Sapolio, hand ....... Zz me
%Ib cans 3 75 Distributed by Judson Scourine, 50 cakes .. 1 80
my cans a se Grocer Co., Grand Rapids; Scourine, 100 cakes .. 3 50
cans
Lee & Cady, Detroit; Sy-
5tb cans 2150 mons Bros. & Co., Sagi- Soap Pompotinds
CIGARS naw; Brown, Davis & War- Johnson’s Fine, 48 2 3 25
: Johnson’s XXX
Johnson Cigar Co.’s Brana °&" Jackson; Godsmark, Rub-No-More spi » 3 4
Dutch Masters Club 70 99 Durand & Co., Battle Nine O'clock ........ 3 60
erie sehsatacboy any BS 7 Creek; Fielbach Co., Tos-
ute asters, Pan. Pew
Dutch Master Grande 68 00 nop, we sai
ee Heng ee Babbitts 1776 0. FE
(0) re ee 0 8 esccce
gee Jay 00 ois)". 18 M0 wold Duet, 24 aide’ 4 30
a ceca
a eOW 1 e. 22532 00 Kirkoline, 24 4Ib. ....2 80
Lautz Naphtha, 60s ..2 4C
Worden Grocer Co. Brands Paatt Naphtha, 100s’ 3 75
ane as sie ae feat trenagaen i
Londres, 50s, wood ....35 Snow Boy, 24s family
Londres, 25s tins ...... 35 SIZE reveeescinserne %
Londres, 300 lots :..... 10 Se oo ao ee
COFFEE Royal Garden Tea, pkgs. 40 Snow, Boy, 208 ..--+»4 00
Swift’s Pride, 248 ....8 55
OLD mae COFFEE THE BOUR CO.. Swift’s Pride, 100s ...8 65
; TOLEDO, OHIe. Wisdom ..........6. 8 86
SOAP
Lautz Bros.’ & Co. The only
Acme, 30 bars ...... 4 00
Acme, 25 bars, 75 Ibs. 4 00 Cc
oar, an 70 Ths. : 86 Cl
cme, cakes .... 3 75 eanser
Big Master, 100 blocks 3 90 Be
Cream Borax, 100 cks 3 86 pgm as
German Mottled I the
ioet” 10c kinds
80 - CANS - $2.86
Old Master Coffee .... 31
San Marto Coffee .....
German Mottled, 5bx. 3 it
German Mottled, 10 b. 3 10
FITZPATRICK BROTHERS’ SOAP CHIPS
BBLS.
White City (Dish Washing) ................ «rics cees QlO IDS... ... 3c per Ib.
Tip Top (OURO) ee 250 Ibs...... 4c per lb.
No. 1 Laundry Dry ie a 225 Ibs...... 5c per lb.
Palm Pure Soap Dry... -.. 6... 65.5. bk ss ec ae 300 Ibs... ..6%c per lb
MERICAN BEAUTY” Display Case No. 412—one
of more than one hundred models of Show Case,
Shelving and Display Fixtures designed by the Grand
Rapids Show Case Company for displaying all kinds
of goods, and adopted by the most progressive stores of America.
GRAND RAPIDS SHOW CASE CO., Grand Rapids, Michigan
The Largest Show Case and Store Equipment Plant in the World
Show Rooms and Factories: New York, Grand Rapids, Chicago, Boston, Portland
é
-
wt
February 17, 1915
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
47
-BUSINESS-WANTS DEPARTMENT
Advertisements inserted under this head for two cents a word the
continuous insertion,
No charge less than 25 cents.
first insertion and one cent a word for each subsequent
Cash must accompany all orders.
BUSINESS CHANCES.
For Sale or Trade for Real HEstate—A
good clean stock of men’s and_ boys’
furnishing goods, located in a good Cen-
tral Michigan town of 2,500. Invoice
about $5,500. Doing a good _ business.
Good reason for selling. Address No.
894, care Michigan Tradesman. 894
For Sale—New brick s‘actory building,
56x60 ft., two stories and basement;
inside half-mile circle. Located in Bat-
tle Creek, population 30,000. Suitable for
cold storage, artificial ice plant, or ma-
chine shop. Fine offices, pressed brick
front, heating plant ané .modern plumb-
ing. A. L. Chilson, Baitle Creek, ae
For Sale—A going tea and coffee busi-
ness doing a business of upwards of
$30,000 per year, located in a good town.
Good reason for selling. Write at once.
Address No. 896, care Michigan Trades-
man. 896
For Sale—General department store.
About $2,000, one-third being groceries;
sales last year $72,000; $8,00u required in
cash. Going into wholesale business.
Box 17, Fort Collins, Colo. 89
For Sale Quick—Cash only, liberal dis-
count if taken at once, $10,000 clean, up-
to-date stock, dry goods, ladies’, misses’
and children’s ready-to-wear and shoes.
Few furnishings and work clothing. Ex-
cellent paying, strictly cash business.
Books open for proof. Good reason for
selling. Modern 25x120 brick building.
rent reasonable. County seat town of
1,200 in great wheat belt, southwest
Kansas. Address A. S. Farmer, Pratt,
Kansas. 899
Merchandise Sales Conducted.
reduced or closed out entirely.
Sales Co., JAckson, Michigan.
For Sale—A four table pool room,
candy, cigars. Only place in hustling
town of about 800. First time offered
for sale. Everything in good condition.
Protected by license. Will stand rigid
investigation. Other business. Lock Box
29, Millington, Michigan. 902
For Sale—Executor of the estate offers
for sale the hardware and furnace busi-
ness of N. W. Deering & Son, Atlantic,
Iowa. Stock and fixtures will invoice
around $14,000. Located in town of 5,000
in best farming section of Iowa. Address
W. J. Deering, Atlantic, Ta. 893
Wanted—Cash register. Will exchange
diamond or American typewriter. C. F.
Allen, Jeweler, Elsie, Michigan. 891
For Sale or Exchange—A-1 farm of
200 acres. Good soil and good buildings.
O. R. Burrier, R. No. 3, Traverse PA
Michigan. 875
Will exchange for property anywhere
in Michigan of equal value 320 acres in
the Pecos river valley, New Mexico; fin-
est of climates and good soil, near good
markets and schools; price 6,400. Wil-
liam R. Smalley, Sherman, Mich. 876
Stocks
Greene
For Sale—Hazen steel paper. press,
brand new with bundle of ties, $25. Cost
originally $41.50. Also 200 account Mc-
Caskey system, $5. A. L. Hall, Montrose,
Michigan. 879
Wanted—To buy a stock of dry goods
in town of 5,000 to 10,000 or would rent
a store. Address L. G. Brennan, Hudson,
Michigan. 882
For Sale—A clean stock of hardware
invoicing six thousand dollars. Estab-
lished in business over thirty years.
Address J. A. Montague, Traverse a
Michigan.
Wanted—Dealers
handling rugs_ to
write us. We have a proposition that
will certainly be interesting to you.
Buckeye Manufacturing Co., Canton,
Ohio. 884
Shoes—We are buyers of all kinds of
merchandise, paying the best cash prices.
Shoes are our specialty. Write us at
once. Detroit Mercantile Co., 345 Gratiot
Ave., Detroit, Michigan. 886
For Sale—The only department store
in town of 2,500 population in Central
Michigan. Very low rent. A-No. 1 good
stand, and very little competition. No.
889, care Tradesman. 889
For Sale—General merchandise busi-
ness. Post office in connection. Will
stand investigation. Address No. 890,
care Tradesman. 890
For Rent—Brick building and basement
25 x 85, best location. In village of 1,600,
for dry goods stock. Only one dry. goods
store in town. Rent reasonable. W. V.
Capron, Frankfort, Michigan. 866
For Sale—General_ store, including
stock, fixtures and building, doing large
business. Address No. 867, care Michi-
gan Tradesman. 867
Stocks Wanted—If you are desirous of
selling your stock, tell me about it. I
may be able to dispose of it quickly.
My service free to both buyer and seller.
E. Kruisenga, 17-23 Ionia Ave., Grand
Rapids, Michigan. 870
For Sale or Exchange—120 acre farm;
good location, good buildings, good land;
can use $5,000 stock of merchandise. C.
J. Stockwell, Grand Ledge, Mich. 838
Moving Picture Theater For Sale—Seat-
ing 200. Good business, good location.
Best equipped theater in city’ of its size
in Michigan. Write for particulars. Crys-
tal Theater, Grand Ledge, Mich. 821
Cash for your business or property. I
bring buyers and sellers together. No
matter where located, if you want to buy,
sell or exchange any kind of business
or property, write me. Established 1881.
John B. Wright, successor to Frank P.
Cleveland, Real Estate Expert, 1261
Adams Express Bldg., Chicago, Ill. 326
We buy and sell second-hand _ store
fixtures. Grand Rapids Merchandise &
Fixtures Co., 803 Monroe Ave. 204
For Sale—Steam heated brick hotel,
located at Fife Lake, Michigan. Sixty-
seven miles from Petoskey, twenty-eight
miles from Traverse City. Twenty-three
sleeping rooms, furnished complete. In
wet county. Will sell cheap for cash.
M. Hobbs, Proprietor, Fife Lake, 7
8
For Sale—Good second-hand McCaskey
account .register cheap. M. Brown,
Room 511, Minnehaha Building, Sioux
Falls, South Dakota. 855
Wanted—Stock merchandise about $20,-
000. Will exchange fine, well improved,
Illinois farm. Address Box 97, Greenup,
Til. 859
Wanted—A shoe stock for two. story
brick block. Good location, with five
years’ lease. Good rent. Address Peo-
ples Store, 1973 Division avenue. 863
For Sale or Exchange—Baker’s stand.
1 eleven room brick building, stove room,
oven and dwelling combined. Garden
lot. Cheap. W. E. Moore, Felicity, ou
For Sale—Patent rat and mouse trap.
Simple, durable, economical. Sure catch.
Address D. H. Clippinger, Perkins, Cali-
fornia. 865
For Sale—Meat market, complete with
tools and ice house. Double store, two
story building. Price $1,000. Address
No 850, care Tradesman. 85
Wanted—Stock of merchandise for
$5,000 farm, or $15,000 timber tract, no
encumbrance. Phillips, Manchester, Tenn.
812
Wanted—A stock of general merchan-
dise. Must be a good clean stock, well
located, and established business. Will
pay reasonable price. Can handle a med-
ium sized stock. Address No. 813 —
gan Tradesman. 813
Hotel DeHaas, a thirty-five room brick
hotel, fifteen other rooms available, on
main corner in Fremont, a live growing
town of 2,500 in the fruit belt of Western
Michigan; this is a money maker, as it
is the only first-class hotel here; cost
$30,000; will sell for $15,000; easy terms.
No license and four sub-rentals. Will
not rent; reason, age. Address Dr. N.
DeHaas, Fremont, Michigan. 801
Will pay cash for any kind of merchan-
dise or any amount of it if cheap enough.
Harold Goldstrom, 65 Smith Ave., Detroit,
Michigan. 738
Large catalogue Farms and Business
Chances, or $50 selling proposition free.
Pardee, Traverse City, Michigan. 519
For Rent—Store building. Good loca-
tion for clothing or department store,
in a live Michigan town. Address No.
328, care Tradesman. 328
Safes Opened—W. L. Slocum, safe ex-
pert and locksmith. 97 Monroe Ave.,
Grand Rapids, Mich. 104
Business For Sale at inventory price.
Our well established hardware, imple-
ment and general merchandise business
in Ridgewood is for sale at inventory
price. e wish to devote our time to
other business and offer this as an ex-
ceptional opportunity to right man, Ad-
dress Ridgewood Commercial Co., Ridge-
wood, N 858
We pay CASH for merchandise stock
and fixtures. Grand Rapids Merchandise
& Fixtures Co., 803 Monroe Ave. 203
For Sale—Clean and up-to-date ward
grocery, in good manufacturing city of
12,000 in Northern Indiana. Stock clean
and new—fixtures first-class and complete.
Address 814 care Tradesman. 14
For Sale—Lake Vista farm and resort.
Finest farm and resort proposition in
Michigan. Immediate possession given.
Might exchange for business or other
property. Write for descriptive Booklet.
Address owner, C. S. Pyle, Allegan, —
8
HELP WANTED.
Wanted—Salesmen reaching notion and
toilet goods lines to carry our vanity
toilet powder gloves and other specialties. .
Liberal commission. E. L. Gilbert Mfg.
Co., Rochester, N. Y. 885
For Sale—Hardware, furniture and
garage. Invoice stock and fixtures $5,000.
Sales 191x, $22,000; best location in town.
This business has been built up from
$8,000 to $22,000 in four years with pros-
pects of $30,000 this year. Will sell hard-
ware and furniture separate from garage.
Alfred Patras, LaVeta, Colo. 15
Merchants Please Taxe Notice! We
have clients of grocery stocks, general
stocks, dry goods stocks, hardware stocks,
drug stocks. We have on our list also a
few good farms to exchange for such
stocks. Also city property. If you wish
to sell or exchange your business write
us. G. R. Business Exchange, 540 House-
man Bldg., Grand Rapids, Mich. 859
PRINTING.
Wanted—Clothing Salesman—To open
an office and solicit orders for Merchant
Tailoring. Full sample equipment is
free. Start now and get into business
‘on your own hook.” We build to-order
the best clothes in America. If you have
* faith in your ability to do things, you
are the fellow we are looking for! Full
details will be supplied on request and
I can call and talk it over if you are
interested. E. L. Moon, General Agent,
Columbus, Ohio. 107
SITUATIONS WANTED.
Registered Pharmacist—Open for po-
sition because store has been sold. Mid-
dle-aged, fourteen years in same store.
Experienced in drugs, books, stationery
and wallpaper. References. Address No.
901, care Tradesman. 901
1,000 bill heads, envelopes, statements
or bond letter heads, $2.50. 1,000 letter
circulars and your letter head on bond
paper, $2.50, 10,000 $15.75. Copper Jour-
nal, Hancock, Michigan. 785
Registered pharmacist, reliable and
competent, desires position, regular or
relief work. Address Druggist, c-o 264
Richards Ave., N. W., Grand Rapids.
887
Economic Coupon Books
They save time and expense.
They prevent disputes.
They put credit transactions on cash basis.
Free samples on application.
TRADESMAN COMPANY, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Lore
. ME prechantcal —
TRADESMAN COMPANY
GHAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN.
Conservative [nvestors
Patronize Tradesman Advertisers
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN ' February 17, 1915
~ Our March catalogue--America’s Price
Maker and Pattern Setter in a host of items
erocers and general merchants sell--is out.
Comparison. will show that on an Over-
whelming majority of its items we give
either a better article or a lower price.
If you will give the offerings in this cat-
alogue the same consideration you would
be glad to give if we sent a man to see
you, both of us will make more money.
BUTLER BROTHERS
Exclusive Wholesalers of General Merchandise
CHICAGO NEW YORK ST. LOUIS MINNEAPOLIS | DALLAS
5 LITTLE.
h || DUTCH MASTERS
Fr malin | DX CIGARS»
WV te the oem ’
with the head of.
Took customers know. | |. ~~
: {) the familiar trade-mark in | . Made in a Model Factory
} A the neat blue Franklin | | Handled by All Jobbers Sold by All Dealers
; ‘Sugar Cartons, and they a aeree by Discriminating Smokers |
know the fine quality of.
vie ; FRANKLIN CARTON
1, I ge ‘SUGAR.
Keep this full line of fast selling sugars prominently
. displayed where: your customers can see them. The demand
- for FRANKLIN CARTON SUGAR is increasing every
day. because the convenient air-tignt, dust-proof carton is
universally approved and because FRANKLIN CARTON
SUGAR is being constantly demonstrated and sampled to.
- create a demand for it.
Take advantage of the opportunity and tell your cus-
- tomers about the convenience of buying the whole line of
-FRANKLIN CARTON SUGARS at one time. She'll like
the suggestion and it. means increased eeu and ene
profits for you.
‘You can buy FRANKLIN CARTON SUG. AR i the. _| They are so good we are compelled to work full capacity
original containers of 24, 48, 60 and 120 lbs. — ie to supply the demand |
THE FRANKLIN SUGAR REFINING: Go. eae 2 G J. JOHNSON CIGAR . CO., Makers o
PHILADELPHIA. : | : ee GRAND RAPIDS
New Customers —
NEW. TRADE comes with the sntidduntine. of new products. By an improved refining process :
the Standard Oil Company—an Indiana Corporation—has produced the ideal illuminating oil.
’ This new product is 20 per cent more efficient than any other oil. It is called
Perfection Oil
_ The wise. dealer is the one who anticipates the actions of his competitor. The dealer who builds
his trade on PERFECTION OIL ‘enjoys a one volume of sales and insures for himself
more profits.
ee PERFECTION OIL pleases the old customer anid attracts néw ones. The new oil ane 20 per
7 cy eent longer and gives 20 per cent more light than any other oil. It develops a brilliant, steady
light; burns absolutely without odor and does not char the wick. It is an ideal fuel for oil-
_ burning cook’ stoves and heaters, and i is admirably adapted for use in incubators.
PERFECTION OIL is guaranteed by Standard Oil Company—America’s greatest service organ-
: ization. Dealers may recommend it with the knowledge that every one of the claims made
for it are accurate and subject to the. most: scrutinizing tests possible. Our local Sarnind
a station will furnish you with all necessary. information on request.
oe "Standard Oil Company
ae pe _' An Indiana Corporation
eG CHICAGO