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=F TRADESMAN, COMPANY. PUBLISHER i DS
nz COMBO LGR LSS SH
Thirty-Fourth Year GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28. 1917 Number 1745
“¢ _@ e
7 ttention---netal ercnants
: 3,00 Furnished Y
$3,000 to $25,000 Cash Furnished You at Once
By selling % to % of your stock for cash at a profit by one of our 10 day Special Sales. We make a
special effort at the very beginning of the sale to dispose of your odds and ends, dead and unsalable mer-
chandise at a good substantial profit, leaving your remaining stock in first class condition after the sale.
: We can prove to you from our past records that a Special Sale conducted under our management costs you
less than one conducted by yourself. You do not pay us one penny for our work until you have sold your
“ merchandise at a profit, and you pay us only a very small commission. What we have done for others we
can and will dofor you. You place the selling price on all merchandise for sale.
Every Business, Be It Large or Small
- ad MUST OCCASIONALLY RECEIVE THE STIMULATING INFLUENCE OF A SPECIAL SALE
Realize PROPERLY HANDLED BY MEN THAT STAND OUT IN THE MERCANTILE AND ADVERTIS-
Act Gait ING FIELD AS PAST MASTERS IN THIS PARTICULAR LINE OF ENDEAVOR. MEN WHOSE
. eg ABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY ARE UNQUESTIONED. THESE ARE THE KIND OF MEN
hae WHO CONDUCT YOUR SALE WHEN YOU ENGAGE OUR SERVICE
e ror
Conduct :
ear ow Every Merchant Wants to Do More Business
pecia ; 3
“ Sales QUESTION YOURSELF NOW AND SEE BY YOUR ANSWER IF YOUR BUSINESS IS WHAT IT
In OUGHT TO BE. IF YOU ARE DOING AS MUCH BUSINESS AS YOU SHOULD. IF YOUR GRAND
ne TOTAL OF PROFIT IN THE END IS WHAT IT SHOULD BE. IF YOU COULD NOT DO AS
." Ores MUCH BUSINESS ON A SMALLER STOCK, POSSIBLY BETTER SELECTED AND BY KEEPING
Stores, NEWER AND, FRESHER MERCHANDISE FOR YOUR PATRONS, BY SAVING ALL OF YOUR
i Department DISCOUNTS AND NOT PAYING INTEREST ON CAPITAL THAT IS TIED UP IN STOCK THAT
Stores, IS NOT MOVING. LOOK YOUR SHELVES, COUNTERS AND WARE-ROOM OVER AND SEE IF
‘ General THERE IS NOT MORE MERCHANDISE THAN YOU SHOULD HAVE ON HAND. THIS DEAD
: Stores, MERCHANDISE HAS BECOME A LIABILITY AND IS EATING UP YOUR PROFITS. WE CAN
Furniture TURN IT INTO CASH FOR YOU BY ONE OF OUR 10-DAY SALES. AT LEAST IT IS WORTH
i yrs TRYING AND WILL COST YOU NOTHING UNLESS WE DO.
Shoe ,
Stores, eee oo.
« Grocery Your Future Business is Assured. Write These Merchants We Have Conducted Sales For. We Give Here
Population and First Day’s Cash Sales and Will Give 41,000 To Anvone If These Figures Are Not Correct.
Stores, . .
¢ Hardware Merchant . Town Pop. 1st Days Sales Merchant Town Pop. Ist Duys Sales
D. W. Connine & Son Wexford, Mich. 105 $1,905.67 Speyers, Kalamazoo, Mich. $3,874.49
Stores, Chas. B. Eddy, at Bech, 1,5 ye 1,289. 00 EK. ae Vigor, ey, Ohio. Losats
rase Co., onor, Mich. 0) ,080.65 The vi Grand Rapids, Mich. 112,571 1.4(
And No x B Sooke Sha: Coral, Mich: ao 1,122.53 CR Sel muster & Co., Stan eee 1, Mich. 185 845.00
€ ‘, BE. Alberts, Ravenna, Mich. 600 T0172 Le ampbelil Co., Mt. Pleasant, Mich. t, 800 1. t33.10
* Stock Little rb oi Mcwonon Mich, 24,062 4,380.92 ° aa ame tee ee oe. eee
‘ Is Too Remember above merchants are still in business and these figures can be verified
‘ Large
y
¢
Or Write, Phone or | LYNCH BROTHERS Write for
; Small ;
bi To Handle For Free Plans Offices 44 So. Ionia Ave. It will
: i * and Information Gis. Phone Gizée.” ~6©0d Grand Rapids, Mich. Cost You Nothing
4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEITELT
Freight Elevators

Give Most Satisfaction in

- FACTORIES — STORES
WAREHOUSES

An Electric Power Belt Drive
costs little to install and little to
operate. Leitelt Elevators are
built tolast Repairs are seldom
needed Write or call for par-
ticulars.

 

Engine of Leiteit Motor Driven Belt Connected Elevator

ADOLPH LEITELT IRON WORKS
213 Erie Street Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

 

 

Putnam’s
Menthol Cough
Drops

The ‘‘Double A’’ Brand

Packed in an attractive display carton,
a valuable silent salesman.

Keep them in stock always.

PUTNAM FACTORY,
National Candy Co., Inc.
Makers
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

 

 

 

 

 

DUTCH MASTERS
SECONDS

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Will stimulate your trade Handled by all jobbers

G. J. JOHNSON CIGAR CO., Makers
GRAND RAPIDS

FRANKLIN

"SUGAR TALKS:
TO GROCERS

“Drive Thy Business
Let Not It Drive Thee”

Said the wise, old philosopher, Benjamin Franklin.
He became famous as a man of large accomplish-
ments because he did not let little things take his
time and attention away from important matters,
If Frankli. were here to-day he would tell youthat -
it is foolish to go to the trouble of filling and
tying bags of sugar when you can get it in neat
FRANKLIN cartons and cotton bags, all ready to
sell—nothing to do but hand it to the customer, and
take the money. No work, no trouble, no risk of
loss by over-weight.

 
   

‘errs
oe 2
5 h if ‘ y
Al
& ae i
eS ot
9 . .
é

FRANKLIN PACKAGE SUGAR IS GUARANTEED
FULL WEIGHT, AND MADE FROM SUGAR CANE

Original containers hold 24, 48, 60 and 120 Ibs.

THE FRANKLIN SUGAR REFINING CO., Philadelphia

 

 

 

 

You Can Buy Flour —

SAXOLIN

Sanitary Sacks

DUST PROOF
DIRT PROOF
MOISTURE PROOF
BREAKAGE PROOF

The Sack that keeps the
Flour IN and the Dirt OUT

Ask Your Miller in Your Town

—he can give you his flour in this sack

Our co-operative advertising plan
makes the flour you sell the best
advertised flour in your community

For samples and particulars write

THE CLEVELAND-AKRON BAG CO., CLEVELAND

 

 

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ADESMAN

 

Thirty-Fourth Year

GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1917

Number 1745

 

SPECIAL FEATURES.
Page
2. Hardware.
3. Bankruptcy Matters.
4. News of the Business World.
5. Grocery and Produce Market.
6. Moisture in Cheese.
8. Editorial.
9. Anti-Discrimination Law.
10. Financial.
16. Admit Their Weakness.
17. The Power of Unity.
18. Reciprocal Relations.
20. Sane and Sensible.
22. Small Town Merchants.
24. The Model Meat Market.
26. Woman’s World.
28. Butter, Eggs and Provisions.
30. Dry Goods.
32. Class Insurance.
34. Shoes.
36. Kalamazoo Mercantile Meeting.
40. The Commercial Traveler.
42. Drugs.
43. Drug Price Current.
44. Grocery Price Current.
46. Special Price Current.
47. Business Wants.

 

 

CONTEMPTIBLE CONSPIRACY

 

Against the Rights of Michigan Policy
Holders.

Letter to Attorney
Groesbeck.

Open General

Miami, Florida, Feb. 20—I am writ-
ing you under shadow of a great dis-
appointment.

Your letter and a copy of Senate
Bill 95, introduced by Senator Scully,
came to me this morning.

I had hoped that the bill prepared
by Senators Scully and Person, if this
be the measure, of which the press
has spoken, would be one for the
protection of the public.

I am still hopeful that this is not
the measure for which your office is
sponsor. Nor can I believe that you
have given it your approval.

You have asked me to express my
opinion of its provisions and, hastily
and somewhat superficially at this
time, I will do so.

Section I.

This section provides for the estab-
lishment of a rating department in
the office of the Commissioner of In-
surance. I examined the act
carefully to ascertain what power this
find that
it can do nothing in the fixing of a

have
department might have. |

single rate in the State.

It has no initiatory power in the
making of rates. It cannot review
and fix any rate upon hearing. It
would become merely a tool of the
companies to punish some agent or
company that might write a risk in
the state below the trust schedule.

Section II.

This section is mere verbiage and

requires no discussion.
Section IIT.

This provides, first, that the Com-
missioner shall have power to deter-
mine the adequacy or excessiveness
of rates on complaint, etc.

If the rates were to be made by the
State, or if every rate made by a
bureau were to be approved by the
commission of the

State or by a

State, as are railroad rates, telephone
rates, etc., this provision might have
some reason back of it.

The State is interested in the rates
charged by these stock companies,
first, to protect the assured against
weak and insolvent companies, and,
second, against extortion.

Adequacy can generally be left to
these corporations. They do not re-
quire the State to tell them that they
must charge more.

They do not need the State as a
guardian to make them charge higher
They pocket the profits and
may be depended upon to sell their

rates.

insurance at its worth.

This is the first time in the history
of our State when a bureau of the
State has been proposed to determine
whether a great corporation was not
selling its commodities at less than
they were worth. It looks suspicious
{rom my standpoint.

Suppose this department of the In-
surance office, after hearing, finds that
some rate in the State, is excessive,
what can it do?

The section provides that the Com-
missioner may suspend such rate,
without
policy or contract.

That sounds fine, but is absolutely

prejudice to any particular

valueless to the assured of the State.
IT have gone over this ground so thor-
oughly in my two letters of last week
that I shall beg you to refer to them.

The act does not permit the Com-
missioner to fix a new rate which js
just in place of the one found to be
excessive, nor does it permit him any
latitude in the manner of reaching a
conclusion. He is bound to follow a
line of credits and charges, existing
only in the Dean schedule.

Such will be gathered from this and
subsequent sections.
This Dean schedule, is absolutely
book of rules and
measurements. It will be so admit-
ted by the insurance fraternity.

Michigan
measure, but not yet has any thing

unreliable as a

recognizes standards of
of this kind been put across.

It would be as sensible to adopt
and make compulsory the use of some
patent medicine in the State, prohibit-
ing all other remedies.

But even should we presume that
the rate could be definitely fixed, there
is no power in the Commissioner to
change the rate, nor to substitute any
rate in place of the one suspended.

Section IV.

This section very generously allows
the individual companies to creat?
individual bureaus.

This received the
condemnation of all who knew any-
thing about insurance bureaus, or at
least has found but one expression
of opinion.

provision has

There can be but one bureau. There
never was in any state and never wil!
be. The expense is prohibitive.

As well tell me to compete with the
Standard Oil Company by building
refineries, etc.

The provision that the bureaus may
have common raies, etc., subject to
laws against monopoly in the Stat

orl

By this law, the bureaus are things
separate and apart from. the
panies, and by this section four, the
companies are to be considered tn-
dividually in the matter of rates.

y-

is farcical when considered sobe

conm-

Have you given this section very
much thought?

For example, the rate on my oifice,
| consider too high. I must first in-
sure it and pay the exorbitant rate
before | can make complaint.

Now, | am interested in getting the
rate changed, not so that [| may get
a dollar back after a long and ex-
pensive contest before the Commis-
sioner, and then before the Commis-
sion, and then before the courts.

But |
the bureau
office for all the companies that sre

want, if successful, to have

change the rate on my
subscribers to the bureau.

This thai the
companies are only responsible for

law, however, says

their own rates. This law makes no
provision for hailing into court any
bureau, nor any company, except the
one writing the insurance.

After I have gone through the pro-
cedure made necessary by this till,
| have gained absolutely nothing.

There is not a word in the bill
requiring the company to write and
carry my insurance at the rate found
to be adequate. Nor is there any
power conferred upon any state officer
or upon the court to determine what
an adequate rate would be.

The only power of the Commission
or the court is to order returned to
the complaining policy holder any ex-
cessive charge, if such be _ found,
where discrimination has been proven.

It must be observed that this act or
this bill, makes bureaus immune from
any hearing or review of rates.

No hearing against a company has
any effect upon the rates of bureaus,
for this bill makes no provision that
brings them before the commission.

Section V.

This section brings every company
writing insurance in the State, and
charging rates in advance, under the
terms of the act. There can be no
independence, no competition, in the
writing of fire insurance in stock com-
panies in the State.

Section VII.

This section permits the bureau to
be a resident of any state in the
Union. It does not even require it

to have an office in the State, nor in
fact to have its principal office in the
United States.

It may be a foreign concern, pre-
siding over the destinies of our peo-
ple, with no responsibility to the laws
of Michigan or of any state.

Section VIII.
bis makes

protection of the trust and its bureau

section absolute the
against competition.

For no independent company could
by any possibility personally inspect
every special risk in the State, make
a survey of the same in advance and
file the same in the office of the Com-
missioner.

This would involve the expenditure
of nearly, if not quite, a million dol-
lars. Every commissioner of insur-
United States
spoken upon this feature of the law

ance in the who has

has affirmed that but one bureau

would be possible.

That bureau will either be that of
the trust or the bureau created by the
State.

If the companies shall be allowed
to make initiatory rates through a
bureau, they will be extortionate, un-
less they be corrected and vised by
the State; by somebody who has an
interest in the assured of the State.

To expect that 500,000 persons car-
State must

complaint

rying insurance in this

each severally carry his
through an impossible channel for a
that

tained is preposterous.

relief avails nothing when ob-
This section
bars every competitor.

Section IX.

This section provides for friendly
visits of the Insurance Commissioner
to the homes of bureaus, if their resi-
dences be known. It makes no pro-
vision for any supervision, for any
change of rates upon a single risk in
the State,
filine of answers to letters

and for nothing but the

ind data

concerning them.
There is not the slightest

visory control over the bureau by the

super-

Commissioner, nor by the Commis-
sion, nor by the court. The bill states
that the Conimissioner has the same
power of examination as he would
have over insurance companies.

But the power of the Commissioner
in the matter of insurance companies
is to find about their assets, their 1€-
serves and the hundred other require-
ments, for the security of their nolicy
If the companies are found
in the

holders.
wanting the power is vested

Commissioner to proceed against
them.

In this fake examination, in these
enquiries, there is no power given to
the Commissioner to do anything, 2o
matter what conditions be found.

In fact there is nothing to ‘nvesti-

(Continued on page forty-one.)

 

 

ot Sat ide: Me ioe ig

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

   

February 28, 1917

 

 

 

 

 

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Michigan Retail Hardware Association.
President—James W. Tyre, Detroit.
Vice-President—Joseph C. Fischer, Ann

Arbor.

Secretary—Arthur J. Scott, Marine City.
Treasurer—William Moore, Detroit.

 

 

The Big Spring Drive Is About to
Begin.
Written for the Tradesman.

With the hardware dealer, the “big
drive” is an annual event. Even the
least progressive merchants feel the
impetus of spring weather and, if
ever exertions are put forth to secure
business, it is when the whole world
is “budding out” and everything in
nature calls humanity to get into ac-
tion.

In a few more weeks, spring will
be here; and the intervening time
should be spent by the hardware deal-
er in making his final preparations
for the big drive.

A great many merchants have their
plans laid already. Their prospect
lists have been gone over, their sales-
people coached and encouraged, their
stocks looked to, their advertising
campaign mapped out—everything
has been done that could be done to
ensure good business this spring. The
merchant who has not looked to these
items should do so now.

During the next few weeks, the pre-
paratory work already done can be
carried further, so that, when the first
touch of warm weather arrives, the
merchant will be ready for it, and in
a position to help bring out the spring
trade, instead of merely waiting for it
to come out.

Yet, however insistent the need for
actual preparations, it is worth while
to sit down for a few minutes and
just simply think about the next few
months. There are lots of people,
and some of them are merchants, who
most of the time just drift along,
without trying to set their course for
any port.

Are you that kind? Of course not.
Then set before you a definite ob-
jective for the next few months.
Make it a bigger, better business than
last spring. Set before your mind
the idea of making each day better
than the corresponding day of 1916.
Go at this year’s spring business, not
as if it were a mere matter of routine,
but a crusade. Get that idea of a
bigger, better business definitely fixed
in your mind.

You'll find it ever so much easier to
plan for a definite goal such as this,
and you'll go at the hard work which
accompanies every aggressive mer-
chandising campaign in the real con-
quering spirit.

In the next few months there are,
however, particular lines which the
hardware dealer can play up to good
advantage. For instance, toward the

end of March—or earlier, if the
weather is encouraging—houseclean-
ing will be started in practically ev-
ery household. The annual spring
campaign against dirt will open, and
it’s up to the hardware dealer to pro-
vide munitions in ample quantities.

Here the hardware dealer has a
double opportunity—to make immedi-
ate sales of specific goods, and ‘to in-
terest the women in his store. Where
you can kill two birds with a single
stone, it is a waste of effort to aim
at merely one.

Can you think, in the next week or
two, of any new stunts to interest

women-folk in your housecleaning
lines?

You know, of course, what lines
to feature. Among these are curtain

stretchers, mops, step ladders, vacuum
cleaners—hand and electric—washing
machines, scrubbing brushes, carpet
sweepers, pails, brooms and brushes
—these are only the beginning. Ev-
ery year, it seems, brings something
new to feature and sell, in this depart-
ment.

Yet, with all these many labor sav-
ing devices, it is amazing how poorly
equipped most homes are for house-
cleaning. Women still tackle the
stunt with a tack hammer, a scrub-
bing brush, a pail with a wad of old
rag to plug the leak, and a bar of
soap. Yet the stores are brimful of
modern equipment.

Try this year to hammer into the
minds of the women folk the Great
Idea in modern housekeeping, that

the least laborious and most efficient.

way of housecleaning is the one way
for a woman to employ. Drive home
to them in your advertising that it
isn’t just this, that or the other de-
vice you are trying to sell them, but
added years of life, and better health,
and good looks, and relief from the
tired backs and sore, chapped hands
of the old time housekeeper.

Most women want modern helps of
this sort, but they shrink from the
expense. The economic phase of the
thing—the phase that concerns the
woman personally—has probably nev-
er occurred to them. The hardware
dealer will do well to play up this
phase.

Urge, too, that good business de-
mands a thorough and _ complete
equipment for housekeeping.  Per-
haps you can compile two or three
suggested “housecleaning outfits”
sharing the price of the indivdual ar-
ticles just a little where an entire out-
fit is bought.

In this connection, the paint de-
partment can ‘be featured. Spring
cleaning will reveal a lot of the wear
and tear of winter. With the house-
cleaning lines, therefore, can be shown

stains, enamels, bronze and aluminum
paints, wall finishes and kalsomines.
When you sell such lines, don’t for-
get to enquire about brushes? Some
of these are sure to be needed. Fea-
turing these interior lines in March
will be a good lead for exterior paints
a little later, when the real outside
painting weather is here.

Builder’s hardware is another line,
and one that pays for a little outside
work.

In this connection, many merchants
have found it good policy to do some

‘outside work in March, before the

real busy season sets in. They find
that they can pick up quite a few ad-
vance orders. An energetic canvass
during March paves the way for a
splendid trade in April. One mer-
chant keeps tab, through architects,
building permits and in other ways,
upon new building in prospect for the
spring, and canvasses builders and
owners for the builders’ hardware
contract. Paint often can be worked
in advantageously in this connection.
Then athletic organizations can be
canvassed for sporting goods, farm-
ers can be seen with regard to fenc-
ing orders, and some dealers make it
a point to personally see newcomers
regardless of whether they are spe-
cific business prospects or not.
Every man who comes to your
town to live is going to buy some
hardware. If he’s a dead beat, he'll
probably not pay for it; but with this
exception you want his business,
Most dealers are satisfied to reach
such newcomers through newspaper
advertising and window display. <A

few where they can get names and
addresses mail circulars, advertising
matter and sometimes personal let-
ters soliciting business.

It might be a good stunt to try
wherever possible to meet newcomers
personally as early as possible after
their arrival. ~

Of course, the merchant who is an
active member of a lodge, church or
social organization is bound to meet
a share of the newcomers in this
way. Still, the merchant who consti-
tutes himself a committee of welcome
is not going to lose through putting
himself out to-help a newcomer feel
at home.

March will see a picking up of busi-
ness in the sporting goods depart-
ment. Real active sport may not be-
gin until later, but with the first touch
of warm weather the young man com-
mences to think of his favorite form
of outdoor activity. It pays a retail-
er to look ahead in these matters,
and to be the first to call his rods,
guns and sporting paraphernalia to
the outdoor enthusiast’s attention. A
good display the latter part of March
won't be wasted.

Incidentally, it’s good policy to
clean up the store for the spring
trade; and this is better done in
March then in April. Discolored
walls can be made attractive, dirty
ceilings improved, silent salesmen
polished, woodwork re-varnished, new
price tickets prepared, and everything
made ready for the brightening up
that naturally goes with spring.

William Edward Park.

 

American

 

Dry Cells

 

Write us for particulars.

Canned Juice for Ready Use

Made in two types, the American Ignition Dry Cells and
American Regular
Furnished in round and square cartons

WE ARE MICHIGAN DISTRIBUTORS

We know they will interest you.

 

 

Exclusively Wholesale

Michigan Hardware Company

Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

 

 

Foster, Stevens & Co.
Wholesale Hardware
we

157-159 Monroe Ave. _ ::

Grand Rapids, Mich.

151 to 161 Louis N. W.

 

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February 28, 1917

BANKRUPTCY MATTERS.

Proceedings in the Western Distr'ct
of Michigan.

Grand Rapids, Feb. 23—In the matter
of the American Auto Supply Co., bank-
rupt, Grand Rapids, the special meeting
for the purpose of selling the assets of
this estate was held this day. The offer
of the Michigan Tire Company, of this
city, of $1,000 was considered, but it ap-
pearing that a higher offer was received
from one William Maxwell, of Kalamazoo,
of $1,500, the first bid was rejected and
the higher bid of William Maxwell was
accepted and an order made directing the
trustee to consummate the same.

Feb. 26—In the matter of Charles P.
Sherman, bankrupt, Lake City, the first
meeting of creditors was held this day.
There are no assets in this estate and so
no trustee was appointed. The estate
will be closed at the expiration of the
usual twenty days.

In the matter of LaVerne Turner,
bankrupt, Grand Rapids, the first meeting
of creditors has been called for March 8.

In the matter of Van LeRoy Simmons,
bankrupt, Grand Rapids, the first meeting
of creditors has been called for March 12.

In the matter of Henry Van Dommelen,
bankrupt, Holland, the final meeting of
creditors has been called for March 3, at
which meeting the trustee’s final report
will be considered and passed upon. The
report shows total receipts of $888.50 and
disbursements for administration ex-
penses and a first dividend of 10 per cent.
$464.39; and a balance on hand of $424.11.
It also shows certain real estate in Alle-
gan county, for which an offer of $40 has
been received. <A final dividend will be
declared and ordered paid; the amount
of such dividend is not as yet determined.

Feb. 26—In the matter of the Welch-
Atkinson Shoe Co., bankrupt, Grand Rap-
ids, an order has been made calling a
special meeting of creditors for March 5.
A petition has been filed by the Hirth-
Krause Co., to have the trustee of this
estate removed and a hearing will be had
on such petition on the date set for such
hearing.

In the matter of Ferdinand C. Heu-
mann, Traverse City, a petition has been
filed by creditors praying that said F. G.
Heumann, a merchant tailor, be adjudged
bankrupt. An order has been made di-
rectine said alleged bankrupt to file his
schedules and an order has been made
appointing Adrian Oole, of Traverse City,
as the custodian. The alleged bankrupt
is given ten days in which to file said
schedules.

St. Joseph, Feb. 12—In the matter of
Maurice L, Jones, bankrupt, of Benton
Harbor, an order was made calling the

final meeting of creditors at the referee’s
office on Feb. 26 for the purpose of pass-
ing upon the trustee’s final report and
account and also to take action upon the

petitions of the only creditors LOU: the
purpose of dismissing the proceedings.

Creditors were directed to show cause, if
any they have why a certificate should
not be made by the referee recommending
the bankrupt’s discharge.

. In the matter of Maurice L._ Pratt,
bankrupt, of Otsego, the trustee filed his
final report and account, showing total
receipts of $64.02 and no disbursements,
but expenses incurred of $7.69.

Feb. 13—In the matter of Henry Kep-
hart, Philip Kephart and Kephart & Son,
a copartnership, bankrupt of Berrien
Springs, the first meeting of creditors was
hejd at St. Joseph and Wilbur Cunning-
ham, of Benton Harbor, elected trustee,
his bond being fixed at $1,000. The bank-
rupts were sworn and examined by the
referee with a reporter and the meeting
adjourned for 30 days. The sale of the
assets of the bankrupt estate was held
at Berrien Springs and Bruno Herman,
formerly of Stevensville, purchased the
stock of drugs, druggist supplies and sun-
dries for $2,200, the sale being confirmed
by the District Judge.

Feb. 14—In the matter of Charles Rasak,
Louis Rasak and Rasak Brothers, a co-
partnership, bankrupt, of Dowagiac, the
trustee filed his final report and account
showing no assets over and above the
hankrupt’s statutory exemptions except
$40 for the purpose of paying the actual
administration expenses. The trustee’s

report of exempted property was con-
firmed.
Feb. 15—In the matter of Edgar J.

Hertel, bankrupt, of Kalamazoo, an order
was entered for a_ special meeting of
creditors at the latter place on Feb. 28
for the purpose of proving claims, the
election of a trustee, the examination of
the bankrupt and the transaction of such
other business as may properly come be-
fore the meeting.

In the matter of Lyndon D. Allen, bank-
rupt, of Kalamazoo, an order was entered
by the referee calling the first meeting
of creditors at the latter place on Feb.
28 for the purpose of proving claims, the
examination of the bankrupt, the election
of a trustee and for the transaction of
such other business as may properly come
before the meeting.

Feb. 16—In the matter of Lucius Baker,
bankrupt, of Otsego, an order was made
for the first meeting of creditors to be
held at Kalamazoo, March 1 for the pur-
pose of proving claims, the election of a

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

trustee, the examination of the bank-
rupt and the transaction of such other
business as may properly come before the
meeting.

In the matter of Myrton W. Nelson,
bankrupt, of Kalamazoo, an order was
entered calling the first meeting of cred-
itors at the latter place March 1, for the
purpose of proving claims, the election of
a trustee, the examination of the bank-
rupt and the transaction of such other
business as may properly come before the
meeting.

Feb. 17—In the matter of Mrs. J. C.
Neuman, bankrupt, of Dorr, the trustee
filed his first report and account showing
total receipts of $1,020.29. The trustee’s
report of exempted property was ratified
and confirmed. The adjourned first meet-
ing of creditors was held at the referee’s
office and certain expenses of adminis-
tration ordered paid. There not being
sufficient funds to declare a first dividend,
it was determined that no such dividend
be declared for the present. The first
order of distribution was entered and the
meeting adjourned for 380 days.

—_-o_+e___
Gabby Gleaning From Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids, Feb. 26—Frank

Biossat, proprietor of the Charlevoix
and M’‘chigan hotels, in Charlevoix,

and originator of the slogan, “The
best that Michigan produces,” has

gained quite a reputation as an ama-
teur theatrical promoter and produc-
er, as well as an “ace high” hotel
man. During the past two weeks,
while blizzards were raging and
trains were blockaded. those fortunate
enough to be at the Hotel Charlevoix
w ll never regret the time lost by be-
ing unable to make their dates. Upon
perceiving that the boys were restless,
due to being unable to travel, Frank

immediately got busy making Ife
pleasant for everyone. The Charle-
voix is well furnished with music,

containing two pianos and a Victrola.
As music hath charms and soothes
the soul, they were set into motion
and the deck cleared for act’on. Town
folks were invited to aid and share in
the merry-making and the cheerful
good time had by all at these informal
parties made everyone forget they
were cut off from the rest of the world
by huge snowdrifts. The wonderful
success of the parties gave Frank an
idea that some real good talent could
be unearthed and he immediately
organized an amateur theatrical com-
pany and at var ous times presented
a programme which wasn’t half bad.
These efforts on the part of Mr. Bios-
sat shows what vou may expect, as he
is for your comfort first, last and at
all times. When in the neighborhood
of Charlevoix drop in and give Frank
a call. He is always glad to see the
boys, as he was formerly one of the
gang. In summer remember Frank
is back of the Hotel Michigan, the
best that Michigan produces.

John J. Berg, represent ng Pitken
& Brooks, of Chicago has removed
his office from the Peck building to
508 Ashton building.

David Walton and Everett Steffer,
of the Lake City Hardware Co., were
down to the auto show, looking ’em
over.

R. M. Bielby, hardware dealer and
Chalmers agent at Lake City, was a
visitor at the auto show.

The Cadillac Plumbing & Heating
Co. has moved to new quarters, on
South Mitchell street, and now has
one of the best eau‘pped plumbing
shops in Northern Michigan.

Two tons of coal and sixty-four
days until trout season opens.

If in doubt as to what is the best
to eat attend Bill Francke’s feed at
the Pantlind Saturday evening, March
3. LV, Pilkineton.

Grand Rapids, Feb. 27—Attention is
called to the advertisement of the
Hotel Geib, of Eaton Rapids, publish-
ed on the forty-sixth page of this
week’s edition. Mr, Geib has built
up a good business which has been
won solely on the bas‘s of the service
rendered. He has large plans for the

future which he is not yet in a posi-
tion to announce.

Mrs. J. J. Dooley, who was three
weeks ago called to Piqua, Ohio, by
the serious illness of her sister, Mrs.
Oliver O. Rees, will probably return

.Yeazel Hotel.

home this week. Her sister is now
ga.ning nicely. John J. will be
mighty glad to see Mrs. D. at home,
as it is lonesome and cold. It would
take a great deal to keep the Dooleys
away from the annual banquet and
good cheer meeting next Saturday
evening.

The annual meeting and election of
officers of Grand Rapids Council will
begin Saturday morning, March 3,
at 9 a. m.; also initiat.on of several
candidates, All members are urgent-
ly requested to attend this meeting
and all visiting members of the order
who are in the city are cordially in-
vited to attend.

The spir.t of patriotism which pre-
vails among all good Americans was
shown last Saturday night at our U.
C. T. dancing party, when the prize
drawing was pulled off. E. H. Ferris,
of Detroit. was the lucky man tv
draw the large American flag which
was given away. It was drawn by
ticket No. 13. When the flag was
uncurled the orchestra started up
with the Star Spangled Banner and
Marching Through Georga and all
present formed in line and marched
around the hall with Mr. Ferris as
leader. Several National songs were
plaved, when our leader of the best
orchestra on earth shouted, “Every-
body two step,” and we all finished
the grand finale to the tune of “Tur-
key in the Straw” and Yankee Doodle.
Everybody got a real touch of that
patriotic spirit.

Last Friday night forty-one of
Frankfort’s business and profess onal
men sat down to an elaborate banquet
in the beautiful dining room of the
The occasion was de-
signed to extend to Walter Yeazel,
the manager, the good wishes of the
business men for the high class estab-
lishment which he is mainta ning in
this city. A few months ago fire did
considerable damage to the building
and furniture, but Mr. Yeazel, almost
before the flames had been checked,
began working on plans for re-con-
structing the build ng, That work is
now finished. After a decidedly ap-
petizing banquet had been served Dr.
Kline pronosed a toast to the Yeazel
Hotel and its management. He then
called for remarks from about a dozen
of the guests, all of whom responded
with words of encouragement for
Walt The Yeazel Hotel is on a par
with those of many of our most pro-
eressive cities the s'ze of Frankfort.
Mr. Yeazel is a man of wide experi-
ence iand his establishment is his
nride. The rooms are equipped with
the most up-to-date fixtures obtain-
able and are alwavs kept in the best
of cond'tion. In fact every room in
the house is attractively decorated,
and presents very pleasing appear-
ance. It is but little wonder, there-
fore, that the traveling friends of Mr.
Yeazel are often heard to sav. “We
always plan to stay over night with
Walt. He gives us service, good
meals and the best of attention. What
more do we want?”

The proprietors of the Brown-Wil-
liston Hotel, at Ton‘a wish to annunce
to all the boys that, although they have
but one hotel in Ton‘a, now, that they
will still put forth the same good ef-
forts that they have in the past to
give the'r patrons the best of service
at all times.

Some of the members of the U. C.
T. have asked me to kindly have our
Secretary-Treasurer, A, F. Rockwell,
remove the skull and _ cross-bones
from his sample case and replace it
with a crescent and sample case or
ask him to face a tr‘al of preferred

charges. How about it, Allen?
All members of Grand _ Rapids
Council should attend our annual

meeting and use their best efforts to
elect officers who will be an honor
and a help to the organization.

D. A. Chewning, who represents
the Shapleigh Hardware Co. in this
territory and is a member of Capitol
City Council, of Madison, Wis., has
moved his family to Grand Rapids
and has expressed his desire and

3

promised to transfer and affiliate with
Grand Rapids Council. Welcome,
brother, Come on. We need all the
members we can get.

L. Partington succeeds’ Gerrit
Osting as traveling representative for
the Corn Products Co. in this terri-
tory. Mr. Partington is a native of
England, having lived in this country
only a few years. He represented
the Corn Products Co. two years in
Detroit territory prior to removing
to Grand Rapids, He has taken up
his residence at 416 Henry street.

Art. Borden.
22 --—
Some Problems Which Confront the
Landlord.

Reed City, Feb. 27—When the
hotel man acts grouchy, stop and
think how you would feel under these
conditions:

In the year 1915.

Two days’ hotel bill for one man
paid for a ton of coal.

Three days’ hotel bill for one man
paid for 100 pounds of sugar.

The price of one meal bought one
bushel of potatoes,

The price of a meal paid for six
cans of vegetables.

The profit on a 5 cent cigar would
pay for ten sheets of paper and three
envelopes.

Three days’ hotel b‘ll for one man
would buy a barrel of flour.

The price of one meal would buy
three pounds of bacon.

One and one-half days’ hotel bill
for one man would pay for one bushel
of beans.

In the year 1917.

Four days’ hotel bill for one man
pays for a ton of coal.

Four days’ hotel bill for one man
pays for 100 pounds of sugar.

One day’s hotel bill for one man
will almost pay for one bushel of
potatoes.

The price of a meal in some places
will pay for four cans of vegetables.

The profit on a cigar will pay for
five sheets of paper and one envelope.

Four days’ hotel bill will not pay
for a barrel of flour.

The price of a meal will not pay
for two pounds of bacon.

What's the nse? This could be
made a column long, but you wouldn’t
read it.

When the hotel man smiles, it is
not tecause he is happy, but because
he is trying to make you hanpv.

Subscriber.
———_>+-2-

In the long-run ‘t will profit to make
your advertising the best instead ot
the biggest thing in your home town
paper.

 

SPRAY MATERIAL
Spray Hose. Poles and Nozzles: 12 quart
Galvanized Sap Buckets, Incubators and
Brooders, Pumps and Well Supplies, Roofing
and Asphalt Shingles. ready for instant
shipment at Chicago prices.

Van Dervoort Hardware Co., Lansing. Mich.

ALASK

The Best Built Refrigerator on Earth
MUSKEGON, MICH.

 

 

 

 

AGRICULTURAL LIME
BUILDING LIME

Write for Prices

A. B. Knowlson Co.
203-207 Powers’ Theatre Bldg., Grand Rapids, Mich.

 

 

Use Half as Much

Champion Motor Oil

as of other Oil

GRAND RAPIDS OIL CO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 28, 1917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movements of Merchants.

Detroit—Holcroft & Lane

creased its capital stock from $5,000 to
£10,000.

has in-

Hoyt has sold his
Koblin, who has
removed it to Detroit.

-Harley Gwilt has clos-
cd out his stock of groceries and pur-

Mason—F rank
stock of shoes to J.

Dowagiac—

chased a farm near town.

Howard, recently

of Brooklyn, has engaged in the heat-

Homer—Albert

ing and plumbing business.
Sparta—B. H. Putman & Son suc-

ceed E. W. Smith & Co. in the dry

goods and grocery business,
Detroit—The Schmied-Sisman Co.,

contractor, has increased its capitaliza-

tion from $100,000 to $280,000.
Cadillac—The capitalization of the

Cadillac Co.

creased from $50,000 to $70,000.

Produce has been in-

Kalamazoo Fruit
organized

Kalamazoo—The
Co.
with a capitalization of $5,000.
Spring Lake—F. J. Bertschy has soid
stock to Slingerland &
Spencer, who have taken possession.
Hard-
ware Co. has been organized with an
authorized capitahzation of $100,000
Manton—George M.
er in general merchandise, is closing
out his stock and will retire from busi-

and Produce has been

his grocery

Chesaning—The Chesaning

Brooks, deal-

ness.

Bay City—The capital stock of the
Bay City Plumbing & Heating Co.
Ltd., has been increased from $2,400
to $3,100,

Zattle Creek—The Toeller-Dowling
Co., which conducts «a department
store, has changed its name to Toel-
ler-Grant Co.

Filion—David Steele has purchased
the E. B. Nelson & Co, stock of gro-
ceries and will continue the business
at the same location.

The Mellen-Wright-

Stephens Co., dealer in coal and build-

3irmingham

ers supplies, has increased its capital
stock from $25,000 to $40,000.

Vicksburg—The Vicksburg Lum-
ber Co. has sold its stock to the
Adams Lumber Co., of Kalamazoo,

who have removed it to that place.

Vicksburg—C. E. Goff has sold his
stock of notions and bazaar goods to
William Maxwell, a stock broker of
Kalamazoo, who will close it out at
special sale.

Sparta—A. A. Johnson & Co. have
taken over the Andrus & Burke stock
of dry goods and shoes and will con-
solidate it with their stock of general
merchandise

Lakeview—Meach & White, Inc.,
has purchased the Moore block and
as soon as it can be remodeled, will
occupy it with its stock of furniture
and hardware. :

Monroe—The Radtke Lumber & Sup-

with an
authorized capitalization of $75,000, all

ply Co. has been organized
of which has been subscribed, and $7,500
paid in in cash,
Charlotte—Ives & Sylvester have
purchased the brick building former-
ly occupied by a saloon and will re-

model it and occupy it with their
stock of furniture.
Saginaw—The Yale Motor Sales

Co. has engaged in business with an
authorized capitalization of $4,600, of
$2,000 has

scribed and paid in in cash.

which amount been sub-

Carson City—Edwin Q. Webster,
recently of Belding, has purchased
the H, G. Sessions stock of general

will continue the
business at the same location.

Sault Ste. Marie—Samuel Gross has
sold his stock of furnishing
goods to H. W. Kline, of Ludington,
who will continue the business at the
same location, 519 Ashmun street.

Springport—L, F. Shirkey has pur-
the his partner,
Zeman, in the hardware stock

merchand‘se and

men’s

chased interest of
MO:
of Beman & Shirkey and will continue
the business under his own name.
Jronwood—The Construc-
tion Co. has been organized with an
authorized stock of $10,000,
of which amount $6,400 has been sub-
scribed and $1,415 paid in in cash.
Detroit—The International Supply
Co. has been organized with an au-
thorized capital stock of $10,000, of
which amount $5,010
scribed and $1,000 paid in in cash.
Saginaw—F ire damaged the confec-

General

capital

has been sub-

tionery stock and store fixtures of the
Williams Co. at 126 South
Washington avenue, to the extent of
$7,000 Feb. 26. The loss was
covered by insurance.
Nashville—Noah Wenger has sold
his meat market, slaughter house and

Bros.

about

refrigerator plant to Henry Roe, who
will continue the business under the
management of his son, Vidian, Pos-
session will be taken April 1.

Detroit—The Central Repair Works
has been re-incorporated with an au-
thorized capital stock of $10,000 com-
mon and $5,000 preferred, all of whic
has been subscribed, $25 -paid in in
cash and $7,475 paid in in property.

Charlotte—The plant of the dis-
banded Model Packing Co. has been
purchased A. E. Schlesman & Son, of
Fremont, hio, manufa@turers and
canners of sauer kraut, who will re-
model and open the plant early in the
fall.

Alma—C. Powell, formerly of Mc-
Clish & Powell, dealers in general
merchandise at Mesick, has purchased
the A. H. Anderson grocery stock
and will continue the business at the
same location, 121 West Superior
street.

  
 
 
   

    

saieé fOr >

stock at the

2
was inventoried at 35.000. Mr. Rot

 

not announced what dispositi
he will make of the stock.

Battle Creek—The Jury-Rowe Co.,
conducting a chain of
furniture stores throughout the State,
will open a similar store here in the
Hoffmaster building as soon as it has
been remodeled, which will be about
March 15. The store will be under the
management of C. E. Williams.

Williamston—Frank P.
who conducts a department store and

twenty-four

Van Buren,
cold storage, has merged the business
into a stock company under the style
Artic-King Storage Co., with
an authorized capital stock of $6,000
common and $4,000 preferred, of which

of the

amounts $6,000 has been sulsscribed and
paid in in property.

Detroit—The Cut Rate Sample
Stores Company of Detroit has been
incorporated to operate and maintain
stores for ladies and children’s wear-
ing apparel and ready-to-wear mer-
chandise with an authorized capital
stock of $1,000, all of which has been
subscribed, $200 paid in in cash and
$500 paid in in property.

Kalamazoo—Plans for opening a co-
operative store in which groceries, meats
and baked goods will be retailed, will
be discussed at a meeting of employes
of a number of Kalamazoo factories.
The plan is being launched by employes
of the Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo Tablet
Co., Shakespeare Co. and other local
concerns. The project, it is understood,
has the backing of a number of influ-
ential employers. A downtown site for
the store and an experienced manager
are already under consideration.

Grandville—Raymond A. Caldwell,
who has been engaged in the whole-
sale and retail meat business for twen-
ty years and the dry goods trade for
the past six years, has formed a co-
partnership with Peter J. Hoekzema,
who has been engaged in the grocery
business for the past twelve years.
The new firm will probably be known
as Caldwell & Hoekzema, Mr. Cald-
well will continue the wholesale meat
business in his own name. The re-
tail departments will be consolidated
in the Caldwell building and will be
conducted under the personal man-
agement of Mr. Hoekzema.

Manufacturing Matters.

Muskegon—The Edwards Lumber
Co. has increased its capital stock
from $24,000 to $72,000.

Holland—The Veit Manufacturing
Co. has increased its capital stock
from $30,000 to $50,000.

Detroit—The Grace Harbor Lum-
ber Co. has increased its capital stock
from $140,000 to $300,000.

Detroit—The Federal Motor Truck
Co. has increased its capitalization
from $500,000 to $2,000,000.

  

 

tings—The Jordan & Steele Man-
ing Co. has increased its capital
$10,000 to $30,000.
c—The American Forging &
‘9. has increased its capitaliz-
rom $200,000 to $250,000.
it—The Detroit Valve & Fit-
has changed its name to
‘alve & Fittings and Detroit

  

Monroe—The River Raisin Paper
has taken over the plant of the

   

G Vood Paper Co. and increased
ts ization to $2,500,000.

I i—The Komforter Kotton
Kompany has increased its capital

stock from $10.000 to $20,000 and add-
machinery which will enable
it to double its output.
Manistique—The Ekstrom Lumber
Co. has been incorporated with an
authorized capital $25,000,
of which amount $17,000 has been

ed new

stock of

subscribed and paid in in property.

Holland—The Steelclad Auto
Co. has engaged in business with an
authorized capital stock of $50,000, of
which amount $25,000, has been sub-
scribed and $24,500 paid in in property.

Detroit—The State Creamery Co. has

30Ww

been incorporated with an authorized
capital stock of $50,000, of which
amount $25,000 has been subscribed,

$1,250 paid in in cash and $3,750 paid
in in property.

Alma—The Superior Co.
has been organized and will erect a
two-story brick plant on East Superi-
or street, with a capacity of 5,000
loaves of bread a day, doing a whole-
sale business only.

Jaking

Three Rivers—The LaMarche &
Averill Co. has been organized to

manufacture a bath room cabinet with
receptacles for towels and other bath-
room accessories and another recepta-
cle for soiled linen.

Detroit—The Campbell Lumber &
Export Co., Inc., has been incorpor-
ated at 2234 Dime Bank building.,
with an authorized capital stock of
$20 000, all of which has been sub-
scribed and paid in in cash.

Saginaw—The Keery & Way Lum-
ber & Manufacturing Co. has been
organized with an authorized capital
stock of $100,000, all of which has been
subscribed, $3,693.61 paid in in cash
and $96,306.39 paid in in property.

Bay City—The Michigan Dredge Co.
engaged in the manufacture of
dredges, general machinery and imple-
ments with an authorized capital stock
of $30,000, of which amount $25,000 has
been subscribed and paid in in property.

Detroit—The Detroit-Pitter Fan
has engaged in business at 612 U. T.
building to manufacture mechanical
devices with an authorized capital
stock of $25,000, all of which has been
subscribed and $2,500 paid in in cash.

Detroit—The Delta Block & Sup-
ply Co. has been organized to manu-
facture building supplies and_ fuel
with an authorized capital stock of
$40,000, of which amount $22,000 has
been subscribed and $11,000 paid in
in cash.

Muskegon—E. H. Sheldon & Co. has
engaged in the manufacture and sal
of industrial and scientific school and
factory supplies with an authorized
capital stock of $350,000, of which
amount $300,000 has been subscribed
and $35,000 paid in in cash.

has

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MICHIGAN

 

 

 

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Review of the Grand Rapids Produce
Market.

Appies--Baldwins, Wolf Rivers and
Tailmans, $3.50@4; Greenings, $3.50@
3.75; Hubbardstons, $3.75@4.25; Spys,
$5@6.

3ananas—Medium, $1.50; Jumbo,
$1.75; Extra Jumbo, $2; Extreme Ex-
tra Jumbo, $2.50 up.

3Jeets—$1.25 per bu.

Brussel’s Sprouts—20c per qt.

sutter—The market is 3c lower on
creamery and 2c lower on dairy and
packing stock. The decline is due large-
ly to greater receipts which are now
arriving, same having been held at dif-
ferent shipping points on account of
congestion of freight. Local dealers
hold fancy creamery at 39¢ and cold
storage creamery at 34c. Local dealers
pay 28c for No, 1 in jars and 23c for

 

 

packing stock.

Cabbage—$10 per 100 Ibs.

Carrots—$2.25 per 100 Ibs.

Celery—Home grown is entirely ex-
hausted. Florida, $4.75 per box of 3
or 4 doz.: California, 85¢ per bunch.

Cocoanuts—$6 per sack containing
100 Ibs.

Cranberries—$5 per bbl. for Early
Black from Cape Cod; $6 per bbl. for
late Howes.

Eggs—The slump in the market pre-
dicted by the Tradesman last week has
occurred. Local dealers now pay 31c
for fresh, holding case count at 338c
and candled at 34c.

Figs—Package, $1.10 per box; layers
$1.50 per 10 lb. box.

Grape Fruit—$4@4.75 per box for
Florida.

Green Onions—Shalotts,
doz. bunches.

Honey—18c per Ib. for white clover
and 16c for dark.

Lemons—California are selling at
$4.25 for choice and $4.50 for fancy.

Lettuce—14@15c per lb. for hot
house leaf; $4 per bu. for Southern
head; $6 per crate for Iceburg from
California.

Maple Sugar—i7c per lb. for pure.

Maple Syrup—$1.40 per gal. for
pure,

Mushrooms—75@80c per lb.

Nuts—Almonds, 18c per. lb.; filberts,
16c per lb.; pecans, 15c per Ib.; wal-
nuts, 16c for Grenoble, 15%c for Na-
ples; 19¢ for California in sack lots.

Onions—Home_ grown $12.50 per
100 Ib. sack for red or yellow. Spanish
range as follows: Small crate, $4; %
crate, $7; large crate (120 Ibs.), $13.50.

Oranges—California $3@
3.50.

Oysters—Standard, $1.40 per gal.;
Selects, $1.65 per gal.; New York
Shell oysters,

(5c per

Navals,

Counts, $1.90 per gal.
$8.50 per bbl.

Peppers—Southern commands $5 per
6 basket crate.

Pop Corn—$2 per bu. for ear, 54@
6c per lb. for shelled.

Potatoes—The market is stronger and
Country buy-

Local deal-

higher than a week ago.
ers are paying $2.50@$2.75.
ers are selling tubers at $3.

Poultry—Local dealers pay as follows,
live weight: old fowls, light, 18@19c;
16@
i7c; springs, 18@19c; turkeys, 22@25c;
geese, 18@20c; ducks, 19@20c. Dressed
fowls average 3c above these quotations.

Radishes—35c
small,

Ruta Bagas—Canadian command $3.25
per 100 lb. sack.

Sweet Potatoes—Kiln dried Delaware
Jerseys, $2.75 per hamper.

Tangarines—$5.50 per box for either
196s.
Tomatoes

medium, 17@18c; heavy (6 Ibs.)

per doz. bunches for

106s or

 

$5 for 6. basket crate,

Florida.
Turnips—$2.25 per 100 lbs.
>. ——————

The Grocery Market.

Sugar—Refined is as uncertain as
a week ago, the ruling price on gran-

ulated being 7@s8c f. o. b. New
York. The American is confining sales

Howell and Warner
have withdrawn from the market and
it that Arbuckle
Refiners are at present in a

to local points.

rumor has has done
the same.

good position, so far as supplies go,

the figures showing stocks at the At-

lantic ports of 96,000 tons more than a
year ago, while meltings have been cur-
tailed by the strikes at the plants in
New York and Philadelphia. Should
the labor trouble be settled and normal
there will be
more desire to the future
which may act as a steadying influence.
The country is short of granulated, 1s
the fancy prices paid by the consumer
for sugar to eke out indicates, and
would purchase actively were there a
possibility of getting quick shipment.
Tea—The market is

ally, but prices are firm,
try is inclined to go slow for the pres-
ent, owing to the sharp advance in
prices, but is expected to be a fac-
tor later on as supplies are believed
to be light. Some suggest that the
housewife will be accumulating a stock
because of the steadily advancing
cost of living, pointing to the tenden-
cy in other commodities like sugar
which is feeling the effect of the de-
sire to anticipate. Less is heard of
the English embargo or the prohibi-
tion of imports to the United King-
dom which will not affect the situa-

conditions again result,

anticipate

 

quiet gener-
The coun-

tion here materially. The supplies
available before the new crop are
practically all here and little more can
come forward from the Far East.

Hence, the operations of the German
raider which sunk a steamer on the

TRADESMAN

way from Calcutta to London cause
less apprehension.

Coffee—The market
than it was last week, and weaker
by about %c on all grades of Rio
and Santos. One reason
the decline in the rate of war insur-
ance on shipments from Brazil. This
is due to the fact that vessels which
have formerly plied between this
country and Europe are now refus-
ing to go to Europe and are available
for the South American trade, Mild
coffees are unchanged for the week
but very dull. Java and Mocha grades
are unchanged.

Canned Fruit—The country is al-
most bare of canned fruit with the ex-
ception of remainders here and there

 

is even duller

for this is

and the market is almost entirely
nominal.
Canned Vegetables—The demand

for tomatoes continues active both on
the spot and for futures. Prices for
the latter ranged from $1.30@1.35 at
recent sales, and some canners are in-
clined to ask $1.40, notwithstanding
the fact that the British restrictions
might be considered a factor. The
trade, however, has not considered
this phase of the situation very seri-
ous, as the exports of tomatoes to
Great Britain have not been in suffi-
cient volume in comparison with the
entire pack to affect the situation.
In other words, with the market ad-
vancing in jumps of 5c from day to
day, the possibility of checking ex-
ports, so far as the future market is
concerned, is considered
As to spots, the fact that canners are
holding their remaining supplies at
such high prices is taken as an in-
dication that there is not enough left
of the old pack to be involved in the
3ritish restrictions, so that alto-

negligible.

new
eether the effect on prices was not
conspicuous. There 1s
selling of future corn on the basis of
$1.05@1.0714 for Standard No. 2s,
f. o. b. factory; $1.10@1.20 for fancy,
and $1.05@1.071%4 for extra standard,
according to the location of the fac-
tory. Higher prices are expected for
practically all vegetables because of
the increased cost of raw materials.
It is rumored that prices for tinplate
for the second half of 1917 would be
made late in March or early in April,
and that they would be more than $7
a box.

Canned Fish—Considerable interest
is manifested in the salmon situation
by reason of the notice of the British
government of the curtailment of
further exports. It was not regard-
ed as a matter of serious moment, so
far as the old pack is concerned, for
the simple reason that there is, prac-
tically speaking, no salmon left. It
is estimated that in first hands there
are not over 125,000 cases, which could
not be considered a factor in the new
situation, So far as the new pack is
concerned, so many things can happen
before there is anything definite
known as to the quantity or price
that the new order has given no con-
cern. In the meantime, supplies of
old salmon in dealers’ hands are not
regarded as _ sufficient to meet the
needs of the trade and prices continue
high with very little offering.

Dried Fruits—A new element has
been directed into the dried fruit situ-

also some

5

ation by the new British restrictions,
but so far as any effects are apparent,
the only in an

subject is treated

academic way. It is pointed out that
with supplies in this country reduced
to a minimum and apparently no more
than sufficient to supply normal do-
mestic requirements for the remainder
of the little
reason to the
stability of prices because of any re-

crop season, there is

have any fears as to

strictions on exports. What may be
the effect on future prices is a mat-
the future to determine.
Thus far there has been only a cur-
sory
of the smaller operators on the Coast

ter for

interest in futures, with a few
trying out the market with prunes,
but the
showing the slightest disposition to
On the spot there

with none of big packers
force the market.
is an increased demand, with smaller
sizes going rapidly into consumption,
Sizes 80s to 90s and 90s to 100s are
held at 8'4c and8\%c, respectively. The
Coast market is very firm and stocks
Oregons on
40s

are rapidly disappearing.
the spot firm, with
offered at 10c in 25-pound boxes, and
40s to 50s at 9c.
coming scarce and stocks of Amalias

are ags to

Cvrrants are be-

There appears
difficulty in

are almost exhausted

to be considerable ob-
taining any information from Greece
owing to the strict censorship. Choice
but

there are still some offerings of ex-

apricots are about exhausted,

tra choice and fancy royals at 18c
and 18!%4c in 25-pound boxes.
The

advance of

 

firm,
showing an per
pound, due to fair home consumption
Trading has

Cheese market is very

wYw@s*‘c

and very light receipts.
been fairly active and there is no ex-
port at present, exporters being un-
able to obtain any space
Unchanged prices are looked for dur-

shipping

ing the following week.
Provisions—The market on lard 1s
following an advance of

very firm,

about 34(@1c per pound. The receipts
of hogs are very light and the home
consumption is Lard
reached the highest point so far this
is that

erades

good. has
year, and the general opinion
it will continue to rise. All
of smoked meats are firm, following
Yale
Home

an advance of from per
pound during the past week.
consumption is good and the supply
moderate. Compound lard is firm,
following a decline of "4c per pound.
This
all other cottonseed oil products are
However, an
advance is the
pound market during the following
Dried beef is firm at unchanged

decline seems unwarranted as

firm at present.

for in

very

looked com-

day.
prices, with a good consumptive de-

mand and light Barreled
pork is from $1.50@R per barrel high-

receipts.

er, due to a very light supply and
extreme high prices of live hogs. Can-
firm at

ned meats unchanged

prices, with a fair consumptive de-

very

mand.

Salt Fish—Cod, hake and haddock
continue and high in price
Mackerel of all grades are firm but

sizes being par-
The advent of Lent
is not expected to make very much

difference in the first situation,

scarce

unchanged, small

ticularly scarce.

 

MOISTURE IN CHEESE.

 

Oregon Maker Blames Dairy Schools
for Wrong Teaching.

Portland, Oregon, Feb. 15—A great
deal is being said and written lately
about fixing a standard of moisture
in cheese. Fixing a standard of qual-
ity would settle-the whole controversy,
for so long as every imaginable grade
of quality is offered for sale and ac-
cepted by dealers, so long will some
cheese be over moist and others over
dry.

The fact that cheesemaking is an
art—far more of an art than science
—is too often lost sight of by profes-
sional cheesemakers. It is something
more than a coincidence that with
the rise and progress of so-called
scientific rules and methods which
began to be introduced some thirty
years ago in cheesemaking, the gen-
eral quality of cheese made after the
cheddar process began to decline,
both in the United States and in Can-
ada. The tendency to. substitute
chemical tests and a time schedule
for that inner practical knowledge
that cannot be described, has resulted
in many cases in developing the idea
that if the cheesemaker observes cer-
tain rules and watches the clock, his
cheese must come out right, forget-
ting the fact that milk is an ever
changing, quickly perishable product
which is affected by’ so many condi-
tions of atmosphere, heat, cold, feed,
excitement in the cow, bacteria breed-
ing dirt, healthy or unhealthy herds,
etc., that no rule can be applied in
making cheese on any two days with
exactly the same result and cannot
take the place of good judgment.
Some cheesemakers may be capable
of making cheese containing too
much moisture, for the purpose of
adding to its weight, but a far great-
er percentage is the result of ignor-
ance in the operator and is evidence
that he does not understand the true
principle of how to produce a good
cheese.

So far as cheese for export is in-
volved it need not be considered here,
as a cheese that suits the English
buyer is always one that has been
properly made, which means, there is
neither too much nor too little mois-
ture in the sample. We will leave
the matter of fixing a standard for
mo'sture to those who are making
cheese for home trade, as it does not
interest the English buyer. He fixes
his own standard and that conforms
to the market for which he buys, and
while he is not concerned about what
quality will “go” in home markets,
he will not accept at any price cheese
that does not come up to that stan-
dard. He will not go to the trouble
of making a chemical test either. Sim-
ply drawing a plug across under h‘s
nose will be the deciding test, from
which no appeal can be taken, and
that standard will be found to hover
around but not over 35 per cent. of
moisture at say six weeks old, most-
ly below. It is no use offering a
cheese containing an excess of mois-
ture, for he is not going to pay the
price of good cheese for 5 or 6 per
cent. of extra water just for the priv-
ilege of paying freight on that much
cheese that he hasn’t got. For some

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

reason or other the English buyer
wants to sell a pound of cheese for
every pound he buys, and knowing
that water above a certain amount
will not stay in cheese for any length
of time at a proper temperature, he
refuses to buy any more than that
amount. Then if he feels like taking
water with his cheese when eating
it he is quite satisfied there is just as
good water in Old England as in
America, and it will cost him noth-
ing; something to be considered when
making cheese that is to be offered
to an expert judge, instead of to a
dealer who has only a hazy idea of
any difference between one cheese
and another, Judging cheese is ar
art, as practiced by the English buy-
er, and no mechanical or chemical
test will alter his opinion of a cheese
that he finds unsuitable for the mar-
ket which he is supplying. We might
add that an overmoist cheese is never
a first-class one. It generally con-
tains too much acid, is “mushy” from
being “whey soaked,” or else it is
too sweet—that is, the curd has not
been ripened enough before being
salted. In either case the cheese will
evaporate more rapidly than if prop-
erly made. Then, unless it is sold
while young, the sour cheese will
soon be dry and sharp flavored, as
usual, and the sweet cheese will not
have the “body” to keep for any
length of time, so in either case the
dealer comes in behind if they have
to be held.

In this connection I cannot do bet-
ter than quote what a Wisconsin buy-
er, J. B. McCready, has to say in the

American Cheesemaker for Novem-
ber, 1916. Mr. McCready writes, “I

can truthfully say that the quality
of Wisconsin cheese is not what it
ought to be, nor what it was a few
years ago and the principal reason for
this can be laid to just one thing—
the shortsightedness of some of our
cheesemakers in eternally working for
yield instead of quality. I believe the
trade is waking up to-day to a realiza-
tion of the fact that Wisconsin is in-
corporating entirely too much mois-
ture in cheese. The Dairy School is
taking the matter up and also the
Dairy and Food Department and the
Federal Goverment. This last month
we have had several tests made in our
warehouse. The cheese were judged
for quality by myself and my fore-
man. Then moisture tests were made
and we found the cheese that contain-
ed from 36 to 37 per cent. moisture
were all our best cheese, but we found
cheese some of them testing as much
as 40 per cent. moisture. Now, I ask
you, why in the name of common
sense if a man is paying what he pays
for cheese at the retail price, 20 to
25 cents, should he be compelled to pay
that amount for water, and mighty
poor water at that? A man asked me
the other day why the Canadian mar-
kets were 18 cents for cheese and ours
about 15 cents, and I answered that
the English might be short of cheese,
but I did not believe that they were
short of water. England will pay an
extra price for Canadian cheese in
preference to ours, because they know
they are getting the full value for ev-
ery pound of cheese they buy.” In
referring to Wisconsin cheese Mr.

McCready could just as appropriate-
ly have mentioned any other state
where cheese is made. It is the result
of a lack of expert knowledge, rather
than the intention to incorporate too
much moisture, and as for the dairy
schools taking the matter up for cor-
rection, the dairy schools are to a
very great extent at fault for the pres-
ent condition of quality which will
never be corrected until the cause is
no longer taught: viz, starters and
ripening milk, which more than all
other causes combined are responsible
for the poor quality of so much
American cheese. It is just as im-
possible to make a first-class cheese
out of even old milk that tastes sweet,
or sweet milk to which a lot of lop-
pered milk has been added as a start-
er, as it is to turn back the North wind
with a Japanese fan. If instructors
and cheesemakers would only look
at a piece of brick cheese of fine
qual‘ty, and then consider that such a
texture can only be obtained from
strictly fresh milk, while the body is
firm enough to withstand any heat
that a cheddar can stand without in-
jury, they should be convinced of the
folly of trying to get a fine textured
cheese out of ripened milk. Loppered
milk, no matter how treated, is sim-
ply the result of acid development and
when acid has reached the stage in
milk that is taught as being required
to make cheese, no art of man can
produce a fine silky textured cheese
from it. Instead of ripening milk,
ripen the curd, the batch having been
“renneted” or “set,” when the milk
was sweet as it could be obtained at
delivery time, without any starter
whatever, unless the milk was known
to be gassy, then adding something
sour simply has the effect of holding
down the yeasty ferment, making a
firm or hard cheese, but nothing can
make such milk produce a _ good
cheese, so it does not matter much.
It is this fad of starters and ripened
milk that neutralizes the action or
mission of rennet, which is to digest
or “break down” the fibrous sub-
stance in milk known as casein, and
prepare it in a fit condition for food.
Cheesemakers call this process “cur-
ing” or “ripening,” but it is simply
a process of digestion which ceases
in the cheese unless forestalled by
too much acid having developed in the
milk, either naturally or artificially
by the use of a starter. Of course,
ripening the curd, instead of the milk,
takes more time, which is the main
reason so many have for not doing it.
But I hear some one say there are
many good cheesemakers who use
starters and ripen milk who are mak-
ing good cheese. True, but, on in-
vestigation, it will be found that they
use mighty little starter or none most
of the time and they do not spend
much time ripening either; also it will
be found that they can and do make
cheese without using a time schedule.

When sour milk or loppered milk
is added in large quantities to sweet
milk, it is like putting the “mother”
of vinegar into sweetened water. It
starts in at once to change the sweet
water into vinegar. So it is with acid
in milk. Before the cheesemaker is
aware of it the acid is predominating
the rennet. Then, by the time the

February 28, 1917

curd is ready to mill, it has been lying
an hour or two in a puddle of sour
whey on the smooth bottom of a tin
vat, instead of on racks, and so has
become thoroughly whey soaked. It
is then run through the mill back in-
to the vat bottom to lie in more sour
whey started by milling, consequent-
ly the curd is saturated with moisture
of the very meanest kind, for it goes
on making a sour cheese strong, and
then of a sharp “bitey” flavor while
still comparatively young. If such a
cheese is sold at two to four weeks
old it will contain an over supply of
moisture in proportion to the temper-
ature at which it was cured, although
it would be more proper to say it was
past cure when taken from the press.
Meantime the maker had probably
no thought of making extra weight.
I have just described the original
trouble in perhaps 80 per cent. of
faulty American cheese. The same
causes, of course, will give many var-
iations and it has placed the dairy
men in cheesemaking sections at a
very great disadvantage. It is per-
sistence in such malpractice that is
driving former consumers of Ameri-
can cheddar into the habit of asking
for brick cheese, the manufacture of
which is increasing very fast, although
it cannot be successfully made under
common factory conditions for it is
almost impossible to keep milk over
night and expect it to make first-
class brick cheese. For this reason
dairymen who practically must pa-
tronize the factory system should
take steps to compel a revision of
dairy school instruction. It will
mean dollars to them; dollars that
have been passing them by for thirty
years.

Please understand that I am in full
accord with any scientific apparatus
or test which is practical for every
day use. No amount of art or experi-
ence can separate cream from milk
just drawn from the cow. The cream
separator is scientific and practical.
It is an impossibility for art or any
application of skill to determine the
percentage of fat in milk. The Bab-
cock test is scientific and practical.
The fermentation or Wisconsin curd
test is an application of knowledge
acquired from Nature and is practical.
When the optician examines your eyes
through his instruments, then picks
up a pair of lenses that will correct
exactly the defect of sight about which
you consulted him, that is science ap-
plied. But when the baker peeps un-
der the lid of his trough and touches
the dough with his fingers, then finds
it ready to mold into loaves, that is
art, or the skillful application of
knowledge. acquired by long experi-
ence. Science deals with fixed princi-
ples. Art or skill must deal with con-
ditions that are continually changing,
as with milk, which may develop as
much acid in half an hour to-day as
in two hours yesterday, while the
cheesemaker is sitting around waiting
for the same length of time by his
watch. Making cheese by rule or on
a time schedule has never been suc-
cessful and never will be. The cheese-
maker who makes the most efficient
use of his own five senses and judg-
ment always has been, is now and al-
ways will be among the best in what

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February 28, 1917

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

7

 

is a very important profession. When
the matter is referred to in the pres-
ence of a dairy school teacher he dis-
misses the subject by saying that the
principle of using a starter and ripen-
ing milk is right, but that cheesemak-
ers do not understand how to apply
it. Then, after thirty years trying,
why not teach something they can
understand? It is the principle that

is wrong. R. Robinson.

Portland, Oregon, Feb. 16—Since
mailing my article on moisture in
cheese last evening, I ran across a
Wisconsin cheese in a market down
town this morning, and as it fully
bears out my contention that starters
and ripening milk are ruining the
cheese trade, I thought it right to
send you a line. The cheese is eigh-
teen months old, clean flavor, smooth
silky texture; no feeling of mealiness
on the tongue more than would be
felt in cold fresh butter; no hint of
sharpness or of that “bitey” flavor so
characteristic in cheese made from old
milk or from milk to which a starter
has been added, although the cheese
shows unmistakable signs of abuse. In
fact, a typical cheddar, made from
sweet milk and separated from the
whey before any acid developed, then
mellowed down while matting; just
such a cheese as the English buyer
is looking for, but has not often met
with for several years past. I am
quite familiar with Wisconsin, Min-
nesota and New York cheese, as I
meet with them in Seattle, Spokane,
Portland and San Francisco, but am
sorry to say few of them are in the

class with the one I saw to-day. Good
cheese is still being made in Wis-
consin, but there should be more of

them. R. Robinson.
—_——_>-+
Manufacturers Resume Two Per

Cent. Discount.

The recent breeze in wholesale gro-
cery circles, caused by the action of a
number of manufacturers withdraw-
ing their cash discount terms of 2 per
cent. from jobbers, on the ground that
the terms were more generally ob-
served in the breach than in the per-
formance, has evidently brought an
improvement in the action of the dis-
tributers and a willingness on the part
of manufacturers to give the trade
another chance to “make good.”

This has doubtless been largely due
to the action of the National and
other wholesalers’ associations, both
in urging manufacturers to restore the
discounts and at the same time lec-
turing their own members on the bad
ethics of taking discounts not earn-
ed. In the latest issue of the National
Wholesale Grocers’ Association Bul-
letin, at least two companies are re-
ported as restoring the 2 per cent.—
the Sauquoit Toilet Paper Company
of New Hartford, N. Y., and the Will

& Baumer Company of Syracuse.
Commenting on this, the Bulletin
says:

“This Association has repeatedly

called to your attention and empha-
sized in the strongest possible terms
that buyers should not attempt to
take advantage of a discount for cash
unless they pay cash within the time
fixed by the seller. To do otherwise

is to violate a clear business agree-
ment. There can be no question that
manufacturers will discontinue dis-
counts for cash to all buyers if the
latter attempt to withhold the dis-
count for cash, when they do not pay
cash within the time fixed.”

An even more interesting instance
is that of the Purity Oats Co. of
Davenport, Ia., which has just an-
nounced its willingness to restore the
2 per cent. discount which it with-
drew, January 1, but strictly on the
condition that all remittances reach
its office within seven days of the
date of invoice. The company, in
its letter, recites its adherence to the
policy of selling 100 per cent. of its
products through strict jobbers, and
its policy of allowing a 2 per cent.
discount since 1912 down to last
month. In announcing a resumption
of 2 per cent. discount in seven days,
the company says:

“No deviation from any cause will
be permitted and all discount remit-
tances reaching us later than seven
days after date of invoice will be re-
turned and the full net payment must
then be made within thirty days from
date.

“No manufacturer can be expected
to grant unusual terms or concessions
unless these carry with them increas-
ed support on the part of the jobber.
The arrangement must be mutually
profitable in order to continue, and
the degree of support, compliance
with, or abuse of, our terms will de-
termine whether our plan shall con-
tinue in operation after January 1,
1918.

“The Purity Oats Company feels
now, as it always has, that the ex-
clusive wholesale jobber occupies a
very necessary and important place
in the commercial world and that it
is distinctly unfair for any manufac-
turer to expect or demand his sup-
port when the manufacturer deliberate-
ly goes to the best retail trade and
thus places the retailer on the same
basis as the jobber in the cost of his
goods. It is in defense of a prin-
ciple, that we believe is right, there-
fore, that we insist on distributing our
entire output through the legitimate
wholesale grocer.”

oo
Wholesalers’ New Members.

The work of recruiting for the Na-
tional Wholesale Grocers’ Association
since the last annual meeting in June,
1916, resulted in adding thirty-
eight new members to the roll, while
the local officials
have undertaken campaigns under the
banner of “100 per cent. membership

has

in several states

in our State.’ The new members are
located: Three in Arkansas, one in
California, one in Connecticut, six in
Kentucky, two in Massachusetts, two
in Michigan, nine in Minnesota, one
in New Jersey, one in New York, one
in Ohio, three in Oklahoma, three in
Pennsylvania, one in South Dakota,
one in Tennessee, one in Virginia, two
in Wisconsin.
——_++>—__—_

The real pleasures in life come in
doing things for other people, and
later enjoying the things your good
deeds suggest that they should do for
you.

 

 

 

Barney Langeler has worked in
this institution continuously for
over forty-five years.

 

 

Barney says—

Mr. B——, who went up to see the Coffee Department
with me one day last week, told me he sold $1,485
last month, and had $1,500 of book accounts out-
standing the first of the month. I didn’t dare say
anything because I didn’t know whether that was a

good showing or not.

Please answer this for me, so | can know what fo

say next time.

No Barney, that equals a month’s sales, and that’s

too much.

\WoRDEN (GROCER COMPANY

GRAND RAPIDS— KALAMAZOO

* *£ & & *

THE PROMPT SHIPPERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

 

February 28, 1917

 

   

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issues a month or more old, 10 cents;
issues a year or more old, 25 cents; issues
five years or more old, $1.

 

 

 

 

 

Entered at the Grand Rapids Postoffice
as Second Class Matter.

FE. A. STOWE, Editor.
February 28, 1917.

 

 

 

DANGER AHEAD.

The Tradesman has repeatedly re-
minded its readers that the insuring
public is in jeopardy, so far as im-
pending developments at Lansing are
concerned.

The insurance combine cla’ms that
it has a pledge from Governor Sleeper
that he will appoint a puppet of the
combine as State Insurance Commis-
sioner. This statement will be con-
firmed by the appointment of Wm. A.
Waite. It will be controverted by
the appointment of the people’s candi-
date, John D. Mangum.

The insurance combine claims that
it has the cards stacked up against
the public through the selection of the
Insurance Committees of both the
House and Senate and also in the se-
lection of its henchman as Speaker
of the House.

The insurance combine has plain-
ly shown its crafty hand in the prep-
aration and presentation to the Leg’s-
lature, under the authority of the At-
torney General, of the new draft of
insurance laws purported to have been
made by one “Col.” Pepper, which is
so one-sided and unfair that the in-
suring public will be completely at
the mercy of the monopoly in the
event of its enactment by the present
Legislature. The draft is aimed par-
ticularly at the class mercantile mu-
tual insurance companies it is pro-
posed to organize in this State, sim-
ilar to the companies which have ab-
sorbed so large a proport’on of the
most desirable mercantile risks in
other states. The enactment of this
draft into law will render it impossi-
ble to proceed with the work of or-
ganization unless action is immediate-
ly taken to amend the draft or—bet-
ter still—consign it to the everlasting
oblivion such a venal and underhand-
ed measure deserves. The crafty
hand of insurance monopolists can be
traced in nearly every chapter of the
draft. No friend of honest insurance
—which the Tradesman construes to
mean valid insurance at a fair price
—should fail to carefully peruse the
masterly analysis of the proposed
statute, published elsewhere in this
week’s paper from the pen of Hon.
Milo D. Campbell, who is the only
man who ever occupiei the position
of Insurance Comm’ss oner in Michi-
gan who was not susceptible to the

blandishments of the insurance com-
bine.

The merchants of Michigan have
the measure of any member of the
present Legislature who votes for
this nigger-in-the-woodpile compila-
tion until it has first been so amended
as to conform to the ideas of right
thinking people by the elimination of
every crafty and monopolistic provi-
sion fathered by the insurance com-
bine.

 

THE KALAMAZOO MEETING.

The ninteenth annual convention of
the Retail Grocers and General Mer-

chants’ Association of Michigan,
which was held at Kalamazoo last

week, was the most interesting meet-
ing ever held by that organization.
It accomplished more work and took
action on more important matters af-
fecting the well-being of the retail
trade of Michigan than any previous
meeting. The entertainment features
were ample, but not so much in evi-
dence as to destroy the morale and in-
terfere with the regular work of the
convention, as has, unfortunately,
been the case at some previous con-
ventions. The place of meeting in
the hotel which served as headquar-
ters was a pleasant feature, because it
enabled those in attendance to leave
their wraps in their rooms, so they had
nothing to worry about except to see
that the proceedings moved along
smoothly and that each one did his
part to contribute to that result.

The annual address of the Presi-
dent and the annual report of the
Secretary were both replete with ex-
cellent suggestions and good advice,
which served as ground work for
subsequent sessions of the convention.
The reports of the committees were
not as full and complete as they should
have been, considering the serious
situations which confront the retailer
in many different directions.

The most important subject
sented at the convention was the in-
surance situation, which was handled
in a most interesting manner by Presi-
dent Lake and those he selected to
expound various phases of the topic.
The proposition to organize a mutual
fire insurance company under the
auspices of the Association was an-
ticipated in advance of the meeting,
but no one had the temerity to as-
sume that the suggestion would meet
with such hearty recognition as to
be adopted by a unanimous vote.

pre-

 

One of the lamentable features of
the present day is the growing lack
of confidence in the safety and ex-
pediency of mail matter entrusted to
the Postotfice Department. Up to a
few years ago such a thing as a lost
letter was a rare occurrence. Now it
is an every day affair. Formerly
letters went forward to their destina-
tion and were delivered immediately.
Now mail matter is handled so care-
lessly by cheap help and inexperienced
men that no reliance whatever can be
placed on the expediency of the serv-
ice. There is no more deplorable cir-
cumstances connected with business
correspondence than in the lowering
of the standard of service furnished
by the Postoffice Department.

ONE APPROVING VOICE.

Emperor William making one of
his characteristic speeches the other
day, referred to the attitude of neutral
nations, especially as manifested in
the practically protest
against and denunciation of the bar-
barous German

unanimous

warfare.
He named only one whose course met
with his most august and imperial

favor. that

submarine

was Sweden. His in-
vidious praise was designed, perhaps,
to make other nations en-
vious of the object of his approval,
for the Kaiser is still pompous, ego-
tistical and vainglorious enough not to
understand his moral downfall or to
realize he is more a monster to-day
than the vigorous, if specutacular and

neutral

theatric, autocrat of a great empire
of three years ago. The ruler who
could approve beforehand the sinking
of a Lusitania and afterward sanction
a holiday for the school children of
his realm to celebrate that atrocity
and later decorate as a hero the as-
sassin who committeed it, is no longer
in the judgment of the world a human
being with qualities of mercy and
humanity. But the German Emperor
although he would represent himself
as indifferent to the stern moral judg-
ment of the world, writhes under it.
What he finds in Sweden’s note other

Germany’s
Unless there
was a second and private communica-
tion, Sweden sent nothing different
than Norway Denmark. An

than a against

course is not disclosed.

protest

and
identic protest was agreed upon by
the three Scandinavian governments,
and in none of the other protests sent
by neutral nations to Germany was
there sterner condemnation of
many’s barbarous submarine warfare.

The speech
more than a vain beating against the
moral isolation that has been
unanimously agiainst

Ger-

Kaiser's was nothing
pro-
Ger-
many by her little neighbors as well
What he pro-
fessed to see in Sweden's public note
and which he implied contained ap-
proval of warfare violative of all the
rules of man and God, no one else has

nounced

as by distant neutrals.

discovered. But were it actually true,
would the judgment of the rest of
Christendom be weakened, because
Sweden, whose royal court and gov-
ernment have been notoriously pro-
German, had dissented? The moral
force of the protest of Denmark, Hol-
land and Switzerland is heavest of all
because little nations at Ger-
many’s doorstep dared most by voic-
ing it. They tempted they knew not
what fate by condemning illegal and
inhuman warfare and arrogant in-
vasion of neutral rights. The Kaiser
is at liberty to draw such consola-
tion as he can from Sweden’s note if
it differs in any respect or degree
from the combined judgment of the
rest of the world. It is scant com-
fort at best and no one better under-
stands that than he. The fact that
he hears but one. voice which he
chooses to mistake for or misrepre-

these

sent as approval, is evidence of self-
accusation and of his bitterness at the
judgment which he knows is just.
Often the complaint is heard from
German that

sources Germany is

fighting half the world and has the
other half morally arrayed against
her, as if that were a condemnation of
the world and proof of the righteous-
ness of Germany's cause and ambi-
tion. Ought not the fact of this mo-
bilization of the military and moral
forces of the world against a cause
and an ambition fought for with such
desperation and by such venomous
practices as to call for unanimous de-
nunciation, to suggest to those who
bewail Germany’s moral isolation that
is at fault?) Never in recorded history
after all it is not the world that
has there been such an impressive
moral spectacle as that of all the na-
tions of the civilized world outside a
conflict, whose neutrality has been
unquestioned, brought to unanimous
action spontaneously to condemn un-
sparingly the practices of one of the
belligerents. Probably, neither, has
there ever been a belligérent so cyn-
ical, contemptuous and defiant of
moral opinion as Germany shows her-
self to-day.

 

THE DIE IS CAST.

The action of the Retail Grocers and
General Merchants’ Association of
Michigan, in unanimously deciding
at the annual convention held at Kala-

mazoo last week, to organize and
maintain one or more class mutual

fire insurance companies, is a com-
plete answer to the taunts and jeers
of the fire insurance combine that the
retail merchants would refrain from
taking any action which would lessen
the exactions of the monopoly which
has so long gorged itself with ill-
gotten gains at the expense of Mich-
igan merchants. The new organiza-
tions will be formed within the next
few months and be in a position to
afford protection to the members of
the Association and those who desire
to become members in order to avail
themselves of the privilege of saving
25 to 50 per cent, over the present
cost of fire insurance. The working
out of the best plan of operation is in
the hands of the Executive Commit-
tee, who can be depended upon to
evolve a system of insurance which
will be equitable, economical and sta-
ble.

Under this arrangement the policy
holder will pay the regular board rate,
receiving a return dividend at the end
of the year representing the differ-
ence between the amount he paid and
the sum of the losses, expenses and
amount added to surplus. This return
premium will probably amount to 25
per cent. the first year and gradually
increase until it reaches 50 or 60 per
cent. per annum.

Having wrecked the German nation
and destroyed the good name of the
German people forever, the Kaiser
seems determined to destroy every
other nation on which he can lay his
bloody hands, reeking with the mur-
der of millions of innocent people.
No such spectacle was ever before
presented in this world. How the
good Lord has permitted such an arch
fiend to continue his work of devasta-
tion and wholesale murder is more
than some Christian people can under-
stand.

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February 28, 1917
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW.

Valid Reasons Why It Should Be
Amended.*

Commercial life to-day is a matter of
credit. Therefore, fire insurance be-
comes absolutely necessary. The suc-
cess of mercantile, manufacturing and
all other business is based upon credit.
Financial institutions will not extend
loans or credits to merchants, manufac-
turers or business men unless their
stock of goods in transit, under con-
struction or finished, is covered by in-
surance. You can not borrow money on
your real estate unless your buildings
are insured and the policy made payable
to the money lender whose interest is
protected by this method.

Every citizen of the State of Michi-
gan is directly or indirectly interested
in the fire insurance business, as the tax
falls not only on property owners, but
on every one who rents a house or pur-
chases merchandise of any kind or de-
scription, for the owners of homes, the
manufacturer and the retailer include
fire insurance tax in the article you may
purchase, whether it be the rent of a
house or a manufactured article. This
is an indisputable fact and for this
reason every citizen has the right to de-
mand a reasonable and fair rate of fire
insurance.

The report of the New York Insur-
ance Commission of 1910 says: “The
fire loss of this country averages nearly
250,000,000, and is increasing; this is
about $30,000 an hour or $500 a minute,
year in and year out. To this must be
added at least the same additional
amount for the maintenance of fire de-
partments, and nearly as much more
for the experience of conducting the
insurance business; altogether in the
neighborhood of $750,000,000 a year of
expenditures, because of destructive
fires; that is, fires cost us directly and
indirectly, each year, more than the
value of the cotton crop, and not only
that, but along with this economic loss
goes a frightful and horrible loss of
life.”

It must be evident to you all that no
one city is big enough or powerful
enough to correct this insurance ques-
tion and that it is a subject that should
have the backing and support of every
city and village as well as of the in-
dividual holder of fire insurance policies.

The principle involved in an Anti-
Discrimination law, if properly safe-
guarded, would undoubtedly work to
the advantage of the insured, because
such a principle would be the means of
leveling and distributing equitably the
burden of insurance cost. Indeed, we
must all agree that a law which has for
its purpose the leveling and equalizing
of the assessing of insurance, according
to the hazard and volume of liability
assumed, is commendable. We are none
of us opposed to-a law that will prohibit
insurance companies from giving pref-
erence to one at the expense of another
insurance buyer. But this so-called
Anti-Discrimination Law, which went
into effect August 24, 1915, instead of
working to the advantage of the in-
sured, fails to provide for any regula-
tion or reasonable power by the state,

*Address delivered by Mayor James B.
Balch, of Kalamazoo, before the Retail
Grocers and General Merchants’ Associa-
tion of Michigan,

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

but sefves only as a protection for the
rate agreements of the fire insurance
combine companies,

There was no demand for this act
except the insurance trust and the Com-
missioner of Insurance. Ever since this
law went into effect it has placed an
additional burden upon a large percent-
age of the buyers of fire insurance in
the State, especially the smaller risks,
the laboring classes or small house own-
ers, and as long as this law remains in
force this class of insured will be oblig-
ed to continue to pay an unjust toll
amounting to several million dollars
per year. There are no selfish motives
back of those opposed to this law, not-
withstanding the false statements and
insinuations of the Commissioner of
Insurance. We are only demanding
justice and protection when asking the
legislature to repeal this special priv-
ilege law.

Let us briefly examine the situation
confronting us: Under the present
legislation, as in the past, that is to say,
both before and since the Anti-Dis-
crimination law went into effect, the
classifications of cities and villages are
in the hands of the National Board of
Fire Underwriters, an association of
which practically all the representative
fire insurance companies in this country
are members. It has been in existence
fifty-one years and it maintains an ac-
tual bureau which has in its employ the
greatest insurance experts of this coun-
try, and also maintains the Underwrit-
ers’ Laboratories at Chicago. This Board
compiles all kinds of statistics which
may be of value to the insurance com-
panies and takes up all the problems
which confront the fire insurance com-
panies in their efforts to secure higher
rates. The representatives of this
Board came to Kalamazoo in 1912 and
advocated the expenditure of about
$150,000, no doubt having in view an
excuse for lowering the city’s classifica-
tion. (Lowering a city’s classification
raises its rates),

The lowering of Kalamazoo’s classi-
fication took place August 27, 1915, three
days after this so-called Anti-Discrim-
ination act went into effect. George H.
Holt, President of the Policy Holders’
Union of Chicago, the expert who made
a preliminary survey of our city in 1915,
states in his report: “The incentive for
such an expenditure offered by the un-
derwriters was not a decrease in the
cost of insurance or lowering of rates,
but rather the intimation that unless the
city would make these improvements
the insurance classification would be
changed from a class 2 to a class 2%
city, which would result in an increase
in the insurance premium rate to the
extent of about $15,000 to $20,000
(estimated) per annum.” An estimate
which I consider by far too low.

To quote from his report, Mr. Holt
states:

“First, that rates should have been
lower and should now be lower without
any additional expenditure.

“Second, that premium rates for the
past five years have been excessive.”

The foregoing evidence should be
conclusive proof of the unjustifiable ac-
tion of the National Board of Fire Un-
derwriters in lowering Kalamazoo’s
classification and raising its rates,

Upon the farming community it places
a rate of 85 cents per one hundred dol-
lars, whereas the Michigan mutuals,
through many years of experience, write
this class of risks at 25 cents per hun-
dred dollars. Therefore, why shouldn’t
the mutuals grow and prosper and we
should encourage them in every way
possible.

Has any city in Michigan ever had a
guarantee from the National Board of
Fire Underwriters that they would low-
er rates, providing their recommenda-
tions as to betterments of fire protec-
tion were adhered to? Is it not plain
that their recommendations are purely
in their own selfish interests?

The Michigan Inspection Bureau, with
headquarters located in Detroit, consists
of a manager, inspector and engineer
and six district managers or inspectors,
located in Jackson, Grand Rapids, Sagi-
naw, Negaunee, Kalamazoo and Trav-
erse City, and these officials are all se-
lected and this department maintained
by the insurance companies. It is this
Bureau that inspects and makes rates
on all property in the State and is a
clearing house to the fire insurance com-
bine of the State. Inasmuch as under
the present Anti-Discrimination act,
Section 5, “Every rating bureau engaged
in making rates or estimates for rates
for fire insurance on property in this
State shall inspect every risk specifically
rated by it upon schedule and make a
written survey of such risk,” it is plain
that the expense involved prohibits the
formation of other bureaus by com-
panies that might wish to act indepen-
dently of the Michigan Inspection Bu-
reau.

Possibly you are not aware that the
insurance rates are not based upon scien-
tific or accurate data or universal or
reliable standards. Perhaps you have
had the idea that rates are applied and
determined by accurate and scientific
methods and that the insurance com-
panies have the exact knowledge as to
the amount of premium you should pay
for each particular hazard, and you may
have been shown by the insurance com-
panies’ agents, forms and schedule rate
makeups, such as the analytic or Dean
schedule, in which they present a for-
midable array of all sorts of classes
and prices which mystify and confuse
one.

These schedules are for mere guid-
ance and may be manipulated up or
down at the pleasure of the insurance
monopoly.

Some indications of the reductions
which are possible in insurance cost is
afforded by the inter-insurers, New
England mutuals and Michigan’s local
mutuals. In these co-operative organ-
izations every care is taken to effect in-
surance only on the property of honest
owners. This insured property is fre-
quently inspected by representatives of
these companies to see that the property
is kept in such condition as to reduce
the fire hazard to the minimum. The
action of such companies is to be lauded,
and we predict that sooner or later it
will have a big influence in reducing the
fire hazards of our commonwealth as
well as becoming a factor in lowering
premium rates.

Let us now turn to a further exam-
ination of the so-called Anti-Discrim-
ination act.

Sections 5-6-7 and 8 of this law as-
sume to provide for the supervision by
the Commissioner of Insurance, but no
matter how big an advance, nor how
great the extortion, the only question
for the Commissioner to decide is, does
it apply alike to all its victims.

Section II provides that “the Banking
Commissioner, the Attorney General and
the Commissioner of Insurance of this
State shall constitute a commission and
upon written complaint or upon its own
information that discrimination in rates
exist between risks in the application
of like charges and credits or which
discriminates between risks of essen-
tially the same hazard and having sub-
stantially the same degree of protection
against fire, the commission may order
a hearing for the purpose of determin-
ing such questions of discrimination,”
and “if found discriminatory, it shall
have power to order such discrimination
removed.” In other words: if two risks
are identical with a higher and a lower
rate this commission has power, should
it so desire, to lower the higher rate
to the lower, or raise the lower rate
to the higher. If the complainant or
the defendant in such a case were not
satisfied with the decision of the com-
mission, the case may be appealed to
the circuit court, and this act provides
that it must be the circuit court of Ing-
ham county. Can any of you imagine
that the assured with the amount of
money involved would go to this ex-

pense in view of such doubtful results?

The burden of proof will be on the
complainant. If the assured holds that
his rate is too high he must prove that
the schedule has not been properly ap-
plied. This will bring the whole argu-
ment up to the schedules. If they are
correctly applied nothing can be done.
When the assured attempt to prove the
schedule is wrong, they will get into
very deep water. They do not usually
possess the data to prove very much
of anything about the schedules of the
Michigan Inspection Bureau.

This is the vaunted protection from
discrimination that is being advocated
by the Commissioner of Insurance, the
framer and supporter of this law, and
this vain redress is the only jurisdiction
vested in the State.

In support of the above statements, I
refer to Commissioner Winship’s letter
of August 20, 1915, in which he states,
“As you probably know, this department
has no control over fire rates. All it
can do is to exercise its good offices.
Please do not get in your mind that the
insurance department of Michigan has
the power to force these rates down.
Michigan has never provided the ma-
chinery in its insurance department to
enable the department to determine what
is actually or scientifically a fair rate,
and until it does so, it will be entirely
improper that the department should
guess at what is a fair rate. The de-
partment is using all of its persuasive
power and all of the arguments that it
can produce to induce the companies
to give us just as low a rate as possible.”

Also quoting from Commissioner
Winship’s letter of November 2, 1915,
“Referring to individual rates, I have
to inform you that so long as these rates
are not discriminatory, the commission
under the present law has no authority.”

 

 

10

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

 

February 28, 1917

 

It is contended by the advocates of
this law that this Anti-Discrimination
act was favored by the National Con-
vention of Insurance Commissioners,
but such claim is very misleading, inas-
much as it does not include the provision
for the regulation and the raising and
lowering of rates by the Insurance Com-
missioner. The fundamental importance
of the omission can be seen at a glance
without any further discussion on my
part.

Under this law the power of making
of rates and assessing of premiums is
in the hands of the insurance monopoly
and the Commissioner of Insurance has
no power to protect or serve the insured,
even if he so desired, and the public will
continue to suffer much oppression until
this law is repealed, and the burden
will, in the meantime, be largely borne
by the small buyers of insurance—the
laboring class of our State. And I
wish here to emphasize the fact that
the smal] householder, the laboring man,
has no protection since they usually
lack the business sagacity and experi-
ence possessed by the larger buyers of
insurance who are to a considerable ex-
tent placing their insurance outside of
the State. Claims to the contrary are
deceptive and cannot be substantiated.

The sponsors of this act are also
claiming that this same law is operative
in other states. Quoting from the In-
surance Commissioner’s letter of De-
cember 22, 1915, he states, referring to
the Anti-Discrimination act, “It is a
good law, and has been in effect in a
number of states for some time.” I
have been unable to find a single in-
stance where the insurance companies
have such arbitrary authority as this
law allows. On the other hand, I refer
you to the State Fire Insurance Com-
mission law of the State of Texas, which
became effective July 1, 1913. Section 6
of this law reads in part as follows:
“The State Fire Insurance Commission
shall have the sole and exclusive power
and authority, and it shall be its duty to
prescribe, fix, determine and promulgate
the rates of premiums to be charged and
collected by fire insurance companies
transacting business in this State. As
soon as practicable after this act shall
take effect, the State fire insurance
commission shall begin the work of
fixing and determining and promulgat-
ing the rates of premiums to be charged
and collected by fire insurance com-
panies throughout the State, and the
making and adoption of its schedules
of such rates.”

Secretary Andrews, of the Texas
State Fire Insurance Commission, in a
communication to me under date of
Jan. 28, 1916, makes the following com-
ment on this law: “Under the provi-
sions of the State Fire Insurance Com-
mission law, all fire insurance rates ap-
plicable to risks located in this State
are made and promulgated by this de-
partment.”

I wish also to refer you to the Kan-
sas law. Senate Bill No. 538, of 1909,
Sec. 3 of this law reads: ‘When the
Superintendent of Insurance shall de-
termine that any rate made by an in-
surance company in this State is ex-
cessive or unreasonably high, or that
said rate is not adequate to the safety
or soundness of the company granting

the same, he is authorized to direct said
company to publish and file a higher or
a lower rate, which shall be commen-
surate with the character of the risk,
but in every case the rate shall be
reasonable.”

It is evident from the foregoing that
the Kansas Act places the power of
raising or lowering the rates in the
hands of the Superintendent of Insur-
ance, while the Texas law provides that
the State Fire Insurance Commission
shall fix, determine and promulgate the
rates of premiums, This commission also
has authority to employ inspectors, expert
and other assistants as will enable said
commission to classify the fire losses
of the State, and the causes thereof,
for the purpose of reducing the premi-
ums.

Under Michigan’s present law, and
because of the unreasonable demands of
the insurance trust, thousands of our
manufacturers and business men are
buying their insurance outside the State,
in order to escape the injustice of the
insurance companies’ rates and rulings.
By this procedure millions of dollars
in premiums and taxes are leaving our
State. They are the best risks we have
and are needed in the State to equalize
the poorer risks and to lower the ratio
of fire loss.

It should be stated in passing also
that in case of a law-suit the policy
holders are forced under our State
law to seek redress in courts outside the
State. This is one of the most flagrant
abuses brought about by unjust legis-
lation.

There was also an act passed by our
last legislature known as Act No. 124
P. A. 1915, governing the
companies’ representatives and agents
of the insurance “combine” are bound
to the interests of the insurance com-
panies. This oath of office deprives
them of the privilege of exercising their
rights as free American citizens to run
their business as they have in the past
or might desire to do in the future.
Until they have subscribed to this oath.
no license can be granted to them by the
department of insurance. We _ have
heard many complaints from the in-
surance companies’ agents who are
smarting under the humiliation of the
requirements of the law.

Section II of this act reads in part:
“Any person violating any of the pro-
visions shall, upon conviction thereof,
be punished by a fine of not more than
$100.00 or by imprisonment in the county
jail for not more than ninety days or
both such fine and imprisonment in the
discretion of the court.”

It has been the practice of the insur-
ance corporation interests whenever the
question of State regulation has arisen
to threaten to withdraw from any state
attempting such action. Their threats
were carried out in Missouri and Ken-
tucky. In the latter State, just prior
to the taking effect of the amendment
of 1914, all the stock fire insurance com-
panies of other states and countries
suspended all agencies and ceased writ-
ing new business. This was done by the
concerted action of the companies and
shows the extent and power of the
agreement existing between the mem-
bers of the monopoly.

Their method also of delaying, hin-

insurance

dering and interfering with the Insur-
ance Commissioner’s work in Illinois
is almost beyond belief. Time forbids
me to go into a further discussion of
this unwarranted action of the “com-
bine” in Illinois. To those wishing
further information on this subject, I
refer you to the 1915 report of Insur-
ance Superintendent Potts, of Illinois.
The splendid and courageous stand tak-
en by Superintendent Potts in the in-
terests of the assured in exposing and
blocking the efforts of the “combine”
deserves the praise not only of his own
commonwealth, but of the insured in
every state in the Union. His works
show plainly that he is aware of the
responsibilities of his office in protecting
the insured against the corrupt methods
of the insurance trust and his example
might well serve as a model to the In-
surance Commissioner of Michigan.
Just legislation in Michigan will be
fought and hindered as it has been in
other states, but unwarrantable threats
and attempts at coercion should not
prevent us from enacting a law that will
protect the interests of the insured.
Any combination of interests that has
averaged a gross profit of about 50 per

cent, during the past forty-six years .

on premiums received, will naturally
oppose to the utmost such legislation.

The authority of the states in regard
to fire insurance legislation has been
sustained in an opinion delivered by
Justice McKenna of the Supreme Court
of the United States, in a case arising
in the State of Kansas.

Justice McKenna says in part, “Those
regulations exhibit it to be the concep-
tion of the lawmaking bodies of the
country, without exception that the busi-
ness of insurance so far affects the
public welfare as to invoke and require
governmental regulation. A conception
so general cannot be without cause. It
is oftener the existence of necessity
rather than the prescience of it which
dictates legislation. And so with the
regulations of the business of insurance.
They have proceeded step by step, dif-
fering in different jurisdictions. If we
are brought to a comparison of them
in relation to the powers of govern-
ment, how can it be said that fixing the
price of insurance is beyond that power,
and the other instances of regulation
are not? How can it be said that the
right to engage in the business is a
natural one when it can be denied to
individuals and permitted to corpora-
tions? Are not such regulations re-
straints upon the exercise of the per-
sonal right—asserted to be fundamental
—of dealing with property freely or en-
gaging in what contracts one may choose
and with whom, and upon what terms
one may choose?

“We may venture to observe that the
price of insurance is not fixed over the
counters of the companies, by what
Adam Smith calls the higgling of the
market, but formed in the councils of
the underwriters, promulgated in sched-
ules of practically controlling constancy
which the applicant of insurance is
powerless to oppose and which, there-
fore, has led to the assertion that
the business of insurance is of monop-
olistic character and that it is illusory
to speak of a liberty of contract. It is

in the alternative presented, of accepting

the rates of the companies or refraining
from insurance, business necessity im-

pelling if mot compelling it, that
we may discover the inducement
of the Kansas. statute, and _ the

problem presented is whether the
legislature could regard it of as much
moment to the public that they who seek
insurance should no more be constrained
by arbitrary terms than they who seek
transportation by railroad, steam or
street, or by coaches whose itinerary
may be only a few city blocks, or who
seek the use of grain elevators, or be
secured in a night’s accommodation at a
wayside inn, or in the weight of a
5 cent loaf of bread. We do not say
this to belittle such rights or to exag-
gerate the effect of insurance, but to
exhibit the principle which exists in all
and brings all under the same govern-
mental power.”

Public interests demand relief against
present oppressive insurance practices
and extortionate premium rates, and
under the existing serious condition pre-
vailing in the State of Michigan I see
no redress except through the repealing
of the present so-called Anti-Discrim-
ination act and the enactment of our
Legislature of a law that will protect the
interests of the insured.

Senator Burrell Tripp has introduced
Senate Bill 81, which, if passed, would
repeal the present law and would place
the power in the hands of our Insurance
Commissioner to raise or lower the rates
at his discretion. This bill is not com-
plete enough to cover the situation.
With the experience that we have had
with the present Commissioner, suffice
it to say that it would not be advisable
to place such power in the hands of any
one man, nor can we leave the classifica-
tion of cities and villages, or the rate
making in the hands of the insurance
companies and expect to receive justice.

In closing this address I have the fol-
lowing recommendations to make: That
a law be enacted and passed by the Leg-
islature which shall vest the inspection.
fixing and maintaining of rates and
classifications of cities and villages in
the State, through a duly authorized fire
insurance commission of not less than
three members, thus entirely taking out
of the hands of the insurance companies
and their agents, the Michigan Inspec-
tion Bureau and the National Board of
Fire Underwriters, the power of rate
making and classification of cities and
villages, they being at present the sole
arbiters of such regulation.

The fees collected from the insurance
companies being transferred from the
present Michigan Inspection Bureau to
the department created by the State
would furnish ample means for main-
taining this department in all of its
branches.

Moreover, under a State department,
many independent insurance companies
that now refuse to affiliate with the
present bureau would unquestionably
take advantage of such an opportunity
to operate within the State, a fact that
would work greatly to the advantage of
the insured.

The law should provide that an appeal
from the decision of the commission
may be made in any circuit court at the
domicle of the complainant or where the
risk is located, instead of as at the pres-

 

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February 28, 1917

ent in the circuit court of Ingham
county.

I also recommend that steps be taken
to induce the press of the State to in-
stitute an educational campaign with
reference to just and equitable insurance
legislation. Much of our success in this
endeavor depends upon the open-minded-
ness of the press. It is not too much
to say that any newspaper that will
stand sponsor for the present law has
not the interest of the commonwealth
at heart nor that of the community
which it serves.

The splendid stand taken by E. A.
Stowe, editor of the Michigan Trades-
man, in his fight against this unfair law,
plainly indicates the high character of
the paper and its editor. Every buyer
of fire insurance in Michigan owes Mr.
Stowe an expression of gratitude and
appreciation.

The insurance companies seem to have
but one desire, i. e., to write at much
insurance as possible without paying any
attention to the moral hazard.

In the foreign countries the moral
hazard is the first matter to be consid-
ered, and if given the same considera-
tion in this country, backed by fair laws,
there is no question in my mind but what
the present rates in Michigan could be
reduced at least 50 per cent.

Unless our Legislature passes a law
which will protect the rights of the in-
sured, sooner or later there will be an
awakening followed by a general de-
mand for State fire insurance.

Our Workmen’s Compensation Insur-
ance, in reducing the rate to one-third
of the rate charged by the old stock
companies before this law went into
effect, is evidence of what can be ac-
complished. In Ohio, where this class
of insurance is all written by the State,
the rates are considerable lower than in
Michigan. The injured employe of
Ohio received 46 per cent. more in-
demnity for like injuries.

State insurance is a question which
deserves our careful consideration and
the time is at hand when honorable men,
discussing such matters in the interest
of the great masses of the citizens of
this State, will not be classed as anar-
chists or socialists, but will be recog-
nized as men having the moral courage
to fight for freedom and liberty from
the bondage of slavery that we are now
laboring under, through this insurance
monopoly.

——_+22——__
Sidelights on Celery City and Envi-
rons.

Kalamazoo, Feb. 26—Kalamazoo’s
second annual pure food show came
to a close at the new armory shortly
before midnight Saturday. after con-
tinuing for a full week as the most
successful exhibition of its kind eve:
staged in Western Michigan. All at-
tendance records for the week were
broken Saturday and it is estimated
that close to 5,000 people saw the ex-
hibits during the day. The show, ac-

‘cording to exhibitors and those in

charge of the affair, has had a marked
educational effect upon the buying
public of Kalamazoo and has been oi
mutual benefit to the consumer and
the manufacturer. The exhibits were
larger and more attractive than those
of the first annual show and the at-
tendance for the week was more than
double that at the 1916 exhibition. The
Kalamazoo Grocers and Retail Meat
Dealers Association is already plan-
ning to put on an even larger show in
1918.

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

A $35,000 addition to the National
Storage Co.’s building has made that
place one of the finest and largest of
its kind in Michigan. Eighty. thou-
sand square feet of floor space is de-
voted solely to the storage of automo-
biles, household goods and valuables.

Things are moving at a lively rate
at the plant of the Kalamazoo Malle-
able Iron Co. Building operations
were interrupted during the severe
winter months, due to the non-arival
of material, but supplies are now com-
ing in and an effort is being made to
overcome the delay.

At least $65,000 worth of pavement
will be laid in Kalamazoo during the
coming summer and fall. It is prob-
able that this amount will be increas-
ed and may reach the figures of last
year, when between $90,000 and $100,-
000 was expended for this purpose.

The Barley Motor Car Co., mak-
er of the Roamer, “America’s smart-
est car,” an amply financed and going
automobile manufacturing company,
has been added to the list of Kalama-
zoo’s industrial concerns. The new
industry will move to Kalamazoo 1m-
mediately and will be in operation by
the middle of March. The concern
is at present located at Streator, Il.
Orders have already been issued for
the immediate shipment of machinery
and equipment to this city. Ten or
fifteen loaded freight cars are now In
transit, while large shipments of parts
will be coming in daily from various
points. This industry employed
about 150 hands at Streator, but the
number will be increased to 250 in
Kalamazoo. Some forty to fifty skill-
ed employes will leave Streator and
make their home in Kalamazoo at

ce.

C. E. Goff, of Vicksburg, has sold
his stock of goods known as the Goff
bargain store to William Maxwell.
Mr. Goff has been doing business for
the past fourteen years, but was oblig-
ed to retire from active work because
of failing health.

Byers Bros., contractors, have a
force of thirty men at work on the big
addition to the plant of the Fuller &
Sons Manufacturing Co. Excavating
is being done now. Material has been
ordered and will begin to arrive in a
short time. Smith, Hinchman & Gry-
lis, architects, have sent on a superin-
tendent from their Detroit office to
be in charge of construction.

The Kalamazoo Sanitary Manufac-
turing Co. is now engaged in moving
a portion of its pottery plant from its
North Church street building to its
new structure in the Southeastern
portion of the city, which is now in
process of construction. One of the
rooms in the new building is finished
and this section of the pottery will
be placed therein.

Within a week Kalamazoo may
boast of another new shop, which wil!
specialize on high grade and exclusive
pattern hats, such as only the best
shops in the country feature. This
will be known as the Porter hat shop,
and will be conducted under the able
and skilled management of Miss Mae
McGraw, of Detroit. W. S. Cook.

——_22-2._____

Cincinnati, as is well known, owns
a railway—the Cincinnati Southern,
400 miles long and part of the South-
ern Railway system, tapping one of
the agricultural regions on which the
city chiefly relies for trade. The mu-
nicipality has long lacked a good rail-
way station, and it is now proposed
that it itself build one which will serve
all the lines entering the city. The
Administration has gone to Columbus
with a plan for a bond issue of $15,-
000,000 for the purpose, the property,
including terminal tracks, to be leas-
ed to the various railways at a rental
that in fifty years will pay off the
principal and interest of the bonds.
Cincinnati would thus about 1970 take

the property free, and have a large

annual income from its continued
lease. The plan appeals to the inde-
pendent railways, for the city can
market its bonds at a better figure
than could the private corporations,
and they have agreed to it. It is said
that Gov. Cox and the Legislature
are also willing to sanction the
scheme, and if any legislators remain
reluctant, Cincinnati has heretofore
shown peculiar expertness in persuad-
ing them of the propriety of its ob-
ject. Only recently it took pains to
entertain a large delegation of legis-
lators and their wives, and to make
clear just what it hoped to do with the
improvement.
——_>-~—___

“Live and learn” is a good motto,
but at the age of 80 some men begin
to live and unlearn.

11

 

 

eVERFADY
FLASHLIGHTS, a9

are made in 75 styles, among \
which your customers are bound
to find some that just meet their
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pocket lights, house lamps, hand
search-lights, fountain pen lights,
guest candles and flashlight clocks
are just a few of the many kinds.

The EVEREADY Line is a real
profit maker.

LET US TELL YOU MORE

ABOUT IT

C J. LITSCHER ELECTRIC
COMPANY
Wholesale Distributors
41-43 S. Market St.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

     
 

EVEREADY

 

 

on application.

7 Ionia Ave, N. W.

| Do You

Need a desk, roll or flat top, new or used—need an
office chair, a file or a safe?

Is your old scale on the BUM?

We are able to supply your needs and save you
money. Weare jobbers for Western Michigan for
the Gibson line of grocers’ refrigerators.

Grand Rapids Store Fixture Co.

Catalog

Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

 

Safe & Lock Co.

 

The Iron Safe Clause

in Fire Insurance Policies,
which is frequently used as a
club by unscrupulous insur-
ance adqusters to coerce mer-
chants who have suffered loss
by fire to accept less than the
face of their policies, has no
terrors to the merchant who
owns a York fire proof safe.

This safe is carried in stock and
sold at factory prices by the Western
Michigan representative of the York

GRAND RAPIDS SAFE CO.

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

 

 

 

 

 

February 28, 1917

 

 

 

 

12 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
Aa _ eral] |GRAND RAPIDS NATIONAL CITY BANK
=. ce ee ¥ |CITY TRUST & SAVINGS BANK
5 : : ASSOCIATED

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Too Much Power in Government _ the writer, “The more cash that is trans-

Hands.

To the csual observer it may seem
tiresome and unnecessary to keep ham-
mering at the Federal Reserve Board
and proposed banking amendments, but
an analysis of the situation will show
the subject to be one of initial impor-
tance. While the House Banking and
Currency Committee has vetoed the
most objectionable amendments propos-
ed to the Federal Reserve law, it has
given its approval to other features to
which grave objections should be raised
and there is strong probability that these
will be enacted into law unless such a
vigorous protest is made that the move
will be shown to be unpopular. This is
a subject which should interest every
man in business, because each and every-
one will be affected by any action which
weakens the banks or opens the door
to inflation.

One proposed’ amendment which
should receive strict attention, if not
severe condemnation, is that dealing
with reserve requirements. The Board
recommends an increase in that portion
of the reserves of member banks to be
kept with Federal Reserve banks. In-
stead of retaining the clause that the
vault reserves shall be fixed at the uni-
form figure of 5 per cent. for all classes
of banks, country banks, banks in re-
serve cities and in central reserve cities,
the committee makes no requirements
whatever, leaving optional with the
member banks as to what reserve, if
any, shall be retained in the vaults. It
can be readily seen that the wisdom
of this course is doubtful. In effect,
the amendment, if enacted would com-
pel member banks to transfer $300,000,-
000 or more of their cash to the keeping
of reserve banks. In this there seems
an element of danger rather than of
strength; a concentration of financial
power staggering in its possibilities.

As the Financial Commercial
Chronicle some time ago pointed out,
where cash is held by member banks
themselves, it must always exist in the
shape of actual cash, whereas when in
the custody of Reserve banks it need
not be kept intact, but may be used for
making investments, thus placing in the
hands of Federal Reserve banks for
general use the very foundation of bank-
ing security. This would place member
banks in the hollow of the hand of the
Federal Reserve system, the business
judgment of the managers of which is
not likely to be one whit better than
that of the officers and directors of
member banks. In other words, it really
makes all member banks mere branches
of the Federal Reserve, a situation it
would seem the Federal Reserve board
is persistently and patiently working to
bring about. . As an Eastern banker told

and

ferred to the keeping of the Federal
Reserve banks, the more cash there will
be that is in danger of disappearing.
To make this additional $300,000,000 the
basis of new issues of Federal Reserve
notes would tend to promote gold ex-
ports instead of keeping them in check,
and should any of this added cash be
used in new investments, as it is certain
it will be, the result would be to bring
about credit inflation. There should be
no breaking down of the reserve wall
entirely, and if this is intended it would
be wise to let the clearing houses deter-
mine the amount of vault reserves to be
retained, in addition to the amount
transferred to Federal Reserve banks.
If we must have the Federal Reserve
system let it remain as intended in the
beginning and stop tinkering with the
law. The importance of serious con-
sideration of this question by business
men and bankers in all localities cannot
be too strongly urged. The future pros-
perity of the country is involved in it.
To expect the composite Sinbad of
modern civilization to shake off the old
man of the sea—Taxation—would be
looking to the impossible, but there is
such a thing as so increasing the bur-
den as to crush to earth its bearer.
Taxation, lecal, state and National, is
like the poor, always with us, and Amer-
ican citizens are willing contributors to
necessary funds. These burdens, how-
ever, have reached a point where it is
time to call a halt.
tions in this direction are evident in
the announced intention of the present
Michigan administration to keep down
appropriations and adopt a budget sys-
tem. Small favors are thankfully re-
ceived. Living under a dual form of
government, with fully 50 per cent. of
our population living in cities and towns
with their special municipal needs, the
array of taxes is astounding, yet in face
of this situation the National Govern-
ment proposes to paralyze business by
the imposition of an excise tax on profits
over $5,000 and 8 per cent. on capital. Is
it not to the interest of the merchant
to use his influence to stop this legisla-
tion? Look at it. He is paying a license
tax for the privilege of doing business
in his local community; then he pays
on an average amount of stock a mun-
icipal, county and state tax; he pays a
stamp tax on certain classes of goods;
a tariff or excise tax on goods imported ;
then a tax on the net income of his
business. Is this not enough without a
further tax on profits over $5,000 and
8 per cent. on his capital? This pro-
posed tax is wrong. It violates a fun-
damental principal of taxation that all
taxes shall bear equally on all the people.
This would not do so, as it affects excess
profits only. It is to be fastened upon

Creditable inten-~-

 

 

CAMPAU SQUARE

The convenient banks for out of town people. Located at the very center of the city. Handy
to the street cars—the interurbans—the hotels—the shopping district.

On account of our location—our large transit facilities—our safe deposit vaults and our
complete service covering the entire field of banking, our institutions must be the ultimate choice
of out of town bankers and individuals.

Combined Capital and Surplus.......... ac ccocee cocces $ 1,778,700.00
Combined Total Deposits. ..........ceseeeceseesceeeee 8,577,800.00
Combined Total Resources .........---- eceeet gs cc tees 11,503,300.00

 

GRAND RAPIDS NATIONAL CITY BANK
CITY TRUST & SAVINGS BANK

ASSOCIATED

 

 

Let Us Serve You

Being an Executor is this Com-
pany’s business. It is far better qual-
ified by business experience and
training, for the management of
Estates, than an individual can be.
It is financially responsible and has a
continuous existence so there can be
no interruption or confusion in han-

dling Estates.

Send for blank form of Will and booklet

on Descent and Distribution of Property.

THE MICHIGAN TRUST Co.

OF GRAND RAPIDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

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February 28, 1917

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

 

 

13
the business of the country and sets and sailed for America. The next heard
a boundary beyond which it is danger- of him was that he and his family were OG
ous to go and is a Government rake- held up at Ellis Island. L AN & BRYAN

off on honest endeavor. By preventing
the National increase in capital it will
limit production, and as a tax will de-
stroy the very substance upon which
it is proposed to feed it. It is clearly
class legislation and, as such, repugnant
to the letter and spirit of the constitu-
tion of the United States. It is eco-
nomically unsound, because it tends to
discourage enterprise and prevents the
turning of profits into equipment at a
time when this course is both wise and
necessary to prepare for the readjust-
ment of industrial conditions which is
bound to come after the end of the
war.

An interesting amendment to the Na-
tional banking laws to which but little
attention has been paid was enacted into
law last September, namely, permitting
National banks in places having a popu-
lation not exceeding 5,000 to act as
agent for any fire, life or other insur-
ance company authorized by the authori-
ties of the State in which the bank is
located to do business within the State,
by soliciting and selling insurance and
collecting premiums on policies and to
negotiate loans on real estate. Briefly
outlined, the regulations for the transac-
tion of this business announced by
Comptroller of the Currency Williams
are as follows: The bank’ may receive
such compensation for its services as
may be agreed upon by the bank and the
company represented; the bank is pro-
hibited from assuming or guaranteeing
the payments of any premiums or the
truth of any statement made by the as-
sured embodied in an application for
insurance. Each contract for agency
must be approved by the directors of the
bank. Then follow regulations as to
the way accounts must be kept. With
regard to a National bank, in places of
not more than 5,000 inhabitants, acting
as a real estate broker, the regulations
specify that the real estate upon which
loans are. made must be located within
100 miles of the place where the bank
is located; that it shall not guarantee
either principal or interest of such loan;
if the property covered by the mortgage
is a farm, the bank must state in its
records whether the dwelling is pro-
vided with sanitary arrangements ap-
proved by the local board of health.

The larger corporations are now real-
izing the benefit to be derived from
candid publicity. This is in line with the
recommendations recently made in the
Michigan Tradesman regarding banking
publicity. Co-operation with the - public
will do more for a well managed bank-
ing institution than any other line of
endeavor. The personal interest taken
in the affairs of a depositor is as much
of a business getter as the best display
advertisement. In other words, the
personal element; the human interest
attracts favorable attention and begets
grtitude. This gratitude ensures a good
word for the institution at all seasons.
An instance of this recently came to
light through a case in which some of
the officers of the Michigan Trust Co.
were interested. A Swiss, hearing of
some Michigan property, wrote the
Trust Co. from Switzerland more than
a year ago, became satisfied of the de-
sirability of the land, sold his property

Having had
faith in the representations made, it
seemed but just that everything be done
for him and his family that could be
done. A representative of the Company
was sent on to Washington, where
through his efforts, technicalities were
overcome and the family was released.
The Swiss and wife, with tears of grati-
tude, expressed their thanks when the
representative saw them at Ellis Island.
Officials at Washington and New York
expressed appreciation of the action of
the trust company in going to that trou-
ble for immigrants. The result was that
this Swiss has written to his friends at
home, extolling the action of the com-
pany. It was but an act of justice and
yet the personal interest shown in the
case is proving an asset. This is but a
single illustration and might be multi-
plied many times. The banker has the
opportunity of becoming a power for
good in his community. In so doing he
is building both a business and a reputa-
tion that are indestructible. Many banks
are pursuing this policy to their advan-
tage and it should universal.
The application of the golden rule is
always successful in business, isolated
instances to the contrary notwithstand-
ing. Paul Leake.
—_—_.- 2

become

A bill has been introduced in Penn-
sylvania which proposes to abolish all
county jails. In their place six sectional
buildings with large farming areas will
be substituted. The proposition has the
backing of the Philadelphia Prison So-
ciety and has some features to com-
mend it. The average county jail in
this State is not a very elevating and
sometimes not a very punitive place.
Numerous fellows go there to keep
warm and get something to eat, prefer-
ring to live that way rather than to
work. Sometimes young offenders are
sent there and only made worse by the
association. Discipline is naturally a
little more lax and lenient where some
of the inmates are known to their guar-
dians. The Pennsylvania project aims
to make the prisoners work and earn
something which will contribute to the
cost of their maintenance. If there is
real work involved in the incarceration,
a good many will avoid it very diligent-
ly. If the experiment is made in Penn-
sylvania and works well, it will be a
good example for other states to follow.

—. 2 —2.——_

One of the effects of the activity of
German raiders and submarines is to
put an end to business in Bermuda,
the Bahamas and other winter re-
sorts similarly situated which must be
reached by sea. Some of these are
English, some French, and Cuba has
a government of its own. These have
been popular places for tourists who
are just now getting away as fast as
they can and the hotels are being
closed. At present the safest place
for Americans is in America, and if
hostilities should be commenced in
earnest, the interior has manifest ad-
vantages over the coast.

—_—+--+—_--

Just a little more courage, added
to a bit more sand, may not win your
fortune, but they’ll help to beat the
band.

 

THE BANK WHERE YOU FEEL AT HOME

ence ge =
Geaopirinss AVINGSHANK.

WE WILL APPRECIATE YOUR ACCOUNT
TRY US!

 

 

STOCKS, BONDS and GRAIN

 

Grand Rapids, Office
305 GODFREY BUILDING
Citizens 5235 Bell Main 235

Members
New York Stock Exchange
Boston Stock Exchange
Chicago Stock Exchange
New York Cotton Exchange
New York Coffee Exchange
New York Produce Exchange
New Orleans Cotton Exchange
Chicago Board of Trade
Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce
Winnipeg Grain Exchange
Kansas City Board of Trade

Private wires coast to coast
Correspondence solicited

 

 

 

 

“Tete.

 

OLD
NATIONA
BANK

 

 

 

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

 

 

177 MONROE AVE.

Complete Banking Service

 

Travelers’ Cheques
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Letters of Credit
Savings Department

Foreign Drafts
Commercial Department

 

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SAVINGS CERTIFICATES ARE
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WM. H. ANDERSON, President
L. Z. CAUKIN, Cashier

Fourth National Bank

United States Depositary

 

 

Savings Deposits

 

Commercial Deposits

3

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1
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JOHN W. BLODGETT, Vice President
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Grand Rapids, Mich.

 

 

 

 

14

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

 

February 28, 1917

 

Pickings Picked Up in the Windy
City.

Chicago, Feb. 20—Chicago is now
having the battle of its life regarding
transportation, the companies want-
ing a fifty year franchise straight;
others want a thirty year francise with
an option of twenty more. The writ-
er thinks the people in the end will
decide by a general vote.

One of Chicago’s aldermen (known
as a socialist) claims the only chance
Chicago has to get away from the
“pig-pen” and “ash-can” conditions
will be when the people elect the
socialist party as a whole.

The middle aged men of Chicago are
being taken pretty well care of this
winter. Over 800 past the age of 40
have been given very good positions.
The smallest pay any of them have
received has been $1 a day and some
go as high as $125 a month. The
employment agency looking after
these men has accompanied a won-
derful lot of good for the city.

The Illinois pay-up campaign finish-
ed Saturday, February 24. Over 100,-
000 appeals to all classes of merchants
were mailed out over the State with
the following suggestion: “I will pay
my bills so you can pay yours.” This
slogan was used by a great number of
newspapers throughout the State, be-
ing printed in their editorials, and it
is understood that thousands of long
standing bills were settled.

One of Chicago’s failures last week
was that of the Little Theater, on
Wabash avenue. It has been in ex-
istence about two years. It catered
to high class art and it seems Chica-
go people d'd not take to this class
as they should have with their pocket-
books. The management sought a
final resting place in the Federal
bankruptcy court.

The Chicago writer has had the
pleasure of hearing from our Detroit
scribe, Sunny Jim. No matter what
is said, it is always a pleasure to hear
from him.

One of the changes to take place in
the city will be that known as the Old
Boston Oyster House, considered
Chicago’s most popular restaurant. It
will be known after the new part of
the Morrison Hotel is completed as
the Terrace Gardens. This will be
one of the finest gardens in this coun-
try. It will seat 1,400 people. There
will be no pillars of any description
to obstruct the view of any of the pa-
trons patronizing this Terrace. There
will be a drop of about 18 inches every
six feet from the main entrance. At
the front of the Gardens will be one
of the largest ice skating rinks in the
country. This will be used for both
ice skating and dancing. In front o1
this will come the stage for entertain-
ing purposes. It is now the talk of
the amusement loving people in Chi-
cago.

One of Chicago’s most stubborn
strikes is that of the garment work-
ers. This class of people seem to
cause more trouble than the average
person who goes out on a strike. Two
hundred of the girls defied the police
and seventy of them were taken to
jail Friday, Feb. 23. Something has to
be done in this city to stop labor agi-
tation or Chicago is apt to lose some
of its most prosperous manufacturing
companies.

It is being reported around the city
that the Weeghman Restaurant Co.
has taken over the lease of two busi-
ness places on Van Buren street, just
West of State street, and will open
and remodel what is known as an “au-

tomatic” restaurant. In other words,
drop a coin in the slot and get your
ham sandwich. Everything will be
served automatically. This will be
the first one of its kind in the West.

A loss to Michigan, from a boxing
standpoint is that of our former light
weight champion, Ad. Wolgast. The
grippe has made such inroads on the
ex-champion’s constitution that it is
predicted he will never fight again.
Michigan people, no doubt, re-
member him as the “Michigan Wild-
cat.” He is now being taken care of in
a private sanitarium in Chicago.

One of Chicago’s business men vis-
iting Grand Rapids this week is The-
odore Karmsen, popular druggist ‘at
the corner of 63rd street and Stony
Island avenue. He attended a Mason-
ic “blow out” in Grand Rapids.

One of the biggest drug store deals
pulled off in Chicago is that of the
Central Drug Co., controlling at this
time six stores in Chicago. It has
taken over the lease of Blettner’s
apothecary, 4601 Broadway, corner
of Wilson, and will open up May 1
the largest drug store on the North
side, This corporation is very popu-
lar and enjoys a wonderful business.

D. M. Lord, former President of
Lord & Thomas, has sold to Henry
R. Kasson, his twelve-room stucco
residence on Cornell avenue, 270 feet
north of Fifty-fifth street, east front,
100 x 210, subject to $15,000. The price
is said to have been around $25,000.
The buyer will eventually remove the
residence and erect an apartment
building.

Mrs. Edna B. Fish, wife of Joseph
Fish, has conveyed as a gift to the
Miriam Club, a home for working
girls, the property 4811 Champlain
avenue, 100 feet south of Forty-eighth
street, west front, 50x124. There is
a three-story building on the lot, for-
merly containing six apartments, but
it has been converted into a club home
containing twenty-six sleeping rooms,
parlor, dining rooms, kitchen and
serving rooms. Fifty-four young
women are housed in the club. The
property is valued at around $30,000.

Frederick Espert, Secretary of the
Monarch Refrigerating Company, has
purchased from Julia T. Fry the five-
story warehouse and land, 100 x 100,
Nos. 10 to 18 West Austin avenue, 80
feet west of State street, price with-
held. The property is understood to
have been held at around $80,000. The
property will be occupied by the com-
pany of which the buyer is the Sec-
retary, In part payment Mr. Esperr
gave the vacant northeast corner
Grand boulevard and Forty-ninth
street, 11514x150, clear, price with-
held, and $10,000 cash.

Joseph B. Moos has conveyed as a
gift to his wife, Katherine H. Moos,
the five story concrete building and
leasehold, 1114 South Wabash avenue,
80x145. The land is under lease fron
William H. Forsythe for 149 years
from June 1, 1908, annual ground
rental $8,000. The building was erect-
ed by Mr. Moos about five years ago
at a cost of $150,000 and leased to A.
R. Barnes & Co., printers. Hool &
Goodman, agents for the buildings,
have negotiated a renewal of this lease
for ten years, net aggregate rental
$180,000, or $18,000 per annum. The
lessees occupy the second, third and
fourth floors of the building, contain-
ing about 47,000 square feet. The
first floor is rented to the J. I. Case
Company and the top floor to the
Columbia Engraving Company.

The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co..,

Veit Manufacturing Co.

Manufacturer of

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Cabinet Work, High Grade Trim, Store Furniture

Bronze Work,

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OFFICE OUTFITTERS
LOOSE LEAF SPECIALISTS

 

237-239 Peari St. (near the bridge) Grand Rapids, Mich.

 

 

 

We Specialize In

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Public Utility

SECURITIES

THURMAN-GEISTERT & CO.
formerly ALLEN G. THURMAN & CO.
Michigan Trust Bldg. & G. R. Savings Bank Bldg.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Citz. 4480 Bell M. 4900-01

 

 

Kent State Bank

Main Office Fountain St.
Facing Monroe

Grand Rapids, Mich.
Capital - - - - $500,000
Surplus and Profits - $500,000

Resources

9 Million Dollars

3 Ys Per Cent.

Paid on Certificates

Largest State and Savings Bank
in Western Michigan

 

 

 

Michigan Bankers & Merchants’
Mutual Fire Insurance Co.

Fremont, Michigan

We are organized under the laws of Michigan and our officers and
directors include the best merchants, bankers and business men of

Fremont.

We write mercantile risks and store buildings occupied by our
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If you are interested in saving one-third of your expenditure for

fire insurance, write us for particulars.

Wm. N. Senf, Secretary.

 

 

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DEUEL & SAWALL

 
       
 

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

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February 28, 1917

has leased to the Smith Motor Truck
Corporation, the six-story building,
southeast corner of Sixteenth street
and Michigan avenue, 50x165, for a
term of years at an aggregate rental
of $350,000, This is one of the larg-
est and most attractive buildings in
the automobile district. The lessees
will occupy the entire structure, us-
ing the first floor for salesrooms and
the upper floors for executive and
service offices, including headquarters
of the , National sales organization.
Provision also will be made on the
upper floors for the entertainment of
the visiting dealers. The Goodyear
Company (for whom this building was
erected four years ago) will consoli-
date all of its Chicago business in its
building at 1544 and 1522 Ind’ana ave-
nue. Charles W. Reattoir.
—_2-.—____
Had Enough of Mail Order Houses.
Out in the Old West they took
desperate chances; those old boys ran
risks in fun that the most reckless
insurance company wouldn’t take a
chance on now if the insured man
were locked in jail. That’s the recol-
lection that comes to us of the pres-
ent day, and as we hear the old-timers
reminisce it’s hard to believe that
modern day tricksters have anything
on the sharps of the pre-railway days.
But here’s Jack Monroe, well-known
cattleman on the Blackfeet reserva-
tion, in Northern Montana, with a tale
of up-to-date trickery. that would
make the James brothers blush as
amateurs. Mr. Monroe has_ taken
chances on every form of pioneer
percentage game from tin horn three-
card monte to salted mines. And he
never kicked until he bucked the mail
order house.

“T was up against a game then that
put all my former experiences to the
blush or shade,” he says. Here is his
letter written to the m. o. house after
receiving his sting:

Messrs. Monkey, Robbersbuck & Co.,

Wholesale Jobbers of Junk Goods,

Minnekogo.

Gentlemen—A bundle of goods
came to my address from your old
pawn shop, but they resemble the
good I ordered about as much as a
Chinese opium fiend does the best
portraits of our Glorious Saviour. You
issue a beautiful catalogue, but a Rus-
sian Jew immigrant, with his coat tail
cut to ribbons by bayonet thrusts,
would blush if asked to write an in-
ventory of the goods you deliver.

I have been up against percentage
stud poker when there was three tin
horn gamblers standing in with the
dealer in the same game. I have paid
one dollar a pound for flour in the
gold mines in early days. I have
bought rat tail whisky in prohibition
Canada for five dollars a short quart,
and have given an eight-dollar beaver
skin for three chaws of Climax plug

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 15

in the far Northwest, but still I did
not kick.

I have bucked the shell game and
have bet good money that I could
catch a hole in a coiled strap. I have
been help up by road agents and once
paid a dollar for a three-minute lunch
on the old U. P. railroad.

I once bought a_ salted prospect
from an old benevolent-looking, sol-
emn-talking, fatherly prospector, and
when I worked out the salt there was
not mineral enough there to take off
the curse of perjury—if you swore
you had a mineral claim for record.

I have spent a thousand dollars
rushing to the opening of a No Man’s
Land, or Indian reservation, when the
160 acres of land I got would not raise
trouble, and still I have smiled, and
have not lifted my voice and wailed.

I have traded with tough old pirati-
cal sea captains on the shores of Alas-
ka, and once took a load of valuable
furs to a Hudson bay post on the
headwaters of the McKensie River.
I have traded with frontier merchants
who would swindle their shadow and
have traded with plains Indians when
they took my horses on a dark night
and I, a few nights after, tried to
make the trade even.

In my young and callow days, I
have tried industriously to beat a
three-card monte sharp at his own
game. I have bit at most of the lures
set for the smart youth, but when I
sent $5 to your old junk shop and ex-
pected to get my money’s worth or
what I wanted, I was up against a
game that put all my former experi-
ences to the blush or shade.

You should be arrested for attempt-
ed blackmail when you send your old
gaudy catalogue to a respectable man.
There is not an old, coffee-cooling,
buffalo-hunting, scalp-taking Indian
in Montana but what is better quali-
fied to run a legitimate mercantile
business than the weak-kneed, soft-
brained, idiotic imbecile who runs
your establishment.

Hereafter I shall see what I buy even
if it is a gold brick or a green goods
roll. You are a mercantile Keeley
cure——Montana Trade Journal.

oo a —_
Bank Appreciates the Tradesman.
Traverse City, Feb. 26—We wish
to take this opportunity to compli-
ment you upon the several splendid
articles that have appeared in your
magazine during the past year with
regard to Western Michigan. These
have proven particularly interesting
to us for the reason that we are de-
voting a great deal of time and energy
to bring before the people, not only
of our own State, but in neighboring
states as well, the splendid opportuni-
ties available in our part of the State.
Traverse City State Bank.

—_22 >
Don’t use your best friend for a
crutch. Go it alone.

 

 

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INVESTMENT BANKERS
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No. 109 So. Jefferson Ave.

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16

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

 

February 28, 1917

 

ADMIT THEIR WEAKNESS

 

By Descending to Ridicule, Abuse and
Billingsgate.

In his discussion of fire insurance
topics in the columns of the Tradesman
and elsewhere, the editor of the Trades-
man has always aimed to be fair; to
confine himself to facts; to keep on the
inside of the line and not cross the
threshold of truth to invade the realm
of uncertainty, speculation or surmise.
In no case has any statement been made
which cannot be sustained by irrefutable
evidence ‘which would be admissible in
any court of competent jurisdiction,

The writer regrets to chronicle the
fact that. in no case, has “his charges
been answered or his enquiries met with
direct replies. In every case matter-
of-fact requests for information or ex-
planation are met with subterfuge, art-
ful dodging, ridicule and abuse. Some
one has said that the only weapon which
cannot be answered is ridicule and that
fidicule is never resorted to except
where argument is lacking. This prob-
ably explains why the insurance pub-
lications which depend on the board fire
insurance companies for support and
which necessarily reflect the aims and
aspirations of fire insurance officials
generally have taken it upon themselves
to conduct a campaign of abuse, mis-
representation and billingsgate against
the editor of the Tradesman because of
the stand he has taken in behalf of the
insuring public in Michigan. This sort
of thing only goes to show how weak
the position of the board insurance of-
ficials and official organs is in that they
do not undertake to meet the issue in man
fashion—as high grade Christian gen-
tlemen would undertake to meet well-
meant criticisms having a direct bearing
on their business methods—but resort
to underhanded means in the accom-
plishment of their ends. As an illus-
tration of the nefarious methods adopt-
ed by the insurance combine, the Trades-
man submits herewith a leading edi-
torial from the Insurance ‘Field, of
Louisville, Ky., which is a fair sample
of the tactics pursued by the insurance
monopoly when it finds itself unable
to match fact with fact, figure with
figure and argument with argument:

“A sucker,” says the cynical axiom,
“fs born every minute and none ever
dies,” while the corollary is that “one
wise man is born every year, but another
has to die to make room for him.” This
is why the bulk of wisdom in the world
never grows. But, also, it never de-
creases. For instance, just as Judge
Potts sings his swan song in Illinois
and the voice of Col. George H. Holt
grows hoarse from the staphylococcus
megatheriumicus—enter Stowe. of Mich-
igan, E. A. Stowe, Enoch Arden Stowe
or Edwin Adams Stowe, we wot not the
exact accuracy of the indicated patro-
nymic; Stowe, solitary, single, significant
and sufficient, like Shakespeare. Solon,
Socrates or Senegambia, is quite enough
for us. We grovel at the big toe of
Stowe as the world has curled up at
the feet of Gamaliel, looking for wis-
dom and receiving large gobs of the
same,

Mr. St but why the Mister, instead
of the severe and isolate plain Stowe?
—Stowe lives. moves and has his being
in Michigan immediately, but Michigan
is contained within the larger embrace
of “The Michigan Tradesman” (weekly
two dollars per year, if paid strictly in
advance, otherwise $3, or $3.04 in Cana-
da invariably in advance or you don’t
get it at all). The “Tradesman” sheds

 

a lambent trade light over everything
from muslin underwear and corset cov-
ers to curled birch furniture and whole-
sale drugs. Incidentally and occasion-
ally the prices of onions, potatoes and
sugar beets have the searchlight of a
perfectly grand and serene mentality
turned slowly and solemnly upon them
and proceed to wither up. By the
Great Living Jingo! we believe it’s
worth Potts and Holt, both, and so we
become gradually resigned to the will
of the Lord.

What Stowe knows about fire insur-
ance would make a puddin’ for dinner
big enough for the average family of
five. But what he knows about its prac-
tices and enormities in Michigan and
about the make-up and moral and men-
tal constitution of the people of Michi-
gan, where these practices and enormi-
ties are not only permitted but winked
at and rubbed in by damnable conspiracy
of bench, bar, legislature, people and
other felons, is so great in the measure
of its bulk that corners of it stick out
of the sidereal universe and scrape
against the fabled Arcturus, further off
from the world than Uranus and as
uncertain as the issue of a submarine
campaign.

The simple, plain trouble with fire
insurance in Michigan, Stowe says, are
the following blemishes, to-wit:

1. Rates too high.

2. Expense account too high.

3. Unfair legislation obtained by cor-
rupt methods and one-sided court de-
cisions,

4. Wilful violation of laws.

5. Invalid policies.

6. Unsatisfactory
delayed payments.

Enough, God knows, to ruin any
state. We should unhesitatingly recom-
mend the setting ajar of the penitentiary
gates and driving the rascals in, but
for the fact that Stowe’s detailed draw-
ings would seem to suggest it would be
more practical to build a prison wall
around the whole state and hire honest
guards from elsewhere to keep ’em right
where they live, at hard labor.

The insurance men there, he says out
like that, are “corrupt” and “secret wire
workers,” “swindlers” and criminals; the
local agents “servile:’ the companies
“extortionate ;” lawyers employed “re-
sort to bribery and shystering,” paid
with “money filched from policyhold-
ers.” the legislature open to “corrup-
tion;” the court’s “one-sided, unfair
and open to cajolery and winking at
subterfuge;” the standard policy, so
respected elsewhere, a sinkhole of rot-
tenness there; one firm that had a loss
last summer hasn’t got its money yet,
though, God knows it only wanted what
was fair and right. What is infinitely
worse than all these—because other
people and other businesses are always
wrong, as everybody knows—is that the
general business men of Michigan, the
very honi soit qui mal y pense, and then
some. of that wolverene empire sit idly
by, allow themselves to be wolfed by
their own high elect in law, justice and
equity and don’t say a single 4&amned
word, leaving all the hollering to be
done unassisted by Stowe. It’s a rot-
ten shame. But what can you expect
of a State where not a single prospect
pleases and every man is vile—except
Stowe?

Stowe’s remedy—proclaimed on_ the
reverse of the advertising page conse-
crated to muslin underwear, with a
brief guarantee for the cure of the drink
habit in (3) days and of the drug habit
in time not specified—the. remedy is
Mutual Insurance.

Thank the Lord for Stowe, his cour-
age, his wisdom, his intense moderation.
We can now part from Potts and Holt
with greatly modified grief.

The insurance press of the country
can indulge in personalities to its heart’s
content, but it cannot deter the editor
of the Tradesman from doing his duty
—as he sees it—to the readers of his
publication and the business men of

Michigan. The fact that the insurance

adjustments and

cohorts descend to abuse and _ vilifica-
tion, instead of argument and_ plain
statement, clearly indicates the weakness
of their position and their inability to
meet the arraignment they have received
at the bar of public opinion through the
columns of the Tradesman. Such con-
temptible methods also spur the writer
on to repeated and continuous effort in
exposing the pitfalls the board insurance
men have set for the unwary and the
crooked practices they resort to in the
accomplishment of their nefarious ends.
——_+-2—___
Recent News From the Cloverland
of Michigan.

Sault Ste. Marie, Feb. 26—The Soo
celebrated both Washington’s and
Burn’s birthday Feb. 22. This was
the second year of the C. J. Burn’s
(manager of the Soo Lumber Co.)
famous dog races. The races took
place in front of the Soo Lumber Co.’s
office, where the coast was smooth,
scraped and roped off. Extensive
preparations were made for the event.
There was a large entry of dogs of
various classes, teams and singles, al-
So pony races, which drew a crowd
of about 5,000 people and was an
event that will be long remembered
for those fortunate enough to attend.
Mr, Burns is entirely responsible for
this entertainment and stood the en-
tire expense. The prizes were elabor-
ate and the contest was one of the
best ever pulled off at the Soo. Mr.
Burns expects to make this a perma-
nent feature hereafter, which will be
greatly appreciated by the Sooites.

The news of the death of F. O.
Winslow, traveling salesman, whose
home ,was at Cincinnati, Ohio, who
ended his life by shooting himself in
his room at the hotel at Menominee
Feb. 20, was a shock to the traveling
fraternity here. Mr. Winslow was
employed by the American Cutlery
Co., of Marineete, and was consider-
ed by the company as a faithful sales-
man. Ill health had made him subiect
to periods of mental depression and
despondency. His body was taken
to the home of his mother, at Cincin-
nati. The traveling fraternity extend
their sympathy to the mother and the
many friends who are left to grieve.

Knut Marion, the well-known meat
cutter in the Cameron meat market,
has gone to Ann Arbor, where he en-
tered the hospital for medical treat-
ment for stomach trouble.

Edward Stevens, local manager for
the National Grocer Co., was a De-
troit visitor last week.

A meeting of the farmers in the
vicinity of Dafter is to be called in the
near future to discuss the proposition
of erecting a grist mill at Datfter.
Many local farmers are in favor of it
and no better place could be found
than Dafter for such a mill. With the
thrift and enterprise of the farmers,
its success is assured.

At a meeting of the Farmers’ Club,
at Dafter, last week, it was decided
that they could regulate prices for
butter and eggs at their next meeting,
We would suggest, however, that they
include meats and groceries as well,
as from all accounts they would stand
regulating at about one-half the pres-
ent prices and still be satisfactory to
the common people.

We could not help but envy Charles
E. Chadsey, Superintendent of the
Detroit schools, when he objected to
a resolution offered by a member of
the Detroit school board, increasing
his salary to $15,000. It-is safe to
say that he is in a class by himself,
as it is the only case on record that
we have heard of in this country since
the war where anyone has objected
to_a raise in salary.

B. M. Morris, the Soo’s big cloth-
ing merchant, left last week for a
month’s visit with relatives in Jack-
son and Chicago, where he will rest
up as to be in pink condition for the
opening spring rush.

The Boston Store, which has been

doing a successful business for the
past seven years with Samuel Gross
and Mose Meserow as proprietors,
has made a change, Samuel Gross
having sold his interest to H. W.
Kline, of Ludington. Mr. Kline will
move to ‘the Soo to take an active
part in the management of the store.
Mr. Meserow will continue his con-
nection with the store. Mr. Kline
comes to the Soo on account of it
being a larger field.

J. L. Lipsett, our esteemed citizen,
accompanied by his wife, left last
week to spend the remainder of the
winter in Florida. He has not been
enjoying the best of health of late and
expects that the change will be bene-
ficial to him.

“It is very, very hard to be healthy,
wealthy and wise all at the same
time.”

The Street Car Co., at Marquette,
expects to purchase a modern double
truck street car with a capacity of
fifty passengers. :

E. Turner, one of Queen street’s
butchers, in the Canadian Soo, has
closed his business and accepted a
position with the Lake Superior Co.

“Canned meats will be dearer,” we
read. There is no disunion in the
remarks of General Rise O’prices.

W. P. Hossack, the well-known
merchant prince of Cedarville, who
has not been enjoying the best of
health of late, expects to leave soon
for Grand Rapids to enter the hospital,
ag he received much relief last
all.

Charles E. Madison, the well-known
lumber operator at St. Ignace, left
last week for Rochester, Minn., to
consult the Mayo Bros. for stomach
trouble.

Lawrence Rinkey has returned to
Manistique, where he has resumed his
position in the Rosenthal store.
_The train service from Mackinac
City to Grand Rapids is responsible
for the death of Claude Remington,
of Reed City, who had been working
in the Upper Peninsula, was taken
sick last week and started for home.
He arrived at Mackinac City to learn
that there was but one train a day
and that in the morning, so he would
be obliged to wait until the following
day to continue his journey. While
waiting he continued to grow worse,
and Saturday morning died while be.
ing carried to the train.

While the boys were discussing
the topics of the day in Erskine’s
store, at Allenville, the other night,
the question of the large amount of
ice George Litchfield is putting up
was brought up. One fellow whom
the squirrels have been chasing for
some time spoke up and said, “I won-
der if Litchfield were to die. would
he take all the ice with him.” This
broke up the discussion.

T. E. Libby, of the Saginaw Co.,
Was a business visitor here last week.
He states that it was the coldest
weather he had encountered during
the entire winter,

The movies are the hustling enter-
prises here now and it was necessary
for Charles D. DePaul, the hustling
Proprietor of the Dreamland, known
as the “house of good Pictures,” to
anigaee his fn quarters by in-
Stalling another gallery to kee
with the ceased . co

William G. Tapert.
—_>--____

Pins are useful, annoying when they
prick and dangerous at times. Pennsyl-
vania’s health commissioner warns
against the habit of putting pins in the
mouth. He says that those who do it
may suffer from infection, A pin may
have quite a long history and it may go
from a diseased mouth to a_ healthy
mouth and carry infection. It may be
good luck to pick up a pin, especially
when it is pointed toward the picker,
but it is unhealthy and insanitary, if
not bad luck, to put that pin one’s
mouth,

4
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ahs
he
|.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7
Vv

February 28, 1917
THE POWER OF UNITY.

It Is Exemplified in Retail Mercantile
Organizations.*

While studying business conditions
during the last few years one thing
has forced itself on my mind very
emphatically, namely, the growing
tendency of the times toward concen-
tration, whether it be capital, business
or brain; that in order to keep pace
with the evolution in business, we
would sooner or later be compelled
to form a united front in order to
meet exigencies as they arise.

While the intellect of the individual
has been sharpened and broadened
by education and experience, in order
to produce the greatest results, it is
necessary to combine that intellect
with the intellect and experience of
others, and in order to measure up
to our possibilities, it is necessary
that the individual be brought up to
the highest standard of attainment.
With that individuality well equipped
and combined with his fellows it will
present a formidable power that no
ordinary force can withstand. The
successful grocer is a man of more
than ordinary intelligence, He, of ne-
cessity, must be a master of detail.
His profits on single sales are very
small, and his sales are very limited.
Ten years has seen a marked change
in the retail grocer. The next ten
will show a more radical change. We
are going to have men of more pro-
nounced ability in the business or the
entire system will change from the
individual system now in vogue to a
collective system managed by large
corporations. Hence the _ necessity
of a closer alliance. |

In order to meet competition as it
presents itself to-day, we must study
conditions and meet them. The old
method was everything in bulk. To-
day almost everything is in packages.
The old plan was to speculate in fu-
tures. The new method is limited
buying and a quick turnover. Our
business to-day is standardized. Look
around your store and you find on
your shelves, Campbell’s soup, Pos-
tum, Washington crisps, cane syrup,
Domino sugar, all kinds of pork and
beans, jams and jellies, all in contain-
ers, and, indeed, nearly 90 per cent.
of all our stock is sold in the manufac-
turer’s original package, and the man-
ufacturer assists our selling forces by
his trade paper, billboard and maga-
zine advertising.

Future and quantity buying with a
string of four or five prices on the
quantity is one of the most serious
menaces and it has done the retailer
infinite harm. The amount of money
you will make in a year is regulated
almost entirely by the number of
times you can turn that dollar. If
you only turn that dollar two or three
times a year, you won’t get very far,
but if you can turn it ten or twelve
times a year, your business will be a
highly profitable one.

Suppose you buy a large quantity
of any commodity and believe you
have saved 10 to 15 cents per box,
your money is tied up and is not earn-
ing anything for you, True, the

*Paper read at annual convention of
the Retail Grocers and General Mer-

chants’ Association at Kalamzoo, by John
A. Green, of Cleveland,

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

goods are there. Maybe they will
keep. Sometimes they don’t. I saw
five cases of cherries opened the oth-
er day which the grocer had held for
a year and a half. Nearly every one
was spoiled. He could hardly ask
the wholesaler to make them good
and his money had laid idle all that
time.

The grocers who are making money
nowadays are those that buy every
day and every week, as their demands
require, and keep their stock always
fresh, clean, well assorted and get the
quick turnover.

Now as to credits! How long can
I carry an account before losing the
entire profit on the sale? The jobber
offers you a discount if you pay your
bills in ten days. If you make your
collections on the same basis, you are
practically selling your goods for
cash and working on the jobber’s cap-
ital. If you credit sixty days, you will
have as much on your books as in
your stock, and therefore each work-
ing dollar will have to earn enough
to provide for the dollar that is not
working. -You can easily see how
your profits will shrink.

I have often brought to your at-
tention the seriousness of loss on ac-
counts. Let me warn you again by
calling to your attention the fact that
the loss of a $20 account will mean
that it will take $400 of good business
to get it back again. There are two
main reasons why the retailers lose
out through the credit business. One
is the fear of the customer and the
other the fear of the competitor, both
of them are Will-o-the-wisps, and we
should forget them both. The demand
of business to-day is for new: ideas,

new methods, new spirit. While I
take no stock whatever in slang

phrases, yet. I can see considerable
to commend in “Put on steamulus.”
“Hit it up.” “Go to it and ginger
up.” It means, think new and con-
structive work.

The power of man is always in ex-
act proportion to his ability to unite
with other men. How necessary it
is, then, that the power which comes
fnom unity be used for constructive
work and for the welfare of all con-
cerned.

There are too many of us who are
inclined to speak of the grocery apolo-
getically, instead of exalting it. You
know I am a great optimist. I can
see good in everybody and everything
and you have no idea what a good
time I am having. We are a Nation
of optimists. The American can see
nothing but success. Business is good
because he makes it good.

We will always have with us the
fellow who thinks he can go it alone;
the fellow who wraps a mantle about
himself for fear someone will rub a
little of his fancied gold-dust from his
person; the fellow who will gather in
the good from another’s sacrifice and
labors and who refuses to lend his in-
fluence in any movement for the bene-
fit of the whole. Do you know, men,
that such a character is to be pitied?
His soul is contracted. The sunlight
is shut out, He lives a cheerless, mor-
bid life. The fact that Reilly was
digging the hole deeper so that he
could put all the dirt back in the
same hole means nothing to him.

Nor the merchant who had been trav-
eling and come home to find his val-
ued friend dead, and called on the
widow to offer his expressions of
sympathy. He said, “I have always
been a good friend of your late hus-
band. Is there not something I could
have as a memento of him?” She
raised to him her velvety brown eyes
which a moment ago had been wet
with tears and said, “How would I
do?”

Constructive plans owe their origin
to the interdependence of man upon
man. In the past business was con-
ducted primarily as an individual mat-
ter, but as business grew and develop-
ed, the far seeing business man ap-
preciated the great advantage which
would follow a strong, well directed
united movement and, as a conse-
quence, we find business men of vary-
ing and competing lines meeting now
for discussion of their mutual prob-
lems and consideration of mutual bet-
terments.

I have heard it said that we Ameri-
cans are restless. I take that epithet
as one of the greatest compliments
which can be applied to us. I believe
it to be a mighty heritage. This
spirit of unrest is the spirit which
urges each generation 6n to greater
achievment. America is great because
of the spirit of commercial expansion
which pervades us all. It is this
spirit of unrest which has permeated
the officers of this Association and
moved them to work and plan for the
success of the organization. I trust
that this same spirit will move every
one of you to support them in their
efforts in your behalf.

To accomplish results we must have
centralized action, The stoker at the
boiler is just as important as the
captain on the bridge. The one
most obscure may be the one most
needed. We can’t all be leaders, but
we can all fill the niche for which
we are best suited.

What we want is_ initiative—the
power to look into the future, to plan
and to carry into execution that which
to some people would seem ethereal.
Initiative is the power to snatch from

17

the invisible ideas and mold them in-
to things of life.
Intense earnestness is that unfore-

seen force which impels us on to
greater accomplishments, to bigger

and better things.

Honesty, capacity and enthusiasm
and a persistent desire to work will
enable us to surmount every obstacle
which may present itself.

The competition of every day busi.
ness can never be overcome by abus-
ing it and complaining about it, but
by intelligent concentration of
thought on our own special business.

Every man has originality. It is the
developing of that originality which
you have in you that will count. If
it is not developed you are going to
be left behind.

I see determination written on your
faces, a desire to grab the bit in your
teeth and go to it. That is what
brings success in business, and that is
why we are going to get it, because we
have originality and initiative.

When we leave here we expect to
determined in a common pur-
pose, loyal to a common idea, with
hope in a common cause, enthused and
filled with a dynamic force which will
spell success in every move we make.
By coming together we have received
inspiration, viewpoint, vision, clean
information, knowledge and outlook,
which will make us all more efficient,
and better men.

leave

stronger
The thought of unity is made vivid
when we assemble together, and to
this thought of unity we all respond,
knowing that in unity of thought there
is strength, and in co-operative work
there is culmination and result.
—_22>—___—_
Trusting to Nature.
While in town the country
chant thought he might as well call
at the fire insurance office and see

mer-

about insuring his store, stock and
household furniture.
“What facilities for extinguishing

a fire have you in your village?” the
official enquired.

The man pondered for a minute or
two.

“There’s the rain,” he said.

 

 

 

VAN TONGEREN CIGAR CO., Makers
HOLLAND, MICH.

 

 

 

 

emia

2a a A

 

18

RECIPROCAL RELATIONS.

 

Sustained by the Wholesale and Re-
tail Grocer.*

It is a splendid thing for business
men to gather in a meeting like this
and discuss ways and means for the
better conduct of their business. As a
jobber, however, I will not attempt to
tell you how to run your affairs. Your
problems are not vastly different than
those of the wholesale grocer and your
business in general does not differ great-
ly except in volume. The wholesale
grocer could not exist as such without
the retailer and the retailer could not
do business without the jobber, so to
begin with we are dependent one upon
the other. That being true, let us un-
derstand each other, for in that perfect
understanding there should be a mutual
feeling, a sort of brotherly or a fraternal
fellowship.

I am glad to see this spirit so strongly
manifested by this great body of men.
If the jobber is built on proper lines,
he will exhibit a great interest in the
success of the retailer, for the success
of the retailer means the success of the
jobber and the retailer’s failure means
loss to the jobber, so we should work
in perfect harmony.

The jobber is fighting more battles
for the retailer than he is aware of.
The jobbers realize the retailer must
have a reasonable profit and to that end
the jobber discourages the introduction
and sale of 10 cent articles at 95 cents
and $1. also 15 and 25 cent articles at
similar high costs. In many cases the
jobbers asolutely refuse to buy proprie-
tary brands where, by advertising, an
attempt is apparent to force goods on
to the retailer on these close margins.
The jobber’s margin would be the same
as usual, but the retailer is the one who
would suffer, and here is where the
jobber always has the interest of the
retailer at heart. Your interests are not
overlooked in legislative matters and
a constant eye is kept on railroad service
and in many other ways the jobber is
spending a vast amount of time and
money promoting matters of great in-
terest to both retailer and jobber.

A part of the wholesale grocer’s work
is the assembling of goods from all
corners of the earth and to distribute
them to the retailers for a further dis-
tribution to the final consumer. This
sounds like a simple thing, doesn’t it?
When you consider the vast army of
people engaged in this titantic enter-
prise, realizing that over six billion of
dollars is spent annually for provisions,
or more than twice that of any other
enterprise in this great country of ours,
then we begin to realize the vastness
of the business in which we are engaged.
I know of no business that involves the
investment of so great capital and em-
ploys so many people as does the whole-
sale and retail grocery and provision
trade. We have invested our capital
in the business for the purpose of mak-
ing more capital or, in other words, for.
the purpose of not only making a living
but a profit large enough so that some-
thing can be laid up for a rainy day or
use in old age when we will not likely
produce much. Then our problem is,

 

*Paper read by M. R. Carrier, President
Michigan Wholesale Grocers’ Association
at annual convention of the Retail Gro-
cers and General Merchants’ Association.

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

How can I best and easiest conduct my
business to get the most out of it?

I would say, first of all, get the best
location possible, then join the local as-
sociation and develop just as fast as you
can along co-operative lines. That word
“co-operation” is the biggest word to-
day in the English language. Let us
broaden out and develop a spirit of
good fellowship and feel that the world
is big enough for all and wear a smile
and a “Hello, Bill,” attitude toward our
competitors and if we are big enough
to do this, we will find it a mighty sight
easier to be courteous to our customers,
and courtesy is the builder of good will,
and good will is the big factor in the
building of any trade.

How many retailers follow the cus-
tom of sending out some of their clerks
in the morning to call on a portion of
their trade, soliciting their orders. Did
the lady customer ever request your
clerk to sit down a half hour or so
and wait until she had finished putting
her house in order before she proceeded
to give him the order for the day? This
would be a great waste of time and the
chances are your clerk would have time
to call on but a few customers if he was
treated in that manner.

Time is money and a waste of that
time is a waste of money; whether it is
a retailer's clerk or a wholesale grocer’s
traveling salesman. Years ago there
were retailers who, upon seeing a trav-
eling salesman enter the door, would
immediately get busy cleaning up the
counters and shelves, even going down
cellar after a basket of potatoes, and
do a lot of general fussing before giving
a salesman an opportunity to make his
business known. This was generally a
waste of his own time as well as that
of the salesman.

The bigger the business man the more
welcome greeting will he extend to any
salesman and, whether he does business
with him or not, he will turn him away
with a feeling in his heart that he has
met a real man. He will go away a
booster at least, and not a knocker.

I think every man here realizes that
the traveling salesman is a sort of a
human, with a little of that fellow-feel-
ing in his breast just like you and me.
I am sure that the retailer who has mis-
treated a traveling salesman or delayed
him an unreasonable amount of time
by having kept him waiting has been
called to his just reward and just where
he is now, you and I are not supposed
to know.

I cannot refrain from referring to the
credit system as practiced by most of the
retail grocers, as this not only affects
your business seriously, but in many
cases jeopardizes that of the wholesale
grocer.

In the United States last year there
were a little over 17,000 business fail-
ures, as against 22,000 in 1915, and in
nearly every case the handling of credits
was one of the reasons. Too much credit
and the lack ofva real book-keeping cost
system. The average retail grocer has
a heart built on too large a scale when
it comes to the extension of credit, and
in many cases before he fully realizes
the situation he has more goods charged
on his books than he has sitting on his
shelves.

The time has come when business gen-
erally the world over is being done clos-

er and closer as to time, discounts and
credits, and with the great uncertainty
which is hanging over us as to future
developments in our National affairs,
it behooves us as business men to look
more carefully after our credits and
more carefully after the payment of our
bills. The betteh business men are real-
izing more and more that they should
establish a good banking credit at home
and let this establish their credit with
their jobbers, and that every bill should
be discounted, as this discount itself, is
the easiest profit that is made.

The thin margin the wholesale grocer
is working on does not justify his acting
as a banker for any retailer. If the re-
tailer would be a real merchant, he will
follow the markets up or down. Your
jobber has learned to follow it up and
he is just as quick to follow it down.

Service enters just as largely into your
success as it does the jobber’s. You de-
mand service of your jobber and you
have a right to, and if he serves you
satisfactorily he is entitled to consider-
able consideration. I believe our Michi-
gan jobbers are entitled to the Michigan
retailers’ business. We are all citizens
of this great commonwealth, we are
supporting the same University, the
same Agricultural College and the same
school system in general. We are build-
ing the same highways and supporting
the same public institutions.

True, you can once in awhile pick up
mail order snaps in some far away city,
but have you really bought cheaper,
after all things are considered? None
of us are enthusiastic over this mail
order business, are we? I have heard
retailers condemn in the most profound
and energetic language the mail order
houses which seemed to be making more
or less headway in their territory, and
yet at the same time, when one of our
salesmen would call on them, they
would immediately haul out the mail
order catalogue from some far away
wholesale house. Of course, those fel-
lows are not here to-day, for I hardly
think they belong to your Association.
So fellows, let us stand together for the
betterment of our mutual interests. It
is this Standing Together System that
makes us bigger, broader and _ better
business men.

I believe it is time we Wolverines be-
gan to wake up and as business men,
stand by Michigan institutions, Michigan
labor and Michigan capital. Too long
have we sought the cheapest markets

 

February 28, 1917

and the cheapest goods to the detriment
of our people and our State. Too long
have politicians howled from the grand-
stand at our business men and Big Busi-
ness in particular, Look at our big rail-
road corporations to-day. Most of them
have experienced so much political regu-
lation as the result of sending some
political spell binder to the Legislature
or to Congress that many of our great
transportation companies have not only
lost their credit, but are now in the
hands of receivers. Their freight service
is lamentably crippled and their passen-
ger service is little better. Let the rail-
roads raise their rates. I believe it will
mean better service and service is the
great thing the commercial world de-
mands to-day.

And now, gentlemen, while we have
been discussing in a brief way the mak-
ing of dollars, let us not forget that,
as proprietors and managers, we have
a larger responsibility on our shoulders
—the making of men. Looking back-
ward five, ten or twenty years ago, we

were all boys and many of us started -

as delivery boys and clerks and with us
as co-laborers at that time were a lot
of other young men. What has become
of a lot of those lively young fellows
who were always up and doing? The
story of some of them would not cheer
us any at this time. In the veins of
every American boy runs the reddest of
red and patriotic blood, and many a boy
has gone to the bad just because no one
seemed to take an interest in him and
he has lost courage. A discouraged boy
is in a dangerous predicament.

How many of you men know what
the real habits are of the young men
you are employing? How many of you
know where the young fellows spend
their evenings and Sundays? How many
of you men here have ever tried to help
these boys, help them as you would help
your own son? The greatest thing we
can do, and the greatest pleasure we
can get out of hfe, is to render service,
and the greatest service we can render
is in the making of men.

—_+-+___
The Price of Wisdom.

The truth which another man has
won from nature or from life is not
our truth until we have lived it. Only
that becomes real or helpful to any
man which has cost the sweat of his
brow, the effort of his brain, or the
anguish of his soul. He who would
be wise must daily earn his wisdom.

David Starr Jordan.

 

Address

 

Pere Marquette Railroad Co.

DUDLEY E. WATERS, PAUL H. KING, Receivers

FACTORY SITES

Locations for Industrial Enterprises i
Michig ,

The Pere Marquette Railroad runs through a territory peculiarly adapted by Accessibility
excellent Shipping Facilities. Healthful Climate and Good Conditi i
LOCATION OF INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES. en ce ee

First-class Factory Sites may be had at reasonable prices. Coal in th i
and Electrical Development in several parts of the State insure Cheap ai Seen Vener
Department invites correspondence with manufacturers and others seeking locations All in-
quiries will receive painstaking and prompt attention and will be treated as confidential.

GEORGE C. CONN,
Freight Traffic Manager,

Detroit, Michigan

 

 

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February 28, 1917

Value of Displaying Goods Inside the
Store.
Written for the Tradesman.

“Tell people what you have in
stock,” is a first axiom of modern
hardware merchandising. Upon this
axiom as a foundation have been built
tremendous schemes of profit-making
publicity. Modern advertising is
merely in the first instance telling
people what you have to sell.

But while newspaper advertising,
window display, calendars, circulars,
store papers and many other forms
of advertising are liberally used by
modern merchants, there are many
stores where, even to-day, the possi-
bilities of the most primitive form of
“talking shop” are almost entirely
neglected.

The other day a customer went in-
to a hardware store. He came to
buy a saw. While looking at the saws
shown him, he noticed a display of
paring knives on top of the adjacent
silent salesman.

“The wife said the other day she
wanted a new paring knife,” he com-
mented, suddenly. “Are those good
ones?”

“They're first class value,” return-
ed the salesman, pushing them for-
ward, “Just try that edge. A good
edge and a strong blade. They’re
very cheap at 15 cents.”

“T’ll take one,” said the customer:
and went on with his saw transaction.
The saw transaction, which brought
him to the store in the first place, in-
volved a $2 sale. The paring knife
was only 15 cents. Yet a sale of $2.15
was rung up where, had the goods
not been displayed to catch the cus-
tomer’s eye, only $2 would have gone
into the cash register.

An increase of 7% per cent. on even
some of your ordinary sales is an
item not to be despised. Such an in-
crease pays for a little extra care in
displaying the goods inside the store.

A good many hardware stores make
a fetich of arrangement. The stock
is arranged in a certain specific way,
and must not be shifted unless some
very great advantage to the store sys-
tem is to be gained thereby. To the
customer, stich stores present the
same appearance, day after day. As
goods in stock are sold, goods from
reserve stock or new articles of the
same kind replace them. Hammers
and saws that never seem to change
in appearance are shown here; the
identical cutlery, to all appearance,
of years ago is to be met with in an-
other place; the stove department, the
paint department, the sporting goods
department vary little in appearance,
even from year to year.

This may seem an_ exaggerated
picture, yet I have known hardware
stores that gave me—an experienced
observer of such things—just that im-
pression of hereditary sameness.

Now, it is a good, sound policy to
have the stock systematically arrang-
ed. Stoves have their place on the
floor, and paints on the shelves, and
tools must be kept apart from kitchen
utensils or aluminum ware. To jum-
ble everything indistinguishably to-
gether would be a mistake; a rever-
sion to the old type of country store
where cheese and coal oil and cotton
goods were stocked on the same shelf.

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

There must be underlying system in
the arrangements, varied a little, per-
haps, according to season; as when,
in the springtime, the paint depart-
ment is brought to the front.

But, subject to the general arrange-
ment, it is a mighty good thing to
change your interior display as much
as possible.

I recollect a silver polish incident
that happened some years ago. May-
be the line wasn’t silver polish; but
anyway, on a counter was shown a
full carton of tins of this polish. The
merchant had just taken the top. off
the box, propped it up on the coun-
ter, and left it that way.

Said a clerk one day: “That lot
of polish has been there two weeks
and has never made a sale. I’m going
to break it, to change the luck.” He
abstracted three tins of polish from
the carton, put them away on a shelf,
and waited.

Within the twenty-four hours, two
more tins were sold. Gradually the
carton was cleaned out. Finally the
three tins on the shelf were called for.
Maybe it was mere coincidence: but
I’ve always thought there was a great
deal more. The carton full of tins
said to the customer, in effect: “I’m
an experiment which nobody is will-
ing to tackle.” And the carton with
the broken lot of tins said pleasantly:
“Three people have thought me worth
trying. Won’t you try me?”

That’s the way goods can be made
to talk to the customer.

Interior display is helpful with any

line. It is worth while to take
thought on what appearance your
goods present. For instance, it pays

to have your heaters and ranges look-
ing clean and attractive, to keep them
dusted and shining bright. Such a
display is attractive and enticing. So,
too, the showing of hockey skates in
winter or fishing tackle later in the
year appeals to the young
takes interest in such things and who
may have dropped into the store in
quest of something else. Put the
goods where folks must see them and
see to it that the goods look their
best.

But I think that interior display is
particularly valuable, and especially
likely to make sales where smallwares
are concerned. A man may _ hesi-
tate where a sale runs into dollars,
but his pocket can almost always an-
swer the invitation of the 15-cent
counter. A dime, or a quarter for
that matter, is, with many purchasers,
neither here nor there. Show an ar-
ticle which is wanted at home, to
which the customer takes a fancy, and
if the amount involved is small, the
sale will in three or four cases out of
five be made right on the spot.

This is one of the basic principles
of the 5-10-15 cent store business.
The goods are all on display, and
practically sell themselves. And the
customer who comes for one small
article may, in the course of her stay,
see half a dozen other things to be
bought. For many women, the 10-
cent counter is as alluring as an auc-
tion sale of household furniture.

The frugal housewife comes to
spend 10 cents and remains to blow
in a couple of dollars.

man who

The hardware dealer who has felt
the competition of such stores, and
who wants to attract feminine trade,
can meet them on their own ground
and adapt their methods to the: han-
dling of his far superior stock.

The first essential is to show the
goods prominently.

The second is to play up the low
priced goods in each department.

The third is to change the displays
as often as possible.

There are few departments which
do not offer some articles that can be
featured at between 5 and 25 cents.
Kitchen utensils, cutlery, tools, all
can show articles at these prices as
leaders to attract attention to the
better goods. Inthe paint department
there are some specialties available.
In the stove department, accessories,
such as stove lifters, ash sifters, etc.
suggest themselves. You can put
forward something in almost any de-
partment of the store to catch the eye
of the bargain hunter.

Most merchants will find it advan-
tageous, indeed, to put on a bargain
counter or bargain table, showing
novelties and small articles similar
to those shown in the 5-10-15, cent
stores. A long table can be divided
into 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 cent depart-
ments. Play up this bargain counter
as a regular feature of your store;

19

mention it in every advertisement you
publish: put a bulletin in your win-
dow, “Don’t miss seeing our bargain
table to-day.” You'll find it
while a pulling feature,
class of customers
might fail to reach.

aiter a
attracting a
you otherwise

Right now, after stock-taking, is a
good time to start such a department
if you haven't one now. Doubtless
stock-taking will reveal to you some
exceptional values that can be fea-
tured in introducing the bargain table

to the public. Feature values, (say,

a few 50 cent articles at 25 cents) are
important and very effective at ‘the
start. William Edward Park.

 

Sand Lime Brick

Nothing as Durable
Nothing as Fireproof
Makes Structures Beautiful
No Painting
No Cost for Repairs
Fire Proof
Weather Proof
Warm in Winter
Cool in Summer

Brick is Everlasting

 

Grande Brick Co., Grand Rapids
So. Mich. Brick Co., Kalamazoo
Saginaw Brick Co., Saginaw

Jackson-Lansing Brick Co., Rives
Junction

 

 

 

 

Home of the
Pleasing

Dornbos
Cigars

v

 

 

 

 

‘*The End of Fire Waste’’

 

COMPLETE APPROVED

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Installed by

Phoenix Sprinkler & Heating Co.

Grand Rapids, Mich,
115 Campau Ave.

Estimates Free Detroit, Mich.

909 Hammond Bidg-

 

 

USE
Citizens Long Distance Service

 

 

   
        

INDEPENDENT

VETTES

(abne)

TELEPHONE |,

NO EY

  

  

To Detroit, Jackson, Holland, Muske-
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City, Petoskey, Saginaw and all inter-
mediate and connecting points.

Connection with 750,000 Telephones

IN MICHIGAN

INDIANA AND OHIO

 

 

Citizens Telephone Company

 

 

20

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

 

February 28, 1917

 

SANE AND SENSIBLE

Review of Hardware Situation By
Executive Officers,*

I feel that we, of the Michigan Re-
tail Hardware Association, are to be
congratulated on being able to hold
our 1917 convention in this wonderful,
record-breaking city of Detroit;
city that since we last met here in
1912. has doubled its population, and
more than tripled its wealth; a city
that stands first in the world in the
manufacture of automobiles, an in-
dustry that is a kin, and in fact has
practically revolutionized, our own
hardware business.

It has been the custom in year
gone by to take up considerable of
the time of this first session in “ad-
dresses of welcome” by the Mayor
or some other prominent city official,
and in responses from the Associa-
tion.. Your committee this year, has
thought best, owing to the short time
we have had heretofore for business
discussions to eliminate this part of
the programme.

We assume that these little keys.
which we have all received, are ~
signed to tell us that we are we
to‘the city, and our presence hee as-
sures the people of Detroit f
appreciate that welcome.

As your President, I welcome you,
to this our twenty-third annual con-
vention and I assure you that you
will be glad you have come.

The Seg Cade *has
prepared for you a splendid enter-
tainment which should prove of in-
terest and profit to every one.

The Exhibit Committee has done
its. part and has secured a display
which can not fail to attract you and
induce you to place orders according
to your needs.

w

It hardly seemed possible, when we
met a year ago, that at our meeting
to-day we would still be obliged to
recognize the terrible conflict raging
between our sister countries across
the water, and our own regrettable
nearness to this conflict.

The newspapers and periodicals of
the day are so full of war and its ef-
fect upon trade a I would not feel
justified in attempting a
of any length upon it at this time.
Nevertheless, aside from our interest
from the human side, which cannot
but appeal to every thinking, feeling
man; the other side, that of the ef-
fect upon trade. both now and in the
future, is one of the serious prob-
lems confronting the hardware mer-
chant to-day.

We know something of what the
effect has been.

discussion

We who have grown grey in the
trade have never witnessed such a
revolution in prices as has forced it-
self upon us during the past two
years.

For example: think of the advance
in nails alone. You can all remem-
ber when nails sold at less than $1.50
a keg. To-day they cost
are still going up.

oe ‘
$3.25 and

The hardware dealer has felt this
advance, probably more than any oth-
*Annual address of Karl S. Judson,
President Michigan Retail Hardware As-

sociation, at 23d annual convention held
at Detroit, February 13.

 

er line of trade, and when the drop
comes, as it surely will, he is the
man who must be on the job and not
caught napping.

I trust you have kept abreast of
the situation thus far, and have in-
creased your selling price in propor-
tion to the peter in purchasing
price, for mark you! when the decline
comes, you will be forced to drop,
regardless of cost or losses.

My best advice to you is, buy only
for immediate needs, keep a sharp
eye on changing costs and don’t be
caught with an overstock on hand.
which are
the Stevens bill,
consideration at

Among the
upon us
which is

problems
to-day is
under

 

 

 

Karl S. Judson

Washington at the present time. You
all doubtless know all about the
The object of it is to
enact a law which will enable the
acturer to control absolutely
the raat selling price, as it attempt-
ed at the present time by the Bissell
Carpet Sweeper Co.. Gillett Razor
Co. and others. It is aimed at the
great trading monopolies and is in-
tended to remedy unfair competition.
The principal argument in
it is itis at 3
cutting
sterling

favor of
will do away with price
and assure to the consumer
quality for value received.

The argument against it is that un-
less the manufacturer can be educated
to “live and let live,” unless he is
willing to establish the selling price
at a living profit above the
price, the retailer must be the one to
suffer.

I hope this Stev will appeal
to some of you as a good subject for
the Question Box and come up for
discussion later in the session, as it
is a live topic and one of vital interest
to every retailer to-day.

jobbing

—_

vens bil

Since I have mentioned it, let me
urge you not to forget the Question

Box. It is

is your part of the pro-
gramme. We would jike to hear
from every one of you. This is the

only way we can do it. Don’t fail to
have at least one question ready for
the box.

Speaking of the Stevens bill
me to consider the National Cham-
Commerce, with which we are
affliated through the National Hard-
ware Association, and which i, for
one, would be in favor of coming into

leads

ber oft

closer touch with,
State Association.
The National

by joining as a

Chamber of Com-
merce has its headquarters. in
Washington, where it maintaines
a bureau oof information and
where it is said by those posted on
the subject to have greater influence
with the legislative machinery of the
country than any other public body.
It keeps in close touch with all bills
and also the sentiment of the differ-
ent organizations affliated with it with
regard to these bills. Through our

National Association, Michigan now
has three votes in this National
Chamber of Commerce. Secretary

Scott, ex-President Strong and your
President have been asked this year
to consider and pass judgment on a
number of important referendums.
We are at liberty to appeal to this
body at any time and I am sure we
would find it an ever ready source of
help and information, and through it
our State Association can make it-
self felt as a National power.

One cent postage, which has been
before us for so many years, seems
to be nearing realization. Postmaster
Burleson has put himself on record
as favoring the proposition and in his
annual report has promised to recom-
mend one cent postage on drop let-
ters, at least: and we hope will favor
a cheaper rate for all first-class mail.

If there was time I would like to
tell you something of the National
hardware convention that met in
Boston last June. I take this oppor-
tunity to thank this Association for
the privilege I enjoyed of being one

of the delegates to represent you at
that convention. The programme
was very full and covered many top-
ics of interest to you, which I am
unable to touch upon at this time.
However, the keynote of every meet-
ing was Efficiency. And although this
is coming to be rather a thread-bare
topic, still if I have any message to
give you to-day it is along the line
of Efficiency.

What I mean by Efficiency is not
an indefinite, intangible something,
that everybody talks about and no-
body practices or understands, but a
definite “best way” of running. a re-
tail hardware business.

First of all I believe in business
preparedness. By this I mean a suita-
ble store, a good stock of merchan-
dise, a corps of reliable help, a repu-
tation for honesty and fair dealing
and an inexhaustible supply of en-
thusiasm.

President Deering, Dowd, says,
“The enthusiastic hardware man is

an optimist. He believes the hard-
ware business is the best business in
the world. He believes the range he
is selling is the best range on the
market. He even likes the smell of
his store and hates to close it up at
night.”

This preparedness, plus
enthusiasm, is a splendid foundation
on which to build up the structure of
efficiency.

The framework of this structure
must be system. Let me make this
point clear: The frame work of ef-
ficiency is system and a _ workable
system for it must not be one

business

 

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PINE TREE

BRAND

Timothy Seed

RECLEANED AND

MODERATE COST

SAMPLE, TEST

The Albert Dickinson -Co.

SEED MERCHANTS
Established 1854

AN EXTRA
PURE SEED
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WRITE FOR

AND PRICE

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February 28, 1917

framed up by some other hard-
ware merchant, but must be one
that has grown up and developed
within your own business to. suit
your own special needs. It must seek
to reduce waste to a minimum and to
make your investment return a
healthy profit.

Salesmanship is too often consider-
ed the most important factor in ef-
ficiency. Magazines are full of it;
books are written on the subject, and
it is vital, but selling goods at a sac-
rifice of profits is like “peace at any
price.” Absence of profit spells fail-
ure. Efficient buying, efficient figur-
ing of costs, efficient marking of
prices, must all precede efficient sell-
ing and these must be followed up by
efficient book-keeping and_ efficient
collecting.

Guesswork along any one of these
lines will be sure to weaken the whole
structure and in the end to cause dis-
aster.

A well organized working system,
then, prepares us for business. What
now is the best method of securing
the business?

Some years ago, William Judson, of
Grand Rapids, then President of the
National Wholesale Grocers’ ASssocia-
tion, in an address before that body,
said: “I believe our services to the
public are indispensible, but let us
not overlook the fact that the measure
of our security is the extent of our
usefulness.”

I was impressed by the statement
that our security rests only on our
usefulness.

Only so long as we serve the pub-
lic well for less money, or better for
the same money, than they are served
by some one else, are we necessary
to that public.

Finding fault with conditions as
they exist, denouncing mail-order
houses, parcel-post or the people who
patronize them, will not better our
condition or stimulate trade. Better
goods and better service—these are
the conquering heroes.

You may not be able to compete
with the catalogue house always in
price, but price is less a determining
factor in selling than the method by
which the goods are brought to the
attention of the customer. You are
on the ground. You can show the
goods. Do it.

The old fashioned idea that anyone
can clerk in a store is out of tune with
present day salesmanship.

Meeting competition is largely a
question of giving information about
your goods, placing them before the
people in an attractive manner and
assuring them that it is a pleasure to
show them.

If we then would attract trade, if
we would keep pace with the mighty
tide of competition surging around
us, it must be through more efficient
methods of doing business and of ap-
pealing to and serving the public.

We must be alive to changing con-
ditions, we must anticipate public
needs and, first and last, let us re-
member the advice .of the Great
Teacher who said: “He that would
be great among you, let him be your
servant,” for service is the watch-
word to success.

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

Flour Advertising Which Does Not
Advertise.

“Give the farmer—and the farmer’s
wife—intelligent reasons why. The
merchant will use these reasons in
his sales talk. Next to satisfactory
experience with a brand, nothing else
sells the goods so well.”

These were the words of E. B.
Moon, who recently related how 2
business of $60,000 a year was done
in his store in Lakeville, Indiana, ten
miles out of South Bend.

Mr. Moon illustrated with the story
of a Nationally advertised flour. He
said that a business-like salesman
came into the store, and asked wheth-
er they sold his flour.

“We do not,” said Mr. Moon.

“Why not?” asked the salesman.
“You believe in advertised goods.”

“Because we have never yet re-
ceived a call for your flour, in my
recollection,” said Mr. Moon.

“You must have had,’ said the
salesman. ‘Everybody in the coun-
try knows our flour.”

Mr. Moon turned to his father and
asked him if he had ever had a call
for this flour.

“T have been in business
1867,” said father Moon, “and I do
not remember ever having a call for
that brand.”

“Nevertheless,” said Mr. Moon,
“the salesman persuaded me that, as
a consistent advocate of advertised
goods, I ought to handle the brand.
So I placed a trial order—some three
or four tons in twenty-five and fifty-
pound sacks.

“Then I called my salesmen around
and told them to sell it. I explained
that it had a National reputation—
was largely advertised—and ought to
go easily. I made a note to look up
this flour after five weeks.

“What was my astonishment to find
that at the end of that time, only
one small sack had been sold. I ask-
ed my sales people what was the
matter. They said, ‘Why, Mr. Moon,
we cannot sell this flour. Our trade
does not know anything about it!’

“T told them to bring the next flour
customer to me. In a few minutes
one came in—a bride, the bright, alert

since

wife of a young farmer. I tried to
sell her this flour. She said, ‘Yes, I
have heard something about that

brand. Will it make good pie crust?’

“T make it a rule that our custom-
ers always be told only things for
we can vouch, so I said, ‘I
don’t know—but I will call Mrs.
Moon.’ My wife has something of a
reputation as a cook, and I occasion-
ally cash in on it.

which

“On the telephone, I asked Mrs.

Moon whether this flour would make
pie crust, and she said, ‘I don’t know;
I use winter wheat flour for pie

crust. I told the customer, ‘I don't
know.’
“Well, said the customer, ‘will

it make good cake?”

“Again I rang Mrs. Moon on the
’phone, and asked her whether the
flour would make cake. ‘I don't
know,’ she said. ‘I use only cake
flour for our cake.’

So I was obliged to tell the cus-
tomer that I did not know whether
it would do anything but make bread.

The customer thought she had better
take the brand she had always bought.

“This flour interested me. I got
out the advertisement to determine,
if possible, what the trouble was.

“T found, first of all, that they had
a full page in colors in a woman’s
publication which has about twenty
subscribers in all my territory.

“This advertisement showed a pic-
ture of the sack of flour with a love-
ly, smiling cook in a white cap and
across the face of the advertisement
were the words, ‘Eventually, Why
Not Now?’ Not a word of informa-
tion about the flour—not enough cir-
culation in my territory to create a
demand.

“What we need is intelligent rea-
sons why a flour or a snow shovel is
adapted to the requirements of our
trade.”

The question was asked as to
whether the farmer’s family is as
large a consumer of breakfast foods
as the city family. Mr. Moon an-
swered, “Yes.”

“Five years ago,” he said, “we sold
a case of breakfast food a month.
Now we sell 200 cases of one brand
every six months,

 

and we carry five
brands.

“Crackers are no longer sold out of
a barrel. The farmer buys all the
package goods. He buys crackers
in packages, rice in packages, oats
in packages.

“One good customer on the farm
is worth two in the city because they
eat more.”

Mr. Moon is positive that the au-
tomobile has done more for the farm-

21

er’s wife than anything else. It en-
ables her to get around—to get out
and cover distances that were impos-
sible before the automobile days. It
has broadened her vision.

He was asked whether automobiles
took people to the big cities to trade
—away from the country merchant.
Mr. Moon said that the automobile
brought trade from South Bend out
to Lakeville, while, on the other
hand, the farmers with automobiles
sell their products in South Bend.

A week of school every year for
country merchants is earnestly ad-
vocated by Mr. Moon. He thinks the
wholesaler should hold these sessions
with lectures on the goods displayed
before the country merchants, to
give them the benefit of the expert
selling knowledge which the whole-
salers have.

Country merchants should be taught
how to keep a perpetual inventory—
how to prepare copy for the printer
everything about advertising and
selling.

 

—_2+2>___
Lived Two Years on Milk.

He is a well-known Grand Havenite,
and is very fond of his booze. But he
contends that whisky is not neces-
sary, and says that he can get along
without it if he has to.

“Why, gentlemen,” said he, “I
lived for two years on nothing but
milk, and I was never better or hap-
pier in my life.”

‘When was that?”
in surprise.

“The first two years of my life,”
was the reply.

asked a friend,

 

 

Let us help you with your

heese Business

 

We can furnish you with

Fancy June Made New Yorks

The Tasty Kind

Fall Made Michigan

Soft and Creamy

Fall Made Wisconsins

A good line of
Imported and Domestic Cheese

at reasonable prices

 

 

 

 

Judson Grocer Co.
The Pure Foods House

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

 

 

 

 

22
SMALL TOWN MERCHANTS.

They Must Successfully Solve Eight

Problems.*
problem th

   
     
   
  
   

 

solve continuously.

 

you were acquainted

amm

commercial men or.

 

i¢smen courteous-

speciaity men

boys,
latch

r you know not

 

-
want to carry their

 

 

we are Car

 

1 tar
KNOW

  

I believe that with a great many of us

as retailers advertising is our weak
point, while with our competitors (the

their stron

point by

houses) it 1s

gQ

usiness. Remov

o

  

and price lists from

5

nes and how long would the mail
in business? If it

 

 

 

lis trade? Remember.

advertising is as full of good points as

merchant who
f&« TF his

g
hion and the

a pm-cus

does. not advertise com-

pays

advertising with the business
that passes his door.

petitor s

I believe that the coming of the auto-

 

*Paper read at annual convention Re-
tail Grocers and General Merchants’ As-
sociation by E. W, Jones, of Cass City.

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

o
w
ag
°
3
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cr
a
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om
ah
oO
ce
so a
Ss
oO
“
o
et
ph
fee
—e
o
be

ig

om

oy

©

ot ry

mers are not going to spend
unting through the catalogue

o
toe
io
=)

keep a neat. clean,
One that people
entering to buy their pure
i Then give them service.
them it is a pleasure to wait on
Always have a pleasant greeting

  

for them and don’t forget your hearty,
“Good morning,” “Good night” and
“Thank you.” In the last analysis, it

= 1 ” > .
is the consumer who is king. Hi

3

makes and unmakes manufacturers, job-
Whoever wins his
, wins the game and whoever |

and retailers.

Our employes or labor is naturally the

 

E. W. Jones.

third probiem that confronts
“. has said ‘You lerk is ¢ net
one Nas said OUr CICEK 18 THE MMOSE

valuable asset in your business—he can
bring you success or he can bring you
do you treat your clerks? Simply

fixtur part of
or do you

nem as nxtures, as

 

ne machinery

1k of them as being human and being

   

a eit

tled to the same privileges

3 + oe. ie we ae
are? But I hear some of you Say, I

keep my clerks, they will only

  

work a few days or a few weeks and

are gone.” My friends, there’s a reason
and ten chances to one, the reason is
yourself. You are going around the
You are con-

stantly nagging or criticising your clerks
:

store with a grouch on.

it a clerk who is worth

  

or else you we

from $9 to $15 per week to work for
$6 to $9. Go back with me for just a

a
who were clerks before

entering business—and analyze the men

moment—you Vv

 

for whom you worked. What were the
characteristics of the men who helped
you to realize that life was worth living,
the men who took a personal interest
in you, the men who made you feel that
being a clerk was in itself grand and
noble? How well I remember one spring
when I had finished a few months’ work
with Smith, Bridgman & Co. of Flint,
and was going back to the farm to help
father. that just before leaving. Charles
T. Bridgman, a member of the firm and
also President of the Union Trust &
Savings Bank, came to me in my depart-
ment and gave me personally a recom-

mend, at the same time expressing his
regrets that I had to leave. Do you
think that meant anything to me as a
lad just facing life? Ah, it will ever
remain as one of my treasures. What
are you doing to help your clerks?

One of the greatest problems the re-
tail grocer has to contend with is bad
accounts or credits. To be or not to be
the grocer who will trust Tom, Dick
or Harry. that is the question. How
many of use have trusted a person and
have taken a promise that he will pay
the bill on Saturday night or pay day or
the first of the month, and then some
time later we came to our senses and
found that this person had lost his
Memory and perhaps that time was
in some other town, far, far away. Try
and get a line 6n every credit man. Ev-
ery town No matter how large or small
should have a credit rating system of
some description and I personally want
to recommend the system our own State
organization is furnishing through our
eficient Secretary, J. M. Bothwell.

mee

refer-
that in our own
town, Mr. Bothwell placed thirty of
these books, which gives the rating on
When a person
comes in for credit, look him up and
f you find him rated A, C or R, meaning
No. 1, collectable or fair pay, you can
afford to take a chance, but if you nnd

If you will

ences, |

pardon personal

wish to say

at least 2.500 people.

that he is rated V. X or O, meaning
slow pay, hard to demand
cash, you better watch out. Some one
says, “But what will I do if his name
doesn’t appear in the book?” Then you
f Get his

name, number in family, where employ-

collect or

should question him carefully.

ed. place he lived before coming to your
town and, above all, of whom he for
merly bought his groceries. If he look:
like a good risk, give him a trial, but
also have an understanding and know
when you may expect your pay. The
next step is to write to the man with
whom he has traded and get his former
standing.

In connection with credits comes the
collection end of it. Use a triplicate sys-
tem and recheck your accounts daily.
Keep your finger on the pulse of your
Send monthly state-
ments to avoid any misunderstanding
arising relative to amount of accounts.
Watch the slow ones and periodically
make it a business to round these up.
Don’t think that when you go to col-
lect a bill that the only thing you should
take is cash. Get grain, vegetables,
poultry, etc.. all of which have a cash
value.

account register.

Leaks are another problem, the little
things which so often help to sink the
ship of business. How many of us
would tolerate an oil tank or a molasses
barre] which had a small hole in it or
a cash register through which we would
occasionally lose a dime or quarter? Yet
we are tolerating so many little leaks
that in the aggregate we are losing
much more than these would amount to.
How many of you check up every bill
of goods as they arrive, weigh every
thing that is bought by the pound and
count everything that is bought by the
dozen or case, or do you take it for
granted that these people with whom
you are dealing never make a mistake?
Many and many a time I have found

 

February 28, 1917

shortages and often I have found more
goods than were billed, and right here,
boys, let me say when that occurs, don’t
for one moment say, “Well, that is
where I got the start of them.” Report
it at once and show them that you are
doing business in an honest and upright
manner and do not want anything for
which you do not pay. I can only touch
briefly some of the other leaks. See
that your invoices are figured correctly
and footings properly totaled. I once
found an error of about $16 in one in-
voice, which would have been lost had
I not checked it through.

Possibly you are spending too much
for lights or some of your clerks may
be wasting twine and wrapping paper.
Is there a careless person in your store,
yourself included, who occasionally for-
gets to charge something sold on credit?
In anyone careless about giving over
weight or about making change? Do
you save your waste paper? If goods
are lost in transit or breakage occurs,
do you file claim against the railroad
company for same? When business is
quiet, do you have your clerks get ready
for the rush or are you simply letting
their time leak away? These are only
a few of the leaks, but go home resolv-
ing that you will put a stop to as many
as you have. Remember, the profit from
loss is experience,

Then there is the problem of expenses
and rising costs, the problem which
seems to stagger us at times and we
grope around trying to find something
to grasp, something tangible, some real
profit that we may cling to until prices
again return to normal and our old
ship arights herself and starts for the
haven of peace and prosperity. A great
many people believe that the retailer is
simply coining money during this high
price period, but I know that with a
great many of us our percentage of
profit has been cut from one-third to
one-half during the last two years. We
have been anxious’ to protect the con-
sumer as much as possible and have not
kept pace with the rising costs. Find
out exactly what each item of expense
amounts to, your help, rent, insurance,
lights, fuel, etc., include everything, so
you may know exactly what your over-
head expense is and then endeavor to
get your just percentage of profit.

And now comes the problem that I
believe is the hardest of any to solve—
mail order and outside competition. It
isn’t the business that our local com-
petitors are doing that we want, but we
do feel that we are entitled to at least
a share of that large volume which is
passing to the mail order houses, soap
clubs and interstate tea and coffee con-
cerns. You are all, undoubtedly, aware
of the way in which these concerns are
going after business, confident that they
will soon have the retailer’s hide stretch-
ed on the fence, and if we don’t awake
to the situation at once, that may be the
case. But some of you are saying,
“Don’t say anything about them, for
when you do you are simply boosting
them.” Listen, do you think if an enemy
invaded our country that the word
would be passed around to keep quiet
and not say anything, for fear of help-
ing the invader? I think not. Would
we not find ourselves powerless if we
awoke and found that such were the

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February 28, 1917

conditions? And such will be our condi-
tion in business if we do not awake,
fall in line and co-operate. My friends,
I am not knocking any of these concerns
—am not blaming them for doing all the
business they can—but I am blaming
some of the manufacturers for not pro-
tecting the wholesale and retail trade
as they should and some of our whole-
salers need censuring for not having
co-operated with the retailer in a better
manner and we as retailers need to be
criticized severely for having been
asleep on the job when we should have
been on the firing line; and the con-
sumer, we are sorry that he feels so
ashamed, so embarrassed when he finds
out that we know he is sending away
for his goods.

Are you all familiar with the manner
in which these tea and coffee concerns
are pushing for business, how the first
time they enter a home, they leave a
fine premium and all you have to do is
to buy 60 pounds of coffee or the equiv-
alent in tea, spices, soaps, extracts, etc.?

The Chicago Daily Tribune of Jan.
18, 1917, stated that the Jewel Tea Co.’s
sales for the four weeks in December
ending Dec. 30 were $1,161,502 and that
their sales for the year weré $12,441,321,
an increase of 56.98 per cent. and some
of these concerns already are planning
on soliciting the farmer trade with auto
trucks, thereby reaping further benefits.
One thing, however, to say—
I appreciate greatly the action taken by
the Corn Products Co. in displaying
posters with an illustration of an even
balanced scale, on one beam being three
pound packages starch with notation,
“Cash in advance by mail,” on the other
beam being a five pound package of argo
starch with the notation, “At your gro-
cers.’ This is the kind of advertising
that pays—the kind that should be back-
ed by the wholesaler and carried out by
the retailer. We all need each other
from the manufacturer to the consumer,
so let us all co-operate, so that we all
may live and let live.

IT wish

The successful solving of these prob-

lems of practical buying, advertising,
labor, credits, leaks, expenses, rising

costs, mail order and outside competi-
tion by service and system means suc-
cess.

Frank C. Letts, President of the Na-
tional Grocer Co., said, “If a man hasn’t
confidence in himself, nobody else will
have confidence in him.” If fortune’s
wheel doesn’t turn to suit you, put your
shoulder to it and give it another whirl.
Even a great mistake in life is only an
episode—never a whole life. If you've
‘made a mistake in business, it is no
reason why you shouldn’t begin again.

No merchant finds success in life nor
ever will until he sells goods that won't
come back. Be a man whose word is
worth a hundred cents on the dollar
and your reputation will be as good as
gold. Be an optimist, look on the right
side, give personal attention to your

work, stay on the job.
—++2>——

A Close Observer.

Sarah, the little daughter of a
clergyman, was asked if her papa ever
preached the same sermon twice. Af-
ter considering a moment, she an-
swered: “Yes, I think he does, but I
think he hollers in different places.”

MICHIGAN
THE WORD CONCURRENT.

It Has Never Been Legally Construed
in Michigan.

The Michigan Supreme Court has
never undertaken to define the word
“concurrent,’ which probably  ac-
counts for the fact that fire insurance
agents the word way
and fire insurance adjusters place an
entirely different construction there-
on, It has been passed on, however,
by the New Jersey Supreme Court.
The case of the New Jersey Rubber
Co. vs. Commercial Union Assurance
Co. 64. N. J... 580, action
on a policy of insurance against fire
issued by the defendant. Plantiff re-
covered judgment which was affirmed
on error in the Supreme Court and
from there was appealed to the Court
of Errors and Appeals for final re-
view.

Opinion by Dixon, Judge—two de-
fences were interposed—one resting
on the terms of the policy, the other
resting on an agreement made before
the policy was issued:

construe one

was an

“The policy was issued August 1,
1897, and according to its terms in-
sured the plaintiff against loss by fire
happening during the succeeding year
to a building, the machinery in that
building, and in another building, and
the stock in four buildings, making
in all seven items, to each of which a
specified sum was allotted. The poli-
cy provided that the insuring com-
pany should not be liable for a great-
er proportion of any loss on the de-
scribed property than the amount
thereby insured should bear to the
whole insurance, whether valid or
not, or by solvent or insolvent insur-
ers, covering such property. Anoth-
er provision was to the effect that the
entire policy, unless otherwise pro-
vided by agreement endorsed there-
on, or added thereto, should be void,
if the insured then had or thereafter
should procure any other contract of
insurance, valid or not, on property
covered in whole or in part by the
policy; but a rider was annexed stat-
ing that other concurrent insurance
was permitted without notice until
requested.

“The plaintiff's evidence at the trial
showed that on the day of the date of
this policy the plaintiff had procured
several other policies similar to this
one, but covering only some of the
items embraced in the policy. There-
upon the defendant contended that
the express permission of “concur-
rent insurance” was applicable only
in case the other insurance covered
all the items in the defendant’s policy,
and consequently the defendant’s ob-
ligation was avoided by breach of the
provision against other insurance
than such as was expressly allowed.
On this ground a nonsuit was prayed,
but refused, and an exception sealed.

“We think the permission attach-
ed to the policy was not so narrow
as the defendant claims. Concurrent
insurance is that which to any extent
insures the same interest against the
same casuality, at the same time as
the primary insurance, on such terms
that the insurers would bear propor-
tionately the loss happening within
the provisions of both policies. It is
this last quality—of sharing propor-

TRADESMAN

tionately in the loss—that distinguish-
es concurrent insurance from mere
double insurance. ‘

“The permission of concurrent in-
surance, in contrast with a require-
ment thereof, gives the insurer an
option as to the time when he will
procure other insurance, the length
of its duration and the property it
shall cover, provided it shall propor-
tionately aid the primary insurer in
bearing may occur
within the range of their common op-
eration.

“As the other effected
by the plaintiff was of this nature, it
came within the express permission
of the defendant’s policy, and there-

whatever loss

insurance

fore the motion to nonsuit was prop-

erly denied.
“The second

substantial character.

defence is of more

“The uncontradicted evidence show-
ed that in the negotiations for insur-
ance by the defendant it was agreed
between the plaintiff and the defend-
ant that the latter should issue its
policy to the amount of $25,000, dis-
tributed among the several items of
property, and that the plaintiff should
procure from other insurers policies
on the same property to the amount
of $75,000 at least, which should be
concurrent and proportionate with
the policy of the defendant. The true
intent of this agreement that,
simultaneously with the complete ex-
ecution of the defendant’s contract,
the plaintiff would procure other in-
surance, of such a character as would
limit the defendant’s
on its policy to one-fourth of the loss
happening on any item of the property
insured. The distinction between a
requirement and a permission of con-
current insurance is here clearly pre-

was

responsibility

sented. It turns, not upon any varia-
tion in the meaning of the words
‘concurrent insurance,’ but upon the

23

absence of any option in the insured
with respect to the scope and dura-
tion of the insurance. Concurrent in-
surance required by an insurer must,
where there is no qualifying provi-
sion, run with the primary insurance
for all the time and over all the ob-
jects covered by the latter. In the
the insurance required
was to be not only concurrent, but

present. case
for a definite amount and proportionate
—that is, the amount was to be dis-
tributed among the various items of
property insured, in the same propor-
tion as was the amount of the defend-
ant’s policy.”

The Iowa Superior Court has also
undertaken to define this word in the
Washburn-Halligan Coffee
Merchants’ Brick Mutual Fire
Insurance Co., 110 Ia., 423, as follows:

“The term insurance
in a fire policy permitting concurrent
insurance should not be construed to
require the later policy to exactly
concur in covering all the property,
otherwise it should be held that that
must the time. The
term includes policies running with

case of

Co. Vs.

‘concurrent

also cover all
the policy in question and sharing its
risk and includes not only those cov-
ering a part of the risk in question, but
all of it and The definitions
of the lexicographers warrant such
a conclusion. Take that of Webster:
acting in

more.

concurrent: conjunction;
agreeing in the same act; contribut-
ing to the same event or effect; co-
operating; accompanying; conjoined;
concomitant; joint and
equal; existing together and operat-

associated:

ing on the same objects.”
—_—_> +>
Father’s Definition.
“Pa, what’s a running account?”
“Tt’s an open account in a dry goods
which keeps
downtown all

store, my
mother running

son, your
the

time to buy things.”

 

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MODEL MEAT MARKET.

Methods By Which It Can Be Made
to Pay.*

Some time ago President Lake and
Secretary Bothwell, on visiting Lansing,
dropped into my store and asked me to
read a paper at this convention on
Making a Meat Market Pay.

Now any one who has had experience
in selling meats in the past year or so
will agree with me that it is a very
delicate subject to treat, and from pres-
ent indications the coming year will be
a year the. like of which none of us
have ever seen.

The last thirty days have seen an
unprecedented rise in the cost of meat
products, ranging from 15 to 50 per
cent., and it is not so much the present
cost of products as the question of
getting the goods that confronts the
dealer of to-day. How many of us
here to-day ever experienced the trouble
of having our orders cut from 50 to
75 per cent. at this time of year, the
time of year when meats should be most
plentiful? It has been one of the trou-
bles of our trade to have our orders cut
during the summer months when farm-
ers are busy harvesting their crops and
cannot take the time to deliver live stock
to shipping points, but at this time of
year, never before in the history of the
meat business, at least not in my ex-
perience, and I have been in this busi-
ness for the past sixteen years. My
father, who is engaged in the business
with me and had been in the same busi-
ness sixteen years before my entry into
this business, stated to me at one of our
nightly conferences at the close of busi-
ness a few days ago, “I have never seen
the time in my life, previous to the last
year or so, when I could not go out
into the country and buy meats to run
us one whole year. Now you can ride
over the same territory for miles and
not buy one single beef or pig fit for
dressing, and if the present is an indica-
tion of the business conditions for the
summer months, I am going to retire,
because it is too much for me.”

The success of your business depends
upon having the goods when your cus-
tomers,call for them. You place your

‘orders with your salesman the first of

the week for shipment to be delivered
Thursday or Friday for Saturday trade,
and as the days roll by you, of course,
expect to receive your shipments in full,
not having been notified to the contrary.
Then, when your shipment arrives, you
find you have been cut from 50 to 75 per
cent. and the next day is Saturday and
only enough meat to last a few hours;
then, after having your orders cut nearly
every week you figure that if you double
your orders possibly you will get enough,
after being cut, to supply your trade;
then, about the time warm weather
comes on, you have adjusted yourself
to these conditions, when suddenly your
orders are filled in full and you have
double the amount of fresh meats you
need, and to get rid of an oyersupply
you call some of your friends to help
you out, and you find them in the same
predicament—an oversupply and no
possible way of getting rid of it with-
out an awful loss. This, gentlemen, is

*Paper read at annual convention Re-
tail Grocers and General Merchants’ As-
sociation at Kalamazoo by John Affeldt,
Jr., of Lansing.

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

only one of the many problems of the
meat dealer of to-day.

Since this topic has been assigned to
me I have given to it my most careful
consideration, because this being a new
topic in our convention I know our
President and officers who are responsi-
ble for the success of this convention
are as anxious as myself to make this
subject beneficial to the members who
are gathered here to-day.

I noticed by the Trade a few days ago
that I would treat this topic from the
time the stock left the farmer’s hands
until it reached the home of the con-
sumer. We do not dress our own meats,
therefore, I will confine myself to the
retail trade only.

I believe our first problem and the
one most vital to the success of our
business is careful buying. This sub-
ject has been very carefully and most
successfully treated by my friend, Mr.
Cusick.

Next comes price fixing. There are
countless numbers of merchants who
fix their price from the invoice price
as the actual cost of the product. This
I believe is the dealer’s first loss. You
should add to this one-half to one cent
per pound, for shrinkage and the paper
in which it is wrapped and weighed be-
fore billing to the buyer. To this the
dealer should add his cost of doing
business and the proper percentage of
profit for himself to show a profit at
the end of the year.

While we are on the subject of prices
and invoices, I believe every merchant
should demand a duplicate of his order
and check carefully with his invoices.

While it is true all invoices are check-
ed before leaving the house, it is very
easy for the one who has final checking
to make an error, because he has possi-
bly hundreds to check every day. I find
this one item in the course of twelve
months means quite a saving to the mer-
chants and one worthy of consideration.

I wonder if all of you merchants gath-
ered here today demand a duplicate of
your order when giving same to your
salesman. You should guard your du-
plicates as carefully as the money in
your cash register. Supposing you had
no duplicate of your order and upon
receipt of invoice, goods were marked
'4(@1 cent per pound higher, which I
have had sometimes happen. What
redress would you have in this case?
Absolutely none. You would be com-
pelled to pay the invoice price, which on
several hundred pounds of meat would
be quite a sum.

I do not wish to convey the impression
that the salesman or the house from
which you buy is taking an unfair ad-
vantage of you. Not for one moment.
But I have found in my own business
that prices are changing so frequently
that the salesman may quote you a price
without consulting his list or, as some-
times happens, he may receive his price
list a day late and then again you may
be quoted a price on fresh products and
possibly frozen products will be substi-
tuted. In either case if you have de-
manded and saved your duplicate, which
should be pinned to invoice in case of
error, you would have no trouble in ad-
justing same with the salesman on the
occasion of his next call.

Refrigerators and refrigeration are

also very essential to the success of a
meat market. Great care should be ex-
ercised in selecting a cooler, because it
is a fixture without which you cannot
engage in the meat trade. There are
several items of importance in selecting
your refrigerator. First, how large a
one do you need for your business and
how much ice will it use? Next, how
many walls does it contain and how are
they packed? It is well to remember
that the cheap cooler is always the most
expensive in the long run. How often
we see or hear of a meat dealer who
buys a particular kind of refrigerator
because it is a little cheaper than a com-

petitor’s and after one summer’s trial is

compelled to either buy a new and bet-
ter one or install an ice machine. In
either case it means the expenditure of
several hundreds of dollars which
could have been eliminated in the first
place by careful investigation. A poor
refrigerator will cause more loss in
trimming meats than a poor meat cutter
and we sure have a lot of them in the
meat business.

You should at all times or as near as
possible keep your cooler well filled with
ice to get best results; also it is good
policy to keep ice the year around and
keep all of your meats, if possible, in
the cooler to eliminate shrinkage. Meats
kept inside wil] save enough in shrink-
age to pay for the ice consumed, besides
it saves trimming, and remember every
pound that goes into the trimming box
means a loss of 5@20c per pound, be-
cause if sold over the counter you will
sell it for from 15@30c or more per
pound, depending upon the particular
cut of meat. If it goes into the trim-

 

DWINELL-WRIGHT COo.’S

Whi te House

 

Both

Are Making History;
Are Winning Friends;
Are Selling Fast;
Are Suiting Everybody;
Are Without an Equal:

  
     
 

Distributed at Wholesale by

JUDSON GROCER CO.

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

February 28, 1917

ming box it will bring you only 3@10
per pound and sometimes less.

You should know about how much
meat you will need for your trade and
buy accordingly. If you have an over-
supply, it means carrying it over pos-
sibly another week, and every day after
a certain period means just that much:
more trimmings or the loss of from
1@2c per ounce. The success of your
business depends upon saving every
ounce.

Every meat market should be thor-
oughly equipped to make its own sausage
and render its own lard and _ tallow.
There are bigger profits in this depart-
ment than in the front shop where meats
are cut and sold over the counter. To
make this possible it is very necessary
to have an expert sausage maker who
can make all kinds of sausages and who
will not be wasteful. A poor sausage
maker is like the old saying, “An ex-
travagant wife can shovel more out of
the back door with a teaspoon than the
husband can shovel in the front door
with a scoop shovel.” The best and
most economical sausage makers are
those who have learned the trade in the
old country. Since the war such men
are very scarce and greatly in demand
and, consequently, can demand their
own salary.

Homemade sausages are always in de-
mand and are made much better and
for less money, if properly made, than
those made in the packing house, there-
fore command a better price than ship-
ped sausages. Place your homemade
sausage and a packer’s sausage along-
side of each other on your counter, and
tell your customer one is homemade and

  
  
   
      

 

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February 28, 1917

the other a packer’s product. I dare
say the home product will out sell the
other by 50 per cent. Therefore, I say,
make your own sausage and do not for-
get to tell your trade that they are home-
made.

It is good policy for the proprietor to
learn how to make sausage and keep in
close touch with this department. Be-
cause every sausage maker you hire has
a different way of making sausage and
by working with them all, you will soon
learn which is the better and more eco-
nomical way, which will stand you in
very handy should you not be able to
fill a vacancy in this department at short
notice.

Did it ever occur to you to take a
standing rib, a rump, or, in fact, any-
thing that is boned and sold boneless,
weight it to get your cost, bone same,
and see how much this operation will
cost you? Also weigh a beef round or
loin, cut it up and see whether or not
you are making a profit on it at the
prices you are getting for it to-day? If
not, I dare say you will be very much
surprised after this test. We have at
home dealers who to-day are paying
14 and 15 cents per pound for beef
round and selling steaks from it at 20
cents per pound. It cannot be done,
gentlemen. They would not do it if
they were to get the actual cost of it,
instead of guessing at it, as they surely
must be doing.

If you have two meat cutters, give
each one a pork loin, which you have
weighed, and ask them to cut them up.
After this is done weigh each one and
see how much it cost each clerk to cut
the loin. I have tried it and found it to
cost from %@1%c per pound, because
one cut his chops nice and even, and the
other cut his rough and uneven, and had
to trim them to make them salable;
and yet if you have not gone through
this test, and someone were to ask you
how much it. would cost you to cut up
a loin, you would take your oath that
it would cost nothing more than your
time.

Another illustration. A few days ago
I cut up two hams, each weighing thir-
teen pounds. I started slicing one
straight across, as I have seen them slic-
ed in the majority of markets, and I
got from this ham, nine center cuts at
35c per pound or $1.55; fifteen poorer
cuts at 30c per pound or $1.45 and a
ham bone weighing three pounds or 45c,
making a total of $3.45. Then I started
slicing the other ham parallel with the
rump bone, which is the proper way of
slicing hams and from this I got fifteen
center cuts of ham at 35c per pound or
$2.57 and nine poorer cuts at 30c per
pound or 90c and a three pound ham
bone or 45c, making a total of $3.92;
a saving of 47%c on the ham. While this
is not a big saving on the single ham,
think what it would mean if you were
cutting a barrel of hams a week or
every two weeks. Furthermore, one
ham gave me nine center cuts, and the
other gave me fifteen—a difference of
six center cuts. Now, you all know
that center cuts of ham sell more readily
than end cuts, therefore, you not only
save 4%7c on a ham, but you can increase
the sale of your ham 20 per cent. or
better, because you are getting more and
better cuts. That, gentlemen, is what

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

your trade wants and is willing to pay
for.

Did you ever step into a grocery store
which handles a small line of smoked
meats and see on their counters from
six to eight small pieces of bacon weigh-
ing from six to eight ounces each, just
because the clerks do not know and
probably have never been told how to
eliminate this tremendous waste? In-
stead of starting at both ends and get-
ting rid of end pieces first, they cut a
strip of bacon in two and start selling
from the middle, with the result of
having left over two end pieces, which
accumulates very fast unless they are
sold at a greatly reduced price, and most
any kind of bacon to-day is worth 2
cents or more per ounce.

One of the first things a merchant
should do, is to become acquainted with
his trade, that he may address them by
their name. You, no doubt, have been
in stores where, as you step in, the
preprietor and clerks will say, “Good
morning, Mr. White, what will you have
this morning?” Surely it makes you
think you are welcome there and they
take an interest in your wants and if
you find what you want, you cannot help
doing all your trading there and telling
all your friends about it. I do not mean
to be familiar with them by calling them
by their'first name, because if you do,
the first thing you know you will be
asked to extend credit, which you will
give against your better judgment. Then
you should learn to know their wants.
This is very essential. A large percent-
age of the meat business is done by
phone and delivery and you must give
your customers as good a cut of meat
when she phones as when she calls per-
sonally.

You should give particular attention
to children. Make them feel at home
in your market. Learn to know who
they are, so that you can give them the

same cut of meat you would give their

mothers or fathers. There is nothing
that pleases a mother more than sending
her children to your store with the sim-
ple instructions of bringing home a slice
of steak, or a pot roast for dinner,
knowing that she can trust the butcher
to send just the right cut and the right
amount. I believe, gentlemen, this to
be a better means of publicity than news-
paper advertising.

The complaint most common among
customers against the meat dealers: is
when sending for or buying a pound or
two of meats, the dealer will cut a pound
and a half or three pounds instead;
while the customer may not say any-
thing to the dealer at the time he will
notice, if he is at all observing, that
after a few such operations his custo-
mer will be trading with one of his com-
petitors. Therefore, when a customer
calls for a pound he should try to give
as near a pound as it is possible.

You should be as careful about wrap-
ping meats as you are in weighing them.
Many times I have seen customers in
our place with several parcels they have
purchased in other stores and ask to
have them tied together or rewrapped,
because some clerk was careless in wrap-
ping them. Orders which are delivered
should be wrapped exceedingly well, so
they may arrive at their destination in
good condition. It is also advisable to

 

know where your customers live and
the order in which your deliveryman
leaves their orders. The ones which are
left last should be more carefully wrap-
ped that they will arrive in as good
condition as the ones left first. It is
just as bad to skimp on paper as it is
to use too much,

To obtain best results it is very neces-
sary to keep your tools well sharpened.
To do this they should be ground once
a week, or not less than twice in three
weeks. Tools neglected for two weeks
will get very dull and are then hard to
grind. A good meat cutter will waste
as much with dull tools as a poor cutter
will with sharp ones.

One of our best tools—in fact, one
without which we cannot cut meats, and
yet the one most detrimental to our
business, if used improperly—is the
cleaver. Many customers are displeased
and perhaps lost when their meats are
badly chepped and splintered. There-
fore, your meat cutter should be taught
to use the saw as much as possible, and
the cleaver only when absolutely neces-
sary. A common cause of complaint
among dealers is inefficient and dissatis-
fied help. To get good help you must
expect to pay good wages. And to keep
them satisfied you should remember that
they are human and cannot be expected
to work over time every day, also Sun-
day, and then come on the job early
next morning and give you proper
service. You should have a definite time
for them to start working in the morn-
ing and leave at night, and adhere to
this rule as much as possible. I do not
believe in reproving a clerk for his
faults before customers. If you do

they will naturally defend themselves,
which will lead to words, and possible
the dismissal of a good clerk. They
should be asked to remain a few minutes
after the other clerks leave. Then you
can talk to them in private and tell them
of their faults and help them to remedy
them with far better results. Remem-
ber to make their surroundings pleasant.
In other words, treat them as you would
like to be treated.

Do not forget to look after your cred-
it accounts. This is absolutely necessary
to your success. I will not dwell upon
this subject, because it is one subject of
discussion in meetings of all organiza-
tions.

As I stated before, there are so many

_details to look after in the meat market

that it would be utterly impossible for
me to tell all in the time allowed me.
For this reason I have endeavored to
give you just a few facts which I have
found beneficial in my own business.

There is one more detail which I fail-
ed to mention which is just as impor-
tant as some above mentioned, that is, at
all times keep your market clean and in
good condition, it is the first thing a
customer will notice on entering your
store.

—--> > 2
Motives All Right.

Judge—You weren't satisfied to eat
a dinner at the complainant’s restau-
rant without paying for it, but you
went off with his forks and spoons
besides.

Prisoner—I know, yer honor, but
I took them from honest motives.
I wanted to pawn them to raise money
to pay him for the dinner.

 

 

 

eggs and meat.

 

 

High Food Value
Low Cost

Our advertising is making it still easier for
you to sell Shredded Wheat, because we are
telling people about its low price and high
food value, and urging them to eat it more
frequently instead of depending so much on

Food prices in general are so high that this
advertising is bound to increase your sales of

Shredded W heat

especially if you co-operate with us by talk-
ing to your customers about it.

This 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 Company
Niagara Falls, N. Y.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

 

February 28, 1917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why the Working Girl Shuns Our
Kitchens.

Written for the Tradesman

“ The servant problem has taken on
new dignity. At the
Mr. Caminetti, Commissioner of Im1-
gration, it is being investigated by the
Federal Department of Labor. Since
the problem is one of Nation-wide
concern, the investigation will be fol-
lowed with interest.

It may be noted here that many
families are solving the problem for
themselves by doing without any
servant. The average income hardly
permits hiring a maid. But a system
of rather light housekeeping may be
adopted. By the use of canned and
baked goods and other ready-prepared
foods, meals can be gotten up easily
and quickly. At small expense the
clothes may be sent to the wet wash
laundry. Perhaps a vacuum cleaner
lessens the labors of sweeping day.
Possibly Sunday dinner is taken at
some cafe or restaurant.” In such
ways the housewife, particularly if
she has only three or four to do for
and lives in a simple way, is able to
manage quite nicely without a maid.

Obviously, however, such methods
would not be found satisfactory in
households of ample means. There
are many such, each of which desires
to keep at least one good servant.
And the really good servantis hard to
find. There are, all told, great num-
bers of women who want help and are
willing to pay well for it, but who
must either go without or put up with
that which is very unsatisfactory.

The supply of competent maids nev-
er is equal to the demand. This pre-
sents a strange contrast to conditions
in other lines of work. In some oc-
cupations the demand for women
workers never is equal to the sup-
ply. In consequence, there are many
girls who either can not get steady
employment in these callings, or who
work for pay too low to be called a
living wage.

How to induce the girls who need
employment to work and to work ac-
ceptably and well for the housewives
who need helpers—this is the servant
problem. Although it can be stated
thus briefly, it is neither simple nor
easy.

No one can have failed to observe
that girls and women have a strong
repugnance to domestic service. As
matters now stand, no girl becomes
a housemaid from choice. It is only
the girl who must make her own liv-
ing and who can not get into some
occupation more to her liking, who
enters the servant ranks. The house-
maid is such from necessity alone.
She would prefer to be working in
some store or factory.

suggest on of

So long as this feeling is general,
servants will be scarce and their work
as a rule, barely endurable—the house-
wife is in no position to demand ef-
ficiency.

From the housewife’s point of view,
the prevailing aversion to the job she
has to offer is without good reason.
Indeed, it is very easy for her to talk
up the positive advantages of house-
work as an occupation. No long and
expensive preparation is required. A
dozen expert housekeepers are ready
to take any neat, bright, willing girl
and teach her their craft, paying wages
during the process of tuition. The
skillful maid can take her pick of
easy places. She can work in clean,
sanitary surroundings,
and have a room all to herself. The
work is safe morally—she is not sub-
jected to the perils and temptations
which beset girls in the overcrowded,
underpaid callings. Besides, she is
under the oversight and protection of
her employer, who, very likely, is a
good Christian woman and feels a
personal interest in her.

Then look at the clear money the
girl can make! She is paid four, five,
six, seven, or maybe eight dollars a
week, and everything found. No out-
lay for food or room rent or laundry
bills or street car fare. Only simple,
inexpensive clothing is required. No
extra expenses of any kind. A maid
of a thrifty turn can dress herself
presentably and lay up the greater part
of her earnings. Her savings, put in
the bank at 3% per cent. interest,
would total a tidy sum in twenty
years, a sum considerably larger, you
may be sure, than the amount a ste-
nographer or store worker is likely
to lay up in the same length of time.

In the main these arguments are
perfectly true. Housework really has
these strong points of advantage. The
trouble is that these features are such
as appeal to the shrewd, experienced,
middle-aged mind, to the mind of the
person of the employing class, and
not to the mind of the working girl.

The girl’s idea of the fine fruits
of labor may be summed up in the
words—clothes and a good time. Us-
ually she is perfectly innocent in her
desires, but she wants life and the
things, intangible as well as tangible,
that seem to her to make life worth
living. She will choose the kind of
work that, according to her processes
of reasoning, will best supply these.
She does not picture herself as con-
tinuing in a dreary monotony of toil
as a servant for a long term of years,
frugally putting a large part of each
week’s earnings in the bank. Very
likely she dreams of an early mar-
riage. The clear money argument
carries little weight with her.

wholesome,

Ii she can live at home she will take
almost any other job in preference to
becoming a servant, if only the other
job will keep her in wearing apparel
and spending money and allow her to
pay what is deemed her share into
the family purse. If her father is able
to pay the grocery and meat bills
and let her board at home without
making this contribution, then an
even lower wage may answer her re-
quirements.

Seemingly blind to the advantages
of domestic service, the girls have
keen eyes for all its disadvantages and
drawbacks. They well know that in
some homes the work is hard and
heavy. They have not failed to note
that there are women who are dis-
agreeable as bosses—inconsiderate
and cross, or unreasonably exacting
and fussy.

However, such things as these are
not what is keeping working girls out
of the kitchen. The vocation of the
trained nurse involves much hard la-
bor, yet it is not shunned on that ac-
count. Harsh and unfeeling man-
agers are not unknown in stores and
factories.

The real obstacles to entering do-
mestic service are two in number.
One of these, which is complex in
character, may be termed the condi-
tions under which the work is done—
the long hours, the very early and
very late working hours, the almost
total lack of opportunity for social
life and recreation, and the hampering
of freedom and independence from
living in the home of the employer and

 

Dandelion Vegetable Butter Color
A perfectly Pure Vegetabie Butter
Color and one that complies with the
pure food laws of every State and of
the United States.
Manufactured by Wells & Richardson Co.
Burlington, Vt.

 

 

 

McCray Sanitary Refrigerators

will increase your sales and your profits by keeping
your perishable goods fresh and salable at all times.
Write today for Catalog and ‘‘Easy Payment Plan.”
No. 70 for Grocers—No. 92 for Residences—No. 62
for Meat Markets—No. 51 for Hotels and Institutions.
McCray Refrigerator Company

744 Lake Street Kendallville, Indiana
Agencies in all Principal Cities

 

 

 

 

PCa NTT

Cut Flowers—Floral Decorations
Funeral Wreaths and Sprays
72 N. IONIA, Just North Monroe
Both Phones Grand Rapids, Mich.

It’s Pure That’s Sure

 

 

Piper Ice Cream Co.
Kalamazoo, Mich.

 

 

They Like It

That is one very good and
sufficient reason for

MAPLEINE

You can order it of your
jobber or
Louis Hilfer Co.
1503 Peoples Life Bldg.
Chicago, Ill.

CRESCENT MFG. CO.
Seattle, Wash.

 

 

 

bread.

 

Bread is the Best Food

It is the easiest food to digest.

It is the most nourishing and, with all its
good qualities, it is the most economical food.

Increase your sales of bread.

eischmann’s Yeast

secures perfect fermentation and, therefore,
makes the most wholesome, lightest and tastiest

Sell Bread Made With

FLEISCHMANN’S YEAST

 

 

American Sugar Refining Company

More and Better Customers

Clean-cut, fair, quick service is a certain trade builder.

What

better, quicker, fairer service can be found than the immediate sale
of a bright, clean package of Domino Granulated Sugar ?

No time lost in weighing and wrapping—no waste.

Guaranteed

correct weight, convenient and quick to sell.

Combine these points with the unequaled high quality of Domino Granulated
Sugar and you see why the Domino Line is a trade builder. It always pleases
every buyer. It reflects the good service of your store because it is the best.

American Sugar Refining Company

The Most Complete Line of Sugar in the World

 

 

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€.¥
e a
vi
e¢*
¢< »
“it
e a
_
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a

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he

é iat

 

 

 

 

 

February 28, 1917

 

4 2 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 27
under the employer’s nearly constant The practice which some are adopt- intelligent girls and women will be “the fewer ships there are for the

é é oversight. ing of having a helper come and work anxious to secure places as household world’s business, the more the Entente
ow The other great obstacle is the feel- a certain number of hours, going to workers. Desiring to hold these po- countries will be embarrassed,” mean-
ing that hiring out to do housework her own home when the day's work is _ sitions, they will give service so ex- ing that the fewer the ships to carry

lowering” to a girl, You may call over, is a move in the right direc- cellent as to satisfy every requirement freight the higher rates will be, even

eds this the social stigma, or the psycho- tion. It allows the worker her eve- of reasonable employers. When all to the point of practically shutting

logical difficulty, or, if you like, a ning to herself, for her home and so-_ this can be brought about, there will off the transportation of supplies. It

mere prejudice or superstition—but cial life. While it may necessitate be no servant problem in the sense adds: “If the ships are sunk they

< a" it is something that has to be reck- that the family serve their own eve- that we know it now. Quillo. will not be available to carry to Ger-
oned with. It does not vanish be- ning meal and possibly prepare their SET ae Sey ee many the food that will be urgently

fore the assertion that no honest work own breakfast, the plan has obvious A World Warning. needed, and it is not yet certain that

aia can possibly dishonor the worker. advantages for the housewife as well It is declared by the Springfield the ships in German and Austrian
Dear madam, you who can expati- as for the worker. “Republican” that there is a wide be- ports will be spared. Even if they are

ate so clearly on the advantages of Whatever can be done in the way lief in England that “one motive for intact after the war they would be

sie household work as an occupation for of ridding housework of its peculiar the wholesale destruction of neutral inadequate for such an emergency

other girls, how would you like the and irksome features as to hours and shipping which has long been going as a considerable but indecisive suc-
idea of your own daughter taking a  conditions—whatever will bring it on and is merely intensified by the cess for ‘ruthlessness’ would create.”

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  
   
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

ie place as a servant? You know you’ more in line with other occupations mew decree is to clear the seas of This is logical enough if all the
would object strenuously, Then you -—will tend to modify and dispel the ships to an extent which would give conditions answer to the description,
have not outgrown the superstition social stigma. the German merchant marine some-_ but it really means no more than that

! yourself. It is owing to this feeling, If the two chief obstacles can be thing like a monopoly of the carry- all the powers concerned will suffer
‘ | coupled with the other great obstacle overcome, other needed changes will ing trade after the war.” enormously, and need much time to

spoken of, that girls without homes follow of themselves. If the kitchen It is disposed to consider this an recover when the war is over. The

i will work for wages that barely keep can be made to look as good to the exaggeration, at least, and to prefer war must be a world tragedy in any

> ‘ a ° e e
soul and body together, rather than working girl as does the store or the the suggestion that the war on neutral event; possibly a world warning.—
enter the despised domestic service. factory or the office, then plenty of shipping rests on an assumption that Hartford Times.

i
“es = : ; aa = aa aes

| : "August 27, 1864, ! | Uae |
a __PRICE LIST FOR t-THIS DAY ONLY.

— = —= |
, : PRINGS. NET, | FURNITURE CHECKS. NET.: BROWN SHIRTINGS. NET. | 4.4 BLEACHED COTTONS. NET. |
‘ Gocheld 6. 6 ees ee Park Mille Heavy . | 6% || Atlantle B, 7-8... -- ++ ai, |LNuw York Mills........1 77%
Merrimack . eee ks -| 80 || Columbia Mills... 2... |. 45 L, “4 cheese 62° {Masonville ......... ot We |
Sprague be see es 46 BeAr is ik ee | 85 Tannen 7-8. ig 6 ete Oe WP ANidrdmtogein «=. wee. ee 7... |
‘pi iid pip oak axa] 46 on ROE ee oe Wee ~ 1 65 Dwight A, Pore ; ‘a 5S {; Wauregan aterTwist.... 74 |
st «  Indigoblue.....| 474 || Kirkland... 2... Pee Newmarket A.44...... Bigs ee ee | 683
{ « German style ....} 46 | Hancock ea ety eae ee eae s 62% |} Gre plete’, , ey ee a . |} White Rock. .....---- 74
«* Turkey. Red... .-} 46 Washington No. a Seer py OO ~~ af 66: {| Black Rock... .-..... 65
«Solid colors... 47 WAMSUMS . oes ee ees 50 Pepperell o, i. -... $6 | Arkwright Water Twist 7234 |
© Buff and Green fancy 46 Lanark Bro No. $6 45 do ee ee | PIM TF ees ec es es a
« - Shirung <a... 5 46 Pe ge 4234 Salisbury R. ‘4. Pd 66 Hills Semper SOOM ss oo |
¢ p ” “ 44¥Parple...... 4 6Y “ Hamilton A.A, 44... .. i 4746 | Bartlett... .. ra ead
American... .-...- 48] 4 i PSNR Sak 6234 |
FRGNG Cas Ga er AB | Martboro pipas sy eee S734 |; WOE sg esi ays OE
Dunnell ...... 2. .} 4884 |} Hartford Co do. wists Pa ee i i Kensington eee eos ks 50

: Lowell re pecne | enna waa | Govmeson weet .s ee ss ex
« ee ee et ee + tet o SHEETINGS. | Waureganextrax X..... é |

, P.Anten Sing ee iw ex TICKS. : Neagoe ee ee ee &s |

utchess Bb... .. w iss: : } Rd | PENOGE « £06) 6 eee ws «Ae ; ae eal

Wamsutta ... nee 8. 39 =; Pemberton = Awning ...| 724 ans ener. 4 heey Be. UPtamfel@Al lll! ; #4 |
oa AMO. 5 5. 5 ore. 8s 4 8834 | Pemberton X blue. a. Sos: ih) Atlantic R, 4 ic lol) gg. Seneca Mins .....05.. |

e es re 2a = ees oes mie ited es hee te Xe) - 3.240003. 1S i 6714 , Wauhoo fo ek eso i ae |

moskea RE errimack osc ORG Hehe kta oO ae > '| Narragansett ........% |

. Purple. 25. 5 42 iHampden... 2.2... 2.) 89 * Ethan allen 6,4 oo ee as )ChattanoogaA ........ + B04)
, Shirting...... 41 Pittethele 42.0 Ce et ee Burlington X 4-4 mec 524 | Repos Ae gk se rw
° ‘ me ie senate CN os eee 2 Hudson River. « See ee eo Little Falls D Danae eF 55 | Chaumont MRS vate ale, i 34 |
op allory Purple... ..-.-.- a u WL Se wae ioe eo ewburyport.........
Rhode Island. ss 38 aid] MOOR As cc tcn Bae ot 7 |
Buffelk . < .ig Gest sss 41 ‘ ‘ os ‘ i
Richardson, Freeman & Co . 39 CANTON FLANNEL. = . i
gare Swiss bates e pacaiiin x Fa ple Sears || SHEETING AND PILLOW-CASE
a ge ean eptune., ..'... be Oe amifi PEO fo Se as mS . ‘ :

; Gohioes Falls, &c. Bea ve Roancke AA... fs) My 4 LINSEYS. BLEACHED

or moskeag Mourning . Naum een es aw ep See i

London & Atlantic do 437 || bleached)» 22 ¢ | 80 Park No.6... - 6... ++] gi4 | 104 PRIM ee Us) ae
4 |fpontena SOE ct 21 ag Ci NH Bn oes 22
bay ¥ Re ces Nt 1 6-4 - do ce ga ' 100

. “GINGHAMS. | dosnt {ial Woot Fiitag 2.1): | Bye sea waltham 22.22%: ims

} Hinks). ec 40 : Wormers Pn Sie re? = eto pi

Hempden...-...---.- 40 Hudsoa River Bro ......; 40. rv onic y= ORO a oie a B74 |i 6 4 do eo ee ee 9734 °

ly Lancaster... 0-5-4 -] .48%3 Madison do . wef 4Olg Royal Qik eee es acs «a

\ Everett... lic. TH ta Warren fe 55, te heehee es eae | oe

aes — co rack Weiguoses a8 ! nd ee hae

ut : ae seek og ove ya 42h 9-4 Monadnock 2 2... - . | 285

/ +) DE LAINES. idehy ae tt meee - 104 do brown... .j 137
, 2% : ee Franklin ACA Blue... . 48 :

High Cols. ery ass oad. @ Massachusetts ........ 50 BLEACHED CORSET JEANS. {

‘Armures ..... pve oe at Olay Meriaack Sek Ses 60 i

' ‘All Dark wee w ee eee} 85. |] Naumkeag ....... “ee | 60 pere)ll ee ce 60 {Gale Cargneto 4 M% ij

wall Wool . wees. « + 72, F5ito 85 Haymaker Re eS -| 70 eiekens SAREE 3 s244 |;Paper do ..... . 25,13 £3234

<i* ae Set cere et, : Androscoggin’ UA Seats. Be 45 Y chore, les Ree sn I ic
pe ott ; wistoh ..... » a. @& ¢ ij Wensdale do... - 2... -}
APRON CHECKS. COLORED CORSET JEANS. Bates es yp ee ea 45 | Fo | *

i Slamilton. ...: Wishes eh 60 Pep elt. os oe 60. i :
tis hice oo oe ct iewinon 2 5. || Coates Spool Cotton. . Soff 200
‘Te BOG ck et A '5560. || Androscoggin... ......| 433 i| Willimantic < . _ 50lf 150

Ooo w spin ue hae OR jucien Orshand <5 Le at 1 : 1-8 BLEACHED COTTONS. | || Worsted Bratd No. 58. - -5 off] 18734.

‘Washi Sc Te ge Aa alo reca ar ay WMA Kel rs Se a Cam, iP : é

ave ugton ok Bra £ eyes, fae Portsmouth E ee: ef 2%

ele sc oo : eee eee Sa |

“ ee “STRIPE, SHIRTING. Ganagua River : ie 88/4 |
ittstield 2 ke ly Ro 85 | Waltham X65...) 7) 55. |

dson River. ...°+ 9. <> + ° 36 |} edo. Q,¢ Nipmue 38 . .. ! i |

ah Yhorndike .. 2. <2. SAL do & ward Harris fee
@its Anchor... . a Bh . Blackwater’. ). 9. .- uct . i \
Franklin A CA Stig: 15 42 : ae owes se ee Fabio 3274 !
Uncasvitie Light ab 24 O85 | - dob, 44. _|ptangdon Sol {abe |
eee eke Nerd Se i ke # ae : t !

¢ »

The reproduction of the 1864 price list shown above was issued by H. B. Claflin & Co. Comparisons of prices of many of the lines
still being manufactured prove interesting reading. To-day’s prices in most instances are the highest since the Civil War, At random
we find Merrimack prints listed at 50 cents as compared with 74c to-day, American prints 50¢ as 7% to 9c, Everett 474%c as Ile,
Mass. 2.40 Denim 50c as 20c,. Masonville cotton 70c as 12%c, Langdon #8c as 14%c, Hope 6le as 10%e, Pepperell wide sheetings 10/4

» « $1.60-9/4 $1.50-8/4 $1.82% as 32%c-30-28, Lonsdale Cambric 43%c as 15c. Raw cotton prices soared to $1.90 during 1864, while the
‘i lowest price was 70c. Cotton quotations at this writing are 18 cents, the highest since 1872. From 1866 when cotton was quoted
at 32 cents until 1872, prices diminished gradually. Experts predict following the European war cotton prices in this country will
be advanced sharply.
& *

 

 

 

  

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

February 28, 1917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michigan ay, and Egg Asso-
clation.

President—J. W. Lyons, Jackson.

a Hurley, De-
tro

Secretary and Treasurer—D. A. Bent-
ley, Saginaw.
Executive Committee—F. A. Johnson.
Detroit; H. L. Williams, Howell; C. J.
Chandler, Detroit.

=

THE FOOD COST ISSUE.

 

 

Public Unrest Is Too Genuine to Be
Swept Aside.

New York, Feb. 19—The present
public clamor against food cost of
living is not of the making of a day.
It is the semi-climax of accumulated
complaint gathered during the past
number of years.

The great European catastrophe, di-
rectly and indirectly, has been re-
sponsible for bringing the situation to
an acute stage.

The phenomenon of present day
fantastic food prices is a phenomenon
which has assumed such proportions
as to constitute one of the most seri-
ous of the many problems with which
the people of the United States are
confronted. Prices to the consumer
are out of all proportion to the pro-
ductive cost. Is it the revelry of the
psychology of prosperity after a
sustained period of business depres-
sion? It is the inexorable law of sup-
ply and demand? Is it gambling? Is
it the distance that separates the con-
sumer from the producer? Is it sug-
gestive advertising? Is it the extra
cost for the convenience of modern
day retail merchandising? Is it less
production? Increased consumption?
Is it lack of advanced distributing fa-
cilities? Is it the fault of the habits
of the consumer? Is it exportation
abroad? Is it all of these? Your an-
swer would be of interest.

We are all guilty of neglectful treat-

ment of the food supply situation of

this country, producer, distributer,
consumer. The prices of the things
we eat and drink, while always oi
serious import, have reached that
point in our economic development,
when those most affected, and thar
means about 70 per cent. of our Na-
tional population, will demand drastic
measures of relief. The call is sound-
ing through the country now. In the
great cities the cry is loudest. In
New York it is almost a howl.

The public, for the want of a better
target, clamor against the wholesale
and retail distributing trade—it is
nearest. The latter passes the blame
on to the producer—the manufactur-
er—the transporter—the law of sup-
ply and demand. The public is in-
credulous. The public judges by com-
parison; it is the only way the public
can judge. The public sums up the
case in this fashion: “I have twenty-
five dollars a week income, I have a
wife and four children. I can adjust
the family outgo for rent, cloths,
shoes, amusements, education, ete.
We must eat to live and I cannot
adjust the expense for foodstuffs. We
must have meat, flour, vegetables,
fruits, sugar and the other staple
commodities. My standard of living
is the American standard. I will not
lower it. Something must be done by
the powers that be to help me and my
family or I will know the reason why.

“True, I am not a producer of food-
stuffs. I am too well settled in my
trade to become one. It’s too late

now to change everything. I have
nade plans for my family. I cannot
change. Years gone by, things were
lower. If my wages are increased,
up goes food prices. It’s all right to
talk economy, diet, substitutes, but
1 am a hard-working man and need
good food and plenty of it. I am not
going to make freaks of my children,
either. They want substantial meals,
They are going to have them, too, if
I have to go into debt for it. That
is what I am doing. Many of us are
buying less food. Prosperity may
mean more National wealth, a still
higher standard of living for some,
more luxuries and comforts. Yes, I
am employed; it’s better, of course,
than hard times. What good does it
do me. Nearly everybody is money-
hungry in this country. I work every
day for mine, but what have I got to
show for it? Nowadays I spend 50
per cent. of my salary for food; we
have meat only three times a week
at that; we used to have it three times
a day. Some people say too much

meat is not good for you; that may be

so for the fellows with easy iobs. I
work, and work hard, and it takes
a lot of good and strong fuel to keep
this human engine going right. What
am I going to do about it? Well, we
will see.”

_ | have not overdrawn the picture—
it 1s an average one. Ask any man of
the millions of this type, and find out
tor yourself why the mutterings un-
der the surface of our National life
against high prices are growing loud-
er and angrier. The public, in their
eagerness for curative measures, will
follow any trail that promises lower
prices. This is particularly true of
New York City, Let a constructive
remedy be proposed, it is hailed with
delight; let an attack be made on a
specific interest, it is applauded; boy-
cott a commodity, the public joins in
—it's a sport; suggest a plausible plan
costing millions, spend it, demands
the public; old laws are inadequate to
reach the culprits, new and harsher
laws, cries the public; legislation, leg-
islation, legislation, is welcomed as
the cure-all; law is enacted. Before
its enforcement the public feels re-
lieved; all of which tends to convince
you that leaders of public opinion in
such matters lead only because they
are led by public demands.

Are they leading the public wise-
ly? If not, how should public Opinion
be formed and how should it be led?
Along what ways? The leaders in
the food trade owe a duty to the
community. There are men in the
trade who should shoulder the re-
sponsibility of counseling with the
consumer. There is need for im-
provement in production, transporta-
tion and distribution of food com-
modit’es. Prominent merchants ac-
knowledge that. They are recorded
in favor of improvements. What has
been done to crystallize their views,
based upon knowledge and experience,

into action? Should not the first step .

in the improvement, for instance of
local distribution of foodstuffs, come
trom the food trade? Is that not the
logical and natural source for the
initiative? Then why leave it to daily
newspaper publicity, to office holders
politicians, legislators and the pur-
chasing good public? Itis not soin the
great European capitals. It is with-
out example in many of the Western

and Southern states and cities. It
was not so in the old days in this
city. If new pers were needed, the
trade demanded them first. If better
depots, the convenience of the receiv-
er was counted.

With the geographical expansion
of the city, the growth into a city of
a daily population of 6,000,000, the
complex life of our people, the store
upon store of our retail food mer-
chant, the increasing dependency for
our foodstuffs from far distant points;
has the wholesaler in food products
kept pace in the past thirty years with
the new problems, or is he too con-
founded by their magnitude? Is he
content to permit of present condi-
tions, to remain undisturbed, or will
he awaken to the modern needs of a
great community, a kingdom in it-
self only when those needs are attend-
ed to by those who pay the price for
the shortcomings of the system—or,
rather, lack of system?

The law of supply and demand has

 

H. WEIDEN & SONS

Dealers in

| Hides, Pelts, Tallow, Furs

and Wool

108 Michigan, N. W. Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

 

 

GOLD BOND

: OS
: ry Manuf'd by
D AMSTERDAM

 

P PACKED IN
CASES

rN = 2 WG

AMSTERDAM, N. Y.

 

 

 

Watson-Higgins
Milling Co.

Merchant Millers
Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

Owned by Merchants

Products Sold Only
by Merchants

Brands Recommended
by Merchants

 

 

 

BROOM CO.
GOLD BOND

 

Coleman

(Brand)
Terpeneless

LEMON

Pure High Grade

VANILLA

EXTRACTS

 

Made only by

FOOTE & JENKS

 

Jackson, Mich.

 

Rea & Witzig

PRODUCE
COMMISSION
MERCHANTS

104-106 West Market St.
Buffalo, N. Y.

 

Established 1873

 

Live Poultry in excellent de-
mand at market prices. Can
handle large shipments to ad-
vantage. Fresh Eggs in good de-
mand at market prices.

Fancy creamery butter and
good dairy selling at full quota-
tions. Common plenty and dull.

Send for our weekly price cur-
rent or wire for special quota-
tions.

Refer you to the People’s Bank
of Buffalo, all Commercial Agen-
cies and to hundreds of shippers
everywhere.

 

 

Both Phones 1217

We Are in the Market
Daily to Buy

BEANS

White Beans, Red Kidney Beans, Brown Swedish Beans
Also CLOVER SEED

Write or call

MOSELEY BROTHERS

Grand Rapids, Mich.

 

 

 

The Vinkemulder Company

Jobbers and Shippers of
Everything in

Fruits and Produce

 

 

Grand Rapids, Mich.

 

 

 

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February 28, 1917

its place, to be sure, in the world of
trade, most essentially in the food
trade, and commodity prices are gov-
erned in part thereby, The reasonable
profit is a fixture; the abnormal profit
a trade sin. What, however, are
some of the parastic conditions aris-
ing between the producer and the con-
sumer that should be removed? The
men in the trade know. These con-
ditions have aroused their ire, that
is all. It’s arousing the ire and more,
now, of the public, and sweeping
changes are promised.

The wholesaler is in some measure
an intimate of the producer. At least
his business keeps him in constant
touch with the producing market. Is
not the producer enjoying his new
found prosperity? It is but natural.
With that prosperity, and all signs
point to its continuance for him, there
will result the concomitant desire for
greater independence, more organiza-
tion, legislature protection, more di-
rect dealing with the retail distribu-
ter through agencies laid down on
lines similar to those many wholesal-
ers now follow. It is the new phase
of producer, selling and distributing.
The movement is no longer an ex-
periment. As it develops it grows.
Its growth will embrace a wider field
than contemplated by the most radi-
cal.

The food gateway to this great food
consuming city is narrow, it is handi-
ly controlled; while lively competi-
tion prevails, how much greater and
keener will it be with wider entrance?
Competition is the life of trade, it
regulates pr-ces, the consumer bene-
fits. Competition ofttimes is ruinous.
The fittest survive. There would be
no suspicion, of manipulation of sup-
ply or prices. The wholesale food
market would be as an open book.
Are not the people entitled to it? Is
not such a new system for this city
better than absolute control and regu-
lation by Government? The temper
of the public is rising, the Nation, al-
though at peace, finds itself in the
throes of a situation that may lead to
steps grave and injurious to legiti-
mate business.

To appreciate the feeling of the
average consumer, a glance into the
annals of trade prices in the past
generation will reveal the cause of
their dissatisfaction. The average
food cost of living as measured by
twenty-five representative food com-
modities at wholesale, advanced in
net value in the year 1916 39 per cent.
During the period from 1890 to 1902

fluctuating prices produced gradual
upward tendencies. From 1902 to

1916 the rise in food prices at whole-
sale and retail has been steady and
certain. The persistency of increas-
ed prices has gone on unchecked, the
ultimate consumer paying the price.

During all this period sporadic at-
tempts have been made to apply reme-
dies through legislation. Public and
private monies have been spent to
investigate conditions. Various fun-
damental and artificial causes have
been assigned. The time for investi-
gation has passed; the hour for ac-
tion to bring partial relief is at hand.
Unless constructive measures are
found to go to the heart of the trou-
ble, there is likely to come a period
of agitation fomenting into extreme
methods.

Other trades are gravely interested
in food prices. Increasing outgo of
the average income for the necessaries
of life prevent or curtail buying of
other commodities. It threatens the
whole commercial structure.

Prosperity is now being prominent-
ly capitalized in more ways than one
—at least, it is being so exploited as
to make the average man feel that he
is part of it. He asks himself, if the
National wealth is so great, in what
quantitative proportion has it been
added to him? The answer invarably
discloses the negligible.

The man of wealth may commit
errors of judgment as to the elasticity
of the opportunities for continuous
money earning power—the small in-

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

come man, never; his limits he knows
to be fixed and certain. His daily
thought-habit is how far will that in-
come suffice for to-morrow’s needs.
a Joseph Hartigan,
Weight and Measure Commissioner
of New York City.

—_~+->____
Activities in Michigan Cities.-

Written for the Tradesman.

Grant S. Bennett has resigned as Sec-
retary of the Battle Creek Chamber of
Commerce and goes to Kalamazoo to
take the management of the Kalamazoo
County Good Roads Association. He
was at the head of the Calhoun Good
Roads Association, which was successful
in its campaign for a bond issue of
$800,000 and Kalamazoo county is under-
taking a bond issue of a million dol-
lars for better highways.

The Hillsdale Chamber of Commerce
will hold its annual banquet March 1
and in connection with same all local
manufacturers will co-operate in making
an exhibit of Hillsdale-made goods.

The Civic League of Bay City has
officially endorsed the plan of a garbage
plant for that city, with an organized
system of collection and disposal.

« Farmers living near Vermontville will
co-operate in building and operating a
grain elevator at the railroad station
there. The Fuller timber mill site has
been purchased and an elevator with
17,000 bushels capacity will be erected.

The village of Otsego will vote at
the next election on the plan of adopt-
ing the commission-manager form of
government, also on a bond issue of
$20,000 for street paving, provided. the
recommendations of the Commercial
Club are adopted by the village coun-
cil.

The Briny Inn fire loss at Manistee
is likely to result in a shake-up in the
city fire department. It is claimed by
citizens that when big buildings catch
fire there the department usually man-
ages to save the lot.

After four years of effort, the Mus-
kegon Chamber of Commerce has se-
cured better service on the Big Rapids
branch of the Pere Marquette, connec-
tions now being made between the night
train South of Muskegon on the White
Cloud division and the train South on
the main line from Traverse City to
Grand Rapids.

The Michigan G. A. R. Encampment
will be ‘held in Battle Creek June 13-15
and is expected to draw over 2,000 peo-
ple. Almond Griffen.

—_++>—_—_-
Stand Pat on Prices.

In this day of high prices it is wise
to discuss buying as an investment
rather than an expense. In plainer
English, it is good salesmanship to
inform the customer what he can
make out of his purchases rather than
argue as to the price he must pay.

We all know prices are high, but
to some high prices are a benefit and
to no one more than the farmer. He
is usually inclined to kick, and if he
does, kindly but firmly inform him as
to the situation. He is getting $1.88
for wheat, 18% cents for cotton, $1.03
for corn, $2 for potatoes and other
things in proportion. This naturally
makes for high prices all ’round, and
so he must pay in like proportion for
what he buys.

Don’t be mealy-moutlted about the
situation. You have to pay more for

what you buy, therefore you should
get more for what you sell. Put on
a price in keeping with the investment
and stand pat, they’ll have to come to
you or do without.

But in meeting the situation it is

‘advisable to talk about prospects of

high prices for farming products, get-
ting ready to take advantage of a
good future market rather than what
you are selling and its high price.
Convince him he needs what you have
to sell in order to raise another crop
of high priced products and you’ve
made the sale,

 

Misery may love company, but com-
pany never cares for misery.

Packing Stock
Butter Wanted

Always in the market
Write us for prices

 

Will mail you a price card weekly
on application
H. N. RANDALL,

Tekonsha and 382 East Main St.,
Battle Creek, Mich.

 

 

Mr. Flour Merchant:

You can own and control your
flour trade. Make each clerk a
“salesman” instead of an “order
taker.”’

Write us to-day for exclusive
sale proposition covering your
market for

Purity Patent
Flour

We mill strictly choice Michigan
vrheat, properly blended, to producea
satisfactory all purpose family flour.

GRAND RAPIDS GRAIN &
MILLING CO.,

Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

 

 

 

Wm. Alden Smith Bldg.

 

If you want to buy or sell potatoes, wire or write

MILLER MICHIGAN POTATO CO.

Wholesale Produce Buyers and Shippers

POTATOES

Correspondence solicited

Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

 

 
  
    
 
 
 

An Example of

Efficiency

T : . . » 66 ss
Nothing in the form of “package goods”” is
more safely insured against deterioration than

Jell-O is.

Every grocer knows a
great deal about Jell-O,
“of course; how good the
desserts are that are made
of Jell-O, how easily they

are made and how popular they are.

But it may not be generally known
that Jell-O is put into the packages
by little automatic machines which
perform the whole operation, from

making the waxed-paper bag and putting the

JELL-O

into it, to closing and sealing the carton containing it.
And while it is inserting the filled bag in the carton it
includes with it a beautiful little folder full of Jell-O
The entire operation from start to finish is per-

recipes.
formed in two seconds.

There are eighteen of these wonderful machines in
the Jell-O factory, and they have a capacity of more
than one million packages of Jell-O every four days.

Talk about efficiency !

one of these machines may be thrown into water and left
there for days without producing a trace of dampness in
the contents, which are always clean and sweet.

THE GENESEE PURE FOOD COMPANY
Le Roy, N. Y., and Bridgeburg, Ont.

Any package put up by any

 

 

 

30

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

February 28, 1917

 

 

 

 

    
  

      
 

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ON PS IVE

esis

 
   

—
—
—
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FANC

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(((gts.

DRY GOODS, “E =
¥ GOODS*» NOTIONS. |

    
        

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Cotton Products Finer
Than Ever Before.

The export trade in cottons, staples
and heavier ones are much better
of late with presentable orders from
Russia, Greece, South America and
Scandinavia. The finer grades are
not ordered as freely for export.
Cuban and Porto Rico orders are
especially good. Suiting, drills and
staple ginghams are among the best
fabrics for export. The Eastern
countries want sheetings, but deliv-
eries are slow. Our exports in wool,
cotton and silk fabrics in 1916 were
$101,366,995 over 1914. Last year we
used 14,750,000 bales of cotton and
before the war the consumption of
cotton used to run 200,000 to 300,000
bales. Cotton yarn prices remain
firm, although many persons believe
them to be too high. It is evident
that converters do not possess large
reserve stocks, as their deliveries are
too slow.

Western jobbers claim a fine busi-
ness and are now arranging for fu-
ture trade, being already out for what
is coming to them in another year’s
business. The Western business,
during the past three years, has been
very satisfactory. The general mar-
ket demands variety, a higher grade
all around of fabrics and_ settled
prices. Finished goods need a steady
delivery as customers continue to
buy cottons until June to make up
for the summer; unless new goods
appear shoppers lose interest in a cot-
ton department or any other, for va-
riety is the keynote of success now-
adays. There is a rumor in the trade
that Henry Ford has made a contract
with the Amoskeag Manufacturing
Co. for all their cotton waste during
1917.

The cotton fabrics of the season
include a variety, containing all ex-
tremes, from heavy skirting to the
sheerest organdy and voile. White,
plain and fancy, colors from African
to the dainty flesh and ciel tints and
designs large and small, in stripes,

American

bouquets, single flowers, dotsy ge-
ometrical figures; especially circles
containing a figure, plaids, checks,

embroidered and printed borders, also
beaded and soutached borders and
motifs; all such fabrics are to be
found among the new goods and
many more.

The domestic mills have done won-
derfully well; this being such an op-
portunity for the domestic manufac-
turer he has eagerly taken care to fill
it with credit to his mill and him-
self. In prices the cottons run easily
to $3 a yard and with a large variety
at what shoppers call “popular-priced
goods;” there are fabrics up to $12
a yard, but they are not commonly

seen in a general variety. The sport
cottons of heavier weight are re-
sponsible for the call for heavy fa-
brics and Rodier has also sent over
very smart heavy cottons.

Excellent examples of Persian
printing are now seen and some of it
has been put on ordinary sheeting for
trimming, etc. Colors are freely used
and the bold patterns give the oppor-
tunity of wonderful combinations.
For heavy skirtings the sport mater-
ials are of such weaves as Oxford,
gabardine, piques, basket weaves,
fancy cord and flat stripes and many
variations, introducing plaids and
checks.

Voiles continue as the leading fa-
bric, and when made with artificial
silk are remarkably handsome. Mar-
quisette is also among the favored
weaves, but voile remains the leader.
There are many cotton and tussah
fabrics that will be found at both the
silk and cotton departments; plain
and printed effects obtain in these.
Cotton grenadines or gauzes will be
noticed for lingerie dresses and waists
of the transparent order. Cotton
crepes, in pastel colors, will be worn
and there are also very silky crepes
with snowflake finish, also cotton
crepes with stripes of artificial silk,
coin spots or dots, etc.

Garment manufacturers are busy
with delightful frocks of white or
pastel tinted, beige, rose, Copen, gray,
wisteria, flesh, ocean green, etc. Such
frocks are trimmed with Venise or
filet lace, hand embroidery, lightly
done, in silk and beads and ribbon as
a sash if not more.

Blouses of voile, organdy, hander-
chief linen, bastiste, etc., cause the
sale of many short lengths of these
goods as well as of the fancy sheer
fabrics, showing stripes or plaids in
open work, dots and stripes of odd
and complicated weaving. As a late
novelty voiles and batistes will be
shown later in the season with allover
and small tapestry figures that are
printed in the real tapestry colors
that always remind one of Persian
ideas.

Combinations of woven and print-
ed designs are quite prominent. Chin-
ese, Japanese and Persian ideas ob-
tain, and black lines are used in re-
lief. A mercerized voile is in big
plaids and smaller checks in such
brilliant colors as Spanish gold, ver-
million and emerald. Delicate
“Queen’s” gray voile is to be worn as
a frilled frock with a rose ribbon
sash, There is a French voile at one
of the department stores with the
Mosaic tiling in blocks. Borders of
ribbon bands confine a center of dots
of different colors forming blocks.
Black and gray voiles, having a sil-

very look, are considered very smart.

A well-known ‘buyer lately said,
“This is the first season that you can
not tell an American cotton from a
foreign one,’ and this explains why
the selections of cottons at the op-
enings are unusually charming. One
voile has blue-birds, hopping from
bough to bough, on a lavender tinted
foundation. Scroll designs of flowers
are outlined in black.

The ginghams shown now are not
prettier than they have been in years,
but now they are back in favor so
they are smart in big plaids, the pop-
ular check and_ stripes, in dainty
shades and also of brilliant colors,
enabling them to be numbered among
the sport fabrics.

An exceptional voile, in pastel
shades, has narrow white lines, with
a half-inch white stripe every five
inches with a floral shadow pattern
done in black outline; a white voile
is bordered with large balls on blue
and yellow and joined by bars of the
same. Another white has fruit balls
in Copen cotton embroidery with

139-141 Monroe St
Both Phones
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

 

 

OUR OWN MAKE

HARNESS Hand or Machine Made

Out of No. 1 Oak leather. We guarantee them
absolutely satisfactory. If your dealer does not
handle them, write direct to us.

SHERWOOD HALL CO., LTD
Tonia Ave. and Louis St. Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

 

We are manufacturers of TRIMMED AND
UNTRIMMED HATS for Ladies, Misses and
Children, especially adapted to the general
store trade. ial order solicited.

CORL, KNOTT & CO., Ltd.
Corner Commerce Ave. and Island St.
Grand Rapids, Mich.

 

 

Bell Phone 860 Citz. Phone 2713
Lynch Bros.

Special Sale Conductors
Expert Advertising—Expert Merchandising

 

28 So.Ionia Ave. Grand Rapids, Mich.

Eagle @rdonnet

y \ P. F.C.
Crochet
Cotton

The best made,
yy for all purposes

 

  

Ask Your Jobber

 

UNILATERITE
MASTIC

THE IDEAL

FLOOR
COVERING

Sanitary, water-proof, quiet, dustless,
seamless. For offices, hospitals, schools,
homes. Ask for sample.

FRANK L. DYKEMA & CO.
201 Shepard Bldg. Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

 

 

Headquarters For

 

 

Crochet Cottons

 

 

the following brands:

Peri-Lusta Crochet

Crochet Cotton is the biggest selling item in
the notion department. Our stock is complete with

Coats Mercerized Crochet
O. N. T. Mercerized Crochet
R. M. C. Mercerized Crochet
Silkine Mercerized Crochet

R. M. C. Pearle Crochet Cotton
Sansilk Crochet Cotton
Blue Bird Crochet Cotton

WE CAN MAKE PROMPT DELIVERIES

P. F. C. Eagle Crochet

 

 

Exclusively Wholesaie

 

Grand Rapids Dry Goods Co.

20-22 Commerce Ave.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

 

ly

 

 

 

‘4 *

 

 

¢

lias. ——— a —
ea

 

February 28, 1917

yellow leaves. Citron ground has
rings of dark greenish blue. Persian
borders in red and gold are prevail-
ing. Ball designs stand alone and are
interwoven.

Skirtings are of every kind of a de-
sign from piques in plain white to
smart heavy-twilled goods with odd
figures of queer colors ‘or stripes
nearly bright enough to shame King
Sol. Skirtings will sell and Rodier
has sent some wonderful colors and
combinations of sport goods. There
is a heavy poplin here, mercerized,
with woven colored stripes that will
be used for trimming sport garments
of wool or form the garment. Job-
bers expect the call for skirtings to
continue with them until June. There
are very conservative lines of skirt-
ings, but the modest violet in skirts
is a rare garment, for the quietest of
women have been won over to the
sport skirt if nothing else of this
character. Mercerized Oxford is tak-
en by the cutting trade freely. One
in check and plaid construction comes
in such colors as blue, khaki and
black on white and green, red and
black ‘on white, ‘all bright—Dry
Goods.

——_> + +
Be in a Position to Prove Your Loss.

If a fire wiped out your store to-
night could you prove your loss?

Do you keep a set of up-to-date
books showing exactly or even ap-
proximately what merchandise you
have in stock, the invoiced cost of it,
what is owed to you, what you paid
for your fixtures, etc?

Do you keep these books in a fire-
proof safe at night or in a desk where
they are likely to go up in flames and
make it impossible for you to offer
proof of loss?

Unless you exercise the same care
in looking after your books that you
do after other things, often less es-
sential to your welfare, a fire may
mean an irretrievable disaster to you.
Take no chances.

An insurance adjuster of long
standing offers the following advice:

For the purpose of a loss adjust-
ment on your stock of merchandise,
accounts under the following heads
should be systematically kept:

Merchandise—To which is charged
all goods received into the store at
invoice price, and to which is credited
all goods leaving the store at selling

prices.
Merchandise Purchase Accounts—
Kept with each firm from whom

goods are bought, to which should
be credited the amount of each in-
voice of goods received, and on
which all payments on accounts of
such merchandise, discounts and
goods returned should be debited.

Customers’ Credit Sales Accounts
—Comprising accounts opened with
each customer to which are debited
all goods sold on credits, and to which
all payments on account of goods and
returned goods are credited.

Cash Sales—The amount of each
day’s cash sales should be kept in
some form, preferably in the cash
book. The total of each week’s or
month’s sales only need be posted
to the merchandise account in the

‘edger, if desired, but the detail should

be kept for reference somewhere,

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

Freight and Drayage—Separate ac-
count should be kept of these items
in the ledger.

Consigned Merchandise Account—
If any consigned merchandise is re-
ceived this fact must appear in the
ledger. The ordinary insurance poli-
cy does not cover these goods, unless
it specifically mentions the fact.

For this reason it is necessary to
keep the transactions in connection
with consigned goods separate. This
should extend to the cash and credit
sales, commissions, and every part of
the business connected with this end
of the business. Separate books
should be kept for this very purpose.

Any adjuster will tell you that the
greatest trouble he meets with in ef-
fecting settlements with merchants
for fire losses is on account of the
lamentable fact that few merchants
keep proper books of account.

Property insured in one store is not
insured if it is moved to another. If
it is insured as located on the ground
floor and it is in a loft, or upper story
of a building, it is not insured. You
cannot even move it next door with-
out voiding the insurance, unless you
get the consent of the companies who
issue it.

Look after these details now. Then
when a fire comes you will face no
trouble. But don’t wait until the fire

breaks out before thinking of them.
—_+->—___

Liquor and Cigarettes.

The total revenue on beer and
whisky collected by the Government
in 1916, according to returns com-
piled by the Treasury Department,
was $252,708,935, as compared with
$233,712,934 in 1915.

While the returns show a large in-
crease in the revenue from the tax on
whisky the fact is partially accounted
for, officials say, by the more general
collection of the tax which in former
years has been escaped by extensive
frauds. The amount thus saved to
the Government is estimated at about
$24,000,000.

No account is taken of the quanti-
ty of spirits consumed in the manu-
facture of war munitions for ship»
ment to the warring countries abroad,
probably amounting to very consider-
ably more than the quantity upon
which the revenue tax was collected
last year by the more effective means
employed. But the increased revenue
from cigarettes is something to mar-
vel at, especially in view of the sug-
gestion that it results largely from
the growth of the cigarette smoking
habit among the women of this coun-
iy:

Many millions of cigarettes, it is
said, were manufactured in this coun-
try and other millions imported for
feminine users during the past year,
the grand total of paper-wrapped
cigarettes upon which the Govern-
ment levied a tax reaching the enor-
mous figure of more than twenty-five
billion, three billion more than in any

previous year.—San Antonio Express.
— oes _

Economy.
Hocus—Does your wife ever have
any spasms of economy?
Pocus—Well, she’s always talking
about how much car fare we could
save if we only had an automobile.

 

BE PREPARED

For Coming April Showers

We carry a complete line of various
styles in Raincoats.

Misses’ — Ladies’ — Boys’ and Men's
from $2.50 to $9.00.

31

 

 

Safety First
in Buying

SAFETY in Buying
means getting the goods
and the quantities of
goods YOU can sell ata
profit. It means know-
ing what to buy and
getting it at the right
price.

You can be safe in
buying when you buy
from “Our Drummer.”
If you haven't the cur-
rent issue handy, write
for it.

Butler Brothers

Exclusive Wholesalers of
General Merchandise

New York Chicago

 

 

Paul Steketee & Sons St. Louis Minneapolis
Wholesale Dry Goods Dallas
Grand Rapids :-: Michigan
as a=

Knit Goods

The Complete Line That Will Help You Boost
Your Knit Goods Business

E MAKE this assertion, not because of our enthusiasm

over our products, but because time has proven to

our customers and to us that “Ha-Ka-Rac” Knit Goods
meet every requirement of service, style and price.

For over twenty years our knit gloves and mittens
have been leaders in their field. And the same care is ex-
ercised in the making of our other knit products—the
sweater coats, caps and knit goods novelties.

Be sure and not place your
order for these goods until
our representative calls on you

 

 

Perry Glove & Mitten Co.
Perry, Michigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

 

_ February 28, 1917

 

CLASS INSURANCE.

Why It Is Adapted to Use of Mer-
chants.*

With four men on the programme to
discuss the subject of fire insurance—
President Lake, Chairman Primeau,
Mayor Balch and myself—I was some-
what in doubt as to what particular
branch of the topic I could best dis-
course upon. President Lake, when ap-
pealed to for definite information as to
what was expected of me, generously
informed me I could jump into the
breach as a free lance, so here goes.

The only kind of fire insurance we
require in this world is insurance which
insures. This involves the existence of
five conditions, as follows:

1. Complete coverage of all property
which would be damaged or destroyed
in the event of fire.

2. Policy forms and riders written
in plain Anglo-Saxon words which are
readily understood by the ordinary busi-
ness man. No term to be tolerated
which requires the services of a lawyer
or resort to the courts to define.

3. A reasonable rate for the service
rendered.

4. Prompt and honorable adjustment
of the loss in the event of fire.

5. Immediate payment of the indem-
nity agreed upon without quibble, con-
troversy or litigation.

These five conditions are all any
reasonable man could expect. To ask
more would be asking for too much.
To accept less would be to accept less
than the policy holder is entitled to.

Is the average retailer able to secure
satisfactory service under existing con-
ditions which prevail among the board
insurance companies? Emphatically no.
In what respects? Let me tell you:

1. The riders used by the board com-
panies are full of inconsistencies, in-
congruities and contradictions. The
goods or property insured are seldom
properly covered. In three-fourths of
the cases the policies are invalid through
the omission of the words, “Other In-
surance Permitted,” or the introduction
of the word concurrent when the poli-
cies are not concurrent. In thousands
of cases you will find insurance on signs
and awnings on the inside of the build-
ing.

2. The paragraph regarding co-insur-
ance is frequently couched in such tech-
nical language that it would require the
services of a lawyer or the decision of
a court to determine its exact meaning.

3. The cost of insurance is too high.
Any business which absorbs 40 per cent.
of its total receipts for expenses and
pays back to the policy holder only 50
per cent. in the shape of indemnity is
not conducted on right principles.

4. Adjustment of losses under the
present bureau system is a misnomer.
Instead of undertaking to determine the
loss by honorable methods, the adjuster
begins by picking flaws in the policies
—policies uttered by the companies
through their own agents on their own
forms—with a view to confusing the
merchant and convincing him that he
was not properly protected. He is in-
formed that his policies are invalid be-
cause they are not concurrent, because

*Paper read by E. A. Stowe at annual
convention Retail Grocers and General

Merchants’ Association, at amazoo,
Feb. 22, 1917.

he has violated the iron safe clause, be-
cause an initial in his name is written
incorrectly, etc. If the merchant is a
man of authority in the community
these subterfuges are seldom resorted
to, but if he is a man of small means
or if the fire has seriously impaired his
resources, he is subjected to deception,
fraud, indignity, abuse and browbeating
methods to induce him to accept less
than he is justly entitled to.

5. When the loss is finally adjusted,
it is like pulling teeth to get the money.
In a recent case at Grattan the fire oc-
curred July 5, the loss was not adjusted
until Dec. 4 and the money was not paid
over until Feb. 6. Seven months elapsed
between the date of the fire and the
date of payment and in the meantime
lawyers had to be employed and paid.
the State Insurance Commissioner had
to be appealed to, hundreds of letters
had to be written and the bungling ad-
juster lost his job. Finally, the com-
panies paid the loss in full under what
they termed, “newspaper coercion.”

Is there a remedy for these deplorable
conditions? There surely must be. be-

people they are supposed to serve can
be properly scourged and prepared for
the future state.

Conceding, then. that reform from
within is out of the question, and that
reform from without may require fifty
years to accomplish, what course is open
to the merchants of this generation to
secure immunity from the tyranny and
oppression of the board insurance com-
panies? To me the answer to this ques-
tion is as plain as the nose on my face.
It is not an answer which came to me
suddenly or without careful and prayer-
ful consideration. For many years I was
a director of the Grand Rapids Fire In-
surance Co.—subsequently merged into
the National Fire Insurance Co. In
those days I was led to believe that
mutual insurance was good enough for
farmers, but not sufficiently reliable for
merchants and business men who carry
heavy lines. I have never ceased to
regard assessment insurance as unadapt-
ed to mercantile conditions, but the class
companies which have come into exist-
ence in large numbers during the past
dozen years appear to me to meet every

 

Concurrent No Longer Current

 

 

adjuster.

 

Resolution unanimously adopted at annual

Grocers and General Merchants’ Association at Kalamazoo, Feb. 22, 1917:

Whereas—The word CONCURRENT on insurance riders is not neces-
sary to conform to any law or court decision; and
Whereas—It is maintained solely to annoy and embarrass the insured

in the event of a loss by fire; therefore

e
Resolved—That we refuse to accept any policy bearing this obnoxious

word of uncertain meaning and fearful portent in the eyes of the insurance

convention of the Retail

 

 

cause no business can be conducted in
the manner the board insurance com-
panies are managed and not suffer in
prestige and in business. Personally
and editorially. I have endeavored to
make the managers see that they are
exacting too heavy a toll for the kind of
service they give in return; I have
brought to bear every argument in the
category of argumentative reasoning;
I have appealed to these men personally
and in their official capacities; but I
finally concluded that I was up against
a stone wall—that I might as well talk
down a well as to expect to accomplish
any reasonable result by appealing to
the fairness, business sagacity and acu-
men of the average board fire insurance
company manager. He is so strongly en-
trenched in his ill-gotten gains, his legis-
lation obtained by corrupt practices, his
court decisions secured by unfair meth-
ods and his pockets bulging with stock
in the adjustment bureau which has
been given to him outright to secure
the adjustment of his losses by unfair
means and criminal methods that he
laughs to scorn any one who has the
temerity to tell him that he is sitting
on a safety valve and that the pressure
from below may become so strong as to
send him to Kingdom Come, providing
that locality has any department where
men who ride rough shod over the

requirement of the merchant for safe
insurance at a saving of from 25 to
75 per cent. over the board rate.

Right here let me give you a couple
of comparisons to think about:

One-third of the insurance of Michi-
gan is carried in mutual companies at a
cost of $1,500,000; two-thirds is carried
in stock companies at a cost of $15,000,-
000. If the mutual insurance in force
in this State was placed in board com-
panies, it would cost the policy holders
$7,500,000, instead of $1,500.000. Is $6,-
000,000—equivalent to 400 per cent.—
worth saving?

The average cost of $100 insurance in
board companies in Michigan is $1.0434.
The cost of $100 insurance in Michigan
in mutual companies is 16 cents.

Under existing laws class fire insur-
ance companies can be organized any-
where in Michigan by ten or more re-
sponsible persons. The character of the
men must be approved by the Insurance
Commission and the companies must
secure applications for $100,000 insur-
ance before they can begin to do busi-
ness. They should collect the full board
rate on every policy written, returning
a percentage of the premium to the
policyholder on the termination of the
policy. The hardware trade has a dozen
or more of such companies throughout
the country. One of them, in which

hundreds of Michigan hardware dealers
are insured, has returned 50 per cent.
dividends every year for the past nine
years and in the meantime has _ built
up a surplus of $600,000, invested in
bonds. The druggists, shoe dealers,
lumber dealers, grist mills, elevator men
and others are protected by similar or-
ganizations. The furniture, dry goods,
clothing, grocery and meat trades are
not represented by class organizations,
as in my opinion, they should be.

As a rule, the losses in class com-
panies average about 30 per cent., as
compared with 50 per cent. in the board
companies.

The expenses average about 10 per
cent., as compared with 40 per cent. in
the board companies.

This leaves 10 per cent. profit in each
case, and a 50 per cent. refund in the
case of the class companies.

In urging the five trades not now
represented by class companies to create
and maintain such organizations with as
little delay as possible, I believe I am
giving them valid advice in keeping with
a lifetime of service devoted to the re-
tail trade. All I can reasonably ask is
that you proceed with due caution and
conservatism in building up a chain of
companies which will enable you to
throw off the fetters of one of the great-
est monopolies and most contemptible
conspiracies which ever cursed a free
people.

Pending the organization of your own
companies, which I should be pleased to
see you authorize at this meeting of
your Association, you should be careful
to keep well covered in the companies
now carrying your insurance and secure
all reasonable concessions possible. My
recommendation under this head is as
follows:

1. Don’t accept a policy in which the
word “concurrent” appears anywhere on
the rider.

2. Don’t tolerate the “joker” which
has been introduced in thousands of
Michigan policies, although its use sub-
jects every agent using it to prosecution.

3. Don’t take anything for granted
when you accept a policy from the hands
of the agent. Above all things insist
that the agent attach an agreement to
the rider that in the event of a loss
under the policy the adjustment of the
damage will not be referred to an ad-
justment bureau, but be attended to by
the local or State agent.

4. Don’t sign a non-waiver agree-
ment in the event of fire. It has no
authority in law or equity and is the
creation of crafty and unscrupulous ad-
justers to secure an unfair advantage
over the insured.

5. Don’t fail to keep complete and
minute inventory of everything you wish
covered by your policies and a detailed
record of purchases and daily sales in
a fire proof safe. Both the inventory
and record of purchases should be writ-
ten in ink in well bound books. If you
have room in the safe, keep the original
invoices also.

6. Don’t deal with the representative
of an adjustment bureau under any cir-
cumstances. Insist on settling your loss
with the local agent, the State agent
or the company direct.

—_+->——____
Genius is seldom mistaken for com-
mon sense.

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February 28, 1917

 

 

 

  
 

 

        
  
 

  
   
   

      

  
 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 33
|e THE WAUKESHA SPRING WATER COMPANY
WAUKESHA, WIS., U.S. A.
i America’s Royal Table Beverages
Bes iy 7 GOLD TOPS.

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BOTTLED AT THE SPRING

Waunesta Spee Water Company

WAUKESHA, WIS., U. S. A.
IN NEW SANITARY CONTAINERS

 

PARK’S ORIGINAL AUTOMOBILE CARTON

Noted for Superior Excellence of Quality

INVITES THE INVESTORS OF AMERICA

To Join with Them in One of the Most Profitable Businesses Ever Presented to the Public

  

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Letter From the President
Gentlemen:
It is hardly necessary for us to formally intro-
duce ourselves to the people of America. We are
one of America’s Institutions.

Waukesha Springs, Waukesha Water and Wau-
kesha Beverages—chief among the list being the
famous Waukesha Ginger Ale—are so widely known
and have been in such general use at home, abroad
and déwn in our sister Republics to the South, that
we have only to mention Waukesha anywhere in
the civilized world, and at once the name is recog-
nized and receives honorable mention from the one
who hears it spoken.

Prohibition Has Won its Fight

Every State in the Union is about to enforce
prohibition. Already a large number of states have
abolished the liquor traffic. It is generally admitted
that America will soon be entirely dry. WE ARE
FACE TO FACE WITH THE PROPOSITION OF
PROVIDING A TEMPERANCE NATION WITH
TEMPERANCE BEVERAGES,

Naturally we must prepare to meet this new
order of things and be ready to respond to the calls
which already are coming to us in steadily increas-
ing numbers from the dry territory for the far-
famed Waukesha Ginger Ale, and other bottled
beverages, as well as the waters from the Cele-
brated Waukesha and Silurian Springs. These are
acknowledged to be the finest table waters in the
world—and rightly so.

Park’s Famous Waukesha Products

It is not necessary for us to dwell at any great
length upon the virtues of Park’s Waukesha Sprina
Water products—PARK’S WAUKESHA GINGER
ALE, SARSAPARILLA, ROOT BEER, CLUB
SODA and SPRING WATER. These have a world-
wide reputation for excellence.

Looking Forward.

What we must do now is to provide the sinews
of war—the facilities to care for this great in-
crease which is ours for the asking. A new plant,
with the most improved machinery and equipment
must be built at once—not a day is to be lost.

This year we should be in Working Order to
supply the increased demand for Waukesha bever-
ages, a demand already greater than we can supply,
and which will assume proportions from now on
that should place this company in a position where
it can dominate the beverage business of the world.

The foundation has been well laid.

We invite you to join us in completing the
work which has been so well started, and go for-
ward with us to success.

THE WAUKESHA SPRING WATER COMPANY.
Louis M. Park, President.

A Direct Appeal to the Investing Public

When the question of the expansion of this
company’s business was first proposed the directors
gave careful consideration to the best plan to follow
in offering its stock to the public. The decision
was unanimously reached to go direct with it to
the people—to deal direct, and not follow the usual
methods. We had a good name—had developed a
good business and under ordinary conditions of the
trade would have combined to make substantial
gains each year.

 

This is the First Offer of this Stock
It May Never Be Offered Again

Special Offering of Stock by
The Waukesha Spring Water Company

Incorporated Under the Laws of Wisconsin

$100,000 7% Cumulative Preferred; par value $10 per Share
with a bonus of Common Stock—par value $5 per Share.
Fully Paid—Non Assessable—No Bonds.

We offer, subject to prior reservation and advance in
price, the unsold part of an allotment of 10,000 shares
amounting to $100,000.00 par value, of the 7% Preferred
Cumulative Stock if, when, and as issued, of the Wau-
kesha Spring Water Company with a bonus of One (1)
share of Common with each Two (2) shares of 7% Pre-
ferred Cumulative Stock, when fully paid for as per our
terms of sale.

On account of the wide acquaintance enjoyed by the
President of this company, and the popularity of the
Waukesha Spring Water Company, and the Park’s Wau-
kesha and Silurian Spring Water products, we expect a
large over-subscription of this allotment of stock, which
carries with it the added attraction of a Common Stock
bonus, as set forth in the table herewith.

If the business of the company, under the new policy of
expansion, reaches the proportions we anticipate, this
Common Stock will be an exceptionally valuable holding.

We advise an immediate response by those interested,
either by all cash subscription or by the easy payment plan

We Need a Greater Plant

We must build a new plant. This plant must be
equipped with the most improved machinery. We will
employ more people—and to do this we must have money.

And so we have come to you direct, and will ask you
to join us in this work of expansion.

Not a day is to be lost. This will be a great year
for us.

We own our Springs—We show a plan of the new
building, which we propose to build. We own 13 acres
right in the heart of the beautiful city of Waukesha.
All railroad and interurban trains stop directly in front
of our present plant. <A vretty park is laid out in whicu
are situated our two springs. The Waukesha and The
Silurian. This is the favorite playground of the city.

Water from the Silurian Spring is shipped in our
own cars for distribution in the large cities of the coun-
try after bottling.

You will be amazed to know that an overflow of
nearly 200,000 gallons of the waters from these springs
are carried away every day and lost. We must conserve
this water. Every gallon should be turned into money.

A Capable Man at the Helm.

Louis M. Park, President of the Waukesha Spring
Water Company is perhaps the best known beverage man
in the world.

For over twenty years Mr. Park has been engaged
in manufacturing and marketing high grade food products,
spring waters and beverages. He enjoys an international
reputation for originating goods of high quality and for
designing packages and containers having a distinct orig-
inality and individuality.

These are factors which in themselves have proved
valuable aids in the sale of his products.

In recent years he has been actively engaged in the
development of the business of this company and has
built up a splendid organization through distributing
houses located in all the principal cities of this country
and Canada.

He has prepared the way for his company to expand
and grow to great proportions. He is the right man to
guide the future destinies of this company. With an
enviable record among business men everywhere, forceful
and aggressive in his business dealings, he will lead the
Waukesha Spring Water Company to success when his
present plans for increasing the capacity of the plants
are carried out as they will be under his capable direction.

WAUKESHA SPRING WATER COMPANY

Louis M. Park, President

Plant and Springs: Waukesha, Wisconsin, U.S. A.

DISTRIBUTING HOUSES: Waukesha, Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, LosAngeles, Louisville, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Detroit, Cincinnat:,
Kansas City, New York, San Francisco, New Orleans, Memphis.

Bear In Mind

That the Waukesha Spring Water Company is
nationally known. Opportunities to join in such a
business are exceedingly rare—and when our story
is read, as it will be in all parts of this country,
the response will be immediate.

The special allotment of 10,000 shares with
common stock bonus should be taken in a few days.

And in order that you, who may be reading
our story, may not be disappointed, we advise your
sending in your subscription to-day with remit-
tance to cover.

This is a going business. It has always been
successful. It deserves to take its place among the
great business enterprises of America, which it
will when we carry out our well defined plans to
put it up where it rightfully belongs—which we
propose to do with due dispatch.

NOTE: This business is one that is not af-
fected, nor will it be affected by ‘‘wars or rumors
of wars.”

The facts are that the beverage business in
America has greatly increased since the beginning
of the European war. Imports of foreign waters
and beverages have practically ceased.

WRITE US TO-DAY.

Address all communications and make all
checks, drafts, money orders or express orders to
the order of the Waukesha Spring Water Company.

How To Buy Stock

$20.00 buys 2 shares of 7% Preferred Stock
and 1 share of Common Stock.

$40.00 buys 4 shares of 7% Preferred Stock and
2 shares of Common Stock.

$60.00 buys 6 shares of 7% Preferred Stock and
3 shares of Common Stock.

$80.00 buys 8 shares of 7% Preferred Stock and
4 shares of Common Stock.

$100.00 buys 10 shares of 7% Preferred Stock
and 5 shares of Common Stock.

Other amounts in proportion.

Easy Payment Plan Without Interest

$4.00 cash and $4 a month for 4 months buys 2
7% Preferred Shares and 1 share of Common Stock.

$8.00 cash and $8 a month for 4 months buys 4
7% Preferred Shares and 2 shares of Common Stock.

$12.00 cash and $12 a month for 4 months buys
6 7% Preferred Shares and 3 shares of Common
Stock.

$16.00 cash and $16 a month for 4 months buys
7% Preferred Shares and 4 shares of Common
tock.

$20.00 cash and $20 a month for 4 months buys
10 7% Preferred Shares and 5 shares of Common
Stock.

Other amounts in proportion.

Nn

 

PURCHASE COUPON
This Coupon Secures Stock
“Write to-day and enclose this coupon to—
WAUKESHA SPRING WATER COMPANY,
WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN.

Gentlemen: You may enter my subscription
foro... 63. shares of the 7% Preferred Cumulative
Stock. With each two shares bought and paid for
I am to receive one share of Common Stock, with-
out cost to me, as a premium.

I desire to purchase on the following terms:
€.. 38... eash and $...:..-..<. per month for ....
months, i

Upon completion of payments mail shares to
me at the address given below:

ONGAIGS 5 ao eco ce Gs asa al ee cead an eeu eeeee
URGGECSS oo oe occa enc eee cones ese Wedcuducees
@ity or Pawn <..-..........<....4<.. EE TN
CG eg a ees oe nec cen esas Geaeetccaa

Note: If you are not ready to purchase, write
us for further information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

34

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

February 28, 1917

 

 

 

 

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Michigan Retail Shoe Dealers’ Association
President—Fred Murray, Charlotte.
Secretary—Elwyn Pond, Flint.
Treasurer—Wm. J. Kreger, Wyandotte.

 

 

Mistakes Frequently Made By Shoe
Dealers.
Written for the Tradesman.

At the very outset the writer should
say that he does not propose to give
an exhaustive list of the mistakes
frequently made by retail shoe deal-
ers. The task he assumes is far less
pretentious. He merely desires to
call attention to a few of the more
common ones.

First among them should be men-
tioned the mistake of buying straight
runs instead of sizes. Study the size-
sheets of the shoe dealer who is
floundering on the rocks of bankruptcy
and you will observe this: in the mid-
dle they are all gone, or practically
so, but on the ends they are there.
Too many leathers and lasts; too
much variety of style; not enough
stock to fit customers in the sort of
shoes customers are most likely to
want. It’s the same old, old story—
a shot-to-pieces stock. And it all
harks back to injudicious buying.

Poor stock arrangement, poor dis-
plays and mussed-over, pawed-over,
soiled shoes,—all of which produces
a depressing, run-down-at-the-heel,
losing-out impression. And nobody
wants to be identified with a losing
proposition. Nobody wants to shop
with a failure. People do not like to
give the price of a new pair of shoes
for a pair of soiled shoes. Often this
is the fault of clerks. A woman comes
in and tries on half a dozen pairs of
fine shoes—some of them glazed kid
in colors. In a hurry to clean up, the
clerk throws them back in their car-
tons any old way—unbuttoned,
wrinkled, with finger-prints and
smudges. By and by some other
woman comes in and the same shoes
are shown. And this woman sees the
finger-prints, wrinkles and_ soiled
places, and she doesn’t relish the idea
of trying on a pair of shoes that some
other woman tried on and _ turned
down. And this woman doesn’t buy.
Can you blame her, really? Mistake
of merchandising—and a serious one.
How much better it would have been
to button that shoe up neatly and
remove the finger-print, smudge or
soiled spot with a little cleansing prep-
aration! The dealer and his clerks
ought to have a bottle of it handy at
all times. A little gasoline and a soft
piece of clean cloth will do the work
in the absence of something better.
After the shoes are thoroughly clean-
ed so that the most particular pa-
tron could never suspect that any one
had ever tried them on, they should
be put back neatly in the carton. It

is a shame the way shoe stocks are
abused by careless handling, and the
amount of loss sustained from this
cause alone must run into large fig-
ures. A careless clerk can lose his
boss more money in this way in a sin-
gle day than he can make for him in
a week.

Another mistake—and one that isn’t
generally recognized as such—is in
making too much profit on shoes
that can’t carry it. Take, for ex-
ample a glazed kid shoe, a patent
leather shoe, and a staple shoe on
conservative lines. Now these shoes
may cost the dealer the same; but it
does follow that they should be mark-
ed to sell at the same price. A good
rule is to mark shoes according to the
service that may reasonably be ex-
pected of them. A gunmetal shoe
carries more service than a patent
leather shoe of the same last and
grade, and can, therefore, stand a
higher profit. In so-called
lasts, and materials such as colored
fabrics or kid—in fine, in all kinds of
fashionable or stylish footwear—you
make (and should) charge for style.
And, of course, on footwear of this
kind there is a proportionate profit.

Another mistake—one to which the
young, inexperienced dealer is espe-
cially liable—is that of selling one
pair and buying two pairs to take
its place. That’s over-buying, un-
tempered optimism, boundless and
uncurbed enthusiasm. It proceeds
from false reasoning. Because A has
come in to-day and bought a pair of
shoes, therefore B and C will come
in to-morrow and call for a couple
of pairs. That doesn’t follow. B and
C may be out of town to-morrow, or
they may decide to have their old
shoes half-soled and re-heeled.

Failing to clean up as one goes.
This is a common mistake. So com-
mon, in fact, it has been termed a
necessary evil which could only be
partially atoned for by the semi-an-
nual clearance sale. But now that the
price of leather has gone so _ high,
and shoes of the grade of these left-
overs could not be had for anything
like the original asking price, let alone
the reduced sale price, clearance sales
are becoming increasing unpopular
with shoe dealers. They seem so
much like burning up money. - But,
of course, the longer this stuff is
kept on the shelves, the less valuable
it becomes. Sooner or later it must
be sold. Make it sooner. Clean up
as you go. Either size up or clean
Don’t  dilly-

up, don’t hang fire:
dally.

Lack of a definite policy, failure to
keep records, a slip-shod, hit-or-miss
(generally miss) merchandising poli-
cy, will account for many a retail shoe

smart.

First Hand Values
Give First Hand
Results

oe sew

co

GRAND RAPIDS
SHOE

TRADE MARK REGISTERED

 

Now what do you and we mean by results—
PROFITS of course. That’s what we are both
in business for.

We've built our success on giving the pub-
lic first hand shoe values, and so can you.

Our interests are mutual. We have the

good shoes and you the demand.

Let’s work together.

 

 

Rindge, Kalmbach, Logie Company
Grand Rapids, Mich.

Satisfied Customers
Are Co-partners

 

They remain so as long as their purchases
from you are profitable to them.

It is sound business policy to purchase Rouge
Rex Shoes for your working men’s trade.

They are profitable for you, they are profit-
able for your customers.

Rouge Rex Shoes are our own manufacture
and our own tannage of leather, sole and upper.

Mail orders promptly taken care of.

HIRTH-KRAUSE COMPANY

Hide to Shoe
Tanners and Shoe Manufacturers

Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

 

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February 28, 1917

dealer’s going by the board. They
don’t plan their business ahead. They
don’t analyze their business with a
view to discovering weak points.
They don’t plan a systematic logical,
cumulative advertising programme.
They don’t study the local field with
a view to discovering new sources
of trade; and then considering the
most scientific method of opening up
and developing these new sources.
They do not try to break previous
sales records—in fact, as above inti-
mated, they don’t keep such records.
The business just runs along, alleg-
edly.

Failure to grasp the principles and
realize the importance of construc-
tive, business-building salesmanship.
Somebody expressed a fine truth when
he said, An institution is the length-
ened shadow of a man, Back of the
business is the man. The salesman-
ship of a shoe store rises no higher
than somebody’s ideals are of what
salesmanship is, or ought to be. That
somebody is the store owner or pro-
prietor. Does he himself realize
what constructive salesmanship is?
Does he not merely sell shoes, but
sell them right? And is he personal-
ly interested in training and develop-
ing his salesforce so that they too
can sell shoes in this way? If so, you
have the foundations of a successful
business; if not, the business is going
to fail, or at least fail to go forward
as it otherwise might. And all this
on the assumption that the location
is right, the advertising good, the
window displays inviting, and the de-
mands of a shoe-wearing constituency
sufficient in volume to sustain a going
business.

Last of all the items that I shall
enumerate at present, a most common
merchandising mistake, and one that
is by no means confined to retail shoe
dealers: namely, the continuation of
old-fashioned, passe, out-grown busi-
ness methods. Conditions in the shoe
industry are changing rapidly and
radically. Methods that got on fairly
well ten years ago, or even five years
ago, will not succeed to-day. The
retail shoe dealer who would keep
abreast of the times must read and
study his trade papers. He should
know what the manufacturers are
doing, and the big retail shoe con-
cerns of the big cities. More and
more, as the leather market continues
high, materials other than leather
will be used in the manufacture of
shoes. The dealer must keep inform-
ed on this highly interesting subject.
He should know the strength and
weakness, the legitimate use and the
liability to abuse, of these non-leath-
er materials. And this brings in a
lot of new problems. Will such and
such a sole leather substitute wear
as well, or better, than leather? Is
such and such a fabric strong and
durable for toppings, and even vamps?
Are the colors fast? Is it impervious
to atmospheric conditions, as the
manufacturers claim? How can a
country store-keeper acquire exact in-
formation on these, and many kindred
topics, unless he takes one or two
good trade papers, and reads them
carefully? A single idea in a single
trade-journal article is frequently
worth to a dealer many times the

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

cost of the paper for a whole year.
It may suggest a line of selling talk
that will mean dollars to him, or it
may point out some practical way of
rounding up trade that will revolu-

tionize his business. Cid McKay.
ee
The Ten Commandments of Sales-

manship.

1. Be Agreeable. Other things be-
ing equal, I go to the store where the
clerks try to please me. I buy cloth-
ing, typewriters, and automobiles of
the man who acts as though he likes
me. Exert yourself to make a pleas-
ing impression on me, please. I ap-
preciate it. Hence, dress well. Un-
tidy clothes mean you don’t care
what I think of your appearance. But
don’t dress too well. That gives you
an air of showing off. Dress just

right. If you don’t know how, find
out. Cultivate a pleasing voice.
Learn to converse entertainingly.

Cut out all mannerisms. Give me the
impression of a gentleman; honest,
square, anxious to please, and good-
natured.

2. Know Your Goods. Don’t let
there be any question I can ask you
relative to the manufacture, history,
distribution, or uses of what you have
to sell that you cannot answer. If
you're selling typewriters, know all
about all the kinds. If you're selling
coffee, find out all about where all
sorts of coffee come from, and all the
points about them. But in your spare
time making of yourself an ency-
clopedia of information about your
goods.

3. Don’t Argue. Go with me in
your talk, not against me. Lead, don’t
oppose. Don’t show me where I am
wrong. Dodge a square issue, and
show me wherein you are right. Sug-
gest, Don’t antagonize. Argument
as a rule results in irritation, not con-
viction.

4. Make Things Plain. Don’t use
any words I don’t understand. You
can explain the most complicated
matter to a washerwoman if you know
your subject perfectly and practice
using simple language. Don’t air your
technical knowledge and try to im-
press me. I want to be flattered, not
awed.

5. Tell the Truth. Don’t lie, or
exaggerate, or mislead, or conceal.
Let me feel that you are sincere, and
mean every word you say, and that
every statement you make is of par
value. If you represent goods that
need lying about, directly or indirect-
ly, quit. There are plenty of articles
that are straight and all right. Sell
them.

6. Be Dependable. Even in small
things create the impression that
whatever you promise is as much to
be depended upon as your signed
note. If you make an appointment at
3 p, m. Tuesday, be there at 2:45, or
telegraph. If I order goods of a
certain grade, let them be found to
be exactly of that grade when I re-
ceive them.

7, Remember Names and Faces.
If you have not a natural gift for this,
acquire it. Get a little book and set
down every day the names of those
you have met, with their character-
istics. Practice this until you become
expert. No man likes to be forgotten
or to have you ask his name.

8. Don’t Be Egotistic. Eliminate
the pronoun “I” as much as possible
from your vocabulary. Talk about
me, not yourself. Don’t tickle your-
self, tickle me; I’m the one you want
to win.

9. Think Success. Success begins
in the mind, Why think 50 cents
when it is just as easy to think $50?
Tell success stories, not incidents of
failure and hard luck. Radiate pros-
perity. Feel prosperous. It’s catch-
ing. Keep your chin up.

10. Be Human. The reason you
are hired to sell goods is that you are
a human being. Otherwise your em-
ployer would have sent a catalogue.
So be a human being, likeable, engag-
ing, full of human electricity. For |
patronize as a rule the salesman I
like. Frank Crane.

35

 

Our Specialty: ‘‘Royal Oak”’
FOR SHOEMAKERS
Bends, Blocks and Strips

Shoe Store Supplies
Wool Soles, Socks, Insoles, Etc.

THE BOSS LEATHER CO.
744 Wealthy St. Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

 

 

WM. D. BATT

HIDES, WOOL,
FURS AND TALLOW

28-30 LOUIS ST.

GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN

 

 

 

HONORBILT
SHOES

For Bigger and Better Business

 

Ce hereby make application for $............on |
shoes, rubbers and findings, and rubber, leather and composition goods
usually kept for sale in a wholesale, retail, or jobbing shoe store, or

such goods if carried in general store.
chinery, furniture and fixtures, to commence from................+---.-

(Sign here)......-

Cut this out and mail to
Michigan Shoe Dealers’ Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
Home Office, Fremont, Mich.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY over $1,400,000

ORGANIZED in 1912
Bate. ..... 2... 1917
stock of boots,

¢........-...0n shoe store ma-

Our present board rate per thousand is.......... in your Company to
be 25% less, and 5% additional discount if paid in thirty days from date
of policy; All while contained im the........-....- StOFY. 2.2 ......
building, situated at street No......... Hot. -..... Block... .... City or
tOWh Of ...6.0)................ State of Michtcan.

All losses promptly adjusted by our Secretary or Special Agent.

 

 

‘your store.

SHOE.

you today.

PRESTIGE

in your Men’s Shoe Department means
a whole lot to your business

Bertsch Shoes for Men

carry with them that PRESTIGE that will bring customers to

If the HEAD of the house is a satisfied customer you are
pretty sure to get the business of the rest of the family.

Men in every walk of life know and believe in the BERTSCH

The STYLE and SERVICE GIVING QUALITIES of the BERTSCH
SHOE have made permanent friends for the line.

You should RECOMMEND and SELL the BERTSCH SHOE
fo your trade because it WILL give BETTER SERVICE and
BETTER SATISFACTION than any other similar line offered
It will add much to the PRESTIGE of your store.

THEY WEAR LIKE IRON

 

 

 

HEROLD-BERTSCH SHOE CO.

Manufacturers of Serviceable Footwear

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

 

 

 

 

36

TWO FULL DAYS.

 

Concluding Sessions of the Kalama-
zoo Mercantile Meeting.

On the re-assembling of the annual
convention of the Retail Grocers and
General Merchants Association, at
Kalamazoo, Wednesday morning,
Feb. 21, the Committee on Rules and
Order submitted its report as follows:

We recommend as a committee that
we adopt Roberts’ rules of order to
govern the proceedings of this con-
vention.

We recommend that out of courtesy
to ladies who attend, our President
and non-smokers, that we do not
smoke during convention sessions:

We recommend that the meetings
be called to order at the time printed
on the programme and all delegates
make an extra effort to be in the con-
vention hall at the opening of the ses-
sions;

We further recommend that all
nominations of officers be made from
the floor;

We also recommend that all nomin-
ating speeches and discussions be
limited to ten minutes:

We further recommend that the
President use his own judgment as
to the said rules of order, so as to
give the broadest latitude to all mat-
ters brought before the convention.

The report was adopted.

“Careful Buying” was the subject
of an address by W. J. Cusick, of De-
troit, “In these days, when the cost
of living is so high,” said the speaker,
“it is up to the retail grocer to pay
especial attention to his buying, so
as to be able to give his customers
the best possible grade of goods at the
lowest possible price. He discouraged
overstocking, particularly on anything
except staple lines. Don’t take ad-
vantage of a special deal unless you
have a demand for the goods. Keep
plenty of capital available for swing-
ing your business. Don’t keep pull-
ing money out for other investments
if by doing so you handicap your-
self in buying and in taking discounts.
The jobber wouldn’t be human if he
did not give first attention on special
deals to the customers who pay their
bills promptly. The tendency is to
get closer to cash. We must cut out
all long time credit accounts. Be loyal
to your jobber. Don’t make unjust
or unreasonable claims upon him. He
is always willing to adjust errors.
If the retailers stand together and
study the problems which now con-
front them there is still a great field
of possibilities open to the grocer to
make money.”

On motion a telegram was ordered
sent to Fred Mason, congratulating
him upon his election to the Presi-
dency of the Shredded Wheat Co.

John Affeldt, Jr.. of Lansing, then
read a most practical paper on the
subject, “Making a Meat Market Pay,”
which is published verbatim else-
where in this week’s paper.

There was a brief discussion of
points brought out by Mr. Affeldt such
as sausage making, pure food inspec-
tion, etc.

E. W. Jones, of Cass City, spoke on
“The Problems of the Small Town
Merchant,” which is published on an-
other page.

W. M. Milham, of Kalamazoo, spoke
on credits and explained minutely the
details of the reporting bureau oper-
ated in his city. “The retailer who
cannot afford a credit man in his store

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

must depend upon some agency like
this,” said the speaker, “to keep him
from trusting his goods to people with
whose responsibility he is not fa-
miliar. There are two classes of poor
pay customers, the dead-beat and the
man who can’t live within his income.
The merchant must protect. himself
against both of these. He will be
doing a favor to the latter class if he
refuses him credit. Many dead-beats
become such because merchants al-
low them to accumulate bills which
they later find it impossible to pay.
Make a man pay his account when it
is due and he will continue trading
with you. Let his bill run and he will
quit you and transfer his trade else-
where, Ifa credit rating system saves
you one bad account, it has paid for
itself. Use it religiously. It is the
best insurance a merchant can buy.”
Wednesday Afternoon.

In opening the meeting, President
Lake took occasion to recommend
that every delegate subscribe to the
Michigan Tradesman or _ Detroit
Trade. Both these publications, he
said, are doing a great work in behalf
of the retailer and should be read by
every up-to-date merchant.

“Overhead Expense” was the sub-
ject of an interesting address by Geo.
P. Wigginton, of Kalamazoo. “The
time has come,” said the speaker,
“when every business can must have
some accurate system for determining
his cost of doing business. He can-
not properly mark his selling prices
without it. It isn’t necessary to in-
stall an intricate system for a small
business, but there must be some re-
liable means adopted of acquiring this
necessary information. Inventory
should be taken at cost. Bills should
all be paid by check except small
items which should be paid from pet-
ty cash account. Disbursements
should be distributed in different col-
umns of the cash book, so that cer-
tain items may be charged against
the cost of goods and others against
overhead.” The speaker lauded the
work of Harvard University in com-
piling statistics in regard to the re-
tail business. He urged merchants
to co-operate in this work when call-
ed upon. The information given will
be kept in strict confidence.

Secretary Bothwell then gave a talk
with blackboard illustrations, showing
the necessity of figuring costs and
profits. Many times goods are un-
knowingly sold at a loss, because the
merchant does not understand his
cost of doing business.

M. R. Carrier, of Lansing, Presi-
dent of the Michigan Wholesale Gro-
cers’ Association, spoke on “The Re-
lations of the Wholesaler and Retail-
er,” which is published elsewhere.

Brief addresses were made by
Richard Prendergast, of the Worden
Grocer Co., Grand Rapids, and Adrian
Oole, of the National Grocer Co.,
Traverse City, elaborating upon the
way in which the wholesaler and re-
tailer are interdependent in their re-
lations. The success or failure of
either class is bound to be immediate-
ly reflected in the business of the
other.

Wednesday Evening.

A vast amount of business made

necessary an evening session and

there was a good crowd present when
the Question Box was taken up un-
der the direction of Charles Christen-
sen, of Saginaw. The discussions
under this heading were upon a vari-
ety of subjects and directly to the
point.

Frank S. Campbell of Detroit, then
spoke on “Truthful Advertising.” He
believes all advertising is good, but
that a lot of money is wasted by mer-
chants who don’t study the subject
and find out what is best for their
respective stores. If you use newspa-
pers, don’t neglect your copy. Make
your advertisement read just like you
talk to a customer in describing your
goods. Don’t exaggerate. People get
so they will discount what you say.
Use appetizing descriptions in your

circulars. Make best possible use of
your store windows. Discourage spe-
cial sales. They are like the cocktail

taken to whet the appetite. Gradual-
ly it takes more sales to stimulate
extra business and your trade gets to
expecting some special deal or spe-
cial price all the time. People want
good, reliable merchandise at a fair
price. Look at the positive, not the
negative, side of things. Talk cheer-
fully and optimistically in your ad-
vertising.

John A. Green, of Cleveland, for-
merly Secretary of the National As-
sociation of Retail Grocers, then de-
livered an able address on the Power
of Unity, which is published else-
where in this week’s paper.

John C. Ketchum, Master of the
State Grange, spoke on “A Greater
Michigan,” the keynote of which was
the necessity for closer relations be-
tween all the different classes of a
community and of the commonwealth.
He reminded the delegates that farm-
ers have very serious troubles of their
own and merchants should co-oper-
ate where possible in helping to solve
them, Each community needs team
work on the part of all factors of the
community. Prejudices must be elim-
inated, personal likes and religious
differences forgotten and the mer-
chant must take a keen interest in the
affairs of the farmer. A town that is
good enough to live in is good enough
to boost for. If things aren’t going
right in your town, don’t complain.
Maybe the fault is yours. Boost for
better schools, better roads, better
homes. Quit singing about M. O.
houses. It sounds too much like
complaining. Also it advertises your
competitor. Develop a market for
your farmers’ produce. Help him get
more for his stuff. Remember you
are not superior to the farmer. He
is your equal. Always treat him as
such. Get so you call him by his
first name and remember a man whose
name is Jim doesn’t want tto be called
Fred.

Meeting
Thursday.

then adjourned until

 

Thursday Morning.

At the opening of the Thursday morn-
ing session telegrams were read from
Fred Mason, acknowledging the Asso-
ciation’s congratulations upon his elec-
tion to the Presidency of the Shredded
Wheat Company and from the American
Fair Trade League, extending greetings.

William McMorris, chairman of the

 

February 28, 1917

Committee on Constitution and By-
Laws, reported that the Committee
deemed it advisable to have the by-laws
entirely revised and felt that it would
be policy to have this done during the
coming year and a report submitted at
the next convention. The report was
adopted.

The Committee on Resolutions then
submitted the following recommenda-
tions:

Resolved—That hereafter our fiscal
year be, and the same is hereby estab-
lished, beginning Feb. 16, 1917, and
ending the following Feb. 15 each and
every year consecutively thereafter.

Carried.

Resolved—That the State Secretary
be instructed to pay, $100 to the Secre-
tary of the National Retail Grocers’
Association as Michigan’s per capita tax
annually, thus doing away in future of
associations paying direct.

Carried.

Resolved—That the Executive Board
and officers be paid the actual expenses
of attending the meeting of the conven-
tion, as well as all other meetings of
the Board.

Lost.

Resolved—That we, the Retail Gro-
cers and General Merchants’ Associa-
tion of the State of Michigan, assem-
bled in convention, request His Excel-
lency, the Governor, and the Legislature
of our State, to so amend the State
pure food laws that they ‘may conform
to the National pure food laws, the
present condition causing considerable
annoyance and friction on the rulings
to the disadvantage of retail merchants;
and be it further

Resolved—That a copy of this resolu-
tion be spread on the minutes and for-
warded to His Excellency, the Governor.

Carried.

Resolved—That the constitution be so
amended that the chair shall have power
to appoint a nominating committee of
five members for the purpose of select-
ing nominees to be elected.

This was amended so that delegates
may still have the privilege of nominat-
ing other candidates from the floor of
the convention. Adopted as amended.

Resolved—That our pure food show

 

| SSSuN BEAM= =

Farm Machinery
And Garden Tools

“BRYAN” Plows, Disk Harrows,
Land Rollers, Pulverizers, Har-
rows, Seeders, Corn Planters, Po-
tato Planters, Weeders, Cultiva-
tors, Sprayers, Bolster Springs,
Wagon Sets, Plow Sets, Buggy
Shafts and Poles, Scrapers,
‘“Money-Maker’’ Silage Cutters
and Hay Balers, etc.

Our New Catalog is now in the
hands of the printers, and will be
~— free to all who may ask

or it,

 

Brown & Sehler Co.
Home of Sunbeam Goods

Grand Rapids Michigan

 

 

 

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February 28, 1917

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

37

 

held each year at State conventions
shall be brought under our Association
control, and that we use every honorable
means to make it of great value to
manufacturers, jobbers, the public and
our members.

This was amended so that State and
local associations will share equally in
the profit and loss and in that form it
was adopted,

Resolved—That this Association go
on record as pledging its support to the
Pure Food and Dairy Department of
our State.

Resolved—That we extend a vote of
thanks to the Detroit Trade, Michigan
Tradesman, Kalamazoo Association and
to all who have helped to make this
convention an overwhelming success.

E. A. Stowe, of Grand Rapids, de-
livered an address on the subject of
insurance, which is published elsewhere
in this week’s paper. Mr. Stowe also
offered the following resolutions, which
were unanimously adopted:

Whereas—The word concurrent on in-
surance riders is not necessary to con-
form to any law or court decision; and

Whereas—It is maintained solely to
annoy and embarrass the insured in the
event of a loss by fire; therefore

Resolved—That we refuse to accept
any policy bearing this obnoxious word
of uncertain meaning and fearful por-
tent in the eyes of the insurance ad-
juster.

Whereas—The office of Insurance
Commissioner has nearly always been
held by a representative of the insurance
companies; and

Whereas—No merchant has ever been
permitted to administer the duties of
this important adjunct of the public
service; and

Whereas—One of the candidates for
that office has been actively engaged in
the mercantile business at Marquette
for over twenty years; therefore

Resolved—That we endorse the can-
didacy of John D. Mangum for appoint-
ment by Governor Sleeper and request
our members to do all they can to furth-
er his appointment.

Resolved—That we commend the
courage and watchfulness of Senator
Tripp in protecting and defending the
interests of the retail merchant in the
Legislature and bespeak for him the
cordial co-operation of our members.

A vote of thanks was extended Mr.
Stowe for his comprehensive address,
which was ordered printed in the two
Michigan trade papers.

Mayor J. B. Balch, of Kalamazoo,
then read a paper on the Anti-Discrim-
ination law, which is published elsewhere
in this edition of the Tradesman.

J. H. Primeau, of Bay City, on behalf
of the Insurance Committee, submitted
the following report:

After careful investigation during a
full year the Committee has arrived
at the following conclusions:

That the Association take immediate
steps to organize an insurance com-
pany, and that a Commission, known
as the Fire Insurance Commission, con-
sisting of ten members be appointed by
the Executive Board of the Association.

We, the Insurance Committee, up to
the present time, have insurance sub-
scribed to the amount of $50,000. .

After examination of the records of

 

the Retail Grocers and other mutual
insurance companies of Ohio and Penn-
sylvania, we find that the Ohio Com-
pany is saving to their members 25 per
cent. and the Pennsylvania, 47 per cent.,
the Minnesota Hardware Mutual Com-
pany a saving of 50 per cent.

On motion this report was adopted
and referred to the Executive Commit-
tee for immediate action.

A telegram of greeting was read from
President Shaefer, of the National As-
sociation of Retail Grocers, after which
the meeting adjourned until 1 o’clock.

Thursday Afternoon.

A telegram was read from Guy W.
Rouse, of Grand Rapids, extending best
wishes for success.

Sol Westerfeld, of Chicago, First
Vice-President of the National Asso-
ciation of Retail Grocers, then addressed
the convention on “The High Cost of
Living.”

The speaker criticized those in author-
ity who have failed to take any prac-
tical steps to conserve the food supply
of this country. He felt the situation
was becoming a serious one and will
grow worse if food products are per-
mitted to continue being exported to
foreign countries. He felt that the
daily papers had on the whole been fair
to the retailer and urged merchants to
talk candidly to their local editors and
take the latter into their confidence on
all matters pertaining to the continued
advance in the wholesale price of mer-
chandise.

“People with an inelastic income are
having difficulty,” said the speaker, “in
making both ends meet, with grocery
prices where they are to-day. It is our
duty to exert every influence calculated
to keep prices as low as possible.”

In order to economize the time of the
convention, a resolution was adopted re-
ferring the following items of business
to the Board of Directors: Action on
the Stevens bill; membership in the Na-
tional Chamber of Commerce; member-
ship in the American Fare Trade
League; action on Manufacturers’ cou-
pons and trading stamps; granting lo-
cal associations the use of the State
Association, in the conduct of focal
enterprises.

The Credentials Committee then sub-
mitted its report, showing the following
Associations and individual members in
good standing represented at the con-
vention :

Association Delegates.

Ann Arbor (o.oo ge. 10
Battle Creek (0.050.022... 20
Bie ile o.oo ese ds 11
Big Rapids ...-2.--65: 4s 2
Bellawe Fool ea, 5
Gadilae (30) 060. 5
Case Gity eo ue le es 2
Central Eake 2.2.65. ..0.._. 3
Deteott 6.20... ue. 22
Bint Ge 4
Bremomt 22.00.50). 50 002: 34 3
Harbor Springs ........... 10
Vacksonm) ooo 0 25
Kalamazoo 2.002060... 0c 5a. 33
Rake Gity oo. . sli... 2
Lanse ee 15
Nanistee. 60002.) o ll... 3
Muskegon 6230..0000 0555.0: 4
Petoskey 000.00. ee. 3
Pe coro 0... 5
BOMOW cree ce ees ess 7

Sanlt Ste. Marte .......... 5
Mecumse «62... 5.5..4..- 1
‘Phree Rivers ...........-.. gq
Why 26 ee... 2
Wiatemvitel 1.0... 2... 3
Nitekshtre ... 2... ....32.. 1
“Mgavesse City ...........- 1
Werte Cloud ............- 3
Wihnot ........... BL. 2
MOnfoe 6.0 .......5....... 2
Mersstl |. .:..2.......:..- 2
Gomegta —..........5..-... 2

Individual Members.

Chas. A. Harper, Marshall.

J. C. McDerby, Nashville.

Will Huyck, Wakelee.

Geo. C. Muentemes, Pigeon.

E. L. Sellick, Manitou Beach.

D. L. Davis, Ypsilanti.

E. E. Hudson, Belding.

E. DeBeer, Chicago.

Paul Haserodt, Cleveland.

Alfred E. Curtin, Edmore.

W. H. West, Cherry Hill.

Mihlethaler Co., Ltd., Harbor Beach.

H. D. Post, Menominee.

C. E. McMillan, Martin.

Chas. Haley, Coleman.

F. Windsor, Canton.

D. M. Graham, Caro.

Fred Taylor, Yale.

J. BP. Vatman, Clare.

J. A. Erickson, Muskegon.

J. W. Walsh, Detroit.

Andrew McNally, Chicago.

J. B. Crouse, Kalamazoo.

H. R. Pickett, Grand Rapids.

L. N. Johnson, Jackson.

J. W. Young, Muskegon.

L. J. Firzlaff, Manistee.

Thomas D. Callahan, Chicago.

B. Greeson, Detroit.

On motion, the report was adopted
and the Secretary was instructed to
write to associations now in arrears
requesting them to pay up within thirty
days.

William McMorris, on behalf of the
Board of Directors, then submitted the
following report:

In relation to the establishment of a
Mutual Fire Insurance Company, we
have given this matter careful attention
and believe the plan to be feasible, if
properly officered and handled by men
whom we believe to be careful in their
own business and who have been suc-
cessful.

We recommend the appointment of
the following Commissioners: The
President, the First Vice-President, the
Second Vice-President, the Secretary,
the Treasurer and five members of the
Board of Directors; they to immediately
take the proper steps to organize such
a mutual fire insurance company.

On moticn this report was adopted.

Fred L. Woodworth, State Dairy and
Food Commissioner, then spoke on the
subject, “Our Pure Food Department.”

The speaker expressed a conscientious
desire to co-operate with the retail gro-
cers in administering the food laws of
the State. He believed that the depart-
ment and the retail grocer have a mu-
tual interest and was sure that proper
inspection of food products and the
places where they are sold should be
welcomed by the retailer.

In the matter of inspecting scales,
the speaker felt that the merchant has
also a vital interest. Only a small per-
centage of the scales inspected, are

found to be incorrect and of these 75
per cent. are giving the customer the
advantage. The Commissioner promised
to see that men are employed for this
work who have some knowledge of
mechanics, so that they can make small
adjustments and thus save dealers trou-
ble and annoyance.

Where the food laws are violated, it
is the aim of the department to place
the blame as close to the source of sup-
ply as possible. A manufacturer or
wholesaler in Michigan will be held ac-
countable when goods are wrong, but
when such goods are purchased from
outside the State, the dealer must be
held responsible and his protection rests
in securing a guarantee from the manu-
facturer or jobber that they stand back
of the goods in case of trouble.

“Our men” said the speaker, “will be
taught to consider that the grocer is
honest, and they will cause you as little
inconvenience as possible. Prosecutions
will be taken only as a last resort.”

The Commissioner invited grocers to
communicate with the department for
information in regard to foods, labels,
scales, etc. and promised to reply
promptly to all such communications.

On motion, a rising vote of thanks was
extended to the Commissioner for his
educational talk and for his broad mind-
ed fairness towards the grocery trade.

ir

Ask about our way
BARLOW BROS. Grand Rapids, Mich.

ELI CROSS

Grower of Flowers
And Potted Plants
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL
150 Monroe Ave. Grand Rapids

United Automobile
Insurance Exchange

Carries

Auto Insurance at Cost
Without

Mutual Liability

For Particulars Address
Home Office:
737-741 Michigan Trust Bldg., Grand Rapids. Mich.

Detroit Office: |
524 Penobscot Building, Detroit, Mich

 

 

 

 

Neal Institute

Under New Management
534 Wealthy St., S. E.

The (3) Day Cure for
DRINK HABIT

Drug Habit Cured

All treatments given under a

Positive Guarantee

At Your Home or at
Our Institute

‘Grand Rapids, Michigan

City Phone 5572
Bell M 1692

Perry Miller
Manager

 

 

 

 

 

38

The matter of raising money to de-
fray the expenses of John L. Loell,
in connection with securing an amend-
ment to the garnishment law at the last
session of the Legislature, brought forth
some ]iberal contributions and resulted
in some spirited bidding, for the honor
of heading the list of donations. Chair-
man Cusick, of the Detroit delegation,
raised their bid twice, and succeeded
in heading the list with a pledge of $75.
Lansing, Grand Rapids, Cadillac, Kala-
mazoo, Battle Creek, Bay City, Ann
Arbor, Saginaw, West Branch, Merrill
and Tecumseh, each contributed liber-
ally to the cause.

On motion, it was decided to bar
anything of an advertising nature from
business sessions at future conventions.

The nominations and election of of-
ficers was then proceeded with and the
following men were elected for the en-
suing year:

President—John A. Lake, Petoskey.

First Vice-President—William J, Cu-
sick, Detroit.

Second Vice-President—E. W. Jones,
Cass City.

Treasurer—Chas. W. Grobe, Flint.

30ard of Directors—Martin J. Ma-
loney, Detroit; William McMorris, Bay
City; L. Seager, Cadillac; M. C. Bow-
dish, Lansing; Chas. Wellman, Port-
Huron.

Invitations were received from Sagi-
naw and Ann Arbor to hold the next
convention in these cities. A ballot was
held and Ann Arbor won out.

Mr. Westerfeld extended an urgent
invitation to all Michigan grocers to
attend the National Convention in To-
ledo, in May.

A vote of thanks was extended to the
Insurance Committee, after which the
meeting adjourned.

3anquet Thursday Evening.

Some five hundred delegates, local
grocers, their clerks and ladies par-
ticipated in a most delightful banquet
in the kK. P. hall, as guests of the Re-
tail Grocers and Meat Dealers’ Associa-
tion of Kalamazoo.

William L. Brownell, whose reputa-
tion as a toastmaster is well known
throughout the State of Michigan, pre-
sided, which in itself constituted a
guarantee that the post prandial pro-
gramme would prove most interesting.

Lee M. Hutchins, of Grand Rapids,
was the principal speaker of the evening
and his response on “The Twentieth
Century Business Man” was a master-
piece of oratory. Mr. Hutchins enlarg-
ed upon the necessity for concentration
of one’s efforts upon his business and
said that if this country ever goes broke,
it will not be for lack of money, but
for lack of good trained men.

President John A. Lake, of Petoskey,
presented an able impromptu address,
reviewing the work of the association
movement in Michigan and the progress
which has been made in this connection.
He believed that the present is a critical
time in the affairs of the grocery trade,
but had confidence in the character and
ability of those engaged in this line to
solve the perplexing problems which
now confront them. He considered the
occupation of a grocer a most honorable
one and stated that the organization
work is not selfish in its aims, but, if
successful, is beneficial to the merchant

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

and to the consumer alike. Better food
laws are being encouraged and anything
which would lower the standard of the
grocery business is frowned upon. Mr.
Lake, importuned the delegates to put
in the practice upon their return home
the good ideas which they had heard at
the convention and thanked the members
of the Association for the co-operation
given him in the past.

Bradley Towne, Secretary of the
Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce,
spoke interestingly on the duties of the
business man to the -civic organizations
in his community.

Clarence A. Day, of Detroit, when
called upon, spoke briefly and_ con-
gratulated the Kalamazoo Association
upon the hospitality which had been
shown to the delegates and the efforts
put forth by the members of the organ-
ization and the committees whose care-
ful planning had made this the most
interesting and profitable convention
ever held by the State Association.

Following the banquet, the delegates
visited the food show, and later were
guests of the Kalamazoo Association at
the Majestic Theater.

—_2+---2—__—_—_
Live Notes From a Live Town.

Owosso, Feb. 26—Guy Lillie has.

purchased the stock of groceries
known as the Miller Grocery Co., of
Niles Wiggins and has taken pos-
session. Guy is a young man of good
business ability and has been ‘the
main Guy at the Miller grocery for
several years. He is well known and
has a large acquaintance in the city
with the outlook for a prosperous
business, who now opens up with one
of the best grocery stocks in Owosso
with the biblical motto of “Consider
the Lillies.”

We read an enquiry the other day,
“What's become of the old fashioned
man who used to drive a swell body
cutter?”
met up with him last week. Having
occasion to drive ten miles through
snowdrifts, we were furnished a
brown pony and from somewhere in
the attic they pulled out from the
cobwebs the real vintage of a regu-
lar old style narrow scoop, swell body
cutter which would tip over the easi-
est and quickest of any perambulator
that it was ever our misfortune to
stride. When the boy drove it around,
we climbed in with some misgivings

“and asked if the horse was gentle.

We were told he was. We possibly
might have discovered this particular
trait of the horse later and saved that
part of the conversation. We tried
to lean back, but as there is nothing
to lean back on in a swell body we
sat on the front edge of the seat and
tried to lean forward, but as that
gooseneck of a dash board was in the
way, we were obliged to assume a sort
of a perpendicular poise and _ said,
“Git up.” In turning the first corner
to get out of town we tipped over and
fell out and the horse stopped while
we placed the conveyance in an up-
right position and climbed aboard.
In fact, the horse stopped every time
we tipped over and quite a number of
times when we didn’t and jooked
around to see if we were not going to.
We were two hours going nine miles
and tipped over six times. There was
no room for our feet and none for a
grip and the only real convenience
we discovered about the vehicle was
that it was handy to fall out ot.
When we reached our destination we
drove in on a barn floor and 1 asked
the man in attendance to feed the
horse on the barn floor and run the
cutter into a narrow stall where it
couldn’t tip over. Like most livery-
men who like to run their own barn,
he didn’t do it. When we went out
to hitch up we found the cutter on its

He’s still with us and we

side. It had tipped over on the barn
floor when no one was near it.

J. D. Gilleo, of Pompeii, has sold
his stock of drugs, paints and wall
paper to S. F. Foster, who has taken
possession and will continue the busi-
ness under the name of Foster & Co.
Thirty-three years ago this spring
Mr. Gilleo opened a small store in
what was then the new town of North
Star. The writer had the pleasure of
calling on him the first week he start-
ed and sold him a bill of candy, ci-
gars and tobacco. It has been my good
fortune to continue doing business
with Uncle Joe ever since and I have
never left his place without an order.
Mr. Gilleo is of the old school, thor-
oughly honest, ever polite to all, re-
gardless of weather, and a man whom
we have ever found a good friend. It
is with great reluctance that we
shake hands with him to-day when our
trail divides.

De Hart Bros., of Vernon, have sola
their transfer and grocery wagon and
will discontinue that part of the busi-
ness. Honest Groceryman.

If by any possibility the United States
should go to war one of the conse-
quences would be a more or less vigor-
ous censorship on the news. It can be
safely set down, however, that it would
be by no means as severe as that which
has prevailed in Europe. In Germany
the newspapers are not permitted to
say their souls are their own and are
required to tell the people whatever the
government directs. In England the
plan has been to keep much of the mili-
tary news out of print and it has oc-
casioned a great deal of criticism and
fault finding. Forecasts of things to
happen may be very properly kept se-
cret, but if a ship is sunk or a city bom-
barded by aeroplanes there is no reason
why that fact should not be stated and

ee ILA GLEE RS

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CRAG LEER

TORE

SSR ER OO SOS RTCA

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mouthpiece.

SSIS SSCS S559

When speech is directed to the mouthpiece at an
angle, or from a distance of from six inches to a foot
away, the person at the other end of the line cannot
hear your voice distinctly.

The best results will be obtained, when telephoning,
by speaking close to the transmitter, and in a clear,
not-too-loud tone of voice.

Michigan State Telephone Company

 

February 28, 1917

the details published. In the event of
war, of course, there would be censor-
ship, but in all probability it would be
sensible.

—_~+++—___.
Some men make fools of themselves
by doing the fool things they are ask-
ed to do.

—--— +.
This country is becoming so rich
that it smells of gasoline.

Johnson Paint Company

“Quality” Paint Manufacturers

The Prompt Shippers
Get Our Dealers Proposition

BIG RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

USED AUTOS

—My Specialty. Largest Stock—
Runabouts $65—$350 Touring Cars $150 and up
What have you to trade? Easy terms.
Dwight’s Used Auto Ex. 230 Ionia, N.W.

 

 

 

Signs of the Times
Are

Electric Signs

Progressive merchants and manufac-
turers now realize the value of Electric
Advertising.

We furnish you with sketches, prices
and operating cost for the asking.

 

Bell M 797 Citizens 4261

 

 

“ Little Glimpses Into Your Telephone—No. 1

The Mouthpiece

CIENCE and the experience of years have
combined to determine the size and shape
and the material used in the Bell telephone

This part of the telephone is designed to gather the
sound waves of the voice, and will do this when the
lips of the person speaking are about half an inch
from, and directly in front of it.

 

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February 28, 1917 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 39

 

 

We Offer You the Opportunity to Buy Stock in Personnel of the

| | The Abbott Corporation A bbott

Manufacturers of

 

|. Abbott Detroit Automobiles

CAPITALIZATION Corporation

‘3’ Preferred Stock - = $ 250,000.00 Mr. Guy W. Morgan, President, has been
Common Stock - - ° . 1,000,000.90 in the automobile business actively during the

‘ae Par Value of Shares, $10.00 past fifteen years. The first years of his ex-
No Bonds or Mortgage perience were with the Ford Motor Co., which

organization he left to join the organization

THE GUARDIAN SAVINGS & TRUST COMPANY, CLEVELAND of the Mitchell-Lewis Motor Car Co., which

 

«_ Ba :
eenny sae Trae Aare has been recently changed to the Mitchell Mo-
: In order to get the full benefit of the mame, ABBOTT, at the time of ‘tos ©o. Mr Morgan serve) in vasions:
F increase of capital stock, we changed the name of pacities with this organization until, at the
time of his leaving, he was Vice-President and
CONSOLIDATED CAR CO. to ABBOTT CORPORATION General Purchasing Agent, which connection
2 Statement of President—“‘By increasing the capital stock from $500,000 to $1,250,000 we . oe oo pipe ii
: : +48 ° : : reneral Manager of the Abbo orporation.
will be in a position to take advantage of every opportunity that is presented, and, with =“"*" | P
‘27 every stockholder doing his part, we will grow by leaps and bounds.” Mr, M. J. Hammers, Vice-President, has
A STRONG FINANCIAL STATEMENT been actively connected with the manufactur-
ers of the Abbott-Detroit car si 1909 in
y ibe Financial Statement of the Company as of August 31st, 1916, adjusted to reflect the com- . sf sc ef st : se ee eae } He
pletion of the present financing, shows NET TANGIBLE ASSETS, exclusive of patents and Sopeety of ae ane, wae
good will, of $989,163.41. . position he now holds. Mr. Hammers en-
joys the distincti »f being the first Enginee
‘a Extracts from letter of Mr. Morgan, President ef the Abbott Corporation, is summarized as follows: pete ees wor

to equip an automobile with electric lights

LARGER FACTORY

The Company has purchased a six-acre tract on E. 152nd Street on the Nickel Plate Switch
t . + and will remove their entire plant, offices, etc., to Cleveland as soon as building is completed. The Mr. F. C. Hull, Second Vice-President, de-
building now under construction will have about 75,000 ft. of floor space, which will care for 4 votes his entire time to the Abbott Corpora-
production of about 8,000 cars per annum. The land purchased is of sufficient size to permit the
erection of two more buildings of equal size to the one under construction, when conditions

and the first car thts equipped was an Abbott.

tion as Asst. Gen. Manager and Asst. Pur-

“ @* eusrant. chasing Agent.
CARS WELL AND FAVORABLY KNOWN—OVER ONE-HALF MILLION Mr. R. P. Hull, Treasurer, is President of
SPENT ON ADVERTISING the Hull Umbrella Co., Toledo, O.
vw a The Abbott-Detroit automobile has been on the market since 1909 and has always enjoyed

Mr. Amos W. Gardiner, Secretary, now re-

the reputation of being a substantially built car. Over a half million dollars has been spent in : : ; i : :
i sides in Detroit and devotes his entire time

advertising the name “Abbott” and the car is known from coast to coast.

« Ye in looking after the office details of the Abbott
SEVEN UP-TO-DATE MODELS ARE BUILT Corporation,
The output at the present time, which will be continued with some slight refinements in Me. Douslas Gardiner, as Salea Manager,

‘ ‘ bodies, during 1917, includes the seven passenger touring car, four passenger Cloverleaf Road-
ster, four passenger enclosed Motor Coach, three passenger Cabriolet, five passenger convertible
Sedan and two passenger Speedster, each mounted on the same chassis. Six cylinder Continental
motor, Remy ignition, Grant-Lees transmission, and other standard parts.

‘ ° ‘ Mr. Woodworth, Superintendent and Pro-

é FOUR THOUSAND CARS, PROFIT OVER $500,000—-GOOD DIVIDENDS 2 duction Man, has held similar positions with
The production for 1916 is entirely sold and contracts are now being made for a minimum _ the Dort, Kine and Buick Companies over a
production in 1917 of Four Thousand cars. Operating in one plant designed for efficiency and period of thirteen years. He severed a con-

has kept the company production oversold,
which is evidence that this is in very capable
hands under his direction,

a economy on this production, the Company should make a net profit in excess of One Hundred nection with the General Motors Company as

and Twenty-Five Dollars ($125.00) per car. Superintendent and Production Man to come

: Abb ; ; =| of thi

i ‘ SERVICE DEPARTMENT PROFITABLE ssa Abbott Corporation in June of this
{ The parts business on old cars amount to about One Hundred Thousand Dollars per an- ~

num and returns a net profit of about Forty Thousand Dollars per annum, which alone is more Messrs. Hills and Van Derveer of Cleveland,

* a than twice the Preferred dividend charges. will oo. asf — General Conacl foe the

Company. Mr. J. H. Van Derveer‘is a Di-

TANGIBLE ASSETS rector.
The largest part of the assets will always be liquid as a very small portion is invested in : : 7 : : 5
"a : permanent machinery and plant equipment. The major portion of capital is used in purchasing From inquiries made in banking circles and

otherwise, it is evident that all the above
mentioned are of unquestioned integrity and
they have made a success of everything they
have so far attempted.

various parts such as motors, axles, rims, springs, frames, bodies, transmissions, tires, etc., in
sufficient quantities as to obtain lowest possible prices and prevent delays in assembling. It is
+ ee planned to maintain a sixty days’ supply of the larger parts at all times.

DEALERS ESTABLISHED FOR LARGE PRODUCTION
The car is handled by well financed distrrbutors in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Buf-
4 falo, Detroit, Toledo, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as a Date 2 2
number of small cities. It has been impossible to supply these distributors with sufficient cars
for their requirements, so that no effort has been made to increase the list of distributors. Cleve-

 

 

Haynes & Huffman,

at Oe land has been selected as the future home of the Company primarily, because of its labor and 750 Penobscot Bldg., Detroit.
superb shipping facilities as compared with Detroit. And, because the major portion of the Gentlemen:

larger parts which comprise the Abbott car are secured in Cleveland. This includes frames, rims,
Ss

: u : Please furnish me free particulars regarding
axles, transmissions, batteries, springs and some bodies. E

‘ 4 stock in Abbott Corporation.
HAYNES & HUFFMAN Name... 4...
» as INVESTMENT BANKERS 21.

Telephone Cherry 2901 750 Penobscot Building, Detroit, Michigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

 

February 28, 1917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Council of Michigan U. C. T.

Grand Counselor—Fred J. Moutter,
Detroit.
Grand Junior Counselor—John A.

Hach, Jr., Coldwater.
Grand Past Counselor—Walter S. Law-
ton, Grand Rapids

Grand Secretary—Maurice Heuman,
Jackson.

Grand Treasurer—Wm. J. Devereaux,
Port Huron.

Grand Conductor—W. T. Ballamy, Bay
ity.

inet Page—C. C. Starkweather, De-
troit.

Grand Sentinel—H. D. Ranney, Sag-
inaw.

Next Grand Council Meeting—Bay City,
June 1 and 2, 1917.

 

 

Boomlets From Bay City.

Bay City, Feb. 26—James Pelton,
who conducts a hardware and imple-
ment business at Bentley, had the
misfortune to have his home destroy-
ed by fire last Monday. The origin
of the fire is unknown, but it is
thought to have been caused by a
defective chimney.

Touff Bros., Bentley, who have been
engaged in general merchandise trade
for several years, are closing out their
stock, preparatory to retiring from
business.

Frank J. Little, general merchant
at Bentley, left last week for a trip
to Colorado, where he has business
interests.

Dr. Roy O. Woodruff, former May-
or and ex-Congressman, arrived home
from New York and Washington
Thursday and announced that he had
decided to run for the office of Mayor
at the coming primary. With Alder-
man Mundy, Dr. Woodruff and Alder-
man Tomlinson in the race, a spirited
campaign can be expected.

Frank Vanderbilt, of Quanicassee.
whose hotel property was destroyed
by fire two weeks ago, has announced
that he will rebuild as soon as pos-
sible. His loss was $15,000, with only
$4,000 insurance.

The new sawmill being built by the
Solomon-Cowley-Hayes Co. at Os-
coda, is nearing completion, and is
expected to be in operation soon.
This will be the only mill between
Bay City and Alpena. It will have a
capacity of 100,000 feet, running day
and night.

The Bay City Auto Body Co., one
of Bay City’s new industries, has re-
cently purchased the old skewer plant,
located in the South end of the city
on the P. M. Railroad, and will move
to its new quarters in a few days. The
site is 150 x 300 feet, with main build-
ing 100 x 125 feet and warehouse 60
x 60 feet.

The Au Sable River, famous for its
great trout fishing, is to be improved
the coming summer by the planting
of three new species of fish. They
are the land-locked salmon, the
Chinock salmon and the Rocky
Mountain whitefish. The land-locked
is a native of Northern Canada
streams and is said to be one of the

gamiest fish known. The fish will
be planted by the Michigan Fish

Commission.

James C. McCabe, Secretary of the
Board of Commerce, thinks that the
men who harm a town are:

1. Those who “knock” strangers
and who “knock” the town to strang-
ers.

2. Those who show no hospitality
to any one.

3. Those who hate to see others
succeed.

4. Those who distrust public spirit-
ed men.

5. Those who oppose every en-
terprise which does not appear to ben-
efit themselves.

6. Those who oppose every move-
ment which does not originate with
themselves.

Which class do you belong to?

W Ballamy.

oe 2
Jaunty Jottings From Jolly Jackson.

Jackson, Feb. 26—Jackson has se-
cured another industry. This time it
is the Redden Truck Co. This con-
cern controls all the basic patents for
truck makers and will employ about
1,000 men, it is claimed, at once. This
concern is closely identified with the
Briscoe corporation and Mr. Briscoe
was largely responsible for bringing
it to Jackson.

Many of our grocers attended the
State convention, held last week at
Kalamazoo. They report a very prof-
itable meeting and it is evident they
went with the determination of re-
ceiving help in adopting more efficient
business methods. It is claimed the
matter of credits was carefully con-
sidered. L. Leinbach and F. A.
Dwelle were the regular delegates
and remained throughout the entire
meeting. Jackson grocers were loyal
to the State Association by closing
their stores all day Wednesday and
about seventy attended.

R. G. Hinkley, the West Main street
baker, has purchased a block on South
Blackstone street and, after making
extensive repairs, expects to move
his business to this new location.

F. L. Hopkins, the Mechanic street
grocer, is enjoying a ‘good business
these days. He just unloaded a car
of F. W. Stock & Sons flour, which he
says will surely keep moving.

Now that the weather is warmer,
coal is more plentiful. You can al-
ways get stuff when you need it least.

Ve are wondering which of the
Tradesman’s correspondents will an-
nounce the first robin?

M. Heuman, Grand Secretary, says
he expects to attend the annual meet-
ing of Grand Rapids Council Satur-
day, March 3. He will accompany
Grand Counselor Moutier, of Detroit.

Jackson Council is making prepara-
tions for a big meeting and banquet
for Saturday, March 10. It is expect-
ed many of the Grand officers will be
present at that time.

G. A. Van Orsdale, the East Main
street grocer, was confined to his
home part of last week on account of
sickness.

Doc Young says that he has sold
more International trucks so far this
year than he sold during the whole of
1916. You know Doc always sells
stuff every year, so this must mean
something.

Judging from the number of new
automobiles which are being drawn
through Jackson these days, it would
seem that times are good in general
and that 1917 will be another banner
year. Spurgeon.

>>

Wasted and Badly Distributed Food.

One reason for the high cost of
living is waste. This includes the
waste of food on the farms, because
the farmer is unable to market it for
enough to pay the cost of transporta-
tion and selling. Waste in transit be-

cause of the lack of proper grading
and packing and standardizing of the
product as it leaves the farm. Waste
in the city due to the delay in delivery
because of the practice of passing the
food from one dealer to another in
speculation; and waste due to the to-
tal destruction in compliance with the
law by the city inspectors in con-
demning whole packages of food, par-
ticularly fruits and vegetables, and
in some cases eggs, when only a small
fraction of the article itself is dam-
aged and the balance might well be
preserved.

Generally inefficient and extrava-
gant methods of distribution are still
another factor in the high cost of food
in the city. Agents or drummers go
to the country to solicit the ship-
ments for a particular dealer. He has
heavy expense and usually a good
salary. This comes out of the food.
The produce is largely shipped in
small lots at double the freight rates
of carload shipments. When _ it
reaches the city the commission deal-
er often buys it for his own account,
or for the account of some company
in which he is interested. Asa trustee
of the producer he deals with him-
self. It then goes through the hands
of several wholesalers and jobbers,
frequently as many as seven in all,
before it reaches the retailer. With
it all is a duplication of cartage
charges, first from the dock to the
commission dealer, and then from
one to another of the wholesalers
and jobbers who speculate in it. When
the housewife buys her daily supply
she pays her portion of the accumu-
lated cost of wastes, commissions,
extravagance and profits.

This system of sale and resale and
speculation is encouraged, abetted

-andmaintained by a system of cred-

its extending all the way from the
commission dealer through to the
retailer. Losses are frequent and
sometimes heavy. The loser is oblig-
ed to cover himself for these losses,
and the producer and consumer bear
the burden of the losses because the
losing dealer is in a position to shift
the burden upon them.—American
Review of Reviews.

2s 2

King George a Good Democrat.

King George of England has main-
ly German blood in his veins, but that
doesn’t seem to bother .the English
very much. <A_ writer in London
Opinion is very sure that King George
is in a very real sense of the word a
good democrat. He is the very op-
posite of the Kaiser in his perception
of the change in modern sentiment
towards kingship. He has never de-
parted by a hair’s-breath from the
constitutional doctrine of kingship, If
anything, he has erred on the side of
modesty, reticence and_ self-abnega-
tion.
its extremest point. If the British
empire were a republic it could not
possibly elect a president with a char-
acter more austere, more unselfish or
more averse from posturing in the
limelight. The court of King George
and Queen Mary is every whit as
simple and as pure as the household
of any republican president that ever
breathed. The White Court of Britain
need not fear comparison with the
White House at Washington.”

He has pushed simplicity to .

 

Hotel Geib For Sale

I offer for sale the fur-
niture and fixtures of
Hotel Geib. Immediate
possession given and a
good trade. Satisfactory
patronage.

L. F. GEIB,
Eaton Rapids.

 

 

HOTEL MUSKEGON

GEO. W. WOODCOCK, Prop.
EUROPEAN PLAN
Rates—$1.00 without bath
$1.50 and $2.00 with bath
Opposite Union Depot and Goodrich Dock
MUSK*t GON, MICHIGAN

 

 

Beach’s Restaurant
Frank M. Beach, Prop.
-41 No. Ionia Ave.

Twenty-two years in the restaurant
business at 61 Pearl street.

Good Food—Good Service
Right Prices

 

 

 

nS [tse o ae

i Bs 8 od kk a

A One half block fos
; of the Union Station

GRAND RAPIDS NICH

 

 

CUSHMAN HOTEL

Petoskey, Michigan
LEADS ALL THE REST
W.L. McMANUS, JR., Proprietor

One Day Laundry Service
Send your linen by parcel post

 

 

Hotel Charlevoix
Detroit
EUROPEAN PLAN
‘Absolutely Fire Proof

Rates, $1 for room without bath:
$1.50 and upwards with bath.

Grinnell Realty Co., Props.
H. M. Kellogg, Manager

 

 

 

   

 
 
   

Don’t Despise the Drink-
ing Man— Help Him

THE
Don't kick a man because he
is drunk. Help him. Surely
every man is worth saving.
Drop us a line and let us tell

Sota
Ireatme ni

you how we can aid him. Ad-

dress The Keeley Institute,

733-35 Ottawa Ave., N. W., Grand Rapids, Mich.

   

 

LIVINGSTON
HOLEL AND CAFE
Cor. Fulton and Division
Grand Rapids

It’s a good place to stay and a good
place to eat. You have service when
you want it,

If you will try us out once we'll
make things so comfortable for you
that you'll come again soon.

 

 

 

 

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February 28, 1917

CONTEMPTIBLE CONSPIRACY.
(Continued from page one.)
gate, if the limitations of this )ill be

observed.
Section X,

This section pretends to give to
the people a reasonable rate and one
non-discriminatory.

3ut the Section provides no way to
secure the same. Nor does the bill
in any of its provisions. It is cound-
ing brass and there to deceive.

It is mere fatherly advice. As well
make a law that the Standard Oil
Company should not charge excessive
prices for gasoline and provide no
means of enforcing the commandment.

There is not a line in the entire
bill which gives the Commissioner or
any other department of the State
the power to correct any rate or class
of rates, because the same may be
excessive or unreasonable.

Insofar as discrimination is  con-
cerned, the matter has been discussed
so thoroughly during the last year or
two, it would seem that further am-
plification would be unnecessary.

3ut a little review may not be
amiss.

If any person in his property shall
feel that his insurance is too high, he
may appeal to the Commissioner for
relief. The Commissioner will at
once notify, him as he has done hun-
dreds of times in the last two years,
that high rates are not within the
province of the Commissioner to re-
view; that if the person wants relief
from discrimination, he must. first
hunt up a risk insured by the same
company as his own; find out what
the insurance rate is on the risk; show
that it is the same kind of risk, after
applying a system of credits and
charges to it, and that the risk of the
complaining policy holder is charged
a higher rate than the other fellow.
Any one possessed with a penny-
weight of brains can see that this pro-
cess could never be employed.

This law has been in operation for
two years in several states, in var-
ious forms, but with this provision.

Not a case has been tried under this
provision, nor could there be. It was
not intended there should be.

How am I to find out just what
other insurance has been placed by
the company insuring me?

How can I know the rate paid by
another risk, without any of the files
of the company in my possession?

Must I go to the ends of the earth,
asking every person | meet, in what
one of the 300 companies he is writ-
ing his insurance?

Must I, if perchance | find persons
insuring in the same company as I
do, investigate and quiz them upon
the rate they pay upon their property?
What right have I to intrude myself
into the private matters of other peo-
ple?

Supposing I be fortunate enough to
find risks, and the rate paid by others
in the same company against which
1 am complaining, then how am |
to complete my complaint by show-
ing that my risk and the one used
for comparison shows discrimination?

Let us remember that no two risks
are alike. For example, there are
more than 1,200 measurments to be
applied under the -_Dean schedule to
a risk to determine its rate. There
are no two men who can apply this
schedule to a risk, without conference,
and reach the same conclusion. This
schedule takes any basis to start from
which it pleases. That is a matter of
pure caprice, and is left to the bureau,
without any right reserved to the
State to regulate.

Before I can make a complaint to
the Commissioner or to the Commis-
sion, I must have this expert service
by some of the few men capable of

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

applying this system:of charges and
credits to risks.

If, after this preliminary trouble
and expense, I shall find that my rate
is higher than the rate of the other
fellow, and that the bureau has put
me in the same class as the other
fellow, | can make my complaint to
the Commissioner or to the Commis-
sion and a day will be set for hearing.

It will not be at all probable that
a risk can be found in the State which
has been put in the same class as
my own, that can be compared.

3ut my troubles have just begun.
I have reviewed the procedure some-
what in Sections II and IV, showing
the foolishness of such an appeal, even
though a case with which to compare
can be found.

When the comparison of towns and
cities be considered, the difficulty is
insurmountable.

It would not be possible to make
the same, nor could a hearing ever be
launched under the restrictions in the
bill. It ought to be a sufficient answer
to the bill to say, and defy contra-
diction, that never has there been an
attempt to obtain any benefit to the
insured in this or any state under
this scheme of the trust.

It is beyond the realm of possibility.
Again, suppose some city or village
conceives itself discriminated against
through the classification given it by
the bureau; presume that it will be
foolish enough to attempt to get re-
lief under this law; that it will spend
thousands of dollars to prove that its
thousands of risks are individually en-
titled to the same rate as the towns
selected for comparison, and in the
end get an order to that effect:

Such a conclusion is not possible,
however.

If such should be done, there would
be nothing accomplished. The com-
panies are each severally and individ-
ually responsible under this act. The
‘bureaus are not responsible, nor are
they amenable. If such a hearing
should ever take place and the city or
town complaining should succeed in
its contention, it would avail nothing.

By the payment of $200 the damage
would be compensated. Undoubtedly,
the time occupied would cover more
than the life of the average policies
in the city or town.

The companies, through their bu-
reau, would immediately change the
class of the city with which com-
parison was made or would cancel the
insurance in the town that received
the benefit of the final order.

They would yet be left with all
sorts of doorways to escape.

There is not the slightest restrictive
feature in this bill against the com-
panies forming this combine and
operating through this bureau.

Sections XI and XII.

These sections are practically the
Same as in the law of 1915. They
confer no real power upon the officers
named as a Commission, nor do they
give to the court any virile power.

These officers of State have been
named as a Commission because the
men occupying these responsible posi-
tions are generally men of character
and standing in the State.

Secause the people of the State
will believe that if such men compose
a board having in trust their affairs
they will be safely guarded. That
ought to be true.

It would be true, if this Commission
were given any power to act under the
law creating the Commission.

But the trust which seeks the title
of these eminent gentlemen to con-
jure with, so surrounds them with
limitations that they cannot render
to the insured of the State the slight-
est service.

The law merely permits them to sit
in a case, if one could be prepared by
the insured, and say:

“We find the rate in this case dis-
criminatory and we order you to re-
move it. We cannot tell you how

much it is too high, we cannot require
you to continue your insurance upon
the risk at a lower rate, we cannot
reach the bureau to which your com-
pany belongs, and order the bureau
to correct this rate for all the com-
panies, we shall not require you to
pay this complainant any of his costs
in this proceeding, for the law will
not permit us to do so. Now we shall
expect you to cancel this risk, after
this order is made and give back to
the complainant the pro rata portion
of his premium unexpired. Of course,
you will not carry this risk any long-
er. This order does not affect any
other company, nor its rate made by
the bureau upon this or any other
property. If the complainant wants
to insure this property in any other
company, he will have to pay the
same rate you charged him and ap-
peal again if he can find another risk
to compare with (as explained in dis-
cussion of Section X). etc.”

This is not overdrawn. This is the
inevitable result of such a law. It was
drawn and proposed for this specific
result. The combine is seeking to
use the honorable names composing
this Commission for the most corrupt
and damnable extortion of the public
ever undertaken through the channels
of law.

If the law were to leave this Com-
mission with power to investigate the
fairness or unreasonableness of rates
in general; if it were to allow them
to reach their conclusion by any evi-
dence they might deem of weight and
relevant; if it were empowered to
compel companies to abide their or-
ders; to continue insurance at a lower
rate, if such should be ordered; if it
made of this board anything but a
sounding board for the trust, it would
have some reason for existence.

It is there only to do the bidding
of the combine. It is used only for
that purpose. It has been used in
Michigan and every state where this
so-called Anti-discrimination law is
in force merely to punish any agent
or company that would offer the peo-
ple a lower rate than that fixed by the
bureau.

Section XIII.

If the Commissioner of Insurance,
acting after the Commission has or-
dered, shall so determine, a company
must pay not to exceed $200 for re-
fusal to obey an order of the Com-
mission or of the court, and its right
to do business in the State will be
suspended until that be done.

What a farce to place before a Leg-
islature of thinking men! What the
people want after reviews, etc., is
something wholesome and reforming.

These companies are taking many
millions of dollars every year from
the people of this State wrongfully.
What is the payment of a couple of
hundred dollars perhaps once or twice
a year by the combine!

The law does not require the low-
ering of the rate by one of these
companies. The payment of the small
fine for retusal pays the entire penalty
and they may go on until another
case has been made and _ carried
throvgh the channel provided by the
act.

No, there is no remedy for the in-
sured of the State in the bill and [
will give any man $100 if he will point
to a single case where the insured
of this or any other state has found
relief from an extartionate rate under
this or a like law.

There is a provision at the close
of this section stating that any action
of the Commissioner may be reviewed
by any court of general jurisdiction
in the State.

What action? The Insurance Com-
missioner is not given any power to
change a rate in the State, either be-
cause excessive or discriminatory.

What action could he take for the
benefit of the assured that they would
want reviewed? This provision is

41

inserted because the trust feared that
some Commissioner might be = ap-
pointed some time who would try to
protect the insured of the State and
the combine wants the right to go
before some friendly court any where
in the State and obtain a mandamus
to prevent the Insurance Commission-
er from protecting the insured. They
are not willing to trust the Circuit
Court of Ingham county, to which all
other matters have been referred in
this bill.

In the appeals provided hereinbe-
fore, the court can do no harm be-
cause circumscribed in his power.

In this provision at the end of this
section any act under this law can be
reviewed by the companies anywhere
in the State.

Section XIV.

“This chapter shall not apply to any
fire insurance companies charging an
advance premium, nor to companies
organized and doing business under
Chapter IV of this act.”

There are hundreds of millions of
insurance carried in this State that
would be barred by this kind of law.

At present, the most successful mu-
tual companies of the country are
those who collect insurance in. ad-
vance. and refund to the _ insured
through dividends at the end of the
year.

Practically all the farmers’ mutuals,
or at least the most prosperous and
best managed ones, charge advance
rates, and make advance assessments
for the payment of losses. This al-
ways provides them with money on
hand to pay current losses. :

This also makes solvent and _ re-
liable mutual companies.

This applies as well to foreign as to
domestic companies.

This section, taken in connection
with Chapter IV, would play havoc
with all, or most of our farmers’ mu-
tuals, with our mercantile and manu-
facturing companies, which are now
writing millions of dollars of hard-
ware. dry goods, flouring mills, etc.

The same old scheme is on to force
the insurance of the country all back
into the stock combine.

A little examination of this section
and the provisions of Chapter IV will
convince the reader of the purpose
of this provision.

Chapter IV.

| have had no time to carefully ex-
amine this chapter except to discover
the purpose for which it is proposed.

Section 2. Why limit each company
to a specific line of insurance? Many
of our mutual companies, the very
best in the country, charging an ad-
vance rate, making them perfectly
good, having a surplus on hand, that
make them as safe as any stock com-
pany, now write several kinds of
risks. Manufacturing companies (in-
surance) writing factories, and the
residences adjoining.

Mercantile insurance companies,
writing the stores, stock of goods and
the residences of their owners, etc.

The New England mutuals, as safe
and sound as the everlasting hills, are
writing hundreds of millions in Mich-
igan. What are we to do with them
under this law?

The foregoing review has been very
hurried and is most incomplete in
that it covers but few of the objec-
tions to this chapter of the insurance
laws of the State.

[ am positive that you, friend
Groesbeck, have had no part in pre-
paring this instrument of torture for
the State of Michigan.

| do not know how well the com-
bine have fertilized the ground for
the success of this measure.

If the Legislature were in a state
of mind where argument and reason
could be used in the consideration of
the bill, there would be nothing to
fear. I hope it may prove so.

Certainly, if you, in your official
position, could take the matter in

(Continued on page forty-eight)

 

  

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

 

 

 

 

—

   

 

 

 

 

 

Michigan Board of Pharmacy.

President—E. T. Boden, Bay City.
Secretary—Charles S. Koon, Muskegon.
Treasurer—George F. Snyder, Grand
Rapids

Other Members—Leonard A. Seltzer,
Detroit: Ellis E. Faulkner, Delton.

Next Examination Session—Chemistry

 

Building, University of Michigan. Ann

Arbor, June 19, 20, 21, 1917.

Michigan State Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation.

President—C. a. Jongejan, Grand

Rapids.

Secretary—F. J. Wheaton, Jackson.

Treasurer—John G. Steketee, Grand
Rapids.

Next Annual Meeting—Grand Rapids,
June 19, 20 and 21, 1917.

Michigan Pharmaceutical Travelers’ As-

sociation.
President—Fred L. Raymond, Grand
Rapids.
Secretary and Treasurer—Walter_ S.

Lawton, Grand Rapids.

 

 

Piracy Frowned Upon.

We are pleased to note that by a
recent decision of Judge Baldwin in
the Circuit Court of Cook county,
Ilino‘s, a merchant reason of
spending money and effort in adver-
tising his business under a corporate
name, with satisfactory results to
himself is to be protected in his
rights from infringement of his name
by a new comer in the field.

What constitutes good will is the
personal connection together with the
circumstances, whether of habit or
otherwise, which tend to make cus-
tomers regular purchasers at a par-
ticular store. It is clearly this fac-
tor which constitutes the difference
between new business which has no
cood-will attached to it and one that
has acquired a good-will partly
through age, much more through the
energy and integrity of its owner.
The store which possesses good-will
is one that is frequented by the buy-
ing public. A new store, without
good-will, may be merely a place con-
taining goods; it possesses no estab-
lished trade, and the receipts may nev-
er equal the expenses.

The suit referred to above was that
of the Economical Drug Company of
Chicago against one Paul Unger to
enjoin him from using the name of
“The Twelfth Street Economical Drug
Company” in connection with his drug
business. Testimony as brought out
by the complainant showed that for
a number of years past, his drug busi-
ness because of extensive advertis-
ing, good service, etc., had become
identified in the minds of the people
of Chicago as “The Economical Drug
Company” or “The Economical Drug
Store,” and that the defendant by
using the word “Economical” in the

by

title of his store had deceived the
public and caused great annoyance

and loss of business to the com-
plainant.

The judge in giving his decision
said that he had reached the con-

clusion that the complainant is en-

titled to injunctive relief. In reach-
that conclusion did not find
it necessary to hold that the com-
plainant could appropriate the word
“Economical” in

he

ing

such a manner as
to prevent its use, under any condi-
tions, by anyone else, nor that the
defendant has been guilty of actual
fraud in respect to the matter. It is
sufficient, however, that the similarity
in names is so marked as to confuse
the public with respect to the identi-
ty of the business of the defendant.
The injunction prayed for was there-
fore granted.
— ooo
Flash Lights.

This is an excellent time of year
to push the sale of flash lights. The
dark days of winter make for an in-
creased use of these handy little
lights. Going in closets, up and down
stairs, fixing the furnace fire, making
evening calls, looking at the clock
in the night, in fact new uses are con-
tinually being found.

They wilk be found an especially
good thing to make a special display
of after the holiday season. In fact
there are on the market flash lights
designed especially for gifts, prizes,
etc. These are finished in ivory and
gold and are beautiful in appearance
so that they will not be out of keep-
ing on the dresser in the guest room
or on the library table.

Lights can be had with a name plate
of gold on the side of the case large
enough for a monogram or inscrip-
tion, thus greatly adding to their
value.

The sale of flash lights, like the
sale of cameras, leads to further sales,
that of batteries, bulbs, ete.

One of these lights, of some sort,
will soon be considered a necessity
in every home and you will find it
a profitable line to push.—Northwest-
ern Druggist.

—_2-22—__
An Intentional Mistake.

A shrewd merchant once determin-
ed to find out how many people were
reading his advertisement and circu-
lars. He therefore connected a his-
torical event with his advertisement
and purposely mixed the dates and

happening of this historical event.
His advertisement began: “When

George Washington wrote the Dec-
laration of Independence in 1774 and
it was signed in New York City on
July 4 of this year, the people of the
United States,” etc, The letters, tele-
phone calls and personal calls he re-
ceived correcting his incorrect state-
ments indicated to him that the peo-
ple were following his advertise-
ments. The idea with some altera-

tion can be used in different adver-
tising plans.

To the Retail Druggists of the State.

Jackson, Feb. 27—Along the latter
part of November of last year, we
sent out through the courtesy of
Charles S. Koon, Secretary of the
State Board of Pharmacy, some slips
which read as follows: “Opportuni-
ty is knocking at your door. This
little card is the medium through
which the pulse of Michigan pnarma-
cy greets you. It bids you welcome
to join an Association which has only
your welfare ‘as a reason for exist-
ence.”

The amount of money in the drug
store tills and the progress of phar-
macy throughout the State depend
on this organization.

Join the Michigan State Pharma-
ceutical Association and help still
further better conditions.

It is the alma mater of pharmacy
in Michigan.

In South Dakota and Minnesota
every registered pharmacist must help
support the State Association. No
such legal obligation exists in Michi-
gan, hence the moral reason is even
all the greater.

On ‘the opposite side of the card
was a blank membership application.
Up to the present time I have receiv-
ed something like 100 of these cards
filled out and signed; also the $2 which
pays the dues as well as membership
for the year. However, this is a
very small and rather poor showing
when we stop and consider the num-
ber of registered pharmacists there
are in Michigan, So, my brother, you
had better get busy right now and
look up that little card which you
have laid away in some corner of your
desk, sign it and send it along with
your check for $2 to me and I will
do the rest. You cannot afford to
put this off another day. The very
foundation upon which pharmacy is
builded in Michigan depends upon
this Association for its life. Space
will not permit me to enumerate the
many benefits which have come to

‘trons of your store.

 

February 28, 1917

the retail druggists of this State
through the efforts of this Associa-
tion and I want to say to you, Mr.
Retail Druggist, that the benefits are
going to be so much greater in the
future than they have been in the pasi
that there can be no comparison. -So
get busy and send in that membership
application to-day, for if you neglecr
this matter you are going to be sorry.

This Association is fast becoming
a mighty factor when it comes to leg-
islation affecting the drug trade and
every time a pharmacist hands in his
$2 and becomes a member it simply
adds to the strength of the organiza-
tion. Who will be the next lucky
man to send in his money?

Come on, brothers, let’s have 1,200
members by the time our next con-
vention opens June 19.

F. J. Wheaton, Sec’y.

——_+-+--
A Link of Friendship.

Store service is a big factor in mak-
ing regular patrons. One of the ideas
which warms any man’s or woman’s
heart toward a store is to receive “An
Umbrella Card.” This card should
read: “Dear Customer: We want
our store to be of service to you,
therefore we are sending you this
card, which will entitle you to the loan
of an umbrella. A deposit of 50 cents
can be made, which will be refunded
on return of the umbrella.” Service-
able umbrellas can be purchased at a
comparatively low price in quantities
of a dozen or more. Guard against
a too heavy demand by confining this
accommodation to those who are pa-
Cards can be
printed on ticket board by any print-

cr.
—_——__. |_| —————_——_

Farming is a lot of fun—tunless you
have to do it to make a living by it.

 

 

 

Tle CExietien Lime

Wall Paper

Paints
indow Shades

We handle good merchandise—
the kind your customers demand.

Our prompt service
gives satisfaction

THERE IS ONLY
ONE BEST

 

 

HEYSTEK & CANFIELD CO.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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iar cetirll illic MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 43

A WHOLESALE DRUG PRICE CURRENT

Priccs quoted are nominal, based on market the day ot issue

Ab l t ] Acids Cubebs ........ 5 00@5 20 Capsicum ....... @1 20
B a. 5 IRGFOM . 20.5... 1 75@4% 00 Cardamon ....... @1 50
SO U e y ure Borie (Xtal... q¥@ a8 Eucalyptus ..... 1 25@1 85 Cardamon, Comp.  @1 05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Cs ie . 7 Flemilock, pure .... @1@@ Catechu .......:. @ 75
+) oo Ls ee a Juniper aS 20 o9@20 aa Cimehuna ........ @1 65
: ; Juniper ood .. 7 Colehicum ...... @1 05
The unequalled purity of PIPER’S DELICIOUS Re i: ee . tard. oxtra ..... 1 00@1 a Cubebs .......... @1 45
r ‘ . . - . Oxalie |... 65 - 15 tara. moO ff ...... 95@1 05 Digitalis eecccces @ 80
fy ICE CREAM makes it justly popular with dis-  suipnurie’....... se@ 3 Lavender Flow. 5 60@5 75 Gentian ...... @ 20
ee ° p : Partarie ......... S6@E 00, Sa YSnCer, ao ee sees = 2:
{ r "i Lemon ....:.... 2 00@2 25  Guaiae .......... @1 10
i Cc iuminating dealers and public alike. aa oo. @n Linseed, boiled bbl. @ z Guaiac, Ammon. @l1 00
: ater, eg. .. 12 Linseed, bld less 102@1 07 Iodine .......... @: 00
a8 It contains no adulterants of any nature whatsoever. Water, 18 deg. .. 6%4@ 9 Linseed, raw, bbl. @_ 96 Iodine, ieee «= eee
No saccharine substances of any kind are introduced. We do not Carbonate - api “fe 18 oa eh hig thy *1¢3 0 nk ae 6 a0
find it necessary to use artificial coloring matter of any kind; and Chloride ........ oe See T 0001 ae 1 10
: i , f Neatsfoot ...... @ BEEN cee esac @
44> the flavorings employed—such as Vanilla, Chocolate and the like— bs = eas Olive, pure duce 2 50@3 50 me. ‘Vouiga i. oy b
are th s . . C Dio vee saee a ve, alaga, Gon: 2 .506.05., @4 50
the best and most expensive money can buy arede) oe 25@1 a Vellow .......- 1 85@2 15 Opium, Camph. @l 05
. : ir 0 . Olive, Malaga, ium, L p @4 5
Consequently your customers get nothing in the Per ........... eG oa ee he CO
« ° : a oat ee eee ORG Ciceceewes fous 5 i
i plain flavors except the pure, rich country cream with the natural 7°" eicks oF Gees ee “" “" a
creamy tint. And where colors appear, they are the natural result Cassia (ordinary) 25@ 30 Origanum, com’! | aa a Pointe
' : . os : : Cassia (Saigon) 90@1 00 Pennyroyal .... 25G Lead, ve 5
t of the native oils or juices of the various nuts and fruits employed. Fy, Mbsice 35¢) ce 35 Peppermint ..-. 3 26@3 50 toan wee as ¥ Gee
4. | ue < 4 4 Sassafras (pow. 35c) @ 30 Rose, pure ... 18 00@20 00 Lead, white oil 10 @10%
Furthermore, the scientifically careful freezing of Soap cut (powd.) Rosemary Flows 1 60@1 75 Ochre, yellow bbl. 1 @ 1%
PIPER’S CREAM serves a double purpose. For, in addition to oo ap ctloe ae % ~ — 8 13 50@13 75 fae yellow less i. : 5
it . 2 eee el eee ee ee ae Ae To 2 eset caw d 2
bs Ba producing the smoothest, richest cream, the skillful freezing adds Cubeb .......... 30 @ 85 Sassafras, true 125@1 45 ked Venet'n bbl. 14@ 4
: : Fish is « yw Sassafras, artifi'l 50@ 60 Red Venet’n less 1%@ 5
to the flavor. Asa consequence, each step in the process brings ma 3%, @ 15 SPearmint ..... 2 GS 6 Vermillion. Amer 25@ 30
: 3 Co CU ee ©) EEE EI@E | ode cas o0'6 72 ‘a fm nae : ” :
out a little more fully the dainty taste of the genuine nuts and Prickley Ash .... @ 3y SPeTM -eeeeseees 3 eG) = Whiting bh... @ 1%
i ; ae : 'WaMSY 55-5. 3 50@3 75 whiting ........ 24@ 5
_ -. fruits, a result which cannot be artificially duplicated. ue Extracts ae a ae we . — Fr L. H. P. Prepd. 1 90@2 00
é Pee TEE Aca HT WM Sua ae acne MCN ni (KG HOLT ell Maigesuiler th Glee: eT NEEM ret REG INCU MIG SI Sah ST CUES OSE ATG te ec uy te eta a Va ea a SU eS Sa ee Me a art Hr am ia Oe EU ENS onean terrane ll AE a Eel la a a cl re = -
Because of these facts, you will find PIPER'S cream Vicorice powdered 70@ 7% wie ee see Miscellaneous _
one of the must enduring business builders you can possibly em- 1... Flowers, oo Ig tia ny 4 0004 25 a ie eo 12
y : i 2 i FRE SHICOR: 6 ec sce a 6 wee owe) EISPOEE 6 eae ae oe o 40AUTTL wecccccccece ee
at ploy. A trial shipment will fully convince you. Order today. ou eomile ie) 9@ 9 ww Feriapes ‘een, art. 1 35@1 60 Alum, powdered and
thamomile (Rom) 80@ 85 Wormseed ..... 5 50@5 75 ; a
: Giue Wormwood .... 3 75@4 00 oo dua ue *
Arnien ...... 1 50@1 60 cate ” 3 60@
v Gey ‘ Potassium CPSCG ......4.. 3 60@3 70
a9? Claude G. Piper pear = eee bp . Bicarbonate coca seg? ae Borax xtal or
co aoe, Gate... GE W promide ..... 1 80@2 00 4s: POWdered ~...... 10@ 16
Wholesale Distributor Acacia, powdered 40@ 50 ae eeubige 1 cog 75 Cantharades po 2 00@6 00
a o Aloes (Barb. Pow) 30@ 40 Wavad | 60@ 65 Calomel seen Ge
‘ Both Phones 2388 Aloes (Cape Pow) 20@ 25 cplorate, gran 95@1 00 ern feces 2 17@2 2
: Aloes (Soc. Pow.) 40@ 50 , : Capsicum ........ 380@ 3d
No. 286 Bridge St., N. W. Asafoetida .... 1 00@1 10 eo ag oe 90@ 95 Carmine ........ 6 50@7 00
, cb " G d R id Mi h Asafoetida, Powd. ee Guanes ......4.-- @2 00 sac Buds ..... 200 40
> « RG)... 1 45) fodide ......... 3 50@3 60 OVES «ewes sess s0@ 30
% Delicious lee Cream; ranh apl S, IC . _U. S. P. Powd. 1 ana 50 Permanaganate @5 00 Chalk Prepared -- 6@ 8%
Campher |. 1 04@1 07 =Prussiate, yellow @1 50 Sen Precipitated aoe
CG esi is ces: 45@ 50 Prussiate, red .... @3 50 Chloroform ...... 15@) 83
ca, powdered “a & Sulphate .........- @1 10 Goer Hydrate 1 9606 i
«he ee. 5 IERIE «wn ne- ss 9 95@6 15
Kino, powdered .. 75@ 80 Roots Cocua Butter .... 6vu@ 7v
| a... @ 40 Alkanet ....... 1 25@1 30 Corks, list, less 70%
Myrrh, powdered @ 50 Blood, powdered 20@ 25 eee — or) @ 2
' e Opium eo ege 4 00@24 30 Calamus -........ 50@8 50 ait ta 22@ 7
“we t@ a Opium, powd. a 50@26 70 Blecampane, pwd. 15@ 2v cone Pacha ¥ ones +f
O a oun ains an Opium, gran. 26 50@26 70 Gentian, powd. 380@ 3d Ga. a T c im. 1 98@2 05
Shellae -.......... 50@ 60 Ginger, African, aL artar .. 56@ 60
Shellac, Boned ne 65 powdered ...... 20@ 2 Yoce ONG «cae 45@ 50
é a e Tragacanth .... 250@3 00 Ginger, Jamaica ..80@ 35 ex a Poa 7@ 10
“a Tragacanth | 225 Ginger, Jamaica, ee i Now +» _@3 00
ore 1 x ures Turpentine ...... 10@ 15 powdered ...... 30@_ 35 aces vee Se "
Insecticides ane rae a 3 2803 bo Epsom Salts, “bbls. @ 3%
; | 4 igo eG 15@ 20 Licorice ..... tau. oe 40 ao Salts, eae SST es
{ Z itri . Es 7 : z Ee € Q5 eeeeeeeees
We are well aware that zero weather prevails but there has Blue Vitriol, less i7@ 25 cue was 30g 38 ao? fe * iso -
: : ce : : Bord : ‘lake White .... 15
never been a winter in Michigan without a spring and never a Halahone. eo) Tria “Ge = oe ore = 1 a Formaldehyde baat 15@ 20
eee ae an Ree ee Cees elatine ..... 10@1 15
“ne spring without a summer, and therefore, we are approaching our sete. eee eae gle = Glassware, full cs. ni
{ | oe f il Lead, Ars a i Ssware, less Fo
trade especially at this time in the interest of Guarantee Iceless Tie cas reed Aca 46 ee ne go Glauber Salts bbl. @ 1%
: ie : : ae : . Solution, gal. .. 15@ 25 Sarsaparilla Mexican Glauber Salts less 2@ *
on soda fountains, appliances, fruit juices, and supplies of all kinds. Pode 6 (Me eee abo 35 Glue, brown wea 18@ 25 |
a ! Sq@uile 12. ....<.. 35@ 40 “nue, . @é
We are distributing agents for the Wilmarth Show Cases Pi ce a ee Cc Squills, powdered 45@ 65 Glue, white ...... Fn
: ; : Dp eee ons Tumeric, powd. .. 13@ 20 Glue, White grd. 20@ 30
and Store Fixtures. We have lately very thoroughly reorganized Bulk Vanilla ° .@ 7% Valerian, powd. .. @1 00 na . teeeeeee aa =
cia . oy Secueues ici pesesans
‘ ines with very satisfactory WJ ancy ........ @ 80 Seeds He og. aaeas 45@ 4&0
0 a our department for the sale of these lines *Y 7s Brick Vanilla ...... @ 25 Anise ..........-. So@ 40 lodine .......... 4 50@4 60
results, having sold more fountains and fixtures in the last six Brick Wancy ........ @ 30 Anise, powdered.. 40@ . lodoform ig + eat 90
é i : i id, Is ......40 .ea cetate .... z
months than we have ever sold in a year previous to this time. Leaves @anary . 1.02.5... 3 12 Lycopdium ..... 1 75@2 00
a powdered : oa - pone ida ll seteeeeed oe = BAGO co ccececs 85@ 90
. , Cardamon ...... 0 Mace. owdered 95@1 00
Manufacturers of these lines have lately conceded that the Sage, bull once sig 70 a Soawd io ne a5 ice. poet p 13a3 2
: j - ’ 7 Coriander ........ Morphine .... 11 35@12 00
wholesale druggist is the proper outlet to the retail drug trade. eee -- Se Dit .....-----+s 25@ 30 Nux Vomica .... 20g 25
We have been able to verify this statement. oe ae © Ae me bee ee @
: k anagae Tinn. pow. 50@ 55 Flax, ground .... 74@ 13 Pepper, white ..... @ 40
Mr. Arthur W. Olds is an experienced man and to any va Ursi ........ 18@ 20 oenugreek pow. 15@ 20 Pitch, Burgundy .. @ 15
ur Hemp 8@ 12 Quassia 12@ 15
one of our customers who contemplates putting in a soda fountain ne sin Lobelia... 5... 40g 60 Quinine lis
monds, Bitter, Mustard, yellow Rochelle Salts ....45@ 50
ew fixtures or replacing fixtures, we respectfully ask Es cee cc. 15 00@16 00 Mustard, black ..19@ 20 Saccharine oz. ..... 1 80
or buying n p § @
f d Almonds, Bitter, Mustard, powd. 22@ 8 Salt Peter ...... 42@ 45
that you mention the same to us by letter or to one of our drug artificial .---; 7 76@8 00 Poppy .........-- @. 75 Seidlitz Mixture -40@ 45
monds weet, Quince ..........- Soap, green ...... 20@ 2
travelers. Our message especially at this time is that the spring ea perosers 1 25@1 50 Rape oo oe 10@ 1s Soap, mott castle 13@ 15
s e abadilla ........ oap, white castile
and summer are soon here and the very best service can be given (ihe ...... G0 & satan pore |. 4G G "cae... 8 50
! ‘ble dat Amber, crude .. 175@2 00 Sunflower ....... . 10 Soap, white castile
at the earliest possible dates. Amber, rectified 250@2 75 Worm American 25 _iless, per bar .... 90
See seaartes 2 anes = Worm Levant .. 100@110 Soda Ash ...... 4%@ 10
ergamon Soda Bicarbonate 2 6
Cajeput 1 35@1 60 Tinctures : Soda, Sal ........ 40 5
@acsin .......... 2 s0@e «0 Aconite ......... @ 95 gpirits Camphor bp qb
" ‘i. Castor 2 40@2 50 Aloes ........... @ 75 gulphur roll .... 2% 6
H Itine & Perkins Drug Co Cedar Leaf .... 1 245@1 40 Arnica .......... @1 45 Sulphur Subl. .. 3 7
aze : Citronella .......,, 90@1 20 Asafoctida ...... @1 35 Tamarinds ....... 16@ 20
i : e «ge MOG occ cals. 2 elladonna ...... 165 Tartar Emetic .... @ 8
ae Wholesale Druggists Grand Rapids, Michigan Cocoanut... 27%@ 35 Benzoin ....-... Gil0 Sermenttie Veo” tne us
Cod Liver ...... 4 75@5 00 Benzoin Compo’d @160 Vanilla Ex. pure 1 00@1 50
Cotton Seed .... 1 35@1 45 Buchu .......... @150 Witch Hazel ..... 70@1 05
Croton ........ 160@1 80 Cantharadies ... @3 0 Zinc Sulphate ... 19@ 16

 

 

 

 

 

44

Interstate Soap Concerns to Test
State Laws.

Whether local and State statutes

and ordinances can interfere with the

aperations of qut-of-the-State

given

con-
the
manufacturers of

cerns in a district—one of

grounds on which

premium goods have been claiming

that the
would play into the hands of outside

proposed anti-coupon laws
concerns as against within-State man-
ufacturers and dealers—is likely to be
in the Mid-
At least two cases are in

tested in near future

dle West.

the public mind tending to bring a

the

legal decision from the courts on the
subject.

\ decision just handed down by the
Nentucky Supreme
the Larkin Co. the
the futility of State legisla-
tion directed at concerns doing
State
statute,

Court, in which

was defendant
indicates
busi-
ness from one to another. The
Kentucky which was declared

invalid in its operation against 4

foreign corporation, ordered = such
concerns to designate the location of
its office in the State and the name

of an agent thereof upon whom serv-
The Larkin Co.
failed to do this and was fined $500.
The Larkin Co. from the
decision of this court to the State
Supreme Court and in the latter's de-

ice could be served.

appealed

cision the law was declared ineffect-
ive.

The Jewel Tea Co. has notified the
mavor, chief of police, city attorney,

police judge and the city counselor of

Sedalia, Mo., that it has applied to
Federal Judge A. S..Van Valken-
burgh, at Kansas City, for a perma-
nent injunction enjoining the above
named city officials from interfering
in any way with the company, its
agents or employes in carrying on

Sedalia. The action
sulted from the arrest and subsequent
agent at

business in re-

fining of the Jewel Tea Co.

Sedalia for refusing to pay a vehicle
tax of $10 a year.

Robert M. Hale, Sedalia agent for
the Jewel Tea Co. was arrested for
failure to pay the vehicle tax as re-

quired by law and was fined the max-
imum under the $100. He
immediately appealed to the Circuit
Un-

proposes

ordinance,

Court and was released on bond.
doubtedly the
to make this a test case of ordinances
in the towns which
a vehicle
such as coffee peddlers, who use some
kind of vehicle in delivering the goods
they sell to the

—_~»+->—__—_

Greatly Disappointed Over the Pres-

ent Insurance Bill.

Florida, Feb. 24—I am writ-

ing you, because I do not know to
whom a letter will reach, with better

aad more comprehensive understand-

ing of the situation than yourself.

I fear the cards are stz icked against
the assured more effectually than ever
before.

1 was hopeful that the bill heralded
as having been prepared in the At-
torney General's office would be one
to safeguard the assured in the matter
of rates.

It is, however, as
such be possible, than the original
Anti-discrimination bill, as that was
worse than the law before existing.

I am very sure that neither Attorney
General Groesbeck, nor his predeces-
sor in office, Judge Fellows, have

Jewel Tea Co.

various impose

tax on foreign concerns,

housewives.

Miami,

much worse, if

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

either
monstrosity.

The very thing that was announced
to redeem it from the criticism made

of them been parties to this

of the former law of 1915 is another
farce.

It was pretended that
would be lodged with a Commis-
sioner to review rates, discrimina-
tory or excessive, and ee them.

The power actually given by the
bill is nominal only. I hope you will
take time to read the criticism I have
made of the bill ‘and which I have
sent to Attorney General Groesbeck.

He asked me for this opinion ana
I have forwarded it to him. I have
no reason to doubt his earnest desire
to get a wholesome law, as yet.

I am waiting his reply, but in the

the power

mean time, I want you to know tie
situation. This bill should not be-
come a law without protest. I shall

}

he home about March 20.
If there be any facts about the bill
or what would be its effect in opera-

tion, I shall be glad to offer any as-
sistance within my power.
| hope the appointment of Mr.

Mangum to the office of Commission-
er would spell reform in that office;
but with such a law as this bill would
give the State he would have no pow-
er.

I hope I am not becoming pessi-
m'stic in my fear that the power of
the combine and its methods of cor-

rupting the public fountains are al-
most beyond reform.
When we recall that every insur-

ance man and agent in the State was
advised to work for and support the
present Governor at the primary, be-
cause he was known to be all right
and that such letter of advice came
from insurance quarters; when we re-
call that the present Speaker of the
House was the one who introduced
and fathered the present Anti-discrim-
ination law in 1915; when we see that
members of the insurance committees,
Scully and Person, are the ones now
introducing this measure and that a
is announced that it was prepared 1
the office of the Attorney Geaecsl
of the State, I must confess that it
makes the way seem dark.

There is not the faintest reason
for such a law on earth except to sur-
render the rights of the people of
Michigan to this merciless trust.

I know fully what it means to me
and that it has caused me to be look-
ed upon by those who have not
studied the matter as a blatant dema-
gogue.

They have
newspapers,
but in other states.

This is the most lamentable fea-
ture of the entire situation. We must
depend upon the press for every re-
form and for every defence against
oppression in a free government, and
when that becomes corrupt, there is
faint hope.

I do not believe that has extendea
far as yet, but is easily traced by those

controlled
Michigan,

bought and
not only in

familiar with conditions.
Milo D. Campbell.
—_—— ooo

The financial and economic position
of the United States is wonderfully
strong at the present time and is well
fortified to withstand the shocks of
possible international complications.
We are passing through trying times,
but the people, the part,
have kept their heads. rest of
the world is indebted to the United
States amount which breaks
all precedent. The country has been
engaged for some time past in putting
its house in order, and we have
the new Federal Reserve system to
look to for assistance in case of need
All this leads us to believe that even
if we were so unfortunate as to be
plunged into the vortex of the Eu-
ropean war our financial position
would still remain secure. The mer-

for most

The

for an

now

cantile position of our country is
sound. The number of commercial
failures for January amounted to only

1,535 as against over 2,000 in the
same month of 1916, and it is con-
siderably below the January record
for any recent year, The completed
figures lately given out at Washington
touching our foreign trade show
that exports of manufactures ready

last year were $2,-
625,686,208 against $1,315,105,552 in
1915. This showing is highly impor-
tant as it means that this country has
shipped abroad a record-breaking pro-
duction of American skilled labor.
The movement is still in progress and
if it is not checked by

for consumption

the develop-

ments in the German situation, the

chances are that it will reach new

high levels this year.
—_——_—_~>-

Coincident with the announcement,
four weeks ago, of the formal sever-
ance of diplomatic relations with
Germany offers came with spontanet-
ty from every section of this country
tendering to the Federal Government
exclusive use and complete control

of scores of industrial plants, both
large and small, available for the

manufacture and development of com-
modities whose output would be es-
sential in placing us upon an effective

war-footing. While the Government
as yet—owing to the uncertainty

which at the moment beclouds every-

thing—has failed to avail itself of

such tenders, there can be no doubt
that much gratification has been felt
in official circles in Washington be-

cause of the realization that not only

 

February 28, 1917

are domestic industrials numerous
and efficient, but that many of them
are the possessors of such gigantic
plants and extensive interests that
they can with the world in pro-
ducing munitions and other necessi-
ties of war. These are the “trusts” —
those artificial entities of corporate
growth which during the past twenty-
five years have developed and
panded until now they
as practically essential to meet the

vie

ex-
are regarded

requirements of modern financial and
commercial life. In view, then, of this
situation and the manner in which such
properties have been placed at the dis-
posal of the Government, there is
much food for thought in the attitude
now assumed by it towards several of
these great corporations whose con-
tinued existence is practically depend-
ent upon the outcome of litigation at
present before the Supreme Court of
the United States.

——
The wholesale department of the
Grand Rapids Association of Com-

merce will hold a second Retail Mer-.
chants’ Congress at the Pantlind Ho-
tel June 5, 6 and 7. It is intended to
cut out the high brows and college
professors this time and confine the
speakers’ list to practical men
will talk from actual experience and
not from hearsay, supposition or spec-
ulation.

whe )

—_-2—___

There is a better demand for
rice locally, reflecting the situation in
other foodstuffs, and prices are firm.
In the South the mills are advancing
cleaned, as they are compelled to pay
full values for rough to the planter.

Rice

 

“GROCERY PRICE CURRENT

CRACKERS

National Biscuit Company

Brands

In-er-Seal Trade Mark

Package Goods

Per doz.
Baronet Biscuit ...... 1 00
Cameo Biscuit ...... 1 50
Cheese Sandwich .... 1 00
Chocolate Wafers .... 1 00
Fig Newton ....... 1 00
Five O’Clock Tea Bet 1 00
Ginger Snaps NBC .. 1 00
Graham Crackers .... 1 00
Lemon Snaps ....... s 50
Oysterettes ........-- 5c
Peanut Sandwich .... 1 00
Pretzeenos ..... alee 6 50
Royal Toast ...... so 2 00
Social Tea Biscuit | s. 200
Saltine Biscuit ...... 1 00
Saratoga Flakes ..... 1 50
Soda Crackers, NBC 1 00
Soda Crackers Prem. 1 00
Tokens ...),52--0245-- 2 OD
Uneeda Biscuit ee
Uneeda Jinjer Wayfer 1 00
Vanilla Wafers ...... 1 00
Zu Zu Ginger mene 50
Zwieback ....--+--- ces 00
Other Package Goods
Barnum’s Animals .. 50
Soda Crackers NBC
Family Size Package 2 50

Bulk Goods
Cans and boxes
Animals ....-- Scones ae
Atlantics, Asstd. .... 16
Avena Fruit Cakes .. 15
Arrowroot Biscuit .... 18
Bonnie Doon Cookies 12
Bouquet Wafers ...... 22
Brighton ....-.-.-.0.- 16
Canto Cakes .......-- 18
Cartwheels, Plain ... 12
Cartwheels, Iced 13
Cecelia Biscuit ...... 18
Cheese Tid Bits ...... 20
Chocolate Bar (cans) 20
Chocolate Drops ..... 20
Circle Cookies ae
Cocoanut Taffy Bar .. 16
Cocoanut Macaroons 25
Choc. Honey Fingers 20
Coffee Cakes, Iced ... i

Copia Cakes ....+++-+

Oracknoig ...,........ 25 SUPOIRR wos ceeecssiees. 12
Crumpets .......:.... 15 TOKOCNS: 25... ...5..25 < 18
os gers Seeoe es ie Trilby Creams ...... 18
rystal Jumbles ...... 14
Dinner Pail <ayca a5 Vanilla Wafers ...... 25
xtra ine Biscuit .. 14 Butter
Fig Cakes Asstd. ..... 15 Boxes
Fig Newtons ....... 16 N B C, Square ...... 10
Fireside Peanut Jumb 13 N BC, Round 10
Fluted Cocoanut Bar 15 Cece ee
ae oe cole 12 Soda
roste aisin Sqs. .. 14
ica oe eecgett 12 i. oo “A
ruite vals, Iced .. 13 ae
Full Moon ......... ee Smee or oe ”
Ginger Drops ....... - 16 Oyst
Graham Crackers ... 12 er
Ginger Snaps Round 11 en on. secs i.
Golden Rod Sandwich 18 . Tae
Hippodrome Bar ..... “ko Specialties
Honey Block Cakes .. 17 Nabisco (10 cent tins) 1 00
Honey Cakes, NBC Nabisco (No. 204 Tin) 2 25
NOCG aise ees see 15 Lorna Doone ........ 1 00
Honey Fingers Asst. 16 Anola ........... sso4. 2 00
Household Cooks. Iced 14 Anola (202 Tin) ...... 1 65
Imperials ........... - 12 Lotus, Small Tins .... 1 00
Jubilee Mixed .... 15 Lotus, Small Cans . 1 65
= pa gl esc Iced ~ Lotus, Large Cans ... 3 25
say ingers sponge Above quotations of Na-
pc ge ee ds : tional Biscuit Co., subject
Toamon Cakes © 415 to change without notice.
Lipieagt — seccceres Z FLAVORING EXTRACTS
emon Biers .:....
Lemon Thin ........ 20 ae 2 eee
Lorna Doone ........ 20 No. 1, % oz 90
Luxury Biscuit ...... oe 6th ae |... 8S
Macaroon Jumbles .. 25 No! 4! ca... a
Mandalay ....... Ceres 14 No. 3, 2% oz. Taper 2 00
Mary Amn .......... . 12 2 oz. Flat ..... pede
Marshmallow Pecans 22 Terpeneless
Molasses Fruit Cookies Pure Lemon
Iced ....... sseeesses ae No. 1, % oz. Panel .. 75
Oatmeal Crackers .... 12 No. 2, 1% oz. Panel 1 13
Orange Gems ........ 12 No. 4, 2% oz. Panel 2 00
Penny Assorted ...... 15 No. 3, 2% oz. Taper 1 75
eine oo. teeta 16 2 Of, Plat 2.2... 2... 5
ineapple Cakes ..... - 18
Priscilla Cake ..... . 10 BLUING
Raisin Cookies ..... . 14 Jennings
Raisin Gems ........ 15 Condensed Pearl Bluing
Royal Toast ..... ..e.. 12 Small, 3 doz. box .... 1 95
Reveres Asstd. ..... . 20 Large, 2 doz. box .... 2 40
RiChWOO0EG  .62.2.5.2.5, 12
Rittenhouse Bien. ou ag McLaughlin’s XXXX
Snaparoons ....... 16 McLaughlin's XXXX
Social Tea Biscuit . 18 package coffee is sold to
Spiced Jumbles, Iced 15 retailers only. Mail all or-
Spiced Wafers ....... 14 ders direct to W. F. Mc-
Sugar Crimp ........ 12 Laughlin & Co., Chicago.

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February 28, 1917

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

45

 

 

 

 

The Spring Number of
“QUR DRUMMER”

catalogue---the book of plain, net guaranteed
prices-—is ready for mailing. We believe the
prices named in this issue represent a more
substantial saving over ruling market rates
than those named in any previous issue Our
stocks are at such a mark of fullness that we
are convinced we can come nearer filling
orders 100 per cent complete than any other
jobber in the country. To know this Spring
catalogue well is to know the world’s best
selection of sure selling merchandise. If your

copy does not arrive promptly, let us know.

BUTLER BROTHERS

Exclusive Wholesalers of General Merchandise

NEW YORK CHICAGO ST. LOUIS
MINNEAPOLIS DALLAS

 

 

 

 

 

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

 

February 28, 1917

 

SPECIAL PRICE CURRENT

 

12

Smoking

All Leaf, 2% & 7 oz. 30
BB, 3% oz. 6 00

as, 7 Gr Coke le. 12 00
me th Oe CL... eee 24 00
Bagiver, 3 OF. ..-..... 5 04
Reteer, | OF: J.65-5s- 11 52
Peneer, GO io. ccccs es 5 76
Manner, Ghe ...-++.-6- 1 60
Banner, 40c ......... 3 20
Belwood, Mixture, 10c 94
Big Chief, 2% oz. .... 6 00
Bie Chiel, 16 oz. ...- 30
Bull Durham, bc .... 6 00
suil Durham, 10¢ ....11 52
Bull Durham, 1l5c .... 1 45
Bull Durham, 8 oz. .. 3 65

Bull Durham, 16 oz. .. 6 80

Buck Horn, 6c ...-.. 5 76
Buck Horn, 10c ..... 11 52
Briar Pipe, be ....... 79
Briar Pipe, 10c ...... 11 52
Black Swan, Sc ...... 5 76

Rlack Swan, 14 oz. .. 3 50
Bob White, 5c
Carnival, 5¢
Carnival. % oz.
Carnival. 16 oz.
Cigar Clip’g Johnson 30
Cigar Clip’g Seymour 30
Tdentity, 3 and 16 oz. 30
Darby Cigar Cuttings 4 50
Continental Cubes, 10c 90

Corn Cake, 14 oz. .... 2 55
Corn Cake, 7 oz. .... 1 45
Corn Cake, 6e ...... 5 76

Cream, 50c pails .... 47
Cuban Star, 5c foil .. 57
Cuban Star, 16 oz. pls 5 72
Coe, WC ...-+---+-- 10 30
ills Best, 1% oz. 79
Pills Best, 3% oz. 77
Dills Best, 16 oz. 73
Dixic Kid Ge ......-- 48
Duke’s Mixture, 5¢ .. 57

Duke’s Mixture, 10c ..11 £2

Duke’s Cameo, 5c .... 5 76
OP, BE ccbee es sece 5 76
- FF. A. § o2 ...... 5 04
Fr. A. 7 om ...... 11 52
Fashion, 6C .......--- 6 00
Pashion, 16 of. ...... 5 28
Five SGros., Ge .....- 5 76
Five Bros. i0c ..... 10 80
Five cent cut Plug .. 29
F BS (06 .......-.. 11 52
Four Roses, 10c ...... 96
Full Dress, 1% oz. ... 72
Giad Hand, Sc .......- 48
Gold Block, 10c ...... 12 “0
Gold Star, 50c pail .. 4 60
Gail & Ax Navy, 5e 5 76
Crema OF .o4. oes. s ee 45
isromeer, 106 .......... 1 00
SWIPE, POC . wc cseees 2 OO
eee OO gc cee eas 6 00
fo a Es Ae 3 72
Hand Made, 2% oz. .. 50
marvel Nut, Se ...... 6 60
Honey Dew, 10¢c .... 12 00
Manne, Se ........-. 38
ce 1s BP oo. .eeeenee 5 10
x 1. tm patie ...... 3 90
Kiln Dried, 25¢c ...... 2 50
King Bird, 7 oz. ...... 2 16
Kine Bird, We ......; 11 52
King Bird, te ....... 5 76
La Turka. Se ........ 5 76
i4ttie Giant, 1 ib. .... 28
Lucky Strike, 10c .... 96
Le Redo, 3 oz. ...... 10 £0
Le Redo, 8 & 16 oz. .. 40
Myrtie Navy, 10c ....11 52
Myrtle Navy, 5c ..... 5 76
Maryland Club, 5c .... £&
Mayflower, 5c ........ 6 00
Mayflower, 10c ...... 1 00
Mayflower, 20c ...... 1 92
Nigger Hair, 6c ...... 6 00
Nigger Hair, 10c ....10 70
Nigger Head, 5c .... 5 40
Nigger Head, 10c ....10 56
Noon Hour, bc ...... 48
Old Colony, 1-12 gro. 11 52

Old Mill, 5¢ 5
Old English Crve 1% oz. 96
i Gren, Be ....--+~ 6 00
Old Crop, 2c ........ 2 52
P. S., 8 oz. 30 Ib. case 19
P. S., 3 oz., per gro. 5 70
Pat Hand, 1 oz.
Patterson Seal, 1% oz. 48
Patterson Seal, 3 oz. .. 96
Patterson Seal, 16 oz. 5 00
POCTIPSB, GSC .c0. ce cce 5

Peerless. 10c cloth ..11 52
Peerless, 10c paper ..10 80
Peerless, 20c ......... 2 04

Peerless, 40c ........ 4 08
Plaza, 2 gro. case .... 5 76
Plow Boy, Sc .......- 5 76
Piow Boy. 10c ...... 11 40
Plow Boy, 14 oz. .... 4 70
PROUD, TOC .occccccece 11 93
Pride of Virginia, 1% .. 77
Pilot, 7 oz. dom. ...... 1 05

Queen Quality, 5c .... 48
Rob Roy, 10c gross ..10 52

Rob Roy, 25¢ doz. .... 2 10
Roh Roy, fhe doz. .... 4 10
S. & M. 5e gross .... 5 76
Rob Roy, 5c foil .... 5 76

S. & M.. 14 oz. doz. .. 3 20
Soldier Boy, 5c gross 6 76
Soldier Boy, 10c .....10 50

Shee GE oo iesscc secs 5 76

13

BOG ciceccss + ssctk Oe
Stag, 8 oz. glass .... 4 60
Stag, 90c glass ...... 8 40
Soldier Boy, 1 Ib. .... 4 75
Sweet Caporal, 1 oz. 60
Sweet Lotus, 5c ..... 5 76
Sweet Lotus, 10c ....11 52
Sweet Lotus, per doz. 4 60
Sweet Rose, 2% oz. .. 30
Sweet Tip Top, 5c ... 50
Sweet Tip Top, 10c ..1

Sweet Tips, % gro. ..10 80
Sin Cured, 10¢ ...... 38
Suinmer Time, 5c .... 5 76
Summer Time, 7 oz. 1 65

Stag,

Summer Time, 14 oz. 3 50
Standard, 5c foil .... 5 76
Standard, 10c paper 8 64

Seal N. C. 1% cut plug 70
Seal N. C. 1% Gran. .. 63
Three Feathers, 1 oz. 48
Three Feathers, 10c 11 52
Three Feathers, and

Pipe combination .. 2 25
Tom & Jerry, 14 oz. 3 60
Tom & Jerry, 7 oz. .. 1 80
Tom & Jerry, 3 oz. .. 176
Turkish, Patrol, 2-9 5 76
Tuxedo, 1 oz. bags .. 48
Tuxedo, 2 oz. tins .... 96
Tuxedo, 20c
Tuxedo, 80c tins .... 7 45
Union Leader, 5c cofl 5 76
Union Leader, 10c

pouch
Union Leader, ready

ae eis ee eee
Union Leader 50c box 5 10

War Path, Sc ..... ae 00
War Path, 20c ...... 1 60
Wave Line, 3 oz. ...... 40
Wave Line, 16 oz. .... 40
Way Up, 2% oz. .... 5 75
Way Up, 16 oz. pails 36
Wid Fruit, 6c ...... 6 00
Wild Fruit, 10c ..... 12 00
Yum Yum, 5c ......-. 76
Yum Yum, 10c -.-.-- 1 52

1
Yum, 1 Ib. doz. 4 80

CIGARS
Peter Dornbos Brands
Doernbos Single

Binge? . 645 555455-- 35 00
In 300 tote ...-.-:.- 10 00
Dornbos, Perfectos 33 00
Dornbos, Bismarck 70 00
Allan D. Grant ..... 65 00
Ajian 2D. ...5.---.+-+ 35 00
in 900 16S... .-esss 10 00

Johnson Cigar Co.’s Brand
Dutch Masters Club 70 00
Dutch Masters Inv. 70 00
Dutch Masters Pan. -0 00
Dutch Master Grande 65 00
Dutch Masters 5c size
(300 lots) 10 00
Gee Jay (300 lots) .
El Portana (300 lots) 10 00
S. C. W. (300 lots) .. 10 00

asec eeee

Worden Grocer Co Brands
Worden’s Hand Made
Londres, 59s Wood .. 33 00

TWINE

Cotton, 3 ply ..----+ce 37
Cotton, 4 ply .....-..-. 87
Saute 2 OIG .ccccccrece 20
Hemp, 6 ply
Flax, medium
Wool, 1 Ib. bales ...... 17

VINEGAR

Wine, 40 grain 8%
Wine, 80 grain 11%
Wine, 100 grain 13

White
White
White

Oakland Vinegar & Pickle
Co.'s Brands

Highland apple cider 20
Oakland apple cider .. 16
State Seal sugar ..... 14

Oakland white picklg 10
Packages free.

WICKING
No. 0, per ZTOSS ....... 35
Ne. 1; 5 gross ....... 45
No. 2, per gross ...... 60
No. 3, per gross ...... 90
WOODENWARE
Baskets
iene |W... ck. 1 00
Bushels, wide band .. 1 15

Market, drop handle .. 40
Market, single handle 45

Splint, large ........ 4 00
Splint, medium ....... 3 50
Splint, small ........ 3 00

Willow, Clothes, large
Willow, Clothes, small
Willow, Clothes, me’m

14

Butter Plates
Ovals

% Ib., 250 in crate .... 35
% Th., 250 in crate .... 85
1 Th., 250 in crate ...... 40
2 Tb., 250 in crate ...... 50
3 Tb., 250 in crate ...... 70
5 T., 250 in crate ...... 90
Wire End
1 Tb., 250 in crate ...... 35
2 Th., 250 in crate ...... 45
3 Tb.. 250 in crate ...... 55
5 Ib., 20 in crate ...... 65

Churns

Barrel, 6 gal., each ..
Barrel, 10 gal., each ..2 65

Clothes Pins
Round Head

4% inch, 5 gross ...... 65
Cartons, No. 24, 24s, bxs. 70

Egg Crates and Fillers
Humpty Dumpty, 12 dz. 20

No. 1 complete ........ 42
No. 2 complete ........ 35
Case, medium, 12 sets 1 30
Faucets
Cork lined, 3 in. ...... 76
Cork lined, 9 in. .... 80
Cork lined, 10 in. ...... 90
Mop Sticks
Trojan spring ....... 110
Eclipse patent spring 1 05
No. 1 common ...... 05

No. 2, pat. brush hold 1 10

Ideal No. 7
12Ib. cotton mop heads 1 50

Palis
10 qt. Galvanized .... 3 00
12 qt. Galvanized .... 3 25
14 qt. Galvanized .... 3 65
BIDS one ec tc cecs cee 4 00

Toothpicks
Birch, 100 packages .. 2 00
Ideal

wee reese errr eree

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 ...........- 80

Rat, soring 3.-.--+-s-- 15
Tubs

No. 1 Fibre .........16 50

No. 2 Fibre ...... -.-15 00

No. 3 Fibre .....-..- 13 60

Large Gafvanized .. 10 50
Medium Galvanized .. 9 50

Small Galvanized .... 8 00
Washboards
Banner, Globe ...... 3 25
Brass. Single ........ 5 75

Glass, Single
Double Peerless ..... 6 00

Single Peerless ...... 4 50
Northern Queen .... 4 50
Good Enough ....... 4 65
Ciivergal 22 cece ese 4 75
Wood Bowis
13 in. Butter ........ 1 75
15 in. Butter .......; 3 15
17 in. Butter ..... --. 6 75
19 im: Butter ....... 10 50

WRAPPING PAPER
Fibre Manila, white ..
Fibre, Manila, colored
No. 1 Manila
Butchers’ Manila .... 8
IMRT 8. os enocecesse BOR
Wax Butter, short ec’nt 16
Wax Butter, full c’nt 20
Parchm’t Butter, rolls 19

8%

15

16

17

 

Windew Cleaners
UG Re ee
ee ee
OM oe ee
YEAST CAKE
Magic, 3 doz. 1
Sunlight, 3 doz. ..... - 100

Sunlight, 1% doz. .... 60

Yeast Foam, 8 doz. .
Yeast Foam, 1% doz. 85

AXLE GREASE

 

1 Ib. boxes, per gross 8 70
3 Tb. boxes, per gross 28 10

BAKING POWDER
K Cc

Dos.
4 doz. in case .... 90
4 doz. in case .. 1 35
4 doz. in case .. 2 25
50c, 2 doz. plain top 4 60
80c, 1 doz. plain top 6 75
10 Ib. % dz., pln top 138 50
Special deals quoted up-
on request.
K C Baking Powder is
guaranteed to comply with

ALL Pure Food Laws, both
State and National.

“ SALT

10c,
15c,

25c,

ll -ace nb

 

  

* Royal Blend

COFFEE
Roasted

Dwinell-Wright Brands

 

White House, 1 Ib. ........
White House, 2 Ib. ........
Excelsior, Blend, 1 Ib. ....
Excelsior, Blend, 2 Ib. ....
Tip Top, Blend, 1 Ib. ......

seer eeeee eecee

Royal High Grade ........
Superior Blend

Distributed by Judson
Grocer Co., Grand Rapids;
Lee & Cady, Detroit; Lee
& Cady, Kalamazoo; Lee
& Cady, Saginaw; Bay City
Grocer Company, Bay City;
Brown, Davis & Warner,
Jackson; Godsmark, Du-
rand & Co., Battle Creek;
Fielbach Co., Toledo.

TEA

   

   
  

   

 

     

Acorn, 120 cakes .... 2 60
Climax, 100 oval cakes 3 50
Gloss, 100 cakes, 5c sz 3 60
Big Master, 100 blocks 4 25
Naphtha, 100 cakes .. 4 00
Oak Leaf, 100 cakes 3 60
Queen Anne, 100 cakes 3 60
Queen White, 100 cks. 4 00
Railroad, 120 cakes .. 2 60
Saratoga, 120 cakes .. 2 60
White Fleece, 50 cks. 2 50
White Fleece, 100 cks. 3 25
White Fleece, 200 cks. 2 50

Proctor & Gamble Co.

PONE ec sacs 3 50
ivory, 6 O8: ..c...0.. 4 15
Ivory, 10 of: ........ 7 00
Sar bec. a sosses & 40

Swift & Company
Swift’s Pride .......
White Laundry ......
Wool, 6 oz. bars ...
Wool, 10 oz. bars ...

3
3
6
Tradesman Company
3
3
3

 

Black Hawk, one box
Black Hawk, five bxs
Black Hawk, ten bxs
Scouring

gross lots ..
half gro. lots
Sapolio, single boxes
Sapolio, hand
Scourine, 50 cakes

Scourine, 100 cakes ..
Queen Anne Scourer

Sapolio,
Sapolio,

Soap Compounds
Johnson’s Fine, 48 2
Johnson’s XXX 100 5e
Rub-No-More
Nine O’Clock

eee eece

WASHING POWDERS.
Gold Dust

 

24 large packages ... 4 30
Tent Td 100 small packages .. 3 85
S A as Lautz Bros.’ & Co.
Apply to Michigan, Wis-
mah) —* $2 consin and Dul ;
ft De \s ee uluth, only)
©, ae Ta ne ~~ Boy
70) Th MON pkgs., 5c size 3 76
(ails) 60 pkgs., 5c size ....2 40
Morton’s Salt See S 48 pkgs., 10c size ....3 90
pangele — = 24 pkgs., family size ..3 20
Per case, 2 Bose $0 20 pkgs., laundry size 4 15
Five case lots ....... 1 Pan-Fired Japan ......00.
Basket-Fired Japan ......
Royal MOrMosa 2605565600. . pecees Naphtha
ae sa ee batons cee oh ese -.. 60 pkgs., 5¢ size .....2 40
me ewe ln nee Corton (0.201 0 PMER: fo eine ....8 7
Above brands are put u
6 oz cans 190 % and % Ib. ag Dp Queen Anne
%lb cans 2 60 se 60 5c packages ...... 2 40
%Ib cans 3 75 lnts Hoa & i 24 packages ......... 8 75
lb cans 480 [appiy to Michigan, Wis-
8b cans 18 00 consin and Duluth,’ only oe ie
5 «51> cans 2160 Acme, 70 bars ...... ao, 24 packages ......... 8 75
== Acme, 100 cakes. 5c sz 3 60 100 5c packages ..... 3 76
FITZPATRIC .
mE (Di K BROTHERS SOAP CHIPS BBLS.
ite City ish Washing). .
y v eee sehen ececccece s 51.. S40 Ib... 6.
Tip Top (Caustic)............... sosnssins sos; s ee Te er
No. 1 Laundry 88% Dry o.oo. ooo ol lococc eee 385 Iba, | pFOR
Palm Soap 88% Dry ......... ae... —

SEND FOR SAMPLES

 

 

The Only Five Cent Cleanser

 

 

Guaranteed to Equal the Best 10c Kinds

 

80 Can Cases .....

40 Can Cases......

$3.00 Per Case
$1.60 Per Case

SHOWS A PROFIT OF 407

 

Handled by All Jobbers

 

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.

Place an order with your jobber. If goods are not satis-
factory return same at our expense.—FITZPATRICK BROS.

 

 

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February 28, 1917

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

   

    

BUSINESS-WANTS DEPARTMENT

Advertisements inserted under this head for two cents a word the first insertion and one cent a word for each Iva cence eka

continuous insertion.

No charge less than 25 cents.

Cash must accompany all orders.

 

 

BUSINESS CHANCES.

 

 

WANTED — Stocks of Merchandise
Shoes, Clothing, Dry Goods, Etc.

If you want to retire from business get in touch
with us. If you want to conduct a sale write or wire
for terms. We can close you out complete.

UNITED SALES CO.
6 E. Main St. Battle Creek, Mich.

For- Sale—Seven drawer cash register,
floor cabinet, cost $470; will sell $250.
Good as new. Hawley Merchandise Co.,
Bluefield, West Virginia. 869

AUCTIONEERS—Retail

 

 

Auction Sales

_To Reduce Or entirely close out your

stock of merchandise made in any part
of the United States or Canada; by expert
commercial auctioneers of reputation and
long experience. By our system of selling
stocks of merchandise, we quickly turn

For Sale—Iron safe, interior 13 x 19 x 26
inches. Will sell at a bargain. Write
E. L. Wellman, 217 Murray Bldg., Grand
Rapids. 87

Bakery For Sale—At Carterville,
4,000 to 5,000 loaves per week. Estab-
lished, business. Best mining town in
Missouri. Population about 7,000. Will
bear investigation. F, S. Johnson, Box
73, Carterville, Missouri. 871

For Sale—Lumber and coal yard in a
thriving town in Southern Michigan Ad-
dress No. 873, care Michigan Tradesman.

873

For Sale—No. 8 Landis harness sewing
machine - first-class running order. Ad-
dress R. C. Hartman, Argenta, Ill. 872

EataaE You ean buy for $12,000,
two metropolitan restaurants that are
making $6,000 net profit a year; owner’s
health requires change. The price asked
is actual investment. In what else can

 

Mo.,

 

them into immediate cash. For terms you make 50 per cent. in an established
and dates, address F. J. BOWMAN business? Will sell one or both. Full
SALES CO., BLACK P!VER FALLS, investigation requested. Address Wil-
WISCONSIN. 793 liams, care Michigan Tradesman. 874
For Rent—Steam heated, year round For Sale—Large hotel, general store,
commercial hotel furnished complete in dancing hall, dining, sitting, bedrooms,
hustling country town. Two sample kitchen, barns, sheds and other out-
rooms. Soft drink with full bar fixtures buildings; land with orchard, natural gas;

Any business man in
town for reference as to business done.
Investigate if interested. Rate $2.50.
Miller House, Carson City, Mich. 831

and card tables.

on improved state roads, 20 miles east
of Buffalo. All in good condition. Bargain
for immediate sale. F. D. & K. Schworm,
R. F. D., Crittenden, N. Y. 875

 

For Sale—An up-to-date hardware and
the only tin shop in town or within twen-
ty miles distance. Will inventory about
$5,000, or will sell tin shop, tools and
stock. Cheap rent. The best location in
Michigan. Address No. 868, care Michi-
gan Tradesman.

Money Maker—Location for candy
kitchen and ice cream parlor in live
town; brick building; modern; centrally
located; no opposition. T. E. Donovan,
1021 Kilburn, Tomah, Wisconsin. 847

For Sale—Prosperous restaurant in a
live railroad town. Established twelve
years. Write for terms. Ed. Sweet, Jr.,
Darien, Wisconsin. 850

For Sale—Dry goods stock in good con-
dition. Will invoice about $4,600. Great
opportunity for any one looking for a
location. Will sell 75 cents on dollar. Ad-
dress Box 114, Shepherd, Mich. 851

For Sale—Grocery and meat market.
Want to retire from the retail business.
Modern fixtures, central location. All
eash trade. About $7,000 worth of busi-
ness during January. Will rent building.
Are you looking for a good established

 

 

 

 

 

business, write at once. Address No.
852, care Tradesman. | oe 852
~ Mr. Merchant—We have conducted

stock reducing and closing out sales for
the largest firms in Michigan. Write us
for terms and open dates. Wholesale
house references furnished. Saranac Sales
So., Beulah, Michigan. 866
For Sale—Good flour and feed mill,
water power and 22 acres land. Price
$9,000. For terms write H. S. Preston,
Hartland, Michigan. 867
For Sale—520-acre Ranch. Stock and
grain. 80 acres under cultivation, five
miles woven wire fence. Good soil, good
crops, good grazing, well watered, two
miles from two railroads. Good ranch
buildings, good roads, telephones and R.
F. D. Abundance game and fish. Trout
streams and lakes close by. Good rea-
sons for selling. $17.50 per acre buys it
all. W. J. Cooper, Mt. Pleasant, ag

 

 

Drug Store—Clean stock, fine fixtures,
good soda fountain and a nice business;
good lease, brick building. If you want
to know all about it, write to A. E. Claus,
1729 17th Ave., Moline, Illinois. 77

 

 

For Sale—i199-acre stock and. grain
farm four miles northeast of Dowagiac,
Michigan. Good buildings. Will take
some property in part payment. Wm.
Wallace, 1419 Forres Ave., St. Joseph,
Michigan. 876

For Sale—A good business. On ac-

count of poor health I am offering for
sale a good established grocery business
in a live manufacturing town. Stock and
fixtures invoice: about $2,000. For par-
ticulars write T, care Michigan Trades-
man. 878

 

For Sale—Fully equipped cfeamery in
desirable location. Address Mancelona
Creamery Cc Co., )., Mancelona, Mich. _ 817

Free For Six Months—My special offer
to introduce my magazine, ‘Investing for
Profit.”” It is worth $10 a copy to any one
who has not acquired sufficient money
to provide necessities and comforts for
self and loved ones. It shows how to be-
come richer quickly and honestly. ‘In-
vesting for Profit’ is the only progressive
financial journal and has the largest cir-
culation in America. It shows how $100
grows to $2,200; write now and I'll send
it six months free. H. L. Barber, 433-28
W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. 800

For Sale—Double brick block. Clothing
store with or without stock. Dry goods
store with fixtures ready to move in.
Business established 31 years. Always
prosperous. Good location, good chance
for one or two men to get into business.
Owner wishes to retire. Address A. J.
Wilhelm, Traverse City, Michigan. 780

Provide For The Future—Send for in-
formation about farms and income prop-
erties in Tennessee, Indiana, Wisconsin,
Florida or other states. Big values—

 

merchandise accepted in exchange. In-
vestigate now. Phillips, Manchester,
Tennessee. 783

 

Drug Store For Sale—Opposite Court

House, Muskegon. Established twenty-
five years. Address Hazeltine & Perkins
Drug Co., Grand Rapids. 854

 

Will pay cash for whole or part stocks
of merchandise. Louis Levinsohn, Sag-
inaw, Michigan. 757

For Sale—Bakery. Fine location in
Michigan town of 6,000. Good retail and
wholesale trade. Everything new. Rent
$30. Must sell immediately. Have other
business. ‘Will invoice $2,000. $1,400 will
buy it. Address M. E., care Michigan
Tradesman. 772

Wanted—Clean business gentleman will-
ing to invest $1,000 with services at good
salary and commission, 10 per cent. re-
turns guaranteed on investment for 1917.
May pay 25 per cent. This is your chance
to get in on the inside of a manufac-
turing business which promises to be one
of Kansas City’s greatest enterprises. It’s
your most promising opportunity. Write
Akers National Stove & Mfg Co., 2509 E.
15th St., Kansas City, Missouri. Refer-
ence. . 855

For Sale—New 220 account American
Credit Register. Used one year. Will
sell for one-half of first cost. I. C. Grill
Hubbardston, Michigan. 858

Stock For Sale—I want to retire from
the retail business. New stock of dry
goods, shoes and men’s furnishings. Are
you looking for a good established busi-
ness in the live growing city of Flint,
Michigan, then look this up at once.
Address No. 731, care Tradesman. 731

CASH REGISTERS—We buy, sell and
exchange all makes of registers, also re-
pair, re-build and refinish all makes. Let
us quote you price from Vogt-Bricker
Sales Co., 211 Germania Ave., Saginaw,
Michigan. 646

Safes Opened—W. L. Slocum, safe ex-
pert and locksmith. 128 Ann St., N. E.,
Grand Rapids, Michigan. 104

For Sale Cheap—Complete meat mar-
ket fixtures. Write for information. Ad-
dress Lock Box 336, Vicksburg, Michigan.

835

 

 

 

 

For Sale—Building and general stock
inventorying $3,000, located in Bovey,
Minnesota, a mining town. Reason for
selling death of owner. If interested,
write Mrs. H. J. Heikkila. 836

General Merchandise and real estate
auctioneer. Closing out and _ reducing
stocks, address Leonard Van Liere, a
land, Michigan.

For Sale—Excellent opportunity for
some one to buy a well established dry
cleaning business centrally located. Own-
er has been in dry cleaning business
twelve years and wishes to retire. Will-
ing to teach buying party all the essen-
tials of the business to continue to run
same successfully. Address P. O. Box
271, Muskegon, Michigan. 846

Meat Market—Strictly cash business;
no delivery; refrigerating plant and mod-

 

ern. Netting 40 per cent. on investment.
Requires $5,000. Address G. W., Box 145,
Independence, Kansas. 838

 

The Oklahoma Lease Holding Co.—Has
increased their capital stock to $50,000
and we are now ready to place a limited
amount of stock on the market at $12.50
per share. This company has paid 8 per
cent. dividends and will pay 30 per cent.
more sometime the coming month. We
want some live salesmen. Write or wire
us for stock. Oklahoma Lease Holding

 

Co., 317 Majestic Bldg., Oklahoma hk
Oklahoma.

For Sale—Hotel St. Joe, Colon, St.
Joseph county, Michigan. Ideal location

between Jackson and Niles. Property is
an estate matter and will have to be sold.
Rents for $70 per month, and has for the
last 15 years. Big value for some one
who wishes to locate in a thriving town.
Price $6,000, half down, balance on time.
E. Hill & Sons, Colon, Michigan. 818

For Sale—Suburban drug store Grand
Rapids. Good neighborhood; growing
business. Address Z, care dbhamiie an

82

 

 

Mr. Merchant:

Do you want to sell your stock?

Do you need money?

Do you want a partner?

Do you want to dissolve partnership?

Do you want to increase the volume
of business?

Do you want to cut your overhead
expense?

Do you want to collect your out-
standing accounts?

If you are interested in any of the
above questions, write, wire or phone
us for free information at our expense

without obligating yourself in any
way. LYNCH BROS.,

Business Doctors.
44 So. lonia Ave.,

Grand Rapids, Mich.

 

 

 

STORES, FACTORIES, AND REAL
ESTATE bought, sold, exchanged. Write
me if you are in the market to buy, sell
or trade. Established 1881. Frank P.
Cleveland, Real Estate Expert, 1609
Adams Express Bldg., Chicago. 26

Bakery For Sale—In one of the best
growing cities in Central Michigan. Will
take $2,500 to swing the deal. Do not
write unless you mean business. Reason
for selling other business requires all my
attention. Address No. 834, care Trades-
man. 834

   

For Sale—A shoe stock consisting of
men’s, ladies’, misses’, boys’ and chil-
dren's shoes. Men’s dress shoes, work
shoes, heavy work shoes, heavy and fine
rubbers, and rubber boots. Most stock
bought before the advance in price. Ad-
dress Ee oO. Box 189, Marlette, » Mich. 832
shoes, dry
Parts or entire

Cash Buy ers fc

of clothing,
goods

and furnishings.

 

 

stocks. H. Price, 194 Forrest Ave. East,
Detroit. 678
General Merchandise Auctioneer—Ten
years success closing out and reducing
stocks. Reference any reliable merchant
in Cadillac. Address W. E. Brown, Cad-
illac, Michigan. 530
For Sale—Firmly established, nice,

clean stock of groceries, hardware, paints,
auto supplies and sporting goods situated
in the best business town in Northern
Michigan. Business established eighteen
years. Reason for selling—wish to retire.
Only those who mean business need reply.
Stock will inventory $19,000. Can be re-
duced. Address No. 712, care Tradesman.

 

Stocks Wanted—Write me if you want
to sell or buy grocery or general stock.
FE. Kruisenga, 44-54 Ellsworth Ave.,
Grand Rapids, Michigan. 304

The Merchants Auction Co., Baraboo,
Wisconsin. The most reliable sales con-
cern for closing out, reducing or stimu-

85

 

 

lation. Write for information.
Merchants Please Take 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 Ridg.. Grand Rapids. Mich. 859

For Sale—The only general store in a
town of 900 in Northern Indiana. Will
invoice $5,300. Doing a $16,000 cash busi-

 

 

 

ness. Reason for selling, health. Address
W. G., care Michigan Tradesman. 732
HELP WANTED.
Wanted—A capable book-keeper with
capital to invest. Investment guaranteed
against loss. No risk. Fair interest.
Good location, pleasant work. Married
man desired. Investigate. Address Ag

837, care Michigan _Tradesman.

W: anted—Young man to work i in ‘cloth-
ing store, salesman and window trimmer.
State age, experience and salary expect-
ed. Bert Lampkin, Ionia, Mich. 844

SITUATIONS WANTED.

 

 

 

Trimmer and experienced sales-

 

 

Window
man wishes position in small city. State
particulars in first letter. Address No.
848, care Tradesman 848

Wanted—A position by an experienced
clerk, in grocery or hardware store, who
is a Christian man, 47 years of age.
John Graybill, Clarksburg, Illinois. 862

We recommend the purchase of

Hackett Motor Car Company

Stock at ten dollars ($10) per share.
This stock should pay large dividends
and will greatly increase in its mar-

ket value

Michigan Motor Securities Co.
533-36 Michigan Trust Co. Bldg.

Bell M 2442
Citz. 5288

Grand Rapids, Michigan

   

 

48

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

February 28, 1917

 

CONTEMPTIBLE CONSPIRACY.
(Concluded from page forty-one)
hand, and stand for a just law for the
insured of the State, it would drive
the gang of corruptionists into their

holes.

1 would be greatly pleased to know
who has been responsible for this
bill. 1 cannot believe that Attorney
General Fellows knowingly permitted
his office to prepare the bill.

The newspapers stated that it was
done in his office. That may have been,
but I doubt his knowledge of the con-
tents, for | have too great faith in his
sympathy with fair play.

1 am not a crank in this matter. [
am fighting for a square deal, and I[
shall continue to fight as long as |
can find any sort of forum for an
expression.

[ want no giory out of it. I know
that the State of Michigan is suffer-
ing a loss of millions to this trust
of foreign corporations, every year.

[tis merely a fight with bribery and
corruption upon one side and an un-
organized public on the other.

The corruptionists do not meet the
question with argument, they manipu-
late the government and do it success-
fully. So far they do it in covered
trenches.

| am pleading with you, personally,
to take up this fight for the people
of Michigan now.

Two years will mean a loss of many
millions to them, I have had no time
to more than glance at many other
provisions of the bill.

The Standard policy is full of in-
justice as proposed. It is even worse
than the one we now have.

| could hardly believe the com-
panies themselves would undertake to
relieve themselves from liability, as
this form of policy would do.

There would not be one policy in
ten in force in the State, after six
months lapse from the time issued.

Technicalities would avoid most
policies, unless the courts should come
to the rescue as they did under the
law now in force.

It is evident that most of the in-
fluence has been exerted by the fire
insurance combine in the preparation
of this measure. There is not a re-
strictive feature in the bill that can
affect any company of the combine,
or give it inconvenience.

The insured of Michigan may be
obliged to bide their time, but the day
will come, when their wrath will find
expression. It may not be this year,
or next, but they cannot be fooled
forever.

Will you not look over this some-
what extended but rather incoherent
analysis of the bill (Chapter TV.) and
tell me your opinion of the same.

1 would be pleased to learn your
attitude upon the measure, before |
sav anything to others, who might be
willing to appear before committees.

This measure should not go with-
out protest, even though the track be
well greased for its passage.

IT believe the members and others

who father it, should be made ac-
guainted with its real character and
be made responsible for its enact-
ment.

T believe this to be a wonderful

opportunity for a great service to the
State and one that would be = ap-
preciated and reciprocated.

Milo D. Campbell.
—_———
Manufacturing Matters.
Detroit—The Mar-Berg-Mercantile
Co. has engaged in the manufacture
and retailing of general merc‘iandise
with an authorized capital stock of
$50,000, of which amount $27,000 has
been subscribed, $6,000 paid in in cash

and $21,000 paid in in property.
Benton Harbor—The local factory
of the Randall-Landfield Cigar Co.,
of Chicago, claims to employ the
largest cigarmaker in the world. She

 

is Miss Ray Rexel, 18 years old, who
weighs 457 pounds and was once a
feature with a carnival company. Miss
Rexel claims that the seven mem-
bers of her family weigh 3,150 pounds,

Lansing—H. E. Bradner, who has
managed the Auto Body Co. since its
organization in 1901, and who has
been a member of the board of di-
rectors continuously, has been ad-
vanced to the company’s Presidency,
the action being taken to fill the va-
cancy on the board left by the death
of Lawrence Price. Fred C. Ruch
has advanced from the posi-
tion of Assistant Secretary to Secre-
tary. The personnel of the board
remains practically the same. The
Auto Body Co., the third largest auto
body making concern, is the oldest
in the country. It started business
in 1901 with fifteen men and 3,600 feet
of floor space.
ployment to

been

To-day it gives em-
1,200 persons and has
ten acres of floor space, with plans
for additions.
——_2..__
Late Banking Information.

Bessemer—The Peoples State Bank
has increased its capital stock from
$25,000 to $35,000.

South Haven—Dr. O. M. Vaughn,
President of the Citizens’ State Bank,

was stricken with apoplexy Saturday at
his office in the Bank. Hie was removed
to his home, where he is. still uncon-
scious.

Albion—The old vault of the defunct
Albion National Bank, in F. J. Graves’
shoe store, the former location of the
3ank is being removed and will be ship-
Toledo, which pur-
chased the metal in it from Mr. Graves.
The railroad
rails and was so solidly built of iron

ved to a firm in
j

vault is constructed of
and brick that it would have taken sev-
eral charges of dynamite for its “crack-
It will take the
engaged in its re-

ing” by safe-breakers.

several workmen
moval several days to take it down and
get the iron out of it.

-———_>++___
News and Gossip From Sagacious
Saginaw.

Saginaw, ‘Feb. 26—Committees foi
the annual pure food show of the Sag-
inaw Grocers’ Association to be held
at the Auditorium April 23 to 28,
have begun active work and the prep-
arations for the event are well under
way. The main details will be settled
at a meeting of the Association to be
held Tuesday evening at which the
committee in charge will confer with
the entire membership of the organ-

ization. The committee in charge
of the event is composed of R.
Christensen, Otto Rohde, Louis
Schwemer, F. W. Perry, Louise
stierie. ©. HH. Kretchmer. Louis

Yuncker, W. S. Meader, Jason Clark.

W. W. Cronk, who moved to Sagi-
naw from Olivet last year, has re-
signed his position with the Cudahy
Bros. Co. and has secured one with
Wilson & Co, as city salesman in Sag-
inaw with a nice increase in salary.

—_—-+_ <>
Sunny Jim Burned Out.
Tradesman is in receipt of a
from James M. Goldstein, its
versatile Detroit correspondent, stating
that his pretty home. was completely
gutted by fire Saturday afternoon. Ev-
ery reader of the Tradesman will svym-
pathize with the Goldstein family in
their adversity.

++.

Cats, unlike politicians, give voice
to the most decided utterances while
on the fence in the dark.

The
letter

Butter, Poultry, Beans and
Potatoes.

Buffalo, Feb. 28—Creamery butter,
extras, 42c: first 38@40c; common,
36@3i7c; dairy, common to choice, 28
@35c; poor to common, all kinds, 25
@28c.

Cheese—No. 1 new, 24c; choice, 25
@25%c; old 24@25c.

Eggs,

 

Eggs—Choice, yew laid, 42@43c,
fancy hennery, 44@45c.
Poultry (live) —Fowls, 22@25c,

springs, 20@25c:; old cox, 15@16c;
ducks, 22@24c.

Dressed Poultry—Turks, per lb., 28
33c; ducks, 22@25c; geese, 16@19c;
chicks, 22@26c; fowl, 22@25c.

Beans—Medium, $7.50@7.75; pea,
$7.50@7.75; Red Kidney, $7.75@8.00;

White Kidney, $8.00@8.25; Marrow,
$7.75@8.00.
Potatoes—$3.25@3.35 per bu.

 

Rea & Witzig.
>

That the United States should be
suffering from a potato shortage is
due to a kind of unpreparedness that
might without great difficulty be
remedied. Potatoes yield six times
as many bushels to the acre as wheat
and in less time. In warm climates
where “intensive-extensive” agricul-
ture is possible, men can raise 150
bushels of potatoes to the acre and
then plant the ground in corn and
cow-peas. It is true that seed-cut-
ting, provision of fertilizer, and pre-
cautions against insects and_ blight
involve much labor, but it is not the
labor question which prevents the
United States from doubling its pres-
ent average annual potato produc-
tion. It is the fact that the demand
for potatoes is very fluctuating, and
that the price varies between 10 cents
and $1.50 or more a bushel in differ-
ent years, or between actual loss and
a large profit. It is believed that if
a price of a cent a pound could be as-
sured year in and year out, the farm-
ers might be willing to grow several
times as many potatoes as now, and
could do so without appreciably di-

minishing production in other lines.
It is also believed that if a potato-
flour industry could be established

in this country, as it has been in Ger-
many, with provision also for certain

other potato products, that price
might be guaranteed. Any _ surplus

of potatoes could be readily converted
into flour, starch, alcohol or fodder.
2

Jefferson protested in his old age
against a tendency to exalt the fathers
at the expense of existing political
leaders, He knew the men of the old-
er generation, he said; they were
much like the men of 1820, but with-
out the governmental experience
which Americans by 1820 had accu-
mulated. Yet still on February 12 or
February 22 Americans exhibit that
fit reverence for great men which
Carlyle found “the one fixed point in
modern revolutionary history.” More-
over, they fly to the utterances of the
great for corroboration of opinions on
situations, events, and creeds which
vary as widely as opinion can in a
“bottomless revolutionary. time;”
Washington’s Farewell Address was
stretched last Thursday until it crack-
ed. It was made to cover the beliefs
of those who wanted to keep out of
entangling alliances even to the ex-
tent of abandoning American rights
abroad, and of those who wanted to
resent insults abroad by rushing in-
to entangling alliances. It pointed a

few excellent speeches and every va-

riety of bad ones. It is a comfort to
think that most of the doctrinaires
had completely forgotten the Address
by February 23.

—_»--2—____

The American Institute of Weights
and Measures is a new organization,
which was formed in New York City
recently for the purpose of counter-
acting efforts to have the metric sys-
tem of weights and measures adopted
for American industry and commerce.
The organizers assert that the adop-
tion of the metric system would re-
sult in confusion, as the new and the
old systems would be used.. They
are going to fight the metric system
and are going to open officés and car-
ry on an aggressive campaign.

—_+2+____

Irving Talbot will soon engage in the
drug business in the Sweet block on
Pipestone street, at Benton Harbor. The
Hazeltine & Perkins Drug Co. has the
order for the complete stock, including
the fixtures.

—_+>>>___

Claude Lawton has so far recovered
from his recent illness from scarlet
fever that he is now able to get down
town occasionally. His first trip to
the center of our metropolis was
made last Saturday.

—_>--.
seing polite to customers doesn’t
mean you should “slop over.” Over.
doing a thing is nearly as bad as neg-
lecting to do it.
BUSINESS CHANCES.

For Sale—Hardware and implement
stock, or will consider farm up to $3,000.
Stock and fixtures will invoice about
$5,800. Located in small but good village
in southern half of Michigan. Address
No. 880, care Tradesman. 880

For Sale—Cash grocery invoicing $2,500
to $3,000. Sales last year $22,000. One
of the best towns of 5,000 in Central
Michigan. Particulars, address Oppor-
tunity No. 1, care Tradesman. 88

Side Line Salesman—Calling on hard-
ware, implement, electric and department
stores. Can earn an attractive commis-
sion selling a complete line of washing
and wringing machines. Give territory
covered and lines now handled. The
Easiest Way Mfg. Co., Sandusky, Ohio.

882

doing

 

 

 

 

For Sale—Grocery and bakery
business last year of $54,000. Best busi-
ness in good town of 4,000. Two rail-
roads. Stock, fixtures and bakery equip-
ment about $9,000. A good live business
growing every year. Will stand close in-
vestigation. Address D. B., care Trades-
man. 883

Wanted—Capable dry-goods salesman
and stock-keeper who can do buying if
necessary. No. 886, care Tradesman,

886
county,

 

For Sale—S0 acres in Gladwin
Michigan, worth $1,000. Would trade for
1917 car, Dodge preferred. Address Box
363, Macksville, Kansas. 884

For Sale—A good paying jewelry store,
invoice $3,000. A snap. Address Box 363,
Macksville, Kansas. : 885

An Exceptional Opportunity. If you
want to locate in a good, up-to-date city
—for rent, store room 24x 165 feet, full
basement, all modern conveniences, two
fronts on paved streets. Best location in
Watertown, South Dakota. $125 per

month. A. C. Gilnuth, Watertown, South
Dakota. 879

 

Dry Goods Store
Wanted

Two dry goods merchants have
recently retired from business at
Ludington, leaving an excellent
opening for at least one good
merchant. Fine location on main
business street available.