0 <6 WE a <4} oy =< cf) , oe) a Alou ya ; Bas K ae A, No aa fe Oe 7 cag Hye aS Is: — NS CRASS (elie Tf \ COC Za iP mL \ (om) (ex LY ace v0 ZX c ‘ ~ w CZ) A GIG ti SSRN ( ok Sign SS a. EL WG ONG is os (a ge ji) Koe= iF a eles ow of Sy Zw ik rf ui SAG ay Tn AACA a nN) % Ns ¥ Y: Ds a @ x) ry GSN AEE SCE Le, > eee 7e TRADESMAN COMPANY. PUBLISHERSE. RS ee LEDUC PED RE ISOS ZLB.) ey SG wr oo) iS Cy OZ A UGS) nn RY 7) a } — ee SPRISS t( ay y PN eA ON YR Ss EST. 1883 rc SES NRL AS Thirty-Sixth Year GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1919 Number 1842 EID oS CI mI IK When You Know ¢ a Fellow eee SOI OOo ood oo a I I IA When you get to know a fellow, know his joys and know his cares, When you've come to understand him and the burdens that he bears, When you've learned the fight he’s making and the troubles in his way, ‘Then you find that he is different than you thought him yesterday. You find his faults are trivial and there’s not so much to blame In the brother that you jeered at when you only knew his name. You are quick to see the blemish in the distant neighbor's style, You can point to all his errors and may sneer at him the while, And your prejudices fatten and your hates more violent grow As you talk about the failures of the man you do not know, But when drawn a little closer, and your hands and shoulders touch, You find the traits you hated reat don’t amount to much. When you aad to know a fellow, know his every.mood and whim, You begin to find the texture of the splendid side of him; You begin to understand him, and you cease to scoff and sneer, For with understanding always prejudices disappear. You begin to find his virtues and his faults you cease to tell, For you seldom hate a fellow when you know him very well, When next you start in sneering and your phrases turn to blame, Know more of him you censure than his business and his name; For it’s likely that acquaintance would your prejudice dispel And you'd really come to like him if- you knew him very well. When you get to know a fellow and you understand his ways, Then his faults won't really — for you'll find a lot to praise. rs SS eee FREE to Merchants Write for Your Copy today Be Ready for Big. Seed Business Most everyone will plant a “Victory Garden” this year and the demand for seed will be greater even than it was during the war. Good fresh stocks of reliable, well-known brands will earn big profits for many live merchants. You can fill every demand for quality seeds with For Garden Better, Quicker Service — Bigger Profits Isbell’s Red List enables you to fill orders quickly whether you stock all sorts or not. Quotes low wholesale prices on seeds direct from grow- er to you. Use it for first orders and for quick fill in. It’s a Seed Service you and your customers will like. Write us today for Red List and further particulars. S. M. Isbell & Co. 1169 Mechanic St. Jackson, Michigan The Tin Foil Cake of Fleischmann’s Yeast which physicians everywhere are pre- scribing for Constipation, Furunculosis, Acne and other diseases. PARRAMATTA iii « Deceasmacs (TYPrivi iiiirity tie Send for our book ‘‘ The Healing Power of Compressed Yeast.”’ It will interest you. THE FLEISCHMANN COMPANY CINCINNATI SAN FRANCISCO NEW YORK SEATTLE Michigan People should use WH ‘4 “——— Michigan Flour made from Michigan Wheat 1—It excels all other flours in flavor. 2—It excels all other flours in color (whiteness. ) 3—It excels all other flours for bread making. 4—It excels all other flours for pastry making. 5—It requires less shortening and sweetening than any other flour. 6—It fills every household requirement.. 7—Michigan merchants should sell, and Michigan people should buy Michigan flour made from Michigan wheat for every reason that can be advanced from a reciprocity standpoint. DEAL 1814 SNOW BOY WASHING POWDER 24s—Family Size through the jobber—to Retail Grocers 25 boxes @ $4.85__5 boxes FREE, Net $4.04 10 boxes @ 4.902 boxes FREE, Net 4.08 5 boxes @ 4.95—1 box -2l4boxes @ 5.00% box F. O. B. Buffalo; Freight prepaid to your R. R. Station in lots of not less than 5 boxes. All orders at above prices must be for immediate delivery. - This inducement is for NEW ORDERS ONLY¥—subject to withdrawal without notice. Yours very truly, Lautz Bros. & Co., Buffalo, N y. EVO (260.8 The. Salt thats alksalt- a ee DIAMOND CRYSTAL SALT €0., ST. CLAIR, MICHIGAN. MORE PROFIT FREE, Net 4.12 FREE, Net 4.17 ADESMAN Thirty-Sixth Year MICHIGAN TRADESMAN (Unlike any other paper.) Each Issue Complete in Itself. DEVOTED TO THE BEST INTERESTS OF BUSINESS MEN. Published Weekly by TRADESMAN COMPANY Grand Rapids E. A. STOWE, Editor Subscription Price. Two dollars per year, if paid strictly in advance Three dollars per year, if not paid in advance. Canadian subscriptions, $3.04 per year, payable invariably in advance. Sample copies 5 cents each. Extra copies of current issues, 5 cents; 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 Postoffice of Grand Rapids under Act of March 3, 1879. ALL BOSH. There is a good deal of bosh in the newspapers nowadays regarding the negligence of employers in not find- ing places are re- turning from the battle fronts and for soldiers who encampments. So far as the Tradesman’s informa- tion goes, it believes that practically every man who had a job before the war can come back to his own when- ever he is permitted to do so. A man who had no job when he enlisted or was drafted may have ito look around a little to find employ- ment, but he will not have to long. The present problem to solve at arrogant position as- undersized upstart in charge of the War Department, who is holding thousands of men in the training camps who are anxious to wef back to greater is the sumed by the their jobs and whose employers are making all kinds of sacrifices to keep the jobs open for their old employes. In many cases, these undergoing no They are loafing their heads off and $30 per month, when they could earn nearly that much money every week if permitted to return to their homes. Requests for soldiers are training whatever. around, eating drawing release receive no attention whatever at the hands of the authorities, who appear to act on the assumption that their lease of life is short and that they propose to make the most of it while they have a chance. This spirit of indifference to the welfare of the men is doing more to demoral- military ize the business of the country and hamper the return to normal condi- tions than any other factor in the sit- uation. TRADE IN COTTONS LAGGING. Nothing better shows the instabil- ity in the cotton markets than the comparatively wide fluctuations in the quotations for apparently inade- quate reasons. This would seem to indicate that the principal factor is look , GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1919 merely speculation, because the size of the crop is determined and there have been no very marked changes in demand nor any promise of any. Neither is there at present any pros- pect of an enlarged consumption by domestic mills, the indications being rather of the reverse kind because of the slowing up in the demand for cotton fabrics. Buyers are averse to making purchases at present prices, although these represent quite large concessions from they were, while the mills are seriously consider- ing the proposition of trying to cut down labor costs. Attempts, how- ever, at reducing wages are apt to be followed by strikes. In some instances there has been a curtailment of pro- duction because of an indisposition to pile up goods in stock. Relief is hoped for through outlets for export. But the trade in cotton goods is passing through a period of the same kind of re-adjustment as are other trades, and will not settle down until it is believed that values are some- where near stable ones. What buy- ing there is is for immediate needs and this applies pretty generally to knit as well as woven goods. Ina fortnight or so things may become more stable, but no great amount of forward buying is expected even then. what SURE CURE. Over in Chicago, a very unusual group of women have undertaken a study at first hand into the causes of the high cost of living. Strange to say, one of the first things they did was to investigate the possible part the “middlemen” might play in it, by going right down into the produce district and looking for “facts” and they expressed they found the business men there willing to help them get at the truth. When they left, after three or four days of looking. about and asking questions, they had concluded that the wicked middlemen weren’t as wicked as painted. Then they did the sensible thing; concluded that if prices were too high for certain things, they wouldn’t buy them. They called it a boycott, hut after all it is only the application of reduced demand to correct a high price, And, at last accounts, it is re- ported to be working out nicely with prices weakening. surprise when Linen manufacturers overseas are not pressing the American market for new business. They are confident in the stability of their prices be- cause of the established raw material basis. Linen buying from this side will probably develop in proportion to the success of retailers’ white sales, but it is not to be expected that the usual far distant contracting will develop. DESPOTISM IN AMERICA. For the sake of winning the war the American people have submitted to many unusual Government regu- lations, both both just and unjust. It is now in order for our legislators, courts and jurists to decide if the same _ autocratic, despotic methods shall ever again be employed in times of emergency. Not only have people been deprived of ordinary rights and privileges by authoritative mandates, but they have suffered from the arbitrary decisions of political adventurers who wise and unwise, admin- istered the affairs of their office with- out regard to the explicit provisions of Government regulations. This feature of the case is subject for im- mediate investigation and adequate punishment. The District War Boards largely disregard the rules of exemption paid no heed to unanimous recommendations blanks and questionaires, of Local War Boards as to exemption or deferred trants, classification of regis- a high-handed, auto- cratic manner brushed aside reports, affidavits, naught and in rules, etc.,- bringing to painstaking, honest, earnest labor of local boards and oth- ers to whom the much Government as- signed the task of determining who were Or were not entitled to exemp- tion or deferred classification. Again, the treatment of soldiers in training camps: For the part the boys have only words of praise for their officers, yet in some cases most the exactions were actually cruel and criminal. In a camp where the influ- enza was at its height, the boys were ordered out before meals, without hats’ or coats, to stand in the chilly October or November rain for ten minutes or more and go through a drill. Did such abuses or authority as that have anything to do with the 1,800 deaths from influenza at that camp? Another exhibition of kaiserism was when the War Stamp drive was on. The deferred men of the country were called together and given the opportunity or threat- ened or forced to pledge themselves to buy, or solicit the purchases of a class whole certain number of War Savings stamps each before a certain date, without regard to their income, wages or dependent relatives. In other cases, cheap chairmen of War stamp committees caused to be published in the daily papers state- ments to the effect that those who failed to subscribe for stamps in the amount decided upon by the arrogant committee would be branded as un- patriotic. Of course, this sort of blackmailing tactics missed its mark, because it created so much bitterness in the minds of every fair minded Number 1842 and hot dare to man that the impudent headed chairmen did not carry out their cowardly programme. We between privileges permitted must all learn to distinguish which have been because they did not in- fringe upon the rights or welfare of the general public and our inalienable rights. The justly abrogated; the latter must be former in time may We strongly contested for and never sur- rendered. The first full year of the Federal Land Bank system ereat total af American ends with the $150,000,000 lent to farmers at 5 of 514 per cent. The mecrease in loans 1s steady, and the sum will reach a much higher figure before it begins to slow up. The cold statistics indi- cate very imperfectly mhat a crush- ing weight is being lifted from needy had pay 6 or 7 per cent. in the States in the land-owners who been wont to Eastern and up to 11 or 12 per cent. West for the use of Even in money. Illinois two decades ago 10 per cent. was an ordinary interest rate. Secretary Houston spoke in his recent report of the Land Bank system as one of the chief factors in reducing the amount of tenancy— that “should cause great concern”—in the United States. A benefit in which, he said, has aspects incidental will lie in given by the loan certain some sections the encouragement formation of farm associations —of which there are nearly 3,500—to other kinds of co-operation. universal suffrage law, it becomes apparent that the “one man, With ‘Belgium passing a vote” idea has emerged triumphant out of the war —even if has. Central Europe, having learned a lesson as to the value of democracy, is sweeping away the whole antiquat- ed structure of class franchise, which the war had a_ strangle-hold on most of the countries between the Baltic and the Adriatic. At last the sneaking suspicion that the can not be trusted in the exercise of political The whole world sees now that upper- class minorities were still less to be trusted. When the smoke of battle finally clears away, a Europe will be disclosed in which every man has a vote. And an increasing number of countries will appear on the map which, led by Great Britain, have giv- en women the vote as well. We on our side must hurry if we do not wish to be left behind in the race for democracy. one no other human institution before masses rights has been dissipated. A man does not have a very tight grip on his job when he works only enough to hold on to it. MICHIGAN TRADESMAN January 8, 1919 REALM OF THE RETAILER. History of Our First Uniform Insur- ance Policy. I met a retail merchant in a job- bing house the other day who asked me if I did not think I was a little severe in my strictures on stock fire insurance companies. I replied that I was severe, but not nearly so harsh as I was justified in being, based on the arbitrary action and arrogant at- titude assumed by the managers of most of the stock fire insurance com- panies doing business in this country. As the man who made the enquiry appeared to be inclined to be some- what skeptical, I asked him if he would like to listen to a detailed statement I could make in support of my position that the stock fire insurance companies are stumbling blocks in the pathway of progress. He eagerly acquiesced in this sug- gestion and immediately gave me a willing ear. I thereupon took him back to the time the Tradesman was started, nearly thirty-six years ago, when the uniform insurance policy was un- known. Every company used a dif- ferent form and they all vied with each other in seeing how many Chinese puzzles they could introduce in the fine print in their policies which no one ever thought of reading until the morning after the fire. Set- tlement with one company, in the event of a loss, would form no basis to work on with another company interested in the loss, because the conditions would be different on ac- count of the variation in the fine print regulations. I learned that some states where the insurance com- panies were not in complete control of the legislatures enjoyed the ad- vantages of a uniform insurance pol- icy and immediately set about the work of securing similar benefits for Michigan policy holders. This in- volved the introduction of a bill in the Legislature providing for the creation of an insurance policy com- mission to pass on the measure. Im- mediately the cloven hoof of the fire insurance combine showed itself, The old line companies fought the pro- posed legislation, tooth and_ nail, bringing to bear every argument which cunning or coercion could command to defeat the measure. We won out, however, despite the ma- chinations of the combine and the herculean efforts it made to deprive the insuring public of this great favor. Then came the appointment of the third member of the commission, which was to be composed of the State Insurance Commissioner, the Attorney General and a third mem- ber to be appointed by the Governor. Cyrus G. Luce was then Governor and faced a critical situation. The insurance officials insisted that the third member of the commission should be a representative of the combine. On the other hand, I in- sisted that he should be a civilian, basing my contention on the ground that the Insurance Commissioner actually represented the insurance compan‘es. “How do you make that out?” asked Governor Luce. I showed him that up to that time every Insurance Commissioner Mich- igan had ever had had graduated out of an insurance office into the Com- missionership and'dropped back into his old position, or a still better one created for him by the insurance companies, as soon as his term of office expired, “Your point is well taken,” said the Governor, “who would you like to have me appoint?” “Charles Buncher, of Detroit,’ was the reply. “Who is Charles Buncher?” asked the Governor. He was told that Mr. Buncher had long been connected with the whole- sale dry goods house of Edson, Moore & Co., had made a study of fire insurance all his life and probab- ly knew more about the subject than any other business man in Michigan. The appointment was made and the commission got together, organized and set a date for a hearing. The insurance companies announced that they would be represented by twen- ty-two attorneys, some of them be- ine the keenest legal twisters in the country. This meant that the busi- ness men of the State must also be legally represented before the com- mission, so I hurriedly passed the hat and raised $2,000 to secure the services of the late N. A. Fletcher, who had long made a study of fire insurance from the standpoint of the insured. Mr, Fletcher fought single handed against the twenty-two legal representatives of the insurance com- bine, who contested every paragraph, word, period and comma which was embodied in the uniform form. Jt required three weeks to accomplish this result, which was fairly satis- factory to policy holders. It has been of lasting benefit to the in- suring public of the State. The form adopted in the early eighties re- mained unchanged until two years ago, when the Legislature replaced the old form with a near duplication of the present New York form. The jnsurance companies reluctant- ly accepted the situation, but they undertook to punish everyone who had anything to do with the inaugura- tion of the uniform insurance policy form. They immediately withdrew all advertising from newspapers which favored the measure and placed them on their black list. They raised the rate of legislators who voted for the creation of the commission. They vilified Mr. Buncher. They withheld ‘business from Mr. Fletcher which was his by right. They slandered and cartooned me in their insurance journals, but I have lived to see my activity in the matter vindicated by the adoption of the uniform policy form by nearly every state in the Union. “Ts that the real reason why the stock fire insurance men have been making slurring remarks about you for thirty years?” enquired the re- tail merchant. “I have been told re- peatedly that their enmity toward you is due to some trouble they had with you in adjusting a fire loss Attention Merchants! Insure with the Grand Rapids Merchants Mutual Fire Insurance Co. We will insure you at 25% less that Stock Company rates. No membership fee charged. We give you 30 days to pay your premium and do not discriminate. We are organized to Insure Build- ings, Stocks, etc., any where in the State of Michigan. . Since our organization we have saved our members Thousands of Dollars, and can do, proportionally, the same for you. Home Office. Grand Rapids Insurance at Cost On all kinds of stocks and buildings written by us at regular board rates, with a dividend of 30 per cent. re- turned to the policy holders. No membership fee charges. Insurance that we have in force over $2,000,000. Michigan Shoe Dealers Mutual Fire Insurance Company Fremont, Mich. One of the strongest companies in the state charge for fire insurance. Wm. N. Senf, Secretary Fire Insurance that Really Insures The first consideration in buying your fire insurance is SAFETY. You want your protection from a company which really protects you, not from a company which can be wiped out of existence by heavy losses, as some companies have been. Our Company is so organized that it CAN NOT lose heavily in any one fire. Its invariable policy is to accept only a limited amount of insurance on any one building, in any one block in any one town. Our Company divides its profits equally with its policy holders, thus reducing your premiums about one-third under the regular old line MICHIGAN BANKERS AND MERCHANTS’ MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE CO. FREMONT, MICHIGAN Inspection Bureau Rates: Co.. Fremont, Mich. Co., Grand Rapids, Mich. Grand Rapids, Mich. how to get it reduced. surance companies. Bristol Insurance Agency Fire, Tornado and Automobile Insurance Fremont, Mich. Representing Michigan Companies Writing Gen- eral Mercantile Lines, and Allow- ing 25% to 30% off Michigan Mich. Shoe Dealers’ Mutual Fire Ins. Michigan Mercantile Fire Insurance G. R. Merchants Mutual Fire Ins. Co., We inspect your risk, prepare your form, write your policy and adjust and pay your loss promptly, if you meet with disaster. If your rate is too high, we will inspect your risk and show you We specialize in Fire Insurance, and are in position to handle any fire insurance proposition, large or small, and feel no hesitation in stating that it is no longer necessary for any merchant or businessman to submit to the high rates and unjust exactions of the stock fire in- Correspondence solicited, All letters promptly answered. Cc. N. BRISTOL, Manager and State Agent. Hardware and Implement Mutuals Writing Hardware, Implement and Garage Lines Allowing Dividends at Expiration of 50% to 55%. Retail Hardware Mutual Fire Ins. Co., Minneapolis, Minn. Hardware Dealers’ Mutual Fire Ins, Co., Stevens Point, Wis. Minnesota Implement Mutual Fire Ins. Co., Owatonna, Minn. eateries 4 ed oskeengmniprtase tg 20 esa | i Oe OO ‘a es ae eateries 4 ee RHI te cepa spt a2 pres January 8, 1919 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 3 which originated in your own prem- BANKRUPTCY MATTERS. bankrupt, Coopersville, a final meeting a : oe of creditors was held. The trustee’s re- is€s many years ago. —— port was approved and allowed. An or- “Such a thing never occurred,” I re- Proceedings In the Western District ¢" for the final distribution was entered, j he ’ ee . ae ordering payment of administration ex- plied. “When the Tradesman was of Michigan. penses and a final dividend of 37 per " . located in the Blodgett building, the Grand Rapids, Jan. 7—Allen J. Swart, Cont. which, together with the first 8 8 ; 618 Grandville avenue, Grand Rapids, dividend which amounted to 5 per cent., 1¢ 1 an Luce block—where the Herpolsheim- has filed a voluntary petition for ad- ™akes a total amount paid by this er building is now located—burned. Water came into the Blodgett build- ing and damaged our stock to the amount of $1,187. When three of the adjusters interested in the loss called to make a settlement, I handed them my proofs in typewritten form, Ev- ery item on which damage was claim- ed was described at length, together with the number of the shelf on which it could be found and the page in the cost book where its purchase was recorded. -The late Fred Mc- Bain, Secretary of the Grand Rapids Fire Insurance Co., remarked that the proofs were the most complete and comprehensive he had ever seen. The gentlemen talked the matter over a few minutes and then said to me: “Mr. Stowe, your loss is settled at $1,000.” “You are mistaken gentlemen,” I replied. My loss is $1,187—not a cent more and not a penny less.” They withdrew for a_ brief con- sultation, when the spokesman again said: “Mr. Stowe, your loss is settled at $1,150.” “You are again mistaken,” I re- marked. “I have shown you plainly what my actual loss is. The amount is $1,187. ft is that or nothing,’ The gentlemen then withdrew for consultation. One minute later they returned and said: “Mr. Stowe, your loss is settled at: $1,187.” There was no friction and no con- troversy—simply an unsuccessful ef- fort to save a few dollars for the companies by bantering. We subsequently had two fires in the office which originated in the oi- fice. Both were due to the careless- ness of employes. I was so chagrined over the fires that I never put in claims to the insurance companies, preferring to stand the losses rather than have to admit that fires could be started by our own carelessness. “Tn the light of what you have told me,’ remarked the retail merchant, “T will never take the word of a stock fire insurance man again. I knew they were scaly when it comes to settling losses, but I didn’t think they could make up lies out of whole cloth, as they have done in your’ case.” In subsequent articles I will under- take to give other reasons for the hostile attitude dishonest stock fire insurance men have assumed toward me. I am proud of their hostility and thrive on their opposition, be- cause antagonisms based on false- hood and fraud never hurt any one. E. A. Stowe. +8 The results you get from your newspaper advertising are going to depend upon the amount of work you put into writing it. —_—__+<--. There is no particular consolation for a man to know exactly what brought on his baldness. judication in bankruptcy. The adjudica- eState of 42 per cent. . e tion has been made, but no meeting of creditors has as yet been called. The ercan l e schedules of the bankrupt show the Ore ee Liabilities, $307.72; eens. . e 150. consisting of household goods an kK all claimed as exempt to the bankrupt. Fire Proof Safes ire Insurance The creditors all reside in Grand Rapids and are as follows: Young & Chaffee Furn. Co. ..... $ +o O Tor Cio. Weemerd ok oe ce csc acass 25 . ( } mM Gee ee. 6.73 Why pay for fire insurance and ” Mare. BS Oe oc eens aac 1.75 : $ : s Collins-Nortrern Ice Co, .......... 3.98 then invalidate it by not keeping OF GRAND RAPIDS - os see ee teen ee arts your. annual inventory and record Atlantic & Pacific Coffee Co. .... 3.48 of daily sales and purchases in a will use this space during VanderVeen Bros. ............2000. -60 i 1919 My jee tuizinen (002. 16.00 fire proof safe, as provided by the , ORO A OB oe oe cate ba pe 1.25 li ider? WATCH IT de we MOORS: BE De cee kc veces 49.00 policy rider ' es J. Abrahams Furn. Co. ........ 34.05 Pema Mur. CO. foe. ieee sc te ee 8.00 J ie fae Oo 3.52 We carry a full stock adapted TENG BAGRIOY CO ee ee. Coes 5.00 woe oe é Realty Co:;....... 27:25 to the use of merchants. A bil I i des shales an Den Berge Cigar Company .... 7.63 utomo e nsurance is an lu DONMOF & VEORAIEGr ... cece cee ‘ necessity. eet ee ise you insure wih an “old Fine company 1 ° you pay 33'//3% more than we charge ee See eae Grand Rapids Safe Co. Consult us for rates G. H. Mellema ..... see a [ee See BOMICUATOE 2.06... esses eee 2.49 Grand Rapids MICHIGAN AUTOREDMILE OWNERS IVI GEYOCOrY oh occ ec ek a ca 14.89 @ Sian & Bon... a08 | oh Recewoen Tk Goons Rapids, Week. K. Boerema’s Shoe Store ......... 1.60 Dankester. Sisters 6.5.55 6 ce os ck se 4.00 DeYoung Bros. Fuel Co. .......... 5.80 ‘ Mrs. J. Grocneyi 2... ee. cee ss 3,90 i DeKraker & Agema ................ 8.12 hanate SA 2G O.AO Inaatanes its Forte S60 Aen Se J. TANION GA i i ee cs 8.07 lL. Van. Der Hloonine .2........... PLE : j Ad eee 13.28 MercHants Lure INsuRANCE GOMPANY $307.72 Offices—Grand Rapids, Mich. In the matter of Andrew lL. Troyer, bankrupt, Muskegon Heights, the first meeting of creditors has been held. It . , appearing from the bankrupt’s schedules Has an unexcelled reputation for its and from the examination of the bank- . é rupt at the first meeting of creditors that there are no assets not claimed as Service to Policyholders exempt to the bankrupt, an order was made directing that ,no trustee be ap- inted. Th Ss ’ i ‘los at ee an ee dc sa $3,666, 161.58 bauleeapt, afcege, Grand lesen, the fest Paid Policy Holders Since Organization meeting of creditors has been held. The trustee’s final report was approved and allowed. The balance shown on hand CLAUDE HAMILTON RELL S. WILSON was ordered disbursed to pay adminis- Vice-Pres. WM. A. WATTS Sec’y tration expenses and a final dividend of JOHN A. McKELLAR President CLAY H. HOLLISTER 10 per cent. The first dividend declared Vice-Pres. Treas. was also 10 per cent., making a total amount paid by this estate of 20 per cent. SURPLUS TO POLICY HOLDERS $479,058.61 In the matter of Frank E. Slater, ANNOUNCEMENT! ALLEN G. THURMAN & CO. announce that they have established separate departments for the handling of all unlisted securities, viz., Motors, Public Utilities, Sugars and Local Stocks, with a view of rendering a more prompt and efficient service to the public. The Department of Public Utility and Sugar Stocks will be in charge of MR. TOD D. THURMAN. The department of Detroit and Local Stocks will be in daa of MR. PHILIP J. CORRIGAN. Statistical information and quotations on all issues will be available at all times and gladly furnished upon request. Private wires to all leading markets, quotations furnished and orders executed on New York Stock Exchange and Chicago Board of Trade. Allen G. Thurman & Co. Ground Floor Michigan Trust Bldg. Citizens 4480 GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Bell Main 4900-1 NE ee IEA MICHIGAN TRADESMAN January 8, 1919 NE = ui ha = is Sn tees piles ae s Maite ae oe Sie Ae thy Ua = ————— esl EE, HARE Pils i ee 5 UT \ ay — —— Z = z WV we wm :> =z m w i je Pil ” NK = 1 i, = 2 Wr ett (7 paar Sy] A SS PS ( Movements of Merchants. Elmira—Charles Weaver, the hard- ware merchant, is dead. Biteley—H. S. Hicks succeeds C. C. Wilkinson in the grcoery business. Conklin—Sam McNitt succeeds “Doc” Sawyer in the meat business. Big Rapids—Alexander V. Napp succeeds Dennis & Son in the grocery business. Belding—B. L. Struck Chapman & Struck in business. Clare—The Gould Undertaking Co. has increased its capital stock from $2,000 to $5,000. Augusta—The Moreau-Aldrich Co. has increased its capital stock from $12,000 to $15,000. Frankenmuth—Carl. Ortner has purchased the Frankenmuth hotel and taken possession. Petoskey—A new retail shoe store has been opened here by P. M. Salis- bury and Glen Hazelton. Albion—Fire destroyed the meat market of Thomas Slavoff Dec. 28, causing a loss of about $1,500 Marquette—Fire damaged the stock of the Union Clothing Co. Jan. 3, which is fully covered by insurance. Kalamazoo — Thieves entered the store of the Liberal Credit Clothing Co. Tan. 6 and carried away consid- erable stock. Coleman—D. J. Lemary has pur- chased the David store building and will’ occupy it with his grocery stock . about: Jan. 18. Matchwood—John Ferguson, dealer in general merchandise, died at St. Mary’s hospital, Marquette, following an illness of a few days. Bellevue—H. M. Weed, hardware dealer, has fallen heir to $100,000, which was left him by his uncle, the late J. H. Moores, of Lansing. Mulliken—John Bender, proprietor of the Durand creamery, has leased the Mulliken creamery and will con- tinue the business as a branch. Detroit—The Wayne Cigar Co. has been incorporated with an authorized capital stock of $1,000, all of which has been subscribed and paid in in cash. Decatur—Fire destroyed the store building and grocery stock of C. W. Warner, causing a loss of about $8,000, which is partially covered by insurance, Paw Paw—The firm of Cooley & Son. who for a number of years have conducted a general store, have sold to Frank Shafer and “Jack” Riedel, who have taken over the management. Mr. Cooley will continue in charge of the office of the express company, which has been conducted from the store. succeeds the grocery Port Huron—The R. W. Spike Fur- niture Co. has been incorporated with an authorized capital stock of $20,000, all of which has been subscribed and paid in in cash. Detroit—The Federal Coal & Coke Co. has been organized with an authorized capital stock of $1,000, all of which has been subscribed and $250 paid in in cash, Lansing—The Lansing Oldsmobile Sales Co. has been organized with an authorized capital stock of $30,000, all of which has been subscribed and $10,000 paid in in eash. ° Bangor—Leslie DeHaven, of De- Haven & Son, dealers of general mer- chandise here and at Lawton, died Jan. 6, of pneumonia, following a short attack of influenza. Battle Creek—The Union Steam Pump Sales Co. has been organized with an authorized capital stock of $25,000, of which amount $12,500 has been subscribed and paid in in cash. Ludington—T. W. McIntosh has sold his interest in the fuel, lime and cement business of Vorce & MclIn- tosh to R. L. Vorce and the business will be continued under the style of L. E. Vorce & Son. Bronson—The stockholders of the First State Savings Bank celebrated the bank’s tenth anniversary the first of the year with an extra dividend of 5 per cent. in addition to the reg- ular 2% quarterly dividend. Saginaw — Emma Messmer has taken over the bakery and confec- tionery stock and store fixtures of the late Eenhard Rimmele and _ will continue the business at the same location, 516 South Harrison street. Detroit — Charles F. Mann _ has merged his drug business into a stock company under the style of the Charles F. Mann Co., with an auth- orized capital stock of $30,000, all of which has been subscribed and paid in in property. Traverse City—The Bryant-Sar- jeant Co. has been organized to buy and sell farm tractors and farm ma- chinery of all kinds, with an author- ized capital stock of $50,000, all of which has been subscribed and $10,000 paid in in cash. Jackson—Samuel A. Schwartz has removed his stock of women’s ready- to-wear clothing to a_ large store building on West Main street, which he recently leased and furnished with modern store fixtures, show cases and a plate glass front. Jackson—David B. Lewis, of Gal- lup & Lewis, furniture dealers, died at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, fol- lowing an operation for an ailment of long standing. Mr. Lewis had been associated with Mr. Gallup in the furniture business for the past twen- ey-eight years and a resident of Jack- son for more than fifty years. Oxford—The Detwiler-Reed Co. has been organized to buy, and sell autos, tractors, vehicle engines and accessories, with an authorized capi- tal stock of $10,000, all of which has been subscribed, $3,927 paid in in cash and $3,773 in property. St. Louis—The Fred A. Bieber Co. has been incorporated to deal in fuel, lumber and flouring mill products, with an authorized capital stock of $10,000, of which amount $5,500 has been subscribed and paid in, $200 in cash and $5,300 in property. Sault Ste. Marie—Fred W. Roach & Sons has been incorporated to buy and sell second-hand merchandise of all kinds, with an authorized capital stock of $10,000, of which amount $5,000 has been subscribed, $100 paid in jn cash and $3,500 in property. Lawton—Lewis Cameron, formerly engaged in the undertaking business at Hartford, and a veteran of the Kaiser’s war, has purchased the un- dertaking stock and store fixtures of the late James Sylvester and will con- tinue the business at the same loca- tion. Grand Ledge—George M. Stokes, undertaker and furniture dealer for the past twenty-nine years, has sold his undertaking stock to W. E. Stro- bel, who will remove it to his own undertaking parlors. The furniture stock has been purchased by L. W. Richards, who will consolidate it with his stock of furniture and house fur- nishing goods. Lansing—Samuel Elgin Mifflin, one of the most prominent business men of this city, died last Friday at the family residence, 421 Seymour St., following a short illness. Mr. Mifflin was born in Berth Washington, Penn.. 58 years ago. Hie was educat- ed in the public schols of that place and attended college at Worcester. In 1884 he was married to Miss Har- riet S. Randall of Ripley, N. Y., who died two years ago. For thirty-two vears Mr. Mifflin had been engaged in the ladies and men’s furnishings business in this city. He also had numerous other business connections. Hie was President of Hugh Lyons & Co., a director of the Lansing State Savings Bank, Vice-President of the Duplex Truck Co., director of the Auto Wheel Co. His business capaci- ty was also asked as a director of the Lansing Country Club, and as trustee and treasurer of First Presby- terian church. He was a member of Lansing lodge No. 33, F. & A. M., of Lansing Commandery No. 25 K. T. and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He was a man admired by all who knew him and during his business career in Lansing made many close friends who will keenly feel his loss as a business man and friend. Manufacturing Matters. St. Joseph—The Simpson Truck Co. has increased its capital stock from $50.000 to $100,000. Kalamazoo—The Piper Ice Cream Co. has increased its capital stock from $25,000 to $100,000. Detroit—The General Spring & Wire Co. has increased its capital stock from $30,000 to $75,000. Detroit—The Central Mill & Lum- ber Co. has been organized with an authorized capital stock of $50,000, of which amount $25,000 has been subscribed and paid in in cash, Muskegon Heights—Manufacturers and business men of Muskegon Heights will call a meeting within a few days to organize a Chamber of Commerce or Board of Commerce. Bessemer—The Farmers Milling & Elevator Co. has been incorporated with an authorized capital stock of $10.000, of which amount $5,000 has heen subscribed and $3,000 paid in in cash, Detroit—The Art Stucco Materials Co. has been incorporated with an authorized capital stock of $30,000, $15,000 of which has been subscribed and paid in, $5,000 in cash and $10,000 in property. Detroit—The U. . A. Tailoring Co. has been ea with an auth- orized capital stock of $5,000, of which amount $2,500 has been sub- scribed and paid in, $400 in cash and $2.100 in property. Detroit—The Wilton Tool and Manufacturing Co. has been incor- porated with an authorized capital stock of $100,000, of which amount $80,000 has been subscribed and paid in, $1,000 in cash and 79,000 in prop- erty. Detroit—The Harwich Stamping Co. has been organized to manufac~ ture and sell metal products, stamp- ings, etc., with an authorized capital stock of $10,000, $5,000 of which has been subscribed and $1,000 paid in in cash, Detroit—The Sherlock Bread Co. has been organized to conduct a general baking business, with an authorized capital stock of $100,000, of which amount $50,000 has been subscribed and $10,000 paid in in cash. Detroit—The Quali-Motiv Corpora- tion has been organized to manu- facture and sell automotive products, with an authorized capital stock of $50,000, of which amount $35,000 has been subscribed and paid in, $5,000 in cash and $30,000 in property. Detroit—The Climax Manufactur- ing Co. has been organized to manu- facture and sell parts for internal combustion engines, with an author- ized capital stock of $30,000, all of which has been subscribed and paid in, $5,500 in cash and $24,500 in prop- erty. Detroit—The Coupland Saw & Manufacturing Co. has been organ- ized to manufacture and sell cutting tools and machinery, with an author- ized capital stock of $25,000, of which amount $13,700 has been subscribed, $847.50 paid in in cash and $5,902.50 in property. Port Huron—The Holmes Foundry Co. has been incorporated to conduct foundries at Romeo and Port Huron, with an authorized capital stock of $580,000 common and $670,000 pre- ferred, of which amount $1,250,000 has been subscribed and paid in, $1,500 in cash and $1,248,000 in prop- erty. : seni nsrenscrsnretrocmecnamatenee rates Haast es ea eae ee a So i ~ i aE I a a aa ee ar a i a ae ee oe eg aa aS ee ea aa a i a arc er es eae Pa: January 8, 1919 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 4 _ = - The Grocery Market. Sugar—No change has been made in the price or method of distributing beet sugar. Edgar’s reports that the demand has livened up somewhat and concludes that the lack of supplies in the East indicates that no distri- bution of cane will be permitted in territory west of the Buffalo-Pitts- burg line for some time to come. Michigan and Ohio factories are gradually finishing their operations and only about five of them were running at the end of last week. It is expected that it may be March 1 before the present beet crop is dis- tributed, although a better demand, such as would now be reasonably looked for, might wind it up the middle of next month. Tea—Although the year’s business has barely started up, it gives promise of fulfilling the anticipations of deal- ers which are based upon the greatly depleted stocks in the hands of do- mestic distributors resulting from the extremely conservative policy of buying they have pursued for months past, and the indicated large require- ments of foreigm markets. Conse- quently there is a feeling of confi- dence manifested in the trade gen- erally and prices rest on a firm basis. Coffee—The market is extremely dull and shows a fractional decline for the week. Nothing has yet been done by the Government to rescue the situation from the clutches of the most extreme scarcity in years. Prices are showing a _ declining tendency, although everything is still on an extremely high basis. This is not the time to buy any coffee except what is needed in the immediate fu- ture. Canned Fruit—Nothing very im- portant is offering in this line at present. There are a few resale of- fers in the market which do not seem to attract very much attention. Canned Vegetables—The market is on a nominal basis and prices are ‘unchanged. Neither jobbers nor re- tailers deem it advisable to replenish at this time. Canned Fish—Sardine outlook is not as favorable as it was and some members of the trade are predicting rather sharp declines shortly. So far nothing of this kind has occurred and canners’ representatives say it is not likely to. The salmon situation is unchanged. Dried Fruits—The chief feature of . the dried fruit market that is absorb- ing the attention of the trade is transportation, which has proved very unsatisfactory and has caused a great deal of complaint. There have been shipments of prunes on the way for the past ten or twelve weeks which should have been here before this time »but of which there is not the slightest sign. Appeals for tracing these goods have been in vain, or at least have resulted in nothing. The market is very bare of stock and anything that might be available would be eagerly welcomed. Oregon prunes are here in moderate quanti- ties and there has been a larger de- mand for this variety because of the scarcity of California fruit. Raisins are also arriving rather slowly and are causing considerable inconven- ience. A shipment of Amalia cur- rants is due the latter part of this month or the first part of next and is being offered on the basis of 17c for uncleaned in barrels and 19c for cleaned in cartons. Apricots are somewhat easier in tone but are not selling very freely, the prices being considered too high by the general trade. Sugar Syrups—Business is still re- stricted by a paucity of offerings and prices are nominal. Molasses — The market remains firm under limited supplies and in- creasing demand, higher grades re- ceiving most attention. Corn Syrup—Manufacturing con- sumers are showing renewed interest and, although the movement at pres- ent is comparatively light. the outlook: is for a good business hereafter. The market has a steady tone. Cheese—The market is firm and same conditions prevail as a week ago. The stocks are light and there is a fair demand for all styles. We look for continued high prices in the near future. Rice—With the cessation of the war it has been assumed that there will be a diminishing demand for rice and that possibly prices will re- cede to some extent. On the other hand, as the peace horizon extends and instead of taking in our Allies in the European war only as con- sumers of our foodstuffs we now find that all of the enemy countries are apparently in dire distress and are asking for relief. In some instances the suffering, direct and indirect, for adequate food supplies is almost in- comprehensible to us who have such ample supplies and even when we are laboring under the greatest degree of restriction, some, if not many, of us find that our own health and activi- ties are promoted by the restrictive measures adopted by the general gov- ernment in order to permit greater and greater quantities of foodstuffs to go to Europe. Conspicuous among our food supplies has been our rice crop, now attaining very considerable proportions and recently the delay in the arrivals of American rice out in Porto Rico threatened a local famine there and we are led to infer that for another year and perhaps for several years the prices of rice will rule suffi- ciently high to induce our rice plant- ers to go ahead with their work and produce all of the rice they can with which to meet the constantly grow- ing demand. During the season of active delivery within the four months all the rice offering in New Orleans has been taken, the Govern- ment being the largest customer and others having to take what was left. We have now ahead of us seven full months before we shall have a single bag of rice in the market and we may say eight months before there will be any freedom in the arrivals of rice. Provisions—The market on lard is weak, quotations about 1@1%c per pound lower than previous quotations, due largely to the extra run of live- stock and a fair local demand. The market on lard substitute is firm, with quotations ranging the same as lasr week. There is a good supply on hand and an active demand. The market on smoked meats is steady, with quotations slightly easier than last week, due to slightly better sup- ply and a fair demand. The market on barreled pork is firm, with quo- tations ranging the same as. last week, with a fair demand and a moderate supply. The market on dried beef is firm, with unchanged quotations. There is a light supply and a good demand. The market on canned meats is firm, with quotations unchanged, wtih a light supply and a good de- mand. Salt Fish — Mackerel continues firm and high, although the supply is fair for the demand. Cod and had- dock both high by reason of scarcity. —_+-____ Review of the Grand Rapids Produce Market. Apples—Pound Sweet, $2.50 per bu.: Hubbardstons, $2.25; Baldwin, $1.75: Northern Spys, $2.50@8; Mack- intoshes, $2; Grimes Golden, $2; Greenings, $2; Russets, $1.75. Bananas—$7.25 per 100 Ibs. Beets—75c per bu. Butter—The butter market is very firm and receipts are light. There is an active demand for all grades and we look for continued good trading in the near future — the average quality of fresh arrivals showing up well for this time of year. Local dealers hold fancy creamery at 66c in tubs and 68c in prints. Creamery more than a month old, 62c. Jobbers pay 48c for No. 1 dairy in jars and sell at 50c. They pay 35¢ for packing stock. Cabbage—$3 per 100 lbs. Carrots—75c per bu. Celery—35c per bunch. Cucumbers—Indiana hot house, $3 per doz. Eggs—The market is easier and lower, due to increased receipts of fresh. Local dealers pay 58c per doz., loss off, including cases, deliver- ed. Cold storage operators are put- ting out their stocks on the basis 5 of 49c for candled firsts and 45c for -candled seconds. Egg Plant—$3 per dozen. Garlick—60c per Ib. Grape Fruit—$4.50@5.25 per for all sizes Floridas. . Grapes—California Emperorsy $10 per keg. Green Onions—Charlotts, $1 per dozen. Green Peppers—80c per basket for Florida. Honey—35c per lb. for white clov- er and 30c for dark. Lemons—California, $5 for choice and $5.50 for fancy. Lettuce—Head, $3.75 per bu. ham- per: hot house leaf, 22c per Ib. Onions—$2 per 100 Ib. sack for either Red or Yellow. Oranges — Floridas, $5@5.50 per box; California Navals, $4.50@7, ac- cording to size. Pineapples—$6 per crate. Pop Corn—15c per Ib. Potatoes—Have advanced to $2.25 per 10 lb. sack. There is every in- dicaticn of still higher prices. Radishes—Hot house, 35c¢ per doz. bunches. Squash — Hubbard, $3.50 per 100 Ibs. Sweet Potatoes — $2.75 per 50 Ib. hamper of Illinois kiln dried and $3 for Jerseys. Tomatoes—California, $1.50 per 5 Ib. basket; hot house, 35c per Ib. Turnips—65c per bu. —— The annual round-up of the branch managers, department heads and sales managers of the two houses of M. Piowaty & Sons will be held in this city Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 18 and 19. The Grand Rapids house rep- resents ten branches and the Chicago house—which, by the way, is a sep- arate corporation—represents about thirty houses. One entire floor ot the Pantlind Hotel has been reserved for the accommodation of the 125 men who are Scheduled to be present. Luncheon will be served Saturday noon at the Association of Commerce and a banquet will be given the guests Saturday evening at the Pant- lind Hotel. This is the first time the joint round-up has ever been held in this city, previous gatherings of the kind having been held in Chicago. ——>+> J. Langdon McKee was. elected Secretary of the Valley City Build- ing and Loan Association, at the meeting of the board of directors, Monday, to take the place of Oscar E. Belden, who had resigned on account of continued poor health. —_>-2. Samuel R. Evans, well-known tea and coffee salesman, left last week for his annual trip to the Pacific coast. He will cover all of his reg- ular customers between St. Paul and Seattle, returning to Grand Rapids sometime duriing the month of April. —_—_>--.-____. Chas. P. Reynolds (Judson Grocer Company) is forced to remain in for a few days on account of the serious illness of his wife with pneumonia. His route is being covered in the meantime by Frank Toot, house sales- man, box Gabby Gleanings From Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids, Jan. 7—The annual dinner and re-union of the traveling salesmen, officers and directors of the Worden Grocer Company will be held at the Peninsular Club Saturday noon of this week. The McMullen Machinery Co. will be represented by the following sales force during 1919: W. G. Foot, wood working department; J. E. Mon- ahan, sales manager; Joseph Hager, machinery and supply department; J. F. Smith, Grand Rapids and North- western Michigan; C. M. Bradfield, Southwestern Michigan; A. MM. Comey, Central and Eastern Mich- igan, The usual New Year party which has for several years been held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Mar- tin was not pulled off this year. There were several reasons, but the main one was that John celebrated the go- ing out of old 1918—the bloody year of war—with a fire in his home that burned off the back end, putting out of commission the kitchen and two sleeping rooms. Aside from the minor inconvenience caused by water, smoke and chemicals, the home is still in livable condition. The January furniture market open- ed Thursday, Jan. 2, with about 100 arrivals, but some lines were not yet in condition, but the manufacturers who have showrooms in their fac- tories were all in good shape to re- ceive the visitors. Monday, Jan. 6, brought over 200 buyers, largely from the East and South, and the re- ports came from the different spaces of good orders being placed. The crest of the market will be the week of Jan. 13. Jess L. Martin, a former Grand Rapids boy, son of John D. Martin, and a member of Grand Rapids Coun- cil, No. 131, who left his business in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and enlisted in the service, the branch Field Ar- tillery, in the training camp Zachary Taylor, at Louisville, Ky., received his discharge and is back to his home at Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Horace J, Cummings, of Muskegon. who has represented the S. C. Smith Co., of Cleveland, in Western and Southern Michigan for the past twelve years, has signed with the Phelps-Krag Co., of Detroit, for 1919 and is already out on the warpath for his new house. Mr. Cummings was born at Shelby Basin, Orleans county, N. Y., Jan. 26, 1842, being the only survivor of nine children. When he was eight years old the family removed to Hadley, Mich., where he attended school and learned the blacksmith trade from his father, who was an expert smithy. At 14 years of age he was able to make a better steel trap than could be pur- chased at any store. Nov. 26, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, serving the full term of three years. He was honorably discharged at Jackson in the fall of 1864, when he went to La- peer and conducted a _ blacksmith shop for five years, He then en- gaged in the retail grocery business in Lapeer, continuing in trade there twelve years. He then removed to Muskegon and conducted a first-class grocery store for eleven years. He then went on the road for the J. G. Flint Co.. of Milwaukee, selling teas, coffees and spices in Western Mich- igan territory for eleven years. He subsequently traveled for the Telfer Coffee Co. one year in the same ter- ritory, when he transferred himself to the S. C. Smith Co., with which house he was associated twelve years, as above stated. Mr. Cum- mings was married in 1866 to Miss Nancy Catherine Cramton, of La- peer. An only child died at the age of 6 months. Mr. and Mrs. Cum- mings thereupon adopted a 2 year old bov and reared him with mucn care’ They sent him to college and gave him a medical course in one of the best medical colleges in the MICHIGAN TRADESMAN country. To their great grief, he died three years after establishing him- self in practice. Mr. Cummings is a Mason as far as the Chapter de- grees and an Elk. He has but one hobby—tea and coffee—and fttrib- utes his success to the fact that he understands the goods he sells and treats every customer right. Grand Rajids Council enjoyed a well-attended businesslike and snappy session last Saturday night—one of the kind held in the older days when Burns, Ryder, Hondorp, Compton, etc., held the gavel. After the smoke had passed over and everything once more assumed a normal condition, it was found that ten new names were added to the roster. By initiation: Harry Chick, Chas. H. Wiese, John B. Linsley, William G. McKinley, Gilbert H. Moore and Vincent M. Johnson; by re-instatement: Joseph S. Albertson, Albert E. Johnson and William J. Liebler; by transfer: Grant Wierchell from Jackson council. To the end that the biggest and best banquet held by Grand Rapids Council in years may be given in March, the following committee was appointed: Jas. Bolen, temporary chairman, A. E. Atwood, F. C. Cron- inger, W. S. Cain and R. A. Waite. The committee, we understand, will endeavor to hold the banquet at the Pantlind Hotel and the best speaker obtainable will be secured. You will notice we say speaker, as we believe it is the sense of the committee that one good snappy speaker who be- lieves in the philosophy of Josh Bil- lings who said, “It don’t make no difference how much you say, so long as you say it in few words” wil make a bigger hit than half a dozen speakers who drag out the evening until everybody is tired out. Past Counselor E. J. MacMillan was elect- ed a trustee of the Building Fund Committee in place of H. W. Har- wood, resigned. We wish to compliment our new Sentinel, James Bolen, on the efficient manner in which he does his work by seeing that the Council chamber is in readiness, the paraphernalia taken care of at the close of the session and, best of all, by committing his part of the ritual as it should be done—a feat which, we are sorry to note, some of our officers seem unable to accom- plish. John Schumacher starts out the New Year with a new job. He was in Milwaukee last week, where he signed up with the Ziegler Candy Co. to cover his old Michigan territory. You are not insured if your Council dues are not paid. Next U. C. T. dance Jan. 25. The holidays being over, we again get down to business. As we look back into the Venerable 1918 we re- call a good many instances which in after years we can remember with pleasure, such as licking the Kaiser— the biggest coward at large in Europe to-day. His seemingly invincible army has been vanquished. We as Ameri- cans, however, must not take too much credit. We must remember the siege at Verdun and pay homage to the French lads, who inspired by a noble purpose, laid down their lives and sacrificed their all that principles held dear to every heart throughout the civilized world might live. We must also remember the Eng- lish boys who have faced the fire of the murderous Hun and gave back as good as he sent, with a little interest to boot. Also heroic little Belgium who with her small but valiant army held back the worst foe to mankind and -made it possible for France to mobilize her army and make the stand that she did. We must also remember our broth- er Canadians who, through the entire war, have made a record for them- selves, and we can thank them from the bottom of our hearts that with their help democracy shall live! Also the Australians and Italians— brave heroes that they are. Time only will bring reward to these peo- ple. Then, after three years of warfare, our Uncle Sam came into the fray, but still those French, the English, 3elgians and Italians fought on that we might have the opportunity to get ready. This getting ready was some job. It was a regular Uncle Sam’s job, but it was accomplished in record time and it was not long before we were sending troops over there by the boat- load every day. To be sure, the troops were hastily trained, but they were aware of the fact that they carried with them the confidence of a civilized world. They were bound to make good, and they did make good, and served as the turning point in the greatest battle that has been fought since the begin- ning ot time, the echoes of which were heard in the most remote corners of the earth. Now all the dark clouds have passed, or are passing, and in their place we see the rising stun, in- dicating the birth of a new era—an era which will bind the nations closer. We will think ot the people of other nations as brothers and sisters, each with a desire for co-operation in building up the great family of civili- zation, ruled by the hand of de- mocracy. As we traveling salesmen go about our duties, carry on in part the com- merce of the United States, let us perform our duties in such a manner that we. as American people, may nor fall from the high esteem in which we are regarded by other nations who have helped in the winning of this great war. John Zoet, of Fillmore, is wearing a 14-karat smile, occasioned by the safe return of his son, Private Joe Zoet, to civil life. As Joe is the fav- orite, not only with his father, but also with the commercial men who call at the store as well, his father’s smile has increased, per the old adage, to “miles and miles of smiles.” D. F. Helmer. -———_» 2+ __— To Release Butter From Govern- ment Control. A concerted effort is being made to have the restrictions removed relat- ing to fresh butter. As enforced by the United States Food Administra. tion they constitute a most serious and unjust burden and unwarranted and of no possible benefit to the country as a whole or to consumers in perticular. Both in New York and in Chicago steps have been taken to secure if possible an early cancella- tion of all rules applying to fresh but- ter. Julius D. Mahr, president of the New York Mercantile Exchange, “has sent the following letter to the Food Administration at Washington: “Owing to the Government com- mandeer of 60 per cent. of June and July creamery butter to supply the needs of the army and navy, and orders for the British Ministry of January 8, 1919 Food, the price of fresh creamery butter during the past several months has been abnormally high, and at the same time, worked great hardship upon the consuming public. “Inasmuch as war conditions do not now exist, and, furthermore, be- cause of the probability of an in- crease in the make of fresh butter and the likelihood of steadily declin- ing markets, we respectfully request the United States Food Administra- tion to immediately rescind all re- strictions and regulations applying to transactions in fresh made _ butter. This reasonable request, in our opinion, will greatly aid in the dis- tribution of the goods and will be advantageous to the consuming pub- lic. “You are well aware of the fact that dealers in dairy products have been heavily restricted in trade by war conditions, and readily and cheerfully complied with all regula- tions of the Dairy Division of the United States Food Administration. “This request is an important one and worthy of immediate considera- tion.” This letter tends to strengthen the position taken on this matter by the Chicago Butter & Egg Board, which recently forwarded the following re- quest to the Food Administration: “In view of the fact that within the next few months the price of fresh creamery butter must decline fully 20c per pound, thereby entailing large losses to all manufacturers and dis- tributers, it is our firm conviction that the Food Administration should aid in reducing these losses by withdraw- ing the limitations of trading and of profits upon all creamery butter man- ufactured from this day forward, and we earnestly urge you to do so.” 2a Democracy Catering To Royalty. Written for the Tradesman. So democrats now ride with kings— Sure it’s a day of wondrous things When democracy will cross the sea Go four in hand with royalty. It looks like someone had thrown the switch, We must go slow or in the ditch We'll find our engine and caboose And folk will sigh for the old bull moose. ae we’re wondering how Woodrow eels With pert out-riders at his heels, King George his host in cloak and crown, All on parade in old London town. Democracy erst crossed the sea To find a home for Liberty; Wouldn't it be funny if it went back From od stars and stripes to the British jack— *‘Twould only prove as the adage calls: Who boasts he stands most surely falls. Charles A. Heath. _—_—__»>-<+- Don’t be afread to go ahead and try out some of the plans you dream over. It is no use to dream great plans unless you are enough a man of action to put them to the test. The Valley City Bent Knee Bob Sleighs light, strong sleigh is needed. 1% inch, $21.00. class sleigh. 30-32 Ionia Ave., N. W. For Pleasure, Delivery, Express, Grocery or, in fact, any work where a Bobs, finished and painted (no body) 1% inch, $17.00; 1% inch $18.00: Bodies now in use can be changed to these Bobs and you have a first- SHERWOOD HALL CO., Ltd. GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. EER uc tommeres taste sa Rah sages seen Reena tame Pe meres ANE rs eS aa eRe CrP eRe ‘pipe espineent einsgaamatannmeg ee sais Sl Ree are ee January 8, 1919 Kansas Grocers Seek Board To Sup- ervise Trade. Putting the corner grocery store almost on the same plane as a bank, limiting the number and providing for an examination of the prospective grocer on his knowledge of the busi- ness has precipitated one of the big- gest fights Kansas has had in the legislature in many years. The state retailers’ association is standing sponsor for the plan to li- cense the grocers of the State and the anti-organization grocers, with some within the organization, aided by a lot of folks who are opposed to regu- lations of any kind on any thing, are fighting the plan. The two crowds have stirred up a fuss that seems like- ly to overshadow anything else the legislature may have to consider dur- ing the session. Axel Johnson, president of the re- tailers, is the active fighter for the law to create a state grocer board of three members, one representing the grocers, one the general public, and one the state board of health. This board would conduct an examination of all the present grocers in business as to their financial responsibility and Sanitation and give them instructions in the paths they should follow. Bur when a man wanted to start a new grocery then the board would have a real examination. Under the law authorizing the es- tablishment of national banks the controller of the currency may refuse a charter when he believes there isn’t sufficient business for another na- tional bank in the community. The same rule applies to state banks in Kansas and the state bank commis- sioner may refuse a charter to a bank where he does not believe the busi- ness will justify a new bank. The law creating the grocery board gives it the same plenary powers to refuse to permit the opening of a new grocery. One of the things the bill specifi- cally provides for is that the prospec- tive grocer must make a conclusive showing to the board on the abso- lute necessity of the new grocery be- ing opened and if this showing is good then the board will proceed to examine into the fitness to open the business, The enquiry will be con- ducted to learn the knowledge of the grocer regarding stocks of goods, credits, sanitation and to discover the prospect’s fitness for the business, his experience and financial responsi- bility. Then the license may be is- sued and the store can be opened. “The object of the law,’ says a statement issued by the retailers, “is to protect the legitimate grocer from the man who starts up a business, runs a little while and then fails. It is also for the protection of the pub- lic as the prices of most goods should be less with well regulated business because the public will not have to pay the debts of the fly by nights who attempt the business.” The grocers disclaim any intention of conducting any enquiry into the knowledge of a man in the mixing of sand with sugar or the tinkering with the scales or similar matters as these are all now carefully regulated by MICHIGAN TRADESMAN laws and watched over by state and local inspectors. Read Your Trade Paper Carefully. One of the greatest helps to the retailer who is ambitious to grow and prosper is a well edited trade paper. Through it he may keep himself posted on prices, on tendencies in his trade, on things to buy, on what should be pushed. But these are of much legs im- portance than the information which he may receive from reading about the means by which other retailers in his line have become successful. The average retailer gives altogeth- er too much attention to the matter of buying his stock, as compared with the time he gives to considera- tion of methods by which he may dispose of his merchandise to the best advantage. While it is true that a retailer must buy his goods right if he is to make a profit, he must not forget that the profit can not be realized until he has sold the goods, and enough of them to pay his overhead expenses. And in the well conducted trade paper he will find plans described which can be used in the same man- ner or else with very little change and which will increase his sales and profits. But, strange as it may appear, the fact is that there are thousands of retailers who will pay their two or three dollars a year for subscriptions to one or more trade papers, and then let them accumulate from week to week and month to month, with- out even so much as removing the wrappers, to say nothing of glancing them over or letting the clerks read them. The writer has visited numerous stores and found piles of trade papers in the wrapper, and the peculiar thing is that both excellent and poorly edited publications receive this treat- ment. The retailers would make the ex- cuse that they were so busy that they did not have time to read, but if you observed how their time was spent you would soon make up your mind that it was not the lack of time but the lack of ambition that caused the wrappers to stay on the papers. There isn’t a retailer—no matter how prosperous and successful he may be—who can afford to do with- out a trade paper. He should sub- scribe for at least one—he should read it carefully and see that his clerks read it. He will be a better and more effi- cient merchant for reading a good trade paper, and his employes will be able to render him better service, sell more goods, make more profits for him, if he lets them read it. The testimony of the most pro- gressive retailers shows that a good trade paper fills a want, and the re- tailer who claims that he is too busy to read trade papers proves by his very statement that he is lacking in ambition and _ enterprise—that he really does not wish to improve his business or to make himself more efficient and thus entitled to greater profits. 1 Does Your Fire Insurance Policy Protect You? One of our customers had a fire and has been unable to collect his in- surance on his stock of merchandise. Like many others he has appealed to us to help him collect his insur- ance, and as usual we are trying to be helpful. The Insurance Company has dis- claimed any responsibility although he had bought an insurance policy and paid his premium. His policy was for $1,000, and his stock was worth $3,000. The Company does not dispute these facts, but The Insurance Company claims his policy to be void because he failed to take an annual inventory, and keep a record of daily sales and his books of account in a fire-proof safe. Does your policy show that you have agreed to do these acts? Did your insurance agent call your attention to this iron safe and inventory clause when he delivered your policy? (He should do so if you are located in a town of class 5 or 6.) Do you keep your part of this fire insurance agreement? Is your insurance really protect- ing you, and could you collect if you had a fire? Let us investigate today! WORDEN (GROCER COMPANY GRAND RAPIDS—KALAMAZOO THE PROMPT SHIPPERS MICHIGAN TRADESMAN January 8, 1919 ENTER ANTI-TRUST LAWS. Exactly what the effect will be of the abolition of the maximum price fixing on many commodities, which went into effect with the opening of the new year, is of a good deal of concern to many business men. Just so long as set maximums are in force will the disposition be to try to ob- tain them. This condition was possi- ble while the demands of the Govern- ment for military purposes were so imperative, but a decided change was noticed as soon as the armistice was signed. Then buyers were strikingly impressed by the fact that the maxi- mum prices had no logical reason for existence, and had been merely a makeshift designed for the purpose of possible: pro- expense. As securing the highest duction regardless of the structure was a merely artificial one, it was bound to totter once the props began to be removed. It did not, therefore, take long for reduc- tions to come and for manufacturers and producers to get back again to the old plan of trying to solicit needed business from the trade. This kind of effort is in progress in all kinds of lines with the result that markets have shifted rapidly so that sellers, instead of buyers, are the more anxious to do business. The condition is something of a novelty after of the reverse order. An added complication is afforded by the fact that the concert of action with regard to prices, which was en- joined during the war period, is now not only at an end, but that any at- tempt to continue it will subject per- pains and penalties, The anti-trust laws were suspended by the war provisions, but they were not repealed and now revive in full force, as the United States Attorney Gen- eral has taken pains to announce. Certain lines of business have “open price” conferences, but these are de signed for the purpose of letting members know what kind of prices others have been obtaining, and not with any idea of establishing or fix- ing prices in advance. They are mere- ly precautionary, intended to prevent unscrupulous buyers from playing off one seller against another. Dur- ing the war, however, competitors in business acted in unison both in hav- ing prices fixed at certain levels and in thereafter living up to them. The experiences under the circumstances appear to have been satisfactory to the participants, who are rather loath to return now to the old com- petitive ways. But the exigencies of the case now require individual hust- ling for new business, and competi- tion somewhat along former lines is only to be expected. A reduction of profits must follow, but this is antici- pated, no one believing that those possible in war-time could be main- tained. There was, in the Government scheme, an effort to limit the per- centages of profit which could be taken by the various intermediate agencies between the manufacturers or producers and the ultimate con- sumers. The percentages were fixed all along the line with regard to food- several years sons to stuffs as well as other commodities. They did something toward prevent- ing too great exploitation of the public by middlemen. That they ac- complished so little, however, was due to the fact that the basic prices were altogether too high. This plan is now dispensed with and the former trade methods will come into play. So far as concerns the ultimate con- sumer, there is not likely to be much comfort all at once as to reductions in price of quite a number of articles. This is especially applicable to made- up goods intended for wear, because the components had to be bought long in advance and when prices had about reached their peak. So it is quite possible that buyers in the stores will find their spring and sum- mer goods come high excepting in those cases where there happen to be left-overs bought before the greatest advances were made. The fact that some of the highest prices may be in after the war is over may strike some with the same kind of astonishment as it does many that taxation after hostilities have ceased is to be greater than it was while they were in progress. But, as in the case of taxation, the reduc- tions in prices promise to come very soon after the been reached. some vogue greatest height has This circumstance is one of many which make uncertain the predictions of merchants for the next ninety days or so, They are practically agreed as to the bright prospects for the period thereafter. But between now and spring will come the twilight zone, so to speak, when all kinds of things may happen. There is, on the one hand, a cessation of the high wages and bonuses to many thousands of workers in the strictly war industries. These persons did a great deal of the buying which so stimulated business during the past year not only in es- sentials but in many luxuries. They include a large percentage of women as well as men. The curtailment of their incomes is sure to reduce their buying inclination no less than their ability to purchase. Then will come the effect, on persons of fairly mod- erate incomes as well as of the well- to-do, of thé higher income taxes. As against these factors, which will work toward reducing the amount of buying, is usually offset the effect of the purchases which will have to be made by those who are being rapid- ly released from military service. Not too great emphasis is placed on this, however, because an extremely large percentage of the rank and file is composed of men who were in poor or moderate circumstances, and who, before the war, were in receipt of wages or small salaries. Many of them, on finding out how high prices are, are likely to take advantage of the offer permitting them to purchase Government-owned articles of wear which are suitable for use in civilian life. The man who meets with failure in business has one consolation—the public never accuses him of unfair methods. WOOL AND WOOLENS. Even less success seems to have attended the second auction sale of wool, held during the last week at Boston, than was the case with the first. Certain fine varie- ties were in demand, as before, but there was a large and discouraging lot of withdrawals because buyers are unwilling to bid up to the upset prices. At the present rate of prog- ress it would seem an interminable proceeding for the Government to get rid of the stocks which it holds. 3ut while it hold them they will continue to be a menace. There is a proposition before Congress tu keep out foreign wool by means of a tariff and so uphold the prices ot the wool which the Government owns as well as give higher value to the domestic clip of this year. It has, of course, no chance of succeeding. But, just as long as the price of wool is kept on an artificial and inflated basis, there will remain uncertainty with regard to fabric values. This has been a source of uneasiness to the manufacturers of woolen fabrics, who are in need of all the business they can get. They are through with military orders which kept about 60 per cent. of their looms in operation, and will henceforth have to depend on orders from the trade for activity. 3ut even these at their maximum are not sufficient to keep busy the wool- en machinery of the country. There has been the expectation that, after the war was ended, quite a sizable business might be done in woolens for export. This, however, would be well-nigh impossible if the inflated prices of the raw material are kept up, because the products would come in competition with British-made fabrics composed of wool secured at lower prices. The uncertainty as to wool values may have the effect ot postponing the openings of cloths for the next heavyweight season, which should take place shortly. As it is, there may be private offerings to the larger garment manufacturers on some basis of future adjustment. There ought to be a better showing of fancies than within the last year or so, when staples were most in evidence. And style as a factor prom- ises to loom up larger in the near future than it has for a long time. Government's does CANNED GOODS SITUATION. While the canned goods market is naturally very quiet at this period of the year, there are prospects of steady business later on with the further prospect that any slack that may ap- pear in the domestic demand will be taken up by exports. In fact, this export situation is one that is commanding the attention of the trade, although no very important re- sults have as yet been attained. It is only within the past two or three weeks that it has been discovered that export business is possible and there has been a good deal of cabling go- ing on in the meantime. The ques- ‘tion is, however, as to where sup- plies are coming from to satisfy any important demand and it is thought that in case anything of this kind does develop on an extended scale it will be at the expense of stocks orig- inally intended for domestic use. There is no change in the market in one particular, “however, and that is that tomatoes form the weakest item on the list. These have been priced too high from the start and have had the effect of checking a good part of the demand even in times of high wages. Consequently there is a considerable surplus that must find an outlet. STOP NEEDLESS SACRIFICE. Ten million protests should go up at once against the needless sacrifice of our sick and wounded soldiers by subjecting them to the dangers of a sea voyage at this time of year. Many need weeks and months to recuperate before it will be safe to take an ocean trip. The extreme our soldiers care in transporting overseas for the war seems to have been replaced by a reckless endeavor to get them home as fast as possible—sick or well. Fulr publicity of the number of deaths on each incoming transport would quell the apprehension of friends or justify the prevalent belief that due consid- eration of «soldiers’ physical condi- tion is not given. The tax on hospitals and attend- ants in Allied countries has so dimin- ished that there is no longer any necessity of discharging patients at the earliest possible moment. The anxiety of the boys to be home should be controlled by careful ana considerate physicians. Better stay a while longer and get home alive, Official announcement that Mr. Hoover is to be head of the inter- allied food-relief organization simply brings the real and nominal situations into harmony. It has been evident that this would be the net result ever since, two months ago, President Wilson asked Mr. Hoover to repre- sent the United States in the general formulation of relief measures. Amer- ica is to furnish twenty million tons of food to war-stricken lands in 1919, an amount which dwarfs other contributions; the American who di- rects its disposition must dominate affairs. But apart from this and the fact that an American is less likely to be the object of international an- tagonisms than an European, Mr. Hoover's tried ability and long exper- ience designate him for the post. He is still in charge of the supply of food to Belgium .and Northern France, the governments’ having proved unable yet to take over the work; he is receiving the applications of the Central Powers; ‘and his or- ganization is stretching out over Eastern Europe. His latest. state- ments have shown him laboring under a sense of the immense difficulties before him, but what he can not do can hardly be done. There is a growing desire on the part of knit goods manufacturers and others for facts regarding the knit goods situation throughout the world and it is hoped that the coming job- bers’ convention will develop some- thing along this line, poner eee eee se Ronee ee en ee errr J Bie ctstaco ones kana poh aociNeao a pert asa dade oe enero ome el wr ME reer ate ooh hanno atari shorctenagie ome enero Y samtdelaneaeiicsiiccut ae nineties aici January 8, 1919 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN ie (a= (cletetch < Aaa e eso ATT AG c Ss LEGS ~ oy be x = ray iy) Ms H(t ries 5 ° ba | = = ri — 13 (qi PP a (en eee a tt Rip X i i 3% saa DIL [\ i ) Assy eed cuca Lp pds ites ~ f ‘ Wr G ) D iS " we hh AY: \; L) Michigan Retail Shoe Dealers’ Associa- on. President—J. E. Wilson, Detroit. Vice-Presidents — Harry Woodworth, Lansing; James H. Fox, Grand a Charles Webber, Kalamazoo; A. E. Kel- logg, Traverse City. ; Secretary-Treasurer—C. J’. Paige, Sag- naw. Some Changes for Ultimate Good of Shoe Industry. A certain manufacturer came to me a few days ago and said: “I want your advice as to what I shall do. Only six weeks ago my workmen came to me with demands that amounted to 40 cents a pair. I didn’t feel that I could afford to fight them and then again, I felt that there was some justification for their demands on account of the high cost of every- thing, so I gave them what they asked. Now they have walked out without making any demands, their purpose no doubt being to make the best bargain they can before they will return. What would you do? “Well,” I replied, “are these men being paid a fair wage? How does your scale compare with others in your grade?” “T am paying the highest scale in the city,” he replied. “In that case,” I said, “I would let them stay otit until they get tired. If you are paying the highest scale already, they will come back to you rather than go elsewhere for less money.” “But,” he replied, “I am crowded with orders and they know it. They know perfectly well that I cannot afford to have them idle, even for a few days, without getting into difficulties with my customers. I wish my customers would only give me half their orders so far in ad- vance, and then re-order, then I wouldn’t have this trouble.” I am afraid that such advice as I gave him will be of little value, but the conversation set me thinking, and T hereby give these thoughts for what they may be worth. First let me say, in a general way, that if the experiences we have gone through during the past year and a half have taught us anything, it is that we can do many things that we would have thought impossible be- fore the war. We have accepted economies and restrictions and adapted ourselves to them in an astonishingly short time. I believe also that industry, as whole, no less than individuals, has found new ways of meeting problems, and has uncovered many wasteful and inefficient methods that will not be permitted again. But more than all else, it has taught us, as business men, that the old ways are not necessarily the best ways. So many things have been done differently, so many precedents have been disregarded, so many hitherto unheard of things have been undertaken and put through success- fully, that the industry as a whole will be tolerant of new ideas, more ready to listen to suggestions, less ready to say, “It can’t be done.” With these few preliminary re- marks, I wish to review some of the practices that have prevailed in the shoe business, and suggest some changes that I believe will be for the ultimate good of the entire industry, but of that I leave you to judge. The past procedure, from manufac- turer to retailer, has been something like this: About September first and March first the salesmen have taken the road, laden with a line of samples limited only by the salesman’s imag- ination and his willingness or that of his firm to pay excess baggage. Each season he has .a_ perfectly plausible reason why retailers should buy heavy and early. When he, the collective salesman, gets back home, there is great rejoic- ing over the fact that more shoes have been sold for delivery before April first than can possibly be made before June. This practice brings about a con- dition every year well known to all retailers, namely, that fall shoes are not completed until December, and spring shoes until June. So that at the time the retailer should have full stocks he is getting excuses instead. Another practice is that of shipping an order incomplete, and apparently without any regard to the fact that shoes are sold by size and _ width. How often it happens (more often than otherwise in the average fac- tory) that of an order for 500 pairs, say, you receive a third of the order and find that you only have widths AA and E, with delivery of the re- maining widths stringing out from three to six weeks. There are other practices I might mention, not all of them the fault of the manufacturer or salesman by any means, but the two mentioned are sufficient for the purpose I have in mind. I want to state briefly how trese two practices work out to the d'sadvantage of the whole shoe in- dustry. First. When the manufacturers are oversold, the fact is quickly known thrcughout the plant. Organized labor is frequently on the alert for inst such conditions, and quick t take advantage of it. Hence the in- creased likelihood of strikes or labor disputes, with the outcome either a loss of all or part of the profit, or 9 R. K. L. Last? aS Ee Rindge, Kalmbach, Logie Company Grand Rapids, Mich. R.K. L /, F. Mayer Boot & Shoe Co. Milwaukee, Wis. Do You Like This Snappy : a Immediate Shipment : Will Be Made OF No. Price , 2844—Havana Brown Kid Ba Mela. <. oo cccene.- $4.50 fi 2846—Havana Brown sige . ‘ TOGUE casks chacks cccs uN | 2848—Black Kid McKay..... 4.35 f Ne ‘ 2851— Havana Brown Calf... 4.00 ~ : a Widths C and D _ : \ Sizes 3 to 8 N a on all above numbers. | = Order at Once = R. K. L. Ta AR times have taught people to be more thrifty and also that true it economy does not lie in buying i “cheap” merchandise. f ul That is why you will find it easy and i profitable to sell Honorbilt Shoes. i Their sterling character is well. itl known. | 10 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN January 8, 1919 badly delayed deliveries with their consequent disappointment of cus- tomers, or cancellations, Second. The manufacturer who is oversold, and is being hounded by the dealers to whom he has sold, in his effort to increase his output too often resorts to unfair practices to obtain help and so upset the labor market. Third. Late deliveries make clear- ance sales, which rob the retailer of his legitimate profit, and certainly do not help him to meet his obliga- tions promptly. Fourth. Not only does this prac- tice of overselling tend to create or to encourage labor troubles, but as every manufacturer must go into the leather market at the same time to cover for six months, they boost the market on themselves, so that we have a stiff leather market when everybody is buying, and an easier market when the average manufactur- er cannot take advantage of it. Fifth. The value of a line of shoes, or any other commodity, is only what the public is willing to pay for it at the time it wants it—and bear in mind that the public fixes that time— not the maker or the retailer. The retailer must study his public and know when it will demand certain merchandise. If his merchandise. is not on his shelves at that time it has, by the most simple of economic laws, lost a part, at least, of its value. In other words, shoes bought for $5 a pair to meet an October need or demand are positively not worth $5 a pair if delivered in December, be- cause two months of opportunity to dispose of them at a profit have been lost. Sixth. Every shoe dealer accumu- lates a sufficient number of broken lines without having them foisted upon him at the beginning of the season. Shoes are sold by size and width, and when an order calls for sizes from 2% to 8, AA to E, they should be shipped that way. If they are not then the same reasoning applies as to shoes shipped late, namely, that they are not worth their orig‘nal price. The price agreed upon is based upon a complete range of sizes delivered in time for profit- able selling. A line with one or two widths missing cannot be advertised, in fact. should not be brought to the selling floor at all. As a matter of fact, these incomplete lines are brought forward to the selling floor in the ef- fort to show all the new or season- able styles, with the result that they sell out unevenly, and so add to the number that have to be sold at a loss. Not only this, but the manufacturer expects his bills to be paid in time. end makes no exemptions for the invoice that carries AA of one style, C of another and E of a third, all of which are practically worthless until the line is completed. There are other reasons that might be given, but you can fill them in yourselves, for the conditions I have mentioned are so general that every- ene is familiar with them. As I said at the beginning, we have learned many things in the last four years, and particularly in the past 18 months. Many abuses have been uncovered, and if we are wise, re- construction is going to mean not only the turning back of organiza- tions and labor from war products to those of peace, but it is also going to mean the elimination of waste and habits that are destructive of good business. So far I have had most to say of the manufacturer and the salesman, but the retailer has been equally to blame, for without his acceptance of these conditions and his seeming eagerness to buy up all the shoe leather in the universe, these things could not have happened. So, any action to remedy these conditions must originate with the retailer, and right now is a good time to begin. I therefore suggest: First. That advance orders be for not exceeding 60 to 80 per cent. of the season’s needs, varying with the character of goods and distance from source of supply. To do this the dealer must know three things: He must know his present stock condition. : He must know with certainty his needs, based on sales of the previ- ous season. He must know with a great deal of certainty the style trend of the com- ing season. In this there is, of course, always an element of un- certainty, which is “only an added reason why he should not buy too heavily on initial orders. Second. If he has not already a system for the purpose, he should immediately install some means of checking sales from week to week, so that he may know how his lines are selling and be in a position to anticipate his needs by re-ordering. Third. He should adopt a budget system of buying. That is, lay out in advance his needs in boots, pumps, slippers, tans, blacks, etc., so that the selections from sample are mere- ly a matter of detail, and when any particular group is covered it should be checked up and the buying stop- ped. Fourth. He should be careful in scheduling deliveries, so that he has stocks up to the needs of his busi- ness, but not bringing into his store in March shoes that are not salable until April or May. This will help not only himself but his manufacturer also. Fifth. When placing re-orders, he should bear in mind that the goods are to come in when the season is partly gone and order accordingly. Re-orders are a fruitful source of overstocks to be sold at a loss. » Sixth. He should insist upon de- liveries at the time specified. and if all dealers would buy as here sug- gested. I believe he would get them. Seventh. He should not accept shoes delivered on the installment plan, one width at a time. It should be an understood part of every order that if the shoes are delivered incomplete in size range that all bills for them are to date with the final shipment completing the line, of sizes and widths ordered. HOOD Four-Buckle Kattle King All Rubber Red or Black On the Floor @ $3.27 Grand RapidsShoe @ Rubber The Michigan People Grand Rapids A Good Year Ahead Every indication points to a record breaking business year. Good crops are needed and good prices assured. The enormous requirements of the stricken European countries to rebuild means that big demands will be made on the business of this country and they will be met. Great demands have been made on our factory during the past few years. To meet these de- mands we have moved to our new location with more room and much better facilities. We are organizing for a much greater production. All our enlisted employes find their old position open to them and we are taking on more work- men as our plans require. H. B. HARD PAN and BERTSCH Shoes will be produced on a bigger and broader scale. In- creased production and larger buying power will give better values for the money. The business building qualities for you in these lines are be- coming stronger day by day. Capitalize them to their fullest extent. Herold-Bertsch Shoe Co. Manufacturers of Serviceable Footwear GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. ean SAMAR ots LNT TRON I AR ERT SE AN TI ASEM AY Bai ARN 5 PT ARE EI iN SN < a abner January 8, 1919 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 11 Eighth. As the retailer is in the closest contact with the genera: public, and as he is the one upon whom the greatest loss must fall in the event that any new _ style proves unsuccessful, he should be the deciding factor in the introduc- tion of any new styles. Just at this particular time he should not endorse or support any style that would tend to reduce production or _ increase costs that are already burdensome and threaten to become more so. Now, in conclusion, let me say that I do not believe I have suggested a single thing here that is either un- reasonable or impracticable. I can see no good reason why these things cannot be done or any sensible reason why they have not always been done. The conditions com- plained of are only bad habits that began in a small way, a few years ago, and have reached the mal'gnant stage in the last six or eight years. I know there will be the question of getting delivery of re-orders, but if initial orders are sanely placed it will be possible for manufacturers to organize on a four weeks’ basis. or better, for re-orders. I know that this can be done because it has been done, and is almost being done even with the abnormal labor conditions of to-day. I also know that manufacturers will say they cannot put through mixed runs, but must run shoes through one width at a time, or to a lot, and then they can not always get these lots through in sequence. I know this is not so, and the reason I, a retailer, know that it can be done is that it is being done. It is just simply a matter of factory organiza- tidn with which we have nothing to do. We are not concerned if they are put through in mixed lots or in widths so long as we get delivery of the order in the manner in which we place it—in complete range of sizes—H. T. Dougherty, Manager of Shoes for John Wanamaker. _——_+—__>-22 Going Backwards. ea Ee they march to the banquet hall— The Princess, Queen, the King and all His ministers from the Colonies A gorgeous party it really is. Since Alexandrian days the Great There ne’er was seen such pomp of state; Had Solomon a guest there sat He’d been amazed and wondered at That golden plate from the sunken ships Of the Armada. With speechless lips The Queen of Sheba and Dido too Would strangers be; such wealth none knew In ancient time; nor modern men May ever see the like again. Among the sumptuous lustres rare The Roval cede was functioned there Formality—without a doubt— For three hundred years was carried out, Such a banquet never has occurred As the Woodrow feast by George the Third. A garnered and gleaned Aristocracy Thus honors its guest Democracy; Was it prophetic at the feast— An augury to say the least— That the valace officials waving wands And making obeisance with their hands There backward walked? I'll ask of you Do you suppose it’s coming true That from our state of Democracy We'll tip-toe back to Royalty. Charles A. Heath. -———_--_-o-o-o—_—_ The selling of goods is not an easy task, for often the customers” pre- judices must be overcome and their opinions changed to meet your own, but once their confidence is gained the work becomes a pleasure and not a task. Claims the Right of Free Speech. If, now that the fighting has ended and the time for settlement has come, some of us object to the President’s attitude on some of the questions that will be discussed at the Peace Conference, it does not seem as if our desire for self-expression ought to be. suppressed, particularly when we may be just as sincere in our wish to further the ushering in of the dawn of world peace as is the Presi- dent. If it is his purpose, as many seem to think, to attempt to domi- nate the conference, Mr. Wilson will in all probability come back home a much wiser man, And to that ex- tent it does look as if his departure from the tradition of his predeces- sors will prove beneficial to him and to us. It is doubtful if there is really as much concern “over the terrible mis- takes that Mr. Wilson is going to make” as that he should want to be the “organist” at all. Surely, to write the “music” and direct the “choir” ought to be glory enough for even a man of destiny. When it is remem- bered how many “discordant notes” the President has struck in his num- erous appeals for support, and. that he was elected to his great office on the “He-kept-us-out-of-war” slogan, one is inclined to believe that, like most mortals, even the President’s hindsight is much superior to his foresight, and to surmise that he will have to do a lot of practicing and improvising before his world-wide audience will accept him as the “mas- ter organist.” While “to err is human, to forgive divine,’ some of us poor creatures are not generous enough to forget even when we do forgive. And why many of us are inclined to “yap” at Mr. Wilson is that we have not for- gotten his many jndescreet phrases, such as, “The Republican party never enacted one bit of constructive legis- lation,” “Neutral even in thought,” “Peace without victory,’ “Too proud to fight,’ “No indemnities,” “With the remote causes of the war we have no concern,” etc. Added to this is his estimate of his own mental equip- ment when he said that he had “a single-track mind.” Does not his treatment of anybody who has the temerity to oppose him suggest nar- row-gauge as well as single-track? Had Mr. Wilson been as big a man as his admirers think him to be there would have been at least one eminent Republican in his War Cabinet, Gen. Leonard Wood never would have been humiliated because he was wise enough to advocate preparedness at the right time, and it would not hav2 been necessary for him to go into §$e- clusion when questions of great moment were to be decided. Be a man ever so wise, he can_ learn something from even his mental in- feriors, and surely Mr. Wilson’s is not the only great mind we have in this country. However, now that our President is “on the firing line,” so to speak, as patriotic Americans we must all wish him well and not begrudge him any honors he may receive at the hands of our associates and their people. That he may acquit himself with credit we sincerely hope and pray. Surely, Woodrow Wilson will come back to us a broader-minded man than when he left us, and for this we can also give thanks, even if the majority of his countrymen do doubt the wisdom of his going and are not in accord with his views on the set- tlement of the war, the President to the contrary notwithstanding. No, it is doubtful if any of his fel- low citizens wish to either “shoot at” or ‘shoot up” the “organist,” but do hope that he will render his selec- tions with such consummate skill, such perfection of technique and ex- pression, such marvellous melody and exquisite harmony, that on his return to the homeland we all of us can sing his praises and rejoice ex- ceedingly that our President had the keenness of vision to discern and the tenacity of purpose to do that which many of us doubted was for the good of cur beloved country. J. H. Ketcham. once ae Qe nen Confidence begets confidence, and those who profess to believe in the economy of distribution through the established trade channels must prove their faith, by active co-operation with each other. WM. D. BATT Hides, Wool, Furs and Tallow 28-30 Louis St. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN ir Ask about our way BARLOW BROS. Grand Rapids, Mich Special Sales John L. Lynch Sales Co. No. 28 So Ionia Ave. Grand Rapids, Michigan 139.141 Monr St Roth Phono GRAND RAPIDS. MICH SIDNEY ELEVATORS Will reduce handling expense and speed up work—will make money for you. Easily installed. Plans and instructions sent with each elevator. Write stating requirements, giving kind machine and size platform wanted, as well as height. We will quote a money saving price. Sidney Elevator Mnfg. Co., Sidney, Ohio OUR OWN MAKE HARN Hand or Machine Made Our of No. 1 Oak leather. We guarantee them absolutely satisfactory. If your dealer does not handle them, write direct to us. SHERWOOD HALL CoO., LTD. Tonia Ave. and Louis St. Grand Rapids, Michigan OFFICE OUTFITTERS LOOSE LEAF SPECIALISTS 237-239 Pear! $i. gear the oridge Grand Rapids, Mich, Inventory Time Yes, we have just finished and no doubt you have done the same, ‘This is the time of the year we find where we are long and short. You may be short where we are long. If so, it is your gain. We offer the following at reduced prices to balance up our stock: No. 586—Men’s Gun Calf Bal Eng Last Welt Single Sole. Our best grade. Reg- ular price..... er ee ee $5.15 We offer 25 dozen at.............- 4.50 Write for complete list of Close-Out Numbers for January Sale, Hirth-Krause Company Tanners and Shoe Manufacturers Grand Rapids - Michigan a ee ee i § 8 & MICHIGAN TRADESMAN January 8, 1919 > - ~ - - = —— - Sans FINANCIAL ~ veppeaedon) bh) Forecasts of the Future by Two World Leaders. Probably there has never been a time in the history of the United States, possibly never a time in the world’s history in modern times, when the problems of the immediate and longer economic future contained so many elements that make for uncer- tainty, perplexity, confusion of influ- ences, and diametrically opposite pre- diction. The great economic associa- tions of England, France, and the United States are already wrestling with these mighty and world-wide problems; in due course we shall have their formal studies of the situation and its probable results. It hardly need be said that the policies of gov- ernments will be profoundly affected by the conclusions reached by pub- lic men on the probable course of the financial and economic future. Po- litical developments and social move- ments will be determined by the ac- tual event. Any one who could surely read this economic future would be able to predict a good deal of the world’s history in the next ten years. In advance of the reaching of con- clusions on these momentous ques- tions by the statesmen and the eco- nomic bodies, the Tradesman recently put a series of searching questions to the heads of the steel trust and the largest bank in the Western Hemi- sphere, as follows: 1. In the larger view, do you look for continuing prosperity or for indus- trial reaction in the United States asa result of termination of the war? Will the immediate future differ from the longer future? 2. What is your expectation as to the course of prices in the commod- ity markets? 3. How far will disappearance of the war orders be offset by the filling of postponed commercial requirements for home consumers and neutral mar- kets, and by demands for purposes of reconstruction in the damaged dis- tricts of Europe? How soon ought these to materialize? How far will they depend on prices, and, in the case of foreign orders, how far will they depend on our advances of credit to such markets? 4. Can wages be maintained at the present level? If they can, then how will the market for the products be affected? If not, what will be the labor situation? re 5. Is there a prospect of reducing the present volume of bank loans and of Federal reserve notes? Have we ahead of us easy money or high money? 6. What do you consider the most — encouraging facts in the financial, economic and political outlook for this country during the period which will follow peace? What are the chief dangers, and how may they best be avoided? New York, Jan. 4—I do not look for continuing prosperity up to the maximum of the last year. A dim- inished trade during the next few months would be natural. We can- not expect to immediately change _from a war basis to a peace basis without some business reaction and disturbance. With a continuance of reasonable assistance by the Admin- istration and different departments of the Government, and with level- headed courageous, and wise effort on the part of the business interests, there should be a protraction of fair business, with an increasing volume tending toward great success and prosperity. 2. We are ona high level of prices. It would be a good thing for the country if all could be somewhat lowered. As it is impracticable to secure re-adjustments in all depart- ments at the same time by affirmative and concerted action, we may expect there will be a gradual, and it is hoped orderly re-adjustment in differ- ent branches of business from time to time until a basis shall be reached which is normal and calculated to advance the interests of business en- terprise and the general public as well. From the present outlook we shall not soon, if ever, return to the low prices heretofore experienced. If we do, it will be the fault of those in charge of business or of others who, by their unwise or unfair action, may bring it about. 3. Qeustion 3 relates to percent- ages, dates and various contingen- cies concerning which I have no definite opinion. 4. I should like to see wages maintained at the present level. Whether or not this is possible will depend sooner or later upon the sell- ing prices of materials and the, vol- ume of trade. Labor should, and will, cheerfully bear its fair propor- tion of adversity, and must reap its fair share of the benefits arising from prosperity. 5. I think the volume of bank loans and the Federal Reserve notes will gradually, though not rapidly, be reduced: in this country money should be plentiful and rates some- what lower than they are at present. 6. More than one-third of the wealth of the world is in this coun- try. The bank deposits are enorm- ous, and probably much larger than ever before. Our resources are the largest in our history, our produc- tion is at its height, and by fair, reasonable, and competent manage- ment on the part of the governmental administration. and a wise, decent, and reciprocal attitude on the part of all the people, this Nation will hold and maintain a leading economic position among the nations of the world. We ought, in the compara- tively near future, to enter upon an era of great prosperitv. Facts and circumstances furnish us the oppor- tunity for great success and infln- -.ence.. I see no..excuse. for failure-to ~ receive our fair proportion in the further development of the world’s resources. If there are dangers ahead of us they will grow out of the action of demagogues who, for selfish pur- poses, successfully appeal to the pas- sions and prejudices of others. It behooves every one, rich or poor, or in medium circumstances, to main- tain an attitude which is just, intel- ligent and honest. E. H. Gary. Chairman United States Steel Corporation. New York, Jan. 4—No one can ex- pect the industries to continue under the stimulus of war times or to turn a short corner from war conditions to peace conditions without a_ halt. Of course business is slowing down during the re-adjustment. We must stop comparing conditions with the top notch of war activity. The fact is that as compared with the begin- ning of 1914 or 1913 there is a larger volume of business in sight for the new year than there was then. Full activity upon construction work is not to be expected until costs are believed to be established on a fairly permanent basis and the railway question is settled. In the long view I look for a great period of good business, and it is goOd policy to plan for that. 2. The tendency of commodity markets should be downward as in- dustrial activity is resumed in all countries and as the difficulties which have obstructed international com- merce are overcome. A contrary in- fluence on prices is inflation. The war has ended, but inflation has not ended. 3. The place of war orders in par- ticular industries of course will not be directly offset by commercial busi- ness. Business will be redistributed into the old channels. People will go back to spending and investing about as they did before. In most lines of expenditure and investment we have fallen behind and there will be a need to make up, with the tendency held in check by the prospect for lower prices later. The sections of the country where agriculture is the dom- inant interest are immensely prosper- ous and their prosperity will be re- flected everywhere. We have always counted on good times in this country when the buy- ing power of the farming districts was large, and that will be an im- portant factor in the year to come. There will be a good- demand for our products in neutral markets and in the countries which have been at war, but the latter business will de- pend almost wholly upon our willing- ness to lend on long time. This is not because of the exhaustion or pov- erty of would-be buyers, but because the means of payment—gold or goods —will not be available. Europe can- not buy even the foodstuffs, of which Mr. Hoover estimates we must supply 20,000,000 tons, without credit. The maintenance and development of our export trade is not simply an agri- cultural, industrial and commercial problem, but even more significantly a financial problem. 4. The wage problem must be re- garded as a part of the general price problem. A decline in wages with equal pace, with a decline in general prices, would involve no real loss to the wage-earner. A decline in food products and clothing materials is to be expected when normal conditions are restored in production. In some lines abnormal conditions have raised wages to figures that are out of line with the general level, and in such instances re-adjustments are inevit- able. Taking the general level of wages, I do not look for changes that will make the wage-earner worse off. More clearly than heretofore wages are going to be dependent upon the rate of production. It is possible to maintain wages even at the present level, if we can have the highest effi- ciency in production. That is going to be the watchword in the future. 5. I hope the volume of bank loans and of Federal Reserve notes has passed the crest. We must remem- ber, however, that the Government still has large financial needs. I look for easier money and a gradual liq- uidation of the banking position, al- though the immediate needs of the Treasury will make large demands upon the banks, and may delay liquidation. 6. The most hopeful aspect of the present situation is the spirit of our people. We have worked together for a common end, and we must strive to preserve the feeling of common inter- ests and carry it over into our indus- trial life. We have had a demonstra- tion of the enormous productive pow- ers of this country when we work harmoniously together. Now we must direct those powers to provid- ing for the common welfare. That is the end to which our industrial organization is working. The chief task of our industries is to turn out the goods and provide the services wanted by the masses of the people. We want efficiency and economy in the management and all up and down the line. Everybody is interested in securing large and economical pro- duction. The chief danger is from ignorance upon economic — subjects, even where intelligent leadership might be expected. We have to fear the steady pressure to put the Govy- ernment into business on its own ac- count and the disposition to overtax and regulate business for the reduc- tion of profits. It is not sufficiently understood that profits furnish the capital for industrial improvements and expansion. Frank A. Vanderlip, President National City Bank. ———_e-~>--2 Experience of Grand Rapids Grocer In California. Long Beach, Calif., Jan. 2—I take pleasure in informing you of our ex- periences since leaving our home city. Arriving in Chicago we were trans- ferred to the Sante Fe depot, where we were met by relatives who enter- tained us until time to leave for Cali- fornia. The trip was pleasant, as we found congenial fellow travelers. On Thursday morning we were delayed at Majavo, in Arizona, for more than six hours on account of a freight wreck, and the next morning at about the same hour on California soil, we met with the same trouble. Later. after the track was cleared we passed along the wreckage. Consequently, instead of arriving in Los Angeles in the morning, it was late in the after- noon. We were met again by rela- tives who entertained us for some days before starting for Long Beach, where we hope to spend much of the winter season, feeling thankful for our Heavenly Father’s protecting care to arrive at the end of our journey in safety. We are making our home at present on 725 East Ocean avenue in full view of the great Pacific ocean. This is, as you doubtless know, a tourist town, yet, away from the busy parts, it is a city of homes. The streets are asphalt paved and broad, mostly lined with palm shade trees, which gives them a tropical appearance. While in Los Angeles the Guaranty Trust & Savings Bank, where H. Van Dug- teren is employed, gave me a letter of introduction to the President of the National Bank of Long Beach, where we were most cordially re- ceived by the officers, who extended every courtesy, offering all the help we should need in a strange country; in fact, everything but the keys to strong box. That, of course. would have been rather flighty. We find here a fine temperature, bright sun- shine from the day we came and a calm sea. I am writing this sitting on the porch.in the morning sun, the great ocean before me. We attended the daily band concert yesterday ) sgjene ee ) ee eee January 8, 1919 afternoon. The music is of a very high order. It was rendered in the pier auditorium, playing in the after- noon and evening. They also have a place for out-of-door music next to this building on the beach. There are many chances for those who wish to get free trips in different direc- tions to attend land sales, with din- ners thrown in. I could not give you any idea how many real estate offices there are here. They look to me all out of proportion. This is a strictly dry town. The pike on the shore is quite a feature. The main things sold here are eatables, from barbecue to hot dog, dinner lunches of all description, in stalls provided . with counters, besides curious candies and some other confection for amuse- ment. There are some nice churches here. The first Sunday we wor- shipped in the First Presbyterian Church—fine preacher. After service he took my name. A few days later he came to call on us. He told me that Prof. Gerard Vos, formerly from Grand Rapids, was his professor at Princeton. Well knowing you are a busy man, I must draw this to a close. It is somewhat of a rambling sort of a letter. I therefore trust you willl accept it as such, I imagine now that I am just calling on you in the office for a little chat. Frank Dyk. —_22>_____ Live Notes From a Live Town. Owosso, Jan. 6—Roll P. Bigelow, who has been confined to his home for several months, is improving and we hope will soon be out doing busi- ness at the old stand. What seemed to be a very efficacious prescription was the Christmas home coming of his children. Chester, who had been gone three years in the navy, and Eugene, two years, together with his daughter and family from Detroit, furnished a good old home Christ- mas. Here’s hoping Bigelow will enjoy many more of the same. Mr .and Mrs. Fred Hanifin have been confined to their home for the last two weeks, but are better at the present writing. The writer called on them last evening and Fred told us he had read everything jin the house through, excepting the Bible and the cook book, E. M. Lott, of North Star, has moved his meat market into a new building which he recently erected on North Main street. B. R. Allen has opened a restuar- ant, lunch room and ice cream par- lor in Perrinton. _B. R. Allen, of Middleton, has sold his restaurant to W. Todd, of Ash- ley, who will conduct it as a bakery, lunch room and ice cream parlor. W. L. Lamb, of Vernon, has rent- ed his store and fixtures to W. W. Barlow, who will conduct an up-to- date grocery. New clean stock. Everybody knows Bill and Bill knows everybody else, which makes it a winner right now. Besides, he bought his new stock of Honest Groceryman. —_2-<.—____ Ain’t It Fine To-Day? Sure the world is full of trouble— I ain’t said it ain’t. Lord, I’ve had enough and double Reason for complaint. Rain and storm have come to fret me, Skies were often gray; Thorns and brambles have beset me On the road—but say: Ain’t it fine to-day? What’s the use of always weeping— Making trouble last? What’s the use of always keeping— Thinking of the past? Each must have his tribulations— Water with his wine; Life, it ain’t no celebration, Trouble, I’ve had mine— But to-day is fine! It’s to-day that I am living Not a month ago. Having, losing, taking, giving, As time wills it so; Yesterday a cloud of sorrow Felli across the way; It may rain again to-morrow It may rain—but say: Ain’t it fine to-day? MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 13 PASSED BY THE CAPITAL ISSUES COMMITTEE AS NOT INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE NATIONAL INTEREST, BUT WITHOUT APPROVAL OF LEGALITY, VALIDITY OR SECURITY. OPINION NO A2529, $200,000 Ifred J. Brown Seed Co. GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. (A MICHIGAN CORPORATION) 8, Cumulative First Preferred Stock (TAX FREE IN STATE OF MICHIGAN) Par Value of Shares $10.00 Grand Papids Trust Co. | Transfer Agent Registrar Dividends payable 2% quarterly, on first day of January, April, July, October CAPITALIZATION 8% Cumulated First Preferred (Par Value $10.00) Authorized 20,000 shares to be TRSUCQ 2 ST ees $200,000 Common Stock (Par Value $10.00) Author- ized 50,000 shares—less 80,000 shares in Treasury Outstanding ....... 200,000 NO MORTGAGE OR FUNDED DEBTS Summarizing from a letter received from Mr. Alfred J. Brown, President of the Company, we are pleased to quote the following salient features: HISTORY “Established in 1885 with an original capital investment of less than $2,000, this business has enjoyed a steady and healthy growth from year to year, until today ranks about fourth largest of garden seed pro- ducers in the country, doing a volume of business of some $1,000,000 and selling to between 5,000 and 10,000 responsible concerns located throughout the United States, Canada, England and France. BUSINESS—“The nature of our business is the growing of and dealing in agricultural and garden seeds at wholesale. We aim to produce our seeds in localities where soil and climate is most adapted to their culture. Our acreage this year of garden seeds in the States of Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, Mon- tana, Idaho, Washington and California will amount to more than 12,000 acres. PROSPECTS—“Our prospects for the season of 1919; will be 30 to 50 per cent. more and with the additional capital we propose to take into the business at this time, it should enable us to double our volume during the next two or three years, all of which can be done along the same safe lines under which the business has been conducted for so many years. MANAGEMENT—‘The management is in the hands of » competent men who have grown up with the business and who are responsible for its past record and success, PURPOSE OF ISSUE—“The purpose of the issue of Preferred Stock at this time is mainly to give the Company sufficient capital to carry out the wishes of our Government—namely to grow more seeds that will produce more food for home consumption as well as supplying our Allies abroad. All the money received for the sale of this stock will be used to increase our acreage. PROTECTION—‘“As additional protection for the Pre- ferred Stockholders aside from the large margin of assets in back of the stock, the company has taken out corporation life insurance on the principal heads of this business, Alfred J. Brown and T. Herschel Brown, to the amount of two hundred thousand dol- lars or enough to cover the full issue of the Preferred Stock. SAFEGUARDS—“The provisions safeguarding the Pre- ferred Stock are as follows: 1. The Preferred Stock shall be preferred both as to dividends and as to assets up to the redemption price of said stock. 2. The Preferred Stock shall be subject to redemp- tion at par on the first day of October, 1928, and the holder shall be entitled to the dividend of 8% per annum, payable quarterly, which shall be cumulative and payable before any dividend is set aside or paid on the Common Stock. The Preferred Stock may be redeemed on any dividend date prior to October 1st, 1928 at ten and 50-100 ($10.50) dollars per share, to- gether with the accrued dividends, provided the reg- istered holders of said Preferred Stock shall have rer ceived notice by registered mail 60 days prior to the time of such redemption of the company’s intention to redeem said stock. 3. A sinking fund will be created after January 1st, 1920 of 15% of the net earnings per year which will be placed in the hands of the Grand Rapids Trust Co. who will act as Trustees for the Preferred Stock holders, said money to be used exclusively for the re- demption of the Preferred Stock. 4. No mortgage can be placed upon the property of the Company nor can any bonds, notes or other similar evidences of indebtedness maturing later than one year from date of issue, be issued or created nor can any additional Preferred Stock beyond this auth- orized issue be issued without the favorable vote in writing of the holders of three-fourths of the amount of the Preferred Stock at the time outstanding. 5. Said Preferred Stock is further issued under an agreement by the Corporation that it will not at any time pay any dividend on the Common Stock of the Corporation while (a) it is in default in payment of any dividends on the Preferred Stock or (b) while it has not at least a surplus of ($50,000) fifty thousand dollars of assets over liabilities or (c) while it is in default in any of the provisions hereinbefore set forth for the benefit of the Preferred Stockholders or (d) while the net quick assets exclusive of any notes of stockholders are not at least 100% in excess of the then outstanding Preferred Stock.” The legality of the above issue has been approved by Messrs. Butzel & Butzel, Detroit, Mich. Write our Grand Rapids office, 522 and 523 Mich. Trust Bldg., for prospectus giving full particulars regarding this exceptional investment. MERRILL, LYNCH & CO. NEW YORK GRAND RAPIDS CHICAGO _ CLEVELAND The above intormation, while not guaranteed, has been obtained from sources which we regard as reliable. 14 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN January 8, 1919 Buyers of Liberty Bonds Can Make Big Profit. Written for the ‘Tradesman. One of the phases of greatest financial interest to a large proportion of the people, even outside of the investing class is the market posi- tion of U. S. Liberty loan bonds. Compared with some of the specula- tive issues such as Mexican Petro- leum, U. S. Industrial Alcohol pre- ferred, etc., the weakness of United States and other bonds is attracting universal attention. With U. S. 4s down to 93 and the 4%s down around 94, one can see what bargains these bonds are. However present buying may be premature if the pur- ° chaser wishes to get in on rock bottom, judging from precedent, as it took seven months after the close of the civil war before United States bonds touched their lowest prices. distribution was narrower than jit is 3esides that, our war bonds between 1865 and 1870 found a ready market in Europe, whereas now European _ investors have about all they can do to take their own war bonds. Then the now. care of This should not prove discourag- ing, as the best financial opinion is that these bonds, especially the 4%s, will sell again around par, if not above that figure, within a period of from two to three years. It is pos- sible that during the next three months they may go lower than they are now, but it should be remembered that the lower they get the better the bargain they will be. It is generally believed that the investor who con- sistently buys them during the winter, coming spring, and summer has a good chance, if he will hang on to them, of making 8 to 10 points profit on his deal. Attention is called to one factor that is bound to put up the prices later, and that is a scarcity of attractive investments and an accumulation of uninvested capital. After the war inventories and war industries have been liqui- dated, there is a strong likelihood of a short period of very cheap money. Liquidation of this character amounts to the return of capital from the borrower to the lender; and _ the return occurs when most stocks and bonds look rather unattractive be- cause of the temporary depression of business, a wumniversal sequel to such liquidation. Therefore, after this liquidation has been largely ac- complished and before the recon- struction boom gets well under way, money is likely to be so cheap as to make United States bonds look very attractive. From the above there should be no pessimistic view taken regarding the future. The resources of the coun- try are so vast, its growth rapid and steady and its recuperative powers so great that such period of possible business depression will be brief, and we will again turn from the detour into the broad highway of great prosperity. Many, without due consideration of the matter, have predicted an im- mediate boom in the building indus- try. Looking facts in the face, it it will be seen the mere removal of t Government restrictions will not cause the rebound. There may be a demand for houses to shelter an in- crease in the working population, or for factories by means of which to increase the production of some article or commodity which is having a large sale, or for stores and office buildings wherein to handle the busi- ness of some city whose commerce has shown a great increase, but for the main normal line of building construction to again hold sway, construction costs must come down —and come down they will. These costs have practically doubled and are now at their highest point. And unless necessity compels it, men are not going to invest their capital in buildings unless there is a prospect of profit. The reduction of construc- tion costs—both materials and labor —is one of the problems of the re- adjustment from a war to a peace basis yet to be solved. One feature of the situation mark- ing a guide post on the road back to our prosperity highway showing a pleasing decrease in the mileage to that point is the state of our foreign commerce. The export trade of the United States continues in remark- ably full volume. The necessity of feeding a large part of continental Europe has by no means ended by the cessation of hostilities. On the contrary, it will continue urgent for some time to come, decreasing grad- ually as the devastated lands jare reclaimed to crops. In the meantime, however, the vast amount of material required for reconstruction will, to a large extent, fall upon us to supply. That being the case and with more tonnage available for its transporta- tion, therd is little prospect of a contraction in shipments for some time to come, Notwithstanding the restrictions, but recently removed by the Government, the export figures for the eleven months of 1918 have gone to a new high mark over the similar period of 1917. The value of exports for November, 1918, was $522,000,000; for the five months since July 1 the total has been a little over $2,610,000,000, a new high mark, and for the eleven months of the calen- dar year $5,585,000,000; these com- paring with $487,327,694 and $2,345,- 000,000 and $5,633,000,000, respect- ively, in 1917. As a dreamer of dreams financial, Kent State Bank Main Office Ottawa Ave. Facing Monroe Grand Rapids, Mich. Capital - - - - $500,000 Surplus and Profits - $700,000 Resources 10 Million Dollars Big vee cont Paid on Certificates of Deposit The Home for Savings When the tion wave strikes your reconstruc- — C <<: < ae ercersere Yee = We me kee Ye business, will you be . drifting or will you be oe 250 an _aeerwrerewecene Avr 5. k anchored to some strong, friendly bank? iS aS = oom a Drees carrmre are, “Yi OG aay con eR eS nT Pn ae Our Resources of $15,030,383.31 stand as evidence of the business friendships which this bank has earned since 1853. F. A. Gorham, Jr., will be at this bank Tuesday of each week prepared to give service to any customer on matters relating to the Income Tax. We Have Every Banking Service You Need THE OLD GRAND RAPIDS TRUST Company never dies; never takes a va- cation; is never out of town. It serves you while you are living and faithfully executes every provision of your will when you have passed away. Send for Blank Form of Will and booklet on ‘Descent and Distribution of Property”’ THE MICHIGAN TRUST Go. OF GRAND RAPIDS Safe Deposit Vaults on ground floor. Boxes to rent at low cost. o i Soo AR EN UD 8 RN EAC NEE eR SAT NET, Septet premonition smmaniets Seeman aie ‘SRO ae cpr psteremags ae Se Be: either mae ete NCR RECN IN W spree reneageurenvganeestearey ieee SRE Rte eran January 8, 1919 Postmaster General Burleson appears pre-eminent. His latest “vision” is the plan outlined by him to a member of the lower house of Congress for the acquisition of the telegraph and telephone lines of the country by the Government, without the ex- penditure of a dollar from the United States Treasury, said lines to be run under the supervision of his office. In his letter to Congressman Moon, advocating permanent acquirement by the Government of these proper. ties, Mr. Burleson shows how (in his opinion) this can be done—‘“‘with- out the expenditure of a dollar from the Treasury and by a system of amortization which, he maintains, will pay for the lines in twenty-five years. And that it may be done, a fifty year old Act of Congress is resurrected to authorize the purchase. As a proposal of finance, the scheme is not likely to appeal to the average business man. Under this plan Na- tional stocks are to supplant these multiform private stocks. The Gov- ernment can borrow money at 4% per cent., while private owners expect to make 7 or 8 per cent. on their in- vestments, which the people must pay. Thereupon amortization, setting aside the difference, will pay for the lines in, say, nineteen to twenty-five years. “Very simple’ and “very easy,’ but not absolutely sure. In the first place the Government through operation will have to earn the money at 7 or 8 per cent. income and the people will have to pay it. Nothing, it will be noted, is said about upkeep, increased wages, and rates, so conspicuous in the case of the railroads. Extensions and better- ments are ignored, or if not, obscured in an assumed case which takes no account of possibilities or even prob- abilities. It is even regarded feasible at this time, when the country js literally groaning under war debt, to add more adlibitum without disturb- ance or danger to the public credit. This appears the hair _ brained scheme which would incidentally capitalize every little private line on MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 15 the prairies into Government stocks. It sounds ridiculous, and is ridicu- lous and yet the matter is one for serious consideration, due to the socialistic trend of the times. There is no question of the good intentions of the Postmaster General, but it is well to remember the old saying that Hades is paved with good intentions. It looks very much as if Postmaster General Burleson is attempting to take advantage of the situation to accomplish a personal pipe drean: and desires. The conviction of busi- ness interests is that these lines should go back to their owners; and we, as a people, should approach and consider this vexed problem of Gov- ernment ownership free, unbiased and unhurried. We owe it to those who will come after us to use the utmost care in the settlement of the ques- tion, to the end that justice shall be done to all. Business men, as a duty, should study the question and inform their representatives in Con- gress of their final opinion in order that our National law makers have public opinion to guide them. It is a people’s question and the people should rule. Paul Leake. —__>-.—___ The powers that be too frequently sit down upon an evil as if it were an inverted tack. JOIN THE GRAND RAPIDS SAVINGS BANK 7 33,000 [CO Satisfied Customers know that we specialize in accommodation my Teuta a THE BANK WHERE YOU FEEL AT HOME Geno Res G anesp an WE WILL APPRECIATE YOUR ACCOUNT TRY US! WM. H. ANDERSON. President J. CLINTON BISHOP, Cashier _ B® Fourth National Bank United States Depositary Savings Deposits Commercial Deposits 3 Per Cent Interest Paid on Savings Deposits Compounded Semi-Annually I 3% Per Cent Interest Paid on Certificates of Deposit Left One Year Capital Stock and Surplus $580,000 LAVANT Z. CAUKIN, Vice President ALVA.T. EDISON, Ass’t Cashier GRAND RAPIDS NATIONAL CITY BANK CITY TRUST & SAVINGS BANK ASSOCIATED 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 iccation—our large transit facllities—our safe deposit vaults and our complete service covering the entire field of banking, our Institutions must be the ultimate cholce of out of town bankers and Individuals. Combined Capital and Surplus ........... $ 1,724,300.00 Combined Total Deposits ..............08- .. 10,168,700.00 Combined Total Resources ...........ceeeceees 13, 157,100.00 GRAND RAPIDS NATIONAL CITY BANK CIrTLY FTRUST & SAVING BANK ASSOCIATED HE naming of the Grand Rapids Trust Company as Executor and Trustee means that you will bring to the settlement and management of your estate the combined judgment and busi- ness ability of its officers and directors. The most competent individual has only his own experience and knowl- edge to qualify him. This Company offers your estate the collective knowl- edge and experience of its officials. ASK FOR BOOKLET ON “DESCENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF PROPER- TY” AND BLANK FORM OF WILL. [;RAND RAPins [RUST | OMPANY OTTAWA AT FOUNTAIN BOTH PHONES 4391 Safe Deposit Boxes at Three Dollars Per Year and Upward 2 h + ; Nea ; xe 5 ae MICHIGAN TRADESMAN January 8, 1919 We Are Going Back to Our Pre-War Co-operative Sales Plan. Here Are the Details— You'll Profit by Reading Them. The total number of barrels of flour shipped you during a calendar month (January for example) determines the rate of commission. 5 Bbls. of Flour per Month Earn You 10c per Bbl. or $ .50 10 Bbls. of Flour per Month Earn You 15c per Bbl. or 1.50 25 Bbls. of Flour per Month Earn You 20c per Bbl. or 5.00 Credit memorandums or checks, which ever you desire, will be mailed the first of the month follow- ing the one in which shipments are made. In other words, if we ship you a total of ten barrels of flour during January, a credit memo or check for $1.50 will be mailed to you the first week in February. You do not have to take any particular number of barrels at a time, nor all of one kind. For in- stance, one 2 bbl. shipment of Lily White, one 2 bbl. of shipment of Harvest Queen and one 1! bbl. shipment, of White Roll Flour made you during a calendar month, on different dates, earns you the 5 bbl. rate. Orders must reach us in time for shipment in January if you want them to apply on January business. In other words, if the order was mailed in January, but did not reach us in time to ship in Jan- uary but goes forward in February, it will be figured as February business. All Freight Paid By Us This means we pay all freight here. You pay nothing to your freight agent. You have no freight to figure, no freight to pay, no freight overcharges, no freight bills to bother with in any way, shape or manner. We do all that work for you. Your invoice from us shows you the actual cost of the goods laid down at your station. Our Claim Department will settle all loss and damage claims for you without cost to you. Our Advertising Department will assist you in creating a still bigger consumers’ demand for Lily White Flour. Our Sales Department stands ready to co-operate with you at all times. WE THOROUGHLY BELIEVE THIS IS THE BIGGEST AND BEST CO-OPERATIVE PROFIT SHARING SALES PLAN EVER OFFERED MICHIGAN DEALERS. Valley City Milling Company Grand Rapids, Michigan A January 8, 1919 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 17 ood News i for the Housewife! Wartime Flour is a relic of the past! Delicious, Nutritious, Wholesome White Bread is again on the menu. How good it tastes! And how easy it is to make good bread from good flour compared with the effort required to produce just ordinary bread from War Flour. Of course we were all perfectly willing to use war flour as a wartime necessity. It helped our boys over there gain the Glorious ! Victory. But everybody is delighted to have it all over and mighty proud of the amazing record our own precious America has made. ; It is also good news to the particular housewife to know she may again obtain the good old-fashioned, high-quality ' Lily White Flour “The Flour the Best Cooks Use’’ for no better flour has ever been made or sold than LILY WHITE. No flour has ever given the housewife better satisfaction for either bread or pastry baking than LILY WHITE. There have been mighty few flours that even equalled it. We are making LILY WHITE in the same old way, exercising just as much care in the selection of grain, being just as particular to see that exactly the right blend of the different varieties of wheat is secured to produce the best flour it is possible to mill. Your dealer will cheerfully refund the purchase price if you do not like LILY WHITE FLOUR as well OR BETTER than any flour you have ever used for either bread or pastry baking; in other words, if LILY WHITE does not completely satisfy you for every requirement of home use. Be certain to specify you do not want war flour but the real old-time high-quality LILY WHITE FLOUR now on sale. This Advertisement is Being Published in Every One of This Big List of Michigan Newspapers Given Below: * Albion Evening Recorder Marion Gsceola Press Chesaning Argus Mecosta News Alma Evening Recorder Saline Observer Clarksville Record Minden City Herald Battle Creek Moon-Journal Hastings Banner Mt. Pleasant Times Zeeland Record Battle Creek Enquirer-News Holland City News Marshall Chronicle Hemlock News ae Bay City Times-Tribune Holland DeGrondwet Midland Sun Gaylord-Otsego Co. Herald-Times Bay City Polski Publishing Company Howard City Record Muskegon Chronicle . Grand Rapids Herald Belding Banner Ionia Weekly Sentinel Nashville News Grand Rapids News Benton Harbor New-Palladium Ithaca-Gratiot Co. Herald Niles Daily Sun_ Grand Rapids Press 1 Big Rapids Pioneer Jackson Citizen-Patriot Newaygo Republican Grand Rapids Christian Journa Boyne City Citizen Kalamazoo Gazette Owosso Argur-Press Grand Rapids Standard Bulletin f Cadillac Evening News Kalkaska leader Petoskey Evening News Grand Rapids Polish Echo Charlotte Republican Lake City Plain Dealer Reed City-Osceola Co. Herald Ann Arbor Times-News ! Dowagiac Daily News Lake Odessa Wave-Times St. Johns Clinton-Republican Ypsilanti Ypsilantian-Press Eaton Rapids Review Leslie Local-Republican St. Louis Leader _ Michigan Farmer, Detroit as Flint Daily Journal Lansing State Journal Saginaw News-Courier Michigan Business Feruene, © — Frankfort Patriot Ludington Daily News St. Joseph Herald-Press Detroit, published at Mt. Cleme Fremont Times-Indicator Mason-Ingham Co. News Sturgis Journal : Burr Oak Acorn Manistee News-Advocate Three Rivers Daily Commercial Mt. Pleasant Courier { ; Bronson Journal . Mancelona News Traverse City Record Eagle Mendon Globe-Leader Cedar Springs Liberal Shelby Herald Conklin Enterprise Parma News Constantine Advertiser-Record Gladwin Record Coopersville Sun Pellston Journal Cheboygan Daily Tribune Williamston Enterprise Copemish Progress Pewamo News _ Clare Sentinel Howell Livingston Republican Coral News Provemont Courier Colon Express Union City Register Weekly Hisie Sun _ Ravenna Times Coleman Independent South Haven Tribune Farwell Review Rockford Register ie is Charlevoix Courier Paw Paw True Northerner Gobleville News Saugatuck Commercial-Recor Evart Review Onaway Outlook G. R. Creston News Schoolcraft Express Grayling-Crawford Avalanche Grand Haven Daily Tribune G. R. Grandville Record St. Charles Union Grand Rapids Observer Scottville Enterprise G. R. Northwestern Weekly Tekonsha eee Grand Rapids Chronicle United Weekly Press G. R. Progress Thompsonville News Lowell Ledger Albion Leader Hart Tribune Tustin News Lawton Leader Alto Solo Hopkins Leader Warren Watchman e Lawrence Times Augusta Beacon Lewiston Journal Wayland Globe ' Marcellus News : Burr Oak Lyons Herald Weidman Messenger St. Charles Union Caledonia News Mancelona Herald White Cloud Star Sparta Sentinel Leader Casnovia Herald Martin Review ; ("Suggest That You Stock Immediately the High Quality LILY WHITE FLOUR and be in Position to Sup- ply the Big Demand That is Bound to be Created. Valley City Milling Company Grand Rapids, Michigan MICHIGAN TRADESMAN ANA "es WV) U(((taee PrETeeUd( 3 EY Wey e=2 => eae CS ean i $ISZ aT OES | X a oe ee 4 AS DRY GOODS, ANCY GOODS “» NOTIONS: 2d, s+.1)))} AC if CPC Oees \ History of the Dry Goods Trade In 1918. The history of the textile year has been one of increasing mobilization of the industry to a point such as few dreamed possible, to be succeeded by a diametrically opposite condition and a demobilization accomplished for the most part in record time. Textile manufacturers had had ex- perience in producing Government goods before the year started, but there was no large proportion of the machinery of specific plants engaged in this work until the year had well started. It is difficult even now to give the amount of textile machinery that has been engaged during the year on contracts for the Govern- ment, for different branches of the industry were engaged to different extents, and more complete records were kept in some than in others. In the wool-manufacturing division the average did not reach much more than 60 per cent. at its height, and this proportion was not maintained any length of time. In cotton manu- facture it is probable that the average percentage has been higher, but here records have not been as widely pub- lished and the information is more or less vague. It may be said, however, that with regard to certain important factors in the cotton-manufacturing indus- try the contracts taken for Govern- ment work have been larger and have extended over a longer period of time than probably any other division of the textile field. In knit goods the proportion of machinery devoted to Government orders has been very large, and while the vol- ume -has necessarily been smaller because of the smaller capacity of the industry, yet it has occupied the attention of practically all producers of this class of goods for nearly the entire year. This turning over of machinery to supply the requirements of the Gov- ernment necessarily has had a most marked effect upon the conduct of civilian business. It has made neces- sary a practical revolution in the conduct of trade, turning the market from a buyer’s paradise into one that has been dominated exclusively by the seller, in which he has dic- tated the amount of goods that each individual buyer could have, the - prices which he must pay for them and the deliveries which he would be obliged to accept. These condi- tions, of course, apply only up to the time of the signing of the armistice, for almost overnight at that time there was a complete reversal of con- ditions and a return in a surprisingly short period to a status very similar to and yet differing in many respects from that before war was anticipated. It is remarkable that the buyer in the midst of all these changes ha- been able to adapt himself to the changing conditions with so_ little apparent disturbance to his business. He has accommodated himself to prices that were acknowledged to be radical in the extreme, has been able to adjust himself to delayed deliv- eries, to conservation conditions, and to the practice of economies, all in the name of patriotism, and although it may be too early to estimate the effect upon individual enterprises, yet upon the surface at least there has been a minimum of unsettlement that is surprising when the develop- ments and the radical departures of the year are taken into considera- tion. In the matter of price changes alone, the buyer has had a problem to solve that, forecast, seemed almost insurmountable. As prices began to appreciate, the buyer, long before the present year, was very apprehensive as to their effect. Yet, notwithstand- ing the practice of economy and of conservative methods of living, as well as the absence of a large volume of buyers in the service of their country, the distributers’ trade be- came educated to the ever increasing cost of merchandise with remarkable rapidity and it became easier and easier for him to pay the required advances with the assurance that he would be able to secure a profit on their turn-over. One of the most disturbing things to the buyer of textile merchandise during 1918 has been the impossibil- ity of securing the deliveries on con- tracts that he had expected. With such a large volume of machinery tied up in supplying the war require- ments of the Government and with priorities in favor of war orders, the ordinary buyer was given scant con- sideration in the great majority of instances. This was not voluntary on the part of the producer, but he was forced to such treatment by the demands of the largest buyer with whom he had ever had to deal. The final result of these unprecedented delays in delivery has been witnessed in the cancellation of orders still un- delivered at the time of cessation of hostilities. Buyers have felt that they had a sufficient warrant in de- clining to receive further shipments of merchandise, where they were far behind the contract date and have also taken the cue from the action of the Government itself, which has cancelled a large volume of war or- ders for which it had no need after the war had come to a close. It has been said that the war was a war of raw materials and waged for their control. In no country and in no industry is this more pertinent than in the American textile industry. The exigencies of war have made it necessary to adopt a control policy that has been burdensome and _ irk- some at times, but to which all have submitted with as much grace as possible, knowing that it was for the best interests of all. The only raw material which has not come under absolute Government control and on which prices were not regulated has been the cotton staple. While the question of regulating the price of cotton has been agitated from time to time in Congress and out of it, actual steps were never taken to fix the levels at which the producer might obtain his material of this character. On wool, however, the fact that practically half the needed supply for American consumption is grown out- side the confines of this country and controlled largely by England made some regulation of the supply neces- sary. The imports of wool were reg- ulated by the establishment of the Textile Alliance at the beginning of the war, and the lines were drawn January 8, 1919 closer and closer with the decrease in shipping and the increased sub- marine danger, finally resulting in the control of the domestic clip by our own Government and the fixing of prices at which these wools were al- lotted to manufacturers. This regu- latory action was inspired by the fear that military needs for wool would cause prices to go unduly high. The result was that early in April the Price Fixing Committee of the War Industries Board held a series of con- ferences with growers, dealers, and manufacturers, and the price to be paid for the 1918 clip was established on the basis of values prevailing in 30oston, the wool center of the coun- try, on July 30, 1917, for the various grades of wool. It was further arranged that in the e are manufacturers of TRIMMED AND UNTRIMMED HATS for Ladies, Misses and Children, especially adapted to the genera] store trade. Trial order solicited. CORL, KNOTT & CO.. Ltd. Corner Commerce Ave, and Island St. Grand Rapids, Mich. Bell Phone 596 Citz. Phone 61366 Joseph P. Lynch Sales Co. Special Sale Experts Expert Advertising —Expert Merchandising 44 So. Ionia Ave. Grand Rapids, Mich. Watch for Our Salesman Our traveling men will again make their ap- pearance on the road with a very complete sample line of SPRING GOODS. We start the new year with the old MOTTO— WHOLESALE DRY GOODS | Quality Merchandise—Right Prices—Prompt Service Paul Steketee & Sons GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Wilmarth show cases and store fixtures in West Michigan's biggest store In Show Cases and Store Fixtures Wilmarth is the best buy—bar none Catalog—to merchants 1542 Jefferson Avenue Wilmarth Show Case Company Grand Rapids, Mich. Made [n Grand Rapids - January 8, 1919 territory sections where practically two-thirds of the wool grown in this country is raised wool growers should not sell their product locally, but should consign it to concentra- tion points. In the Middle West, East, and Southeast, comprising what is known as the fleece-growing sec- tion, growers were allowed to sell wcol locally, but the profits of the local purchaser were limited to 1% cent a pound, and these purchasers were requested to consign their tak- ings to the larger concentration points. Here dealers were allowed a commission of 4 per cent. on fleece wools and territories, provided the wool was sold in the original bags, and 3% per cent. if graded, the com- mission to be paid by the Govern- ment and added to the price-of the wool, When the raw material ar- rived at concentration centers it was appraised by valuation committees appointed by the Government, and allocated to the various mills for mili- tary or civilian purposes. Not until a late date, however, was it found expedient to allow any of this wool to be used for civilian pur- poses, for fear that there would not be sufficient material to satisfy the Government requirements. This meant great uncertainty, as to what could be undertaken to supply the civilian trade, and a situation that was unprecedented from the stand- point of assurance. It was also sug- gested that the Government take over the 1919 wool clip, and in all probability, had the war continued, this would have been done; but the MICHIGAN TRADESMAN armistice intervened to check such action and to make the next season’s clip available in the ordinary way. It was necessary also for the Gov- ernment to secure foreign wool, the movement of which to this country was prevented in large measure by the lack of shipping and the danger of U-boat interference. Arrange- ments were made early in the year for a commission to go to England to negotiate for wool supplies, and as a result of this commission’s work outright purchases of a large quantity of Australian wool were made from Great Britain. It is now reported that the Government is negotiating to cancel all or part of these pur- chases, in view of the changed con- ditions. Government buyers were also sent to South America, and large purchases made there which are yet to come into this country. 2+ Two new uses for pine needles have been discovered. One is the manufacture of a substitute for cot- ton and jute, and the other, the manufacture of brushes and brooms. It is reported that in Germany the spinning mills produced 88,000,000 pounds of paper yarn during the past year, this yarn being used in the manufacture of bed and table linen, clothes, curtains, imitation leather, etc. ee One of the advantages in selling regular patrons small quantities is more frequent calls and more chances for developing interest in other lines. Round-Up of the Grand Rapids Dry Goods Co. The annual round-up of the office and road forces of the Grand Rapids Dry Goods Co. was held last Friday and Saturday, with a full attendance. The annual banquet was held at Elk’s club Friday evening, being partici- pated in by the following: E. A. Stowe, President. G, W. Rouse, Vice-President. Harold Sears, Manager. F, J. Neuman, credit man. John A. King, house salesman. R. C. Parker, manager piece goods department. Charles W. Sergeant, manager hosiery and underwear department. George G. Sergeant, manager no- tion department. F. J. Siebel, manager men’s cloth- ing department. Stewart McBain, Belding, ville and adjacent territory. Charles Greig, Muskegon, Kalama- zoo and adjacent territory. Grand Rapids Green- Herman Duyser, suburban territory, Lloyd Bovee, Pere Marquette south to Benton Harbor. Leo Schmidt, Lansing sales room. Leon Liesveld, Jackson sales room. W. H. Goodfellow, Pere Marquette north territory. P. J. Behan, Petoskey sales room. Timothy Temple, Traverse City sales room. Leo Collins, Mt. room. R. V. Pfeffer, city salesman. L. J. Pylman, city salesman. Pleasant sales 19 J. A. Berg, salesman. John E. Boon, Bay City sales room. A. Richard Sergeant, assistant to the manager notion department. Byron Helser, assistant to the man- ager hosiery and underwear depart- ment. John E. Boon, who has been em- ployed in the house for the past eighteen months, has taken the posi- tion of Eastern Michigan salesman, covering all available towns from Cheboygan to Port Huron. He will take up his residence in Bay City and maintain a sample room at that market. J. E. Berg, who specialized on piece goods and furnishing goods on the road for some months before go- ing to war, has been honorably dis- charged and resumed his connection with the house. He has been as- signed the work of looking after the manufacturing accounts in Grand Rapids. Timothy Temple, who clerked sev- eral years in the dry goods stores of Traverse City, has taken the posi- tion of Grand Traverse representa- tive for the Grand Rapids Dry Goods Co. city manufacturers’ ste oe atiion nce Due to chemical action caused by electricity, the U. S. Bureau of Standards states that concrete, in which heavy iron bars are imbedded for reinforcement purposes, may re- sult in cracking or disintegration. oe The days are “short” now because there is less time in them—and time is money. SERVICE for delivery. QUALITY are prepared ourselves. From one end of our line to the other IS IT IN STOCK? The shrewd buyer, this season, will put first emphasis on this vital question and not be put off with a promise of early delivery. Labor was never so uncertain in the history of the world and there is a general shortage of raw materials of almost every kind. The merchant who would be sure he is going to get the merchandise necessary to keep up his volume of business will want the best assurance that the goods he orders are already in stock, ready For months past we have advised the trade to—Prepare! Prepare!—so you can rest assured we Our stocks were never so complete. We are ready for the crucial test. IT IS IN STOCK! Exclusively Wholesale Grand Rapids Dry Goods Co. Grand Rapids, Michigan QUALITY SERVICE 20 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN January 8, 1919 ] Michigan Poultry, Butter and Egg Asso- clation. President—J. W. Lyons, Jackson. Vice-President—Patrick Hurley, De- troit. Secretary and Treasurer—D. A. Bent- ley, Saginaw. Executive Committee—F. A. Johnson, Detroit; H. L. Williams, Howell; C. J. Chandler, Detroit. Decrease Spoilage and Increase Profits. To prevent a repetition this year of heavy spoilages of dressed poultry that have occurred in previous sea- sons, because shippers did not pre- cool properly before sending off their products, specialists of the Bureau of Chemistry, United States Department of Agriculture, urge greater care than ever before. They warn that, with the strain of traffic on the railroads, heavy losses of foodstuffs are likely unless measures are taken against them. Shippers should view the ad- ditional care necessary to prevent waste and decay as an insurance as well as a duty. Here are some timely suggestions resulting from investigations by the Bureau of Chemistry in handling and transporting dressed poultry: “1. Be sure the chicken’s crop is empty before killing. ‘Croppy’ birds ‘green’ easily. “2. Begin the cooling just as soon as the feathers are off, whether it is done in iced water or in cold air. Don’t let the birds pile up in the pick- ing room waiting for a convenient moment to transfer to the chill room or the ice tank. “3. If you ice pack, quick cooling is very essential. The old idea that animal heat must come out slowly is all wrong. Quick cooling—the quicker the better—gives best results. In the first cooling tanks, the birds should be left for 12 hours. Have the water inlet at the bottom of the tank and let the water flow constant- ly. If the water comes in from the top only, the birds in the upper part of the tank are cooled quickly, whereas those at the bottom are cooled so slowly that they are likely to become green-struck, After tak- ing the birds out of the first tank, place them, backs up, in a layer over the bottom of the ice tank. Cover them completely with crushed ice, and continue this procedure until the tank is filled. Pack out just before shipping. Put a layer of crushed ice in the barrel and then a layer of poultry, and thus alternate layers of ice and poultry until the barrel is filled, allowing space for an ample header. “4. If you dry cool, and that’s what you should be doing because dry-cooled poultry keeps better than water cooled, have your chill room between 28 degrees and 35 degrees Fahrenheit. It will take about 24 hours to bring the birds down to the temperature of the room. Poultry flesh will not freeze until below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. If you take more than 24 hours to get the temperature down below 35 degrees, you are los- ing some of the resistance to decay that every pound of shipped poultry is entitled to start out with. “5. Don’t hold poultry for ship- ment one day longer than you must unless you have a quick freezer avail- able. Undue holding is especially hard on wet-cooled poultry. This should never be held more than two or three days before shipping. Dry- cooled poultry can be held a week if the chill room temperatures never go much above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. “6. As soon as the poultry ‘is chilled pack it in boxes, kegs or barrels. Don’t let it stand for days waiting until you get the whole ship. ment. By doing so you will have an unnecessary amount of loss by shrinkage. The loss is almost noth- ing when the birds are tightly packed in good packages. “7. Don’t put fresh-killed poultry into the chill room with birds that are chilled until the latter are pack- ed. It is better to have two chill rooms to be used alternately, or to keep one for a packing room. How- ever, if you have but one chill room, boxed or barreled birds will suffer but little from incoming warm stock. Unpacked birds will often be so warmed that they lose quality. “8. Long holding is apt to result in a growth of mold unless the room is kept below 35 degrees Fahrenheit and unless it is very clean. It is a good plan to disinfect the chill at the beginning of the season. This can be accomplished in the follow- ing manner: Brush and wipe the walls and ceiling to remove dust. Then disinfect by means of potas- sium permanganate and _ formalde- hyde solution (formalin). For each 1,000 cubic feet use 12 ounces formal- dehyde (40 per cent. strength) and 6% ounces potassium permanganate. Place permanganate in dish or large earthenware vessel and pour formal- dehyde on quickly and depart in- stantly. The fumes are very irritat- ing to eyes and throat. Use separate vessel for each 1,000 cubic feet. Close all openings and cracks in room. Leave room closed for at least 24 hours, then enter cautiously. Air thoroughly, using a fan. If the odor of formalin persists after room has been aired, spray lightly with aqua ammonia, SERVICE PIO WAT Y QUALITY Largest Produce and Fruit Dealers in Michigan se All Nut Margarines are NOT alike. or alli Farrell’s A-1 brand has stood the supreme test. ur Macoae (The summer test.) M. Piowaty & Sons of Michigan MAIN OFFICE, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Branches: Saginaw, Bay City, Muskegon, Lansing, Jackson, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Mich., South Bend and Elkhart, Ind. E. P. MILLER, President Wm. Alden Smith Bldg. F. H. HALLOCK, Vice Pres. FRANK T. MILLER, Sec. and Treas Miller Michigan Potato Co. WHOLESALE PRODUCE SHIPPERS Potatoes, Apples, Onions Correspondence Solicited Grand Rapids, Mich. « GRAND RAPIDS Onions, Apples and Potatoes Car Lots or Less We Are Headquarters Correspondence Solicited Vinkemulder Company 2 MICHIGAN ‘The United Agency System of Improved Credit Service Uwirep A\Gency ACCURATE - RELIABLE UP-TO-DATE 5 CREDIT INFORMATION GENERAL RATING BOOKS now ready containing 1,750,000 names—fully rated—no blanks— EIGHT POINTS of vital credit information on each name. Superior Special Reporting Service Further details by addressing GENERAL OFFICES CHICAGO, - ILLINOIS Gunther Bldg. - 1018-24 S. Wabash Avenue i Signs of the Times Ar 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. THE POWER CO. Bell M 797 Citizens 4261 Both Telephones 1217 WE BUY AND SELL Beans, Potatoes, Onions, Apples, Clover Seed, Timothy Seed, Field Seeds, Eggs. When you have goods for sale or wish to purchase WRITE, WIRE OR TELEPHONE US Moseley Brothers, GRAND RAPIDS. MICH. GGS KENT STORAGE COMPANY, We Buy We Store GGS We are always in the market to buy FRESH EGGS and fresh made DAIRY BUTTER and PACKING STOCK. Shippers will find It to their interests to communicate with us when seeking an outlet. We also offer you our new modern facilities for the storing of such products for your own account. Write us for rate schedules covering storage charges, etc. WE SELL Egg Cases and Egg Case material of all kinds. Get our quotations. We Sell GGS Grand Rapids, Michigan : | ; 2 : srenanaanniaschaendAieensirea 3 aii ~ 19 neni stein n aor nea ~ January 8, 1919 Legislative Plan To License Retail Grocers, Lansing, Jan. 6—Food legislation promises to play an important part in the present session of the senate and the house, and there is every in- dication that one of the battles, per- haps a series of them, will be staged over proposed measures having to do with public health. The bills for a county health officer in all counties over 20,000 and a state health commissioner instead of the state board of health have already been mentioned and were approved by Gov. Sleeper in his inaugural mes- sage. But there is every indication that the legislature will be asked to go much farther, with the backing not only of the state board of health but the United States Government. Sen. James Henry of Battle Creek has a bill in preparation which will cause every person who handles food in any way in the State to pass a physical examination, and_ unless their condition is approved by the doctors they can not work in any place where they are called upon to come in contact with food. The idea is to include food product factories, all public kitchens and eating places. The examination is to be very rigid, chiefly: for blood and skin diseases and for tuberculosis and kindred ills, which are considered as infectious or contagious through the medium of stuff handled by the victim. The plan of Mr. Henry is the di- rect outgrowth of the inspections and resultant closings of public eating houses by the United States army officials in Battle Creek and at Mt. Clemens, where army cantonments were located. In watching the results of this work on the part of the Gov- ernment, Mr, Henry got the idea which he wants to embody into a State law. Exact details of the meas- ure have not yet been decided upon, but it is expected that the proposed bill will be stringent as it is to be looked over by Government officials before being introduced. Already there is some opposition being found to the county health offi- cer bill, the kicks against it being on the ground of too much’ expense. This bill is not yet introduced but it has been given enough advertising to be well known throughout certain sections ‘of the State. Four years ago when a district health officer bill was before the legislature, the differ- ent religious elements which do not believe in the modern medical ways, put up a bitter fight against the prop- osition, and aided by those who did not want to see the money spent, they were able to kill the bill in com- mittee. It is generally expected that the same tactics will be followed at this session with the new bill. Open Letter To Senator Henry. Grand Rapids, Jan. 6—I note you have in preparation a bill providing for the licensing of those who han- dle food products and trust your ideas may find expression in our statutes, providing you see any way of keeping the enforcement of the law out of the slimy hand of party politics. I have advocated the licensing sys- tem for forty years—in mv paper, in public addresses before both mer- chants and consumers and in argu- mentative appeals to legislators. I enclose herewith an address I pre- pared for the Grand Rapids Retail Grocers’ Association about a month ago, in which I earnestly advocated the licensing plan to which you are apparently committed. I probahlv did more than any other man in Michigan to create sentiment in favor of the inspection of foods and the creation of a Dairy and Food Department to enforce the laws en- acted for that purnose. I worked in season and out of season for years to accomplish this result. Then came the disappointment of my life. The Department was dragged into the mire of party politics by Governor MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Rich and has never gotten out the mire. When Republicans are in pow- er, Democratic merchants only are prosecuted, and when the Democrats are in power, Republican merchants only are prosecuted. The food in- spectors devote one day a week to looking up violations of the food laws and five days a week to keep- ing in repair the political fences of the ruling Governor. I do not be- lieve any Food Commission has ever made the appointment of an inspector without the approval of the ruling Governor. Most of the inspectors have been selected by the Governor himself and the appointments made by the Commission as a matter of form. I suppose you are aware that ex-Commissioner James Helm is still on the staff of the Food Department and that he draws $100 per month simply to keep him silent. This ac- tion was taken at the request of Gov- ernor Sleeper and Justice Bird. Helm boasts that he has never turned his hand over to earn the State one penny and never will and that the Republican administration dare not dispossess him of the sinecure he enjoys. I assume you are a Republican. I have been a Republican all my life, but experience has taught me that party politics and efficiency in office are incompatible and that any meas- ure which creates a large body of men to be appointed by the Governor, or whose appointment is dictated by the Governor, will prove to be a grievious disappointment. If you can devise any way to keep your pro- posed county inspectors out of the clutches of the political machine, you will certainly he entitled to a high place in the legislative history of the State, but unless vou have such a panacea, I am afraid the enactment of your measure will result in the creation of aq large political working force which will chiefly he occupied in maintaining the supremacy of the party in power—at the expense of the taxpayers. I shall be pleased to have you send me a copy of your bill when it is ready. I have made a careful study of food topics more than forty years, having publiched a food trade journal more than thirty-five years. E. A. Stowe. a eee secemesenseseapeaaenenncesiaas 21 Arsenate of Lead, Paris Green, Arsenate of Calcium, Dry Lime Sulphur. Our prices will interest you. Reed & Cheney Company Grand Rapids, Michigan Bel-Car-Mo Peanut Butter Guaranteed quality of delicious Peanut But- ter in 1 to 100 Ib. fins. Money Saved by Buying Your EGG TESTER S. J. FISH CO., Write for catalogue. Jackson, Mich. Knox Sparkling Gelatine A quick profit maker A steady seller Well advertised Each package makes FOUR PINTS of jelly A Quality Cigar Dornbos Single Binder One Way to Havana Sold by All Jobbers Peter Dornbos Cigar Manufacturer 16 and 18 Fulton St., W. Grand Rapids g: Michigan MOORE'S D.U. Brand of Vanilla and Lemon Flavoring Is one of the many grades of Vanilla and Lemon Extracts or Flavors we make. For general use we recommend you to considerour D.U. BRAND for the following five Big REASONS— (1) The largest bottle consistent with quality. (2) Tastes “Just a little better.”’ (3) Positively guaranteed against heat or cold. . (4) Consumers get into the habit of asking for this brand. (5) Grocers find it increases their sales and attracts new customers to the store. If you are selling this brand, you know the above is true. If you have never sold our line, try it and you will be convinced. THE MOORE COMPANY, Temperance, Mich. The Wheat The wheat that goes into the making of New Perfection is the finest that Michigan can produce. We take great care fo buy only the very choice gtades. Then after it reaches our mill it is again sorted and only the best—the select grades are used in the milling of New Perfection Flour. P €aCe Mr. Hoover’s Peace Gift— Back to a Pre-War Basis Snowy White Bread Again Happiness seco Minna y * . . <3 GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. rn / — i el ae The Milling The finest wheat obtainable would make only fair flour if it were not for our supreme methods of milling. Every step of the complicated process is under the watchful eye of experts and the greatest care is practiced in order that New Perfection Flour may retain its famous name as the finest of all flours made. Watson-Higgins Milling Co. Grand Rapids, Michigan a MICHIGAN TRADESMAN January 8, 1919 nn _— S = = tine )) — - ~ - — - — = — — ere _ STOVES 4» HARDWARE s. % J oi X eT =_—= Z, a ~ ~ ~ _ a au ~~ gee ~ ~ A — ~ = - oe ae —_ > = ~ 3 2 ~~ ee of pea seas 25 = zh} Zz aed Be SS — = 2 ‘ FS a = 3 = = i y Michigan Retall Hardware Association. President—John C. Fischer, Ann Arbor. a W. Leedie, Mar- shall. oe ae J. Scott, Marine y. Treasurer—William Moore, Detroit. Resolve To Make the New Year Count. Written for the Tradesran. The brief life of New Year resolu- tions is one of the oldest of our popu- lar jests. The frequency of the jest and the wide variety with which it recurs is the best evidence that a lot of people are impelled by the advent of the New Year to make some sort of effort toward bettering: their lives. The jesters would have us believe that these efforts are usually failures. As a matter of fact, no effort made in a worthy cause can ever be a fail- ure. It may not accomplish the ob- ject hoped for, but at least it paves the way for better things. Rather unusual conditions confront the hardware dealer in the New Year. There is an element of uncertainty as to what effect the return of peace will have on business. Many people anticipate that the trend of prices will be downward. A study of pres- ent world conditions, however, would indicate that the inevitable re-adjust- ment will be gradual. In times of uncertainty the hard- ware dealer should be able to count with positive certainty on at least one element in business—himself. Periods of re-adjustment such as that on which we are now entering present unusual difficulties, even where the re-adjustment is gradual; and the mer- chant will do well to see to it that all his faculties are at their best. The merchant who keeps his head, keeps cool, abstains from panicky reflections not justified by the facts, keeps peg- ging away, does each day’s work the best way he knows how—that mer- chant will come through all right, whatever difficulties the reconstruc- tion period may develop. Right now, at the start of the New Year, is an excellent time to take stock of oneself, and to review the lessons of the year just closed in order the better to map out the plans for the coming year. Every hardware dealer who pauses to look back will find some mistakes charged against him. He will see in- stances in the past year where he could have got much better results by pusuing different methods. He will see. too, instances where he got much better results than he ever dared ex- pect by keeping up his courage, peg- ging away, and refusing to quit. And from both sorts of experiences the shrewd hardware dealer will draw the lesson of planning his work and work- ing his plan—of refusing to be lured aside from the necessary things by petty . distractions or petty annoy- ances, There is one big resolution that every hardware dealer should renew at the beginning of January, 1919, and stick to resolutely throughout the en- tire year. That resolution reads: I will be more than ever a factor in my business. I have found that in retail business the tendency is very strong to get into a rut, and to stay there. Now, ruts are very good in their way. They make fairly easy traveling. It is a lot easier to run in a rut than to pull your vehicle up on new ground and strike out a bumpy new path for yourself. But in business it is the difficult path—the new path—that leads to better things. In business there is danger in doing things con- stantly in the same old way. It is the business man who keeps his initiative—who never loses sight of his problem—who keeps in view always the wide perspective—who ac- complishes the big things. That’s why it pays aman every now and then to get away from his business—to holiday for a week or two in summer, or to sit down right now and try to get a different perspective of what he is doing. I know one small town which has a board of trade. The less said of that board of trade the better. The other day a new arrival in town said: “What's the matter with your board of trade anyway. None of the people in town seem to take much interest in it. Why, there were only a dozen at the meeting the other night—” He named over the dozen. And ten out of the dozen were newcomers to town. When we canvassed the situation, we found that what little work had been done by the board of trade in many years had been done by new arrivals to the community. They saw the wider perspective because their vision was fresh. They believed that things could be done for the town and tried their best to put their belief into act. But the native-born, or the people that had been there for one or two decades, had lost their perspective. They had got into a rut. They refused to do anything, or even to try. Well, it’s much the same in busi- ness. I’ve heard say that in big de- partment stores the “suggestion boxes” get most of their hints from comparative newcomers. Salespeonle after a few weeks or months get used to the everyday way of doing things, and cease to see any room for im- provement. If you are a hardware dealer, or if you are .,a hardware clerk, don’t let yourself get used to anything. Keep out of the rut. Try always to see some way to improve your selling and advertising methods, your win- dow displays, your store arrange- ments. I know a merchant who had main- tained in his store the same interior arrangements for years. The cutlery case just inside the door, the paints across the way, the stoves and ranges set a little toward the back, down the middle of the store—that man’s aver- age customer even could have found The Goods! Net Prices! When you receive “OUR DRUMMER” catalogue regularly you always have dependable answers to these two important questions: What is the lowest net price at which | can buy his way about that store blindfolded, goods? so few had been the changes. Where can _! get the goods? Jobbers in All Kinds of BITUMINOUS COALS AND COKE A. B. Knowlson Co. 203-207 Powers’ Theatre Bldg., Grand Rapids, Mich. Sand Lime Brick Nothing as Durabie Nothing as Fireproof _ Makes Structures Beautiful No Painting | No Coat for Repairs Fire Proof Weather Proof Warm in Winter Cool in Summer Brick is Everlasting Items listed in this catalogue have the goods behind them. The prices are net and are guaranteed for the time the catalogue is in force. Butler Brothers Exclusive Wholesalers of General Merchandise New York Chicago Grande Brick Co., Grand Rapids So. Mich. Brick Co., Kalamazoo St. Louis Minneapolis Saginaw Brick Co., Saginaw Dall Jackson-Lansing Brick Co. Rives ailas Junction Michigan Hardware Co. Exclusively Wholesale Grand Rapids, Mich. Foster, Stevens & Co. Wholesale Hardware st 157-159 Monroe Ave. :: 151 to 161 Louis N.W. Grand Rapids, Mich. ry en ees ssn oe oe en ees — January 8, 1919 One day the merchant took a holi- day trip—an unusual thing for him. He intended to stay away a week. He was back at the end of three days, and the first thing he did was to re-arrange that store until its own mother wouldn’t have known it. “L dropped into some other stores,” he said, “and talked with a few hard- ware chaps, and then I got thinking and—well, I figured it would pay me to get right back and make some changes before I lost any more trade.” That is one of the great things at all times in the hardware business— to keep yourself wide awake and your mind on the job. Shun self- satisfaction as you would the devil. If the temptation comes to put things off or to say “Well, I guess that’s good enough for to-day’—just kick temptation right out the door, and get busy. Watch for new ideas, keep your mind open to new plans and suggestions, talk things over with other men, see what other merchants are doing. Make yourself the biggest factor in your own business. That is the best New Year’s resolution you” Victor Lauriston. —_><--2____ Challenges the Veracity of Honest Groceryman. Owosso, Jan. 6—Looking over my last copy of the Tradesman, I find where you pay a fulsome tribute to your self-styled Honest Groceryman. [ don’t doubt his honesty, but his word does not go very far with me. I have been confined to my home for two weeks and have read every- thing in sight. He called on me and offered to bring me some books right after dinner. That was a week ago. Evidently he does not get a dinner very often. Then last Thursday night he got me out of bed to teil me that he had something he wanted to pull off and that he would call at 8 in the morning. He has not showed up yet, but I have a suspicion that what he wanted to pull off was my bed clothes, and after he had done it did not dare to come and tell me. So you see he performs a few other stunts besides sending dope to the Tradesman. Here is one that he pulled on our popular tonsorial art- ist. Gene Robertson conceived the idea, in addition to his war garden, of furnishing his larder with a barrel of pork, so he bought a pig, which he proceeded to raise and father on his premises. Some of the neighbors who were not accustomed to having a pig under their bedroom windows raised a “holler’ and our Honest Groceryman was sent to investigate and turn his report over to the health officer. His report came out in our local paper a few days after the hog had been butchered. I enclose same to you for publication, simply to ex- pose the versatility of your corre- spondent. Fred J. Hanifin. Gene Robertson’s Pig Joins Majority. It is with unutterable pathos and some gloom, that we learn of the de- mise of Gene Robertson’s pig. That pig, like Bill Kaiser, has a past tack- ed on to its career. Back in the springtime of its existence, there were many unfavorable comments around the neighborhood regarding ‘ts excuse for living. Some of the in- habitants of that particular part ot our fair city complained of an odoriferous odor emanating from the location in which that pig made its can make. home. Some claimed the smell per- meated north and south for two blocks. and east and west at inter- vals for some more blocks and the Lord only knows how high, and some of the residents were obliged to go up on the hill near the sugar factory for fresh air. ERR TATE A NS NET MR MAE MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 23 a The writer visited the home of Mr. Pig about this time by request of a few nice old ladies, whose oldfactory Organs seemed to have been _ per- turbed by the aroma. Our visit was timed in the absence of Gene because we didn’t just know for certain whether he was leaving his razor at the shop, or had it in his pocket. But we found that these reports were more misapprehension than pig. We found the pen, or properly sty, white washed inside and out, also a bunch of clean straw in the corner, the floor clean and white, in fact a broom and mop hung on an adjacent wall. The pig at the time was asleep in a hammock. We found a barrel of corn meal and a bushel of acorns in the store room; on a neat little shelf we noticed 2 cans of talcum powder, a bottle of Florida water and a tooth brush. We also found a box containing charcoal and sand. We did not understand this at the time but afterwards learned that it was a water filter. We took a piece of charcoal and marked on the door “Not Guilty.” We are told that Ed. Cady says that when Gene bought the pig its weight was 60 pounds, and that Gene had purchased all told 200 pounds of pig feed and that when the porker was butchered and dressed it tipped the beam at 360 pounds. We don’t just understand where this 100 Ibs. of extra pork came from, but are forced to accept it on the scientific principle according to Solomon, that Cleanli- ness next to Godliness will make a good pig, together with the old adage that great oaks from little acorns erow. And we wish to call attention To all the passers by That the neighborhood is quiet And empty is the sty, Can be rendered to the music Of Root Hog or Die. ee New Era of Altruistic Competitive Co-operation at Hand. We are entering upon a new era in the history of humanity and of business—the era of community in- terest; attainable only through co- operation. The individual must now learn to play his part in the team- work, or by the process of elimina- tion he will eventually fall out of the game. The new era will open with the beginnings of the reconstruction of c'vilization, and business as a part of it must also undergo not only re- construction, but lifting. Individual initiative always has and always will set the pace for progress, but must now be altruistic if to be effective. The old initiative had too much lost mot’on about it, handicapped by selfish, secretive and inconsiderate individualism. Such will not win in the new order of things, nor will it be tolerated. Competition will and must always remain; not, however, the vicious, back-biting, wasteful method of the past, but a competition based upon merit, originality and progressive in- itiative. It will not be the question of price, in the coming era, so much as of efficiency. R. H. Bennett. Stevens & Co. - Special Sales Men who know how to raise money for you. Telephone 8655 or write 927 Dorchester Ave., Grand Rapids, Mich. We Are Always Willing To Rest Our Case With The McCRAY Owner Especially is this true in the grocery trade. We urge you to ask any grocer, who is a McCRAY User. Ask him what he thinks of the McCRAY from the standpoint of sanitation, food conservation and display of goods. For more than 30 years McCRAY has been building refrigerators. During these years our constant aim has been to make refrigerators that satisfy from the standpoint of health—convenience—dura- bility —economy. Sanitary Refrigerators assure positive, cold dry air circulation—the walls are constructed of materials that have the greatest heat repelling qualities. Remember! The handsome appearance of McCRAY will add to the attractiveness of your store. The McCRAY is than a refrigerator it is a fine display case for food products. The economy feature makes the McCRAY an investment that pays big dividends Every McCRAY is fully guar- more in increased profits—it stops waste. anteed. Ask about our easy payment plan. describes a great variety of designs to suit every requirement. No. 71 for Grocers and Delicatessens No. 62 for Meat Markets and General Stores. No. 93 for Residences. No. 51 for Hotels and Restaurants. Let us send our catalog that McCray Refrigerator Co. ‘Refrigerators for All Purposes” Kendallville, Ind. Salesrooms in All Principal Cities 944 Lake Street MICHIGAN TRADESMAN January 8, 1919 o = =< = & = 3 : BO weve uw cl eee ll unter BAA\\\S YS = nr Who is to Blame for Higher Prices? We have all been grumbling about the high prices we must pay for everything we buy, and yet, in one repect we, ourselves, are to blame for these higher prices, because of the at- titude we assume when some one tries to sell an article to us. This negative attitude of our—this fear of having something “put over on us’—this refusal to listen to the presentation of a selling argument— all act as a stimulus on the price; for the extra time which is consumed by the salesman, the extra effort which is put forth, must be paid for, and the only way in which this can be done is to add the extra expense to the sell- ing price. For instance, a traveling salesman calls at a retail store with a line of shoes. He may or he may not be a new man on the tterritory. That doesn’t make any difference, for his reception by the average retailer is the same, The retailer sees him en- ter and says to himself: “Here’s one of these fellows again. He wants to sell me something. I'll have to be careful, or he may do it.” So he studiously avoids the salesman; he becomes extremely busy; he finds a lot of things to do that “simply must be done,” although five minutes be- fore it didn’t matter whether they were done to-day or to-morrow; he must greet Mrs. Jones who is coming in, although at any other time she may spend an hour in his store with- out making it necessary for him to pass the time of day with her, and he rushes down the center aisle, without so much as indicating by a nod that he has even noticed Mr. Traveling Salesman. Then he must needs find out how the sick cow is getting along, how the chickens are laying, how the lit- tle pigs are growing, how the corn looks and hundreds of other “im- portant” matters. It must not be understood that these questions are not perfectly proper. They are. But why all this fervor at this particular time? Why this studied neglect to notice the traveling man? For no other reason than that the retailer is a “weak sister” and hasn’t the moral courage to give the travel- ing man a fair chance to.present the matter which, for all the retailer may know, is of real importance to him. He is afraid that if he doesn’t tire the salesman out waiting he may be in- duced or “talked into” buying what the salesman has to offer. He fails to realize that the great majority of salesnren ~-present —opportunities’ -to~~ him for making profits. He looks upon them as a class of men who are there to get his money—and does all he can to make it difficult for them to tell their story. Who pays for this waste of time? The retailer himself—and after him, the consumer. Every call of the salesman which is thus unnecessarily lengthened, by this negative attitude of the retailer, means a greater selling expense for the wholesaler or manufacturer whom the salesman represents. This ex- tra expense must be included in the selling price which the retailer pays, and if the retailer must pay a higher price the consumer necessarily must follow suit. If the salesman were in position to make a direct extra charge to the re- tailer who wastes his time it would be only fair, but he can’t do this be- cause of competition. So the firm which employs him simply averages up and puts enough extra margin on to make up for the time wasted, and every retailer—fair and unfair— has to pay a higher price than would be necessary if the retailer we have been talking about would have done the decent thing. The retailer, however is not the only class of buyers who act in this manner. We find the same _ type represented among the manufactur- ers, among the wholesalers, among the consumers. Everywhere this at- titude of defense, of negativism, of weak-kneedness, of fear, of borish- ness, of unwillingness to give the seller a fair show. The other day a newspaper man called at a wholesale house to get some information which the owner was very anxious to have published. He carried a portfolio under his arm in which were some catalogues and other books relating to the matter. He may have looked like an adver- tising solicitor, and possibly the owner thought that he was—at any rate, he kept the newspaper man waiting for the better part of a half hour outside of his office. The newspaper man who was there to do a favor for the whole- saler was getting impatient and was on the point of leaving when a real salesman stepped up and asked “if there was something he wanted,” so he told him what he had come for. The salesman happened to know something of the case and gave him such information as he had, and the newspaper man left. The wholesaler succeeded in side- tracking him, but he didn’t succeed in getting the story told in the man- ner which’ he déesiréd—because thé salesman didn’t know all the cir- cumstances—and the only reason he failed to obtain his wish was this negative, borish, offish attitude that so many buyers assume when a man calls on them they “suspect” of being a salesman. The average traveling salesman can be made a source of extra profit if the buyer will only allow him to be one. He may not find it possible to buy from every salesman who calls on him, but he could and would ob- ta'n useful, helpful, profitable in- formation from every salesman if he would only treat them decently. It would do some retailers a lot of good to listen to a group of travel- ing salesmen on the train or in the hotel talking about the various kinds of people they have to meet on their journeys. Traveling salesmen who carry similar lines do not look upon each other as personal enemies, as many retailers regard their competitors. They exchange confidences. They give each other pointers on the vari- ous characteristics of the men on whom they call. One is put down as an “easy mark;” another is de- scribed as a “grouch;” a third as one who never pays the first price asked; a fourth as a fellow “who knows it all’—the “easiest goat in the bunch;” a fifth as a man who can’t be hoodwinked, but who is “square;” a sixth as a plunger; a seventh as a pretty decent sort of a man,” an eighth as a crook; a ninth as “a prince’’—and so on. They are all classified, and the classification is fairly well done; there are few mistakes, and the man- ner of approach, the manner of show- ing the wares, the prices that are quoted, are all based upon this class- ification: The square, the decent fel- low and the “prince” get the best the travling man has to offer; the grouch and the “know-it-all” pay for the grouch and the self-importance in the shape of higher prices; the fel- low who wants to “jew down” never gets the best price. There isn’t anything that pays a buyer so well as fair treatment of the men who call on him to sell the things out of which his profit must be made. The traveling salesman can help the retailer in so many ways that it is a wonder so many fail to accord them decent courtesy and a fair TALK chance to tell their story and show their goods. And yet, after all, it isn’t so strange when you stop to consider. For the retailers who adopt this negative attitude as a rule are not sellers of merchandise but keepers of stores. They do not know the first principle of the business in which they are engaged—which is that proper relations must be established and maintained with the person who buys from them as well as with the person from whom they buy. Only Brick Hotel in the City Whiting Hotel Traverse City, Mich, Hot and Cold Running Water and Telephone in All Rooms Rates $2.50 and $3.00 American Plan Light Sample Rooms on Lobby Floor Free J. P. OBERLIN, Prop. Two Blocks From All Depots HOTEL HERKIMER GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN European Plan, 75c Up Attractive Rates to Permanent Guests Popular Priced Lunch ltoom COURTESY SERVICE VALUE CODY HOTEL GRAND RAPIDS $1 without bath RATES ; $1.50 up with bath CAFETERIA IN CONNECTION WIRE Zor RESERVATION A Hotel to which aman may Send his family OCCIDENTAL HOTEL FIRE PROOF CENTRALLY LOCATED Rates $1.00 and up EDWARD R, SWETT, Mer. Muskegon i-3 Michigan Over Citizens Long Distance Lines Connecting with 250,000 Telephones in the State. COPPER METALLIC CIRCUITS 117,000 in Detroit. USE CITIZENS SERVICE w ow ae ww ee PH OP Ue hl January 8, 1919 Late News From the Metropolis of Michigan. Detroit, Jan. 7—The city is suffer- ing from the ravages of youthful bandits. After he had been bound anu gagged by two youthiul bandits who entered his store at Hamilton boule- vard and Kanada avenue late in the evening John Black lay in a rear room until he was released by two customers at 10 o’clock the next morning. The bandits took $40 [roi the cash register. Black told the police that the two young men, beth holding pistols, entered the store just before the closing hour and com- manded him to step into the rear room. There they tied him securely to a chair and placed a gag over his mouth. Robert Greenblatt, 320 Gratiot ave- nue, reported to the police Thursday that a windew in his clothing store had been broken by thieves at an early hour and clothing worth $31 had been stolen. Stockholders of the American Forg- ing & Socket Co., at their annual meeting in the company’s general of- fices in Pontiac, Jan. 15, will vote on a recommendation by the directors that the company’s capital stock be increased from $250,000 to $350,000, the new stock to be issued at the discretion of the directors. Proposed changes in the company’s by-laws are also to be considered. Directors of the company have declared a dividend of 6 per cent. payable from surplus net earnings prior to Dec. 31. The last three miles of Oakland county road on the route to Flint, between Holly and Fenton, have been completed with gravel. This completes a good road from Detroit to Flint. Officers for the ensuing year were elected at the ninth annual meeting of the Veteran Traveling Men’s As- sociation, at Hotel Cadillac Saturday afternoon. Fred Stockwell, Vice- President of Edson, Moore & Co., is the new President, with the fol- lowing Vice-Presidents: T. L. Back- us. Richmond Backus company; M. M. Smith, Mt. Clemens; J. C. Merrill, Utica, and George O'Rourke, Flint. Samuel Rindskoff of elected Secre- tary and the executive committee con- sists of S..O: Brooks, A. F. Heit, G. P. Cogswell, J. F. Cooper and Grant Smith. oe i lp Bottom Facts From Booming Boyne City. Boyne City, Jan. 7—H. F. Staley, who has very successfully held the position of master mechanic of the B.C, G@ & A, R. R. will terminate his connection with that road on Jan. 15. Mr. Staley took charge of the shops at the beginning of the Michi- gan Trust Co. receivership and has discharged the very difficult duties of his position in a manner creditable to himself and profitable to his em- plovers. His many friends wish him a continuation of his useful career. It might be said that Mr. Staley has remained true to his first love and all the wiles and blandishments of our Michigan could not keep him from pining for the blue hills of “Ole Virginy.” No one seems to be immune from the consequences of breaking dame Nature’s laws. Mrs. S. A. Fleming met with a very painful if not serious accident last week by falling down stairs in her residence. On_ hastily investigating the cause of a feline dis- turbance, downstairs, she missed her step at the top of the stairs and made the descent a-la a meal bag, with the result of a very bad cut on her head and forehead and severe bruises on various other parts of her anatomy, which confined her to the house for several days. Mrs. Fleming, beside being a very active part of the Boyne Citv House Furnishing Co. is a prominent member of our Local War MICHIGAN TRADESMAN Board. Red Cross and Monday Study Club. It is rumored that the disbanding of the A. E. F. will result in’ a very sad (?) depletion of the membership of our local order of Bachelor Girls. If we are any udge, the question of “What are we going to do with the returning soldiers?” is answering it- self so fast that the preachers can't keep up with the procession. If we were to hazard a suggestion it would be that our dealers in house furnish- ings—and wedding rings would bet- ter get a move on, if they don’t want to he swamped—and don’t forget the baby carriages. The Michigan Tanning & Extract Co. is very seriously hampered by the burning out of one of its main gen- erators. Despite the doubling of its power plant five years ago, the addi- tion of equipment had so overloaded the generators that one went out of business. The Boyne City Electric Co. has been able to supply them by starting their long unused steam aux- iliary plant, the original lighting plant of the city. The gluted condition of the manufacturers of electric ma- chinery will prevent the repairs nec- essary for a month or six weeks. Upon the assumption of the duties of County Prosecutor E. A. Ruegseg- ger has removed his office from that of Harris & Ruegsegger, where he has lived so long the mind of man runneth not to the contrary, and has fitted up a suite in the First National Bank building for the especial recep- tion of those who think to get by in the infraction of laws made to pro- mote the peace and dignity of the State. If Shannahan and his cohorts of anarchy, over in the West end of the county, think they are coming over here and pull one over on Ruegsegger we'll show ’em the best supper and the best time they ever had. Nurko doesn’t like sprinkling. He wouldn’t make a good Presbyterian. He has his store room as nearly fire proof as possible, but forgot to have it water tight, so he has met with a very serious loss by a fire which started in residence apartments over his store. The fire did not amount to much in itself, although the young people who occupied the rooms lost all they had, but the damage to the stock of dry goods by smoke and water is very heavy. Mr. Nurko is a progressive, up-to-date merchant and is indefatigable in combing the mar- ket for goods to meet the wants of his customers. Maxy. —__o+>—__— Late Mercantile News From Celery City. Kalamazoo, Jan ?—David Cavera is the new manager of M. Piowaty & Sons’ local branch, coming here from the Grand Rapids house, where he has been associated with the firm for the past five years. Charles H. Todd, having resigned as manager, has gone to Kokomo, Ind., where he will engage in other business. H. J. Dwil- lard is also a new man with the com- pany and is city representative. Frank J. Warner has resigned his position as traveling salesman for the Worden Grocer Company and C. B. Cook has taken his position. Mrs. Clarence Boekhout (nee Rob- inson) has resumed her duties at the Baldwin & Hickok grocery, after spending a two weeks’ honeymoon, she being a Kalamazoo Christmas bride. Orrin Hayes, more familiarly known to his friends as “Pug,” has resigned his position with W. O. Har- low and accepted a similar position with Thomas Orrell. “Pug” is one of the best auto mechanics and sales- men in Kalamazoo, as he has made his line of work a life study and knows a car from a to z. The annual round-up of the Wor- den Grocer Company’s sales and of- fice force will be held at Grand Rap- ids, Saturday, Jan. 11. An explosion which resulted in a considerable loss of window glass oc- curred at the Peck Iron & Steel Co. late Tuesday afternoon, when one of the welding machine tanks let loose. Workmen in the shop were thrown in various directions, but, fortunately, no serious accidents resulted other than damage to the property in the vicinity of the plant. Wednesday, Jan. 8, is the Big Smiles film day in Kalamazoo and merchants have made big prepara- tions for special sales to attract trade from the rural districts. The boys in France and on the Rhine will ex- pect to see their friends in the film and if the weather man is good every one will have a chance to give their boy a “smile” over there. H. M. Collins, of Collins & Lamb, has been spending a two weeks’ vaca- tion in the Eastern part of the State. Frank Saville. ——__> 2 _— Late News From the One-Time Saw- dust City. Muskegon, Jan. %—Seeing our name in the last issue of your paper listed as a correspondent, we were surprised, as we thought we were black listed. Milton Steindler has returned from the Great Lakes training camp and will manage the Steindler Paper Co. affairs this winter, the elder Steindler having gone South on a honeymoon trip. Talk soon will not be cheap if the Bell Telephone Co. has its way. W. E. Dewey (Butler Bros) has gone to Chicago for a few days. We wonder where the fellow is now who predicted no snow this winter. The so-called Hotel Association has at last gotten its beer and wine amendment ready to submit to the voters. We predict defeat. Surely after the men of Michigan voted the State dry, the women voters will vote to keep it so. A man drunk on beer or wine just as big a nuisance as on whisky. Surely every loyal American will vote to keep down the Hun brewery and saloon. Come again, Brother Bullen! We hail you back with glad acclaim. Glad to see the Grand Rapids Her- ald come across and admit their mis- take in regard to Secretary ‘Daniels. There is going to be a lot of such apologies soon from fair minded people who have been fincing fault. Now that Edsal Ford has hecome manager of the auto plant, we sup- pose Henry will have more time to devote to research into the private and public lives of some of our Mich- igan editors who gave him so much attention in the boodle_ senatorial campaign conducted by his friends. . P. Monroe. +2 ____-_- Mr. Packard Goes To a Larger Field. Alfred G. Packard has _ resigned the position as sales manager for M. Piowaty & Sons to accept the posi- tion of office manager for Rothen- bert & Schloss, of Kansas City. Mr. Packard was born in Racine, Wis., July 16, 1881. When he was one year old his parents removed to Milwaukee, where he received a pub- lic school education. He entered up- on his business career at the age of 17, starting as clerk in the Carpenter- Underwood branch of the National Biscuit Co. He reported for duty at 6:45 a. m. to admit the help and clean up the office and at 7:30 got down to business at his desk. He worked up to the position of cashier in this establishment, when he was _ trans- ferred to Watertown, Wis., as office manager of the branch there. One year later he was transferred to To- ledo, where he acted in the same capacity for four years. He was pro- moted to the same position in the Grand Rapids plant, which he held ten years. On the retirement of Harold Sears as manager, he succeed- ed to that position. A year later he was transferred to the large office in Chicago as office manager. Not lik- ing the climate of Chicago and pre- ferring Grand Rapids as a place ot residence, he gladly accepted the po- sition of sales manager for M. Piowaty & Sons, who conduct a chain of ten produce houses from the head office in this city. His reason for leaving Grand Rapids is wholly financial. Rothenbert & Schloss have an open- ing for a high salaried man and Mr. Packard appeared to be just the man to fill the position. The business is claimed to be the largest wholesale cigar distributing house in the United States. It was started in 1874 with a capital of only $4,000 and has shown a remarkable growth every year. On the face of things it looks as though Mr. Packard has “struck his gait” and would soon trot in a very fast class, because there are no _limita- tions in his capacity for growth and expansion. Mr. Packard is a gentleman of pleasant personality and gracious demeanor. He makes friends easily and holds them with bands of steel. He enters upon the duties of his new position with the cordial good will and hearty best wishes of hundreds of men who have done business with him in his various positions and found him trustworthy and reliable. >.> Preliminary Planning For the Sag- inaw Convention. Saginaw, Jan. 7—Your communi- cation of recent date regarding con- vention activities received, | am very sorry that the flu. epidemic has thrown a sort of haze about the en- tire convention situations to make planning utterly impossible. Fortunately, the situation is im- proving every day and we are having a meeting of all the merchants in the city this evening to appoint all our committees and decide upon methods of handling the entire prop- osition. Last Thursday evening Secretary Bothwell, Mr. Schwemer, Mr. Rohda and the writer met at the Bancroft for dinner and to complete the en- tire programme, copy of which you will receive in due time. Please clear up the nebulous atmos- phere that might have been created by our long silence. Write us up as a bunch of “real fellows” and we will make good absolutely. Personally, Mr. Schwemer and I have been exceedingly busy during the war. Then the tremendous hol- iday rush. Now inventory and then convention, convention, convention. I thank you for rousing us from our apathy and will again thank you if you will say things in your worthy Tradesman that will help to make this year’s convention at least among the best. Chas. G. Christensen. Louis P. Henkel, formerly connect- ed with the grocery establishment of Smith & Lake, at Petoskey, has tak- en the position of Northern Michigan traveling representative for M. Pio- waty & Sons, taking the place of Har- ry Piester, who died early in Decem- ber. Mr. Henkel is a Michigan Uni- versity man and also served in the late war. He will make Petoskey his headquarters, the same as his predecessor did. MICHIGAN TRADESMAN January 8, 1919 — Druggists Should Keep the Money at Home. Every large city has certain busi- ness establishments which could not A city main- taining two hundred drug stores, for instance, will only support two or three “animal stores. These “animal” stores, dealing in birds, dogs, and pets of various kinds, can not flourish without a lot of territory. One of them will manage to do very nicely in a city of the first magnitude, but it could not possibly exist in a small town. In such a town there are not enough people to create a sufficient demand for the goods. The same applies to music stores, dealing in pianos, band instruments, mandolins, guitars, sheet music, and so on. In a large city you will find four or five such establishments, but not one could exist in a village. The entire patronage of a village, provided the store got every dollar of it, would not be sufficient to support an establish- ment dealing exclusively in musical supplies. You can drop a grocery al- most anywhere and pick up some business, but a book store is a dif- ferent proposition. Florists are not looking for locations in small towns. Any establishment dealing in novel- ties or luxuries needs to be situated where there is a good population from which to draw business. These things, which go very well in the large cities, become side lines in the smaller towns. They need not be neglected on that account, how- ever, and should not be neglected. We have seen druggists selling canaries, books, toys, and sheet music, and doing very well at it. In fact, druggists in the smaller towns have many opportunities not enjoyed by druggists in the very large centers of population. No side line should be neglected, and if all the business men in the small town would perfect a working agreement, they would find the mail order houses getting less custom, and taking less money out of town. There is something to work for, keeping the money at home, The inhabitants of a small town do not confine their purchases strictly to coal and staple groceries, with a suit of clothes once a year and a pair of shoes now and then. They buy graphophones, books, toys, music, games, and other luxuries according to their means. Who gets this busi- ness? The town gets some of it, through dealers who carry attractive side lines. The mail order house gets out an exhaustive and exceedingly interesting catalogue, which enables it to capture an immense amount of business. Then some of the trade goes to nearby cities through occa- exist in a small town. sional shopping trips, and we find this business split up in several di- Druggists should get a goodly proportion of it, and can do so by going after it. Every town, no matter how small, should have a Board of Trade. The local business men, working together, can accomplish many things for the general good. If you have a Board of Trade, this matter of keeping the money at home should be brought before it. It is easily seen that the money spent at home keeps circulat- ing locally and thus benefits the town in many ways. Money sent away, on the other hand, is lost to the town. Local spirit could be aroused and this might be adopted as a slogan— Keep the money at home. With the leading business men working to- gether it would not take long to edu- cate the public, and much good should ensue. The average citizen takes pride in his town, wants to do for its welfare, and is quick to respond to a _ well-worded appeal. But the average citizen does not always stop to think. “You earn your money here. Spend it here for the general good.” This was the slogan adopted in one of these educational campaigns, and it worked well. It might be a good idea to appoint a committee to ascertain just what articles are being bought away from home, if any. It would also be perfectly feasible to divide the field among the local busi- ness men. One merchant could han- dle musical supplies, another books, another flowers, and so on through the list. The idea is to fix things so that the town people have no excuse for shopping away from home. The mail order catalogue is attrac- tive, but is anything quite so attrac- tive as a view of the actual goods? In a very small town, it would not be feasible, perhaps, to stock pianos, but you can stock most things. Large articles you can arrange to sell by catalogue. Not all the business may be rounded up in this manner, but you can annex a goodly part of it, and there is nothing like making a trial. If a prospective customer can see an actual stock at home, he has less incentive to visit some other town. If he can see part of a stock and consult a catalogue, he has something to go on. The local dealer can make a trip away occasionally, see the actual goods, and thus be in a posi- tion to talk intelligently about them. Most people would rather place or- ders in this way. You can tell a man better what you want by word of mouth than you can in a letter, and besides the rections. something average c.tizen is not very strong foi writing letters. The local dealer has every advantage. He can show the goods in his window, talk over mat- ters with the customer, and advise helpfully in many ways. Add to this the appeal to local spirit, and you have a good chance to get the large1 part of the business. Of course, there is the inclination to take an occasion- al trip, and the customer who does take such a trip is likely to do some shopping in the city. But most of this shopping is of a desultory na- ture, and the articles purchased are generally small, something in the way of a souvenir, perhaps. You can’t stop people from taking trips, but you can fix things so that they will be more apt to do most of their real buying at home. A traveling man was trying to get a druggist in a prosperous small town to handle books. “IT don’t like to do that,” the drug- gist demurred, “because Blank, the dry goods man on this block, carries a small line of books and he buys all his drugs from me. If I put in books, he may think I’m trying to cut into his line, and then I may lose his drug business, and I wouldn’t like to do that.” “You said something when you said Blank carries a small line of books,” was the come-back on the part of the knight of the grip. “He does carry a small line, a mighty small line. He isn’t interested in the line, isn’t get- ting the business—the fact is that no- body js getting any book business in this town, that is, not to amount to anything. Now if you stock a good line of books, the business will come to you. Or Blank may wake up. If he does, you will get some business and he will get more business than he has been getting. A little compe- tition will mean more business for both of you. Put it up to Blank in this way, and there is no reason why you should lose his drug trade.” But the druggist didn’t care to do it, and there the matter rested for awhile. Some months later Blank and the druggist had a tiff, the re- sult being that Blank did take his drug business elsewhere. The drug- gist immediately put in a stock of books. He had window displays, did some advertising, kept in touch with the supply dealers in the city, picked up plenty of pointers and began to get business. Business was created. People bought books who had been taking their book trade to the city. People bought books who had never bought books anywhere before. Blank noticed these activities, and he got busy, too. He furnished up his book line, added a line of maga- zines, and began to get much more business from that department than he had been getting before. The traveling man, arriving on the scene again, called on Blank and told him all about his original conversa- tion with the druggist. “You have all been letting the book business go by the board in this town,” the traveling man declared. “You have been letting good money get away from you. Keep the money at home. I told our druggist friend able to give first class service. year. NEW YEAR 1919 Drugs, Sundries, Books, Stationery, Etc. The year 1918 is now a matter of history, whatever we may have attempted and whatever we may have accomplished during the last year can now be put into yearly statements and reviewed at our leisure, but at the same time there have been experiences and lessons which all have passed through and have learned at greater or lesser cost, and we should be better prepared for the year 1919 than for any business year during our commercial lives. The announcements and the advertising of the past are now thrown into discard and we desire to go before the public and espe- cially our customers with the statement that our representatives will call upon them soon with sample lines of druggists sundries and will be fully equipped to show very complete samples and amply Will you please reserve your orders until you can inspect the ‘lines and we are very sure that our salesmen will be favored. We thank you for the liberal patronage during the year that is just past and we bespeak for ourselves the same good relations for the present Hazeltine & Perkins Drug Co. Grand Rapids, Michigan ) Sw ra January 8, 1919 to start something, but he was afraid of offending you. Now you are both on the job and both making more money than you were before. Com- petition has done you both good. Isn't that the truth?” Blank had to admit that it was. Soon there was a reconciliation. . Blank again bought his drugs at the old stand they agreed to continue selling books in harmonious competi- tion, and also divided the territory on some other profitable side lines. Business should not be allowed to get away from a town. If the merchant carrying a certain side line plays it up strongly he will get the tradé, and be so well in- trenched that he need not fear com- petition. If the line is paying him little or nothing, he should not ob- ject to competition. As a rule, com- petition will wake him up, and he will soon be getting more business in that line than he ever got before. If he does not care for the line, he should not object to seeing somebody else stir up the trade and keep the money at home. Every dealer profits by the money kept in local circulation. Consider first certain lines in con- stant demand, but not sufficiently so to justify an entire establishment de- voted to them exclusively. So-called “sporting goods” afford an excellent example. These include guns, am- munition, skates, tennis racquets, goli clubs, fishing equipment, baseball sup- plies, Indian clubs, dumbbells, gym- nastic accessories of all kinds, boat- ing equipment, croquet sets, any ap- purtenances required in games or sports. The line is a long one and some of its departments are apt to be neglected. The local hardware store usually stocks guns, skates, and ammunition, but other things are often overlooked. Yet the young men of the community want baseballs, bats, gloves and masks. The young women go in for croquet and tennis, while plenty of people buy boating supplies and fishing equipment. Look around and see which of these arti- cles enumerated are being overlooked by local dealers. Much profitable business is to be had here, and it is axiomatic that goods which young people buy are ready. sellers. Every small town has its quota of camera enthusiasts. Why should this business get away? You can stock a fair line of cameras without tying up too much money. Chemicals are in demand and this makes the line fit in naturally with the drug business. Every home wants a graphophone these days. A few may be kept on hand as samples and you can easily take orders by catalogue. There is a steady de- mand for records. Musical instru- ments, too, are very attractive to young people. Nearly every youngster wants a banjo or a mandolin at some stage of his career, and he generally man- ages to get that which he has set his heart upon. There is always some- thing new coming along and we know > the current craze concerning the ukulele. Sheet music has always been a good seller. Every pianist wants some of the latest songs. Who MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 27 caters to this trade in your commun- ity? Many druggists are handling this line successfully, Toys, games, books, and art sup- plies are especially valuable. They are in themselves good sellers and they brighten the store in a remark- able manner. The young folks enjoy looking at them, even when they are not prepared to buy, and a youngster given a prescription to have filled is very apt to take it to the store with the attractive interior. Such an es- tablishment is a delight to him, and an unfailing source of entertainment. We have seen such drug stores be- come the chief center of interest in a small town, and the business re- sults were both tangible and gratify- mg to the proprietor. If you will look over the field, a great many suitable side lines will suggest them- selves. Sometimes a new game comes along and takes the country by storm, or the same may apply to an art novelty. The goods fairly sell them- selves. It pays to be on the lookout for such articles. They not only bring you a direct profit, but they adver- tise your store, and this is a point worth remembering. Above all, do not forget your original slogan— Keep the money at home. William S. Adkins. Urgent Appeal To Attend Lansing Convention. Jackson, Jan. 7—Have you made your arrangements to be at the big meeting in Lansing March 18, 19 and 20? This is going to be one of the most important meetings in the his- tory of the Association. Matters of vital importance to every retail druggist are coming up for our attention at this time and it is not only essential, but it is your bounden duty to yourself and the profession, that you be in attendance and give the convention your aid in the solu- tion of these problems. While the big problems of business are going to occupy the main floor of the convention, we are going to de- vote a goodly portion of our time to giving you something different in the way of entertainment, This part of the programme is left with the travelers and the Lansing druggists. Those of you who have been in the habit of attending the conventions in past years know what the travelers can do, and when you stop and think that they are going to be re-inforced by one of the livest bunch of retail druggists in the State, you can draw your own conclusion as to what that part of this convention is going to be. If you miss any part of this con- vention you are going to be sorry, so Mr. retail druggist, you had better decide to grab off those three big days in March and go with the bunch. Tear yourself loose from the eternal grind and come over to Lansing, where there will be things doing every minute. All railroads, automobile and elec- tric lines will lead to Lansing March 18, 19 and 20. We shall expect to see you all on the above dates. Yours for the biggest and _ best meeting ever. F. J. Wheaton, Sec’y. WHOLESALE DRUG PRICE CURRENT Priccs quoted are nominal, based on market the day o1 issue. Acids CURGDE: nis 10 aae0 - Capsicum ©. osc. @2 15 ye BHASGrOn 6.6 365s 450@4 75 Cardamon ...... @2 10 — et 7s ie * Eucalyptus 1 25@1 35 Cardamon, Comp. @1 60 Carbolic ......... 61@ 64 Hemlock, pure 2 00@2 25 Catechu ........ @1 60 Ce 148@155 Juniper Berries 16 00@16 25 Cinchona ........ @2 35 Muriatic ........ 3%@ 5 Juniper Wood .. 4 00@4 25 Colchicum ...... @2 40 Miia 10@ 15 Lard, extra .... 2 15@2 35 Cubebs ......... @2 35 Oeane ol. 58@ 60 Lard, No. 1 .... 2 00@2 15 Digitalis ........ @1 90 Sulphuric ....... 8%@ »5 Lavender Flow. 7 25@7 50 Gentian ......... @1 50 Tartaric 1 12@1 20 Lavender, Gar'n 1 25@1 40 Ginger .......... @1 560 a Eatoen; ::....., 2 tage Oe Gusting .......... @1 90 Ammonia Linseed, boiled, bbl. @174 Guaiac, Ammon. @1 80 Water, 26 deg. ....12@ 20 Linseed, bid less 1 84@1 89 lodine .......... @1 50 Water, 18 deg. ..10%@ 18 Linseed, raw, bbl @1ii72 toaine, Colorless @2 00 Water, 14 deg 9%@ 17 — raw less 1 oe: 2 a OI sh cce es @1 60 mede ce 25 ustard, true, 02. 2 99 BOM oe on knee ees 1 65 Ghinie (Gssns’ #5@ $0 Mustard, arf, ox @1 65 Myrrh. ..22°.: G3 go Neatsfoot ...... 1 80@2 00 Nux Vomica .... @1 75 Balsams owe —_ --e- 8 80@10 50 oeo Ueeeuioes @7 50 a i Olive, aga, i pium, Camph. )1 35 oa at: : sod 2 Me os 6 50@7 00 Opium, Deodors’a 9 50 Bs A 0@ 50 Clive, Malaga, REUNEID ........ @1 65 ca gee eee... 6 50@7 00 Tol. Scans “". 175@2 00 «Orange, Sweet .. 4 50@4 75 Paints Se se as te ere Origanum, pure @z2 bv 1 d Barks Origanum, com’! @ 7 po xe oF piak 14@14% Cassia (ordinary) 40@ 45 Pennyroyal .... 250@2 75 /"Ca4° onus tf 14@ 14% RS aie Sai 90@1 00 Peppermint 6 50@6 75 poe ite oi 14@14% Cassia (Saigon) @ ~ Rose, pure ... 38 00@40 00 Ochre, yellow bbl. @ 1% eeoengy bar vay @ 45 Rosemary Flows 2 00@2 25 — yellow less 2 @ 6 oe u Pp 26@ 30 Sandalwood, B. MEY. cecccek uns 444@ 7 eee eere sete I. .....sese. 18 50@18 7% Red Venet’n Amer. 2@ 5 Berries Sassafras, true 3 50@3 75 eo ae: n, Eng 2%2@ 5 Subeb 1 60@1 79 Sassafras, artifil 90@1 20 Whith ion, Amer. 25@ 30 De ccc: 100 Spearmint ...... 8 80@6 75 Writing’ POM et FUNGOME -scssscese MOQ YS GPE -« + leg eee Dutch Masters Six .. att 48 4.0... ; be aneeceees star 9 i Pillsbury’s Best “Cer'l 2 50 a Plums 2 s0@s 00 a D sqessigicd Levee nS ooo feces Kellogg’s Brands Pears in Syrup a oe rene Toasted Corn Flakes 4 20 No. 3 can pe rdz. 3 25@3 75 Little Dutch Masters Toasted Corn Flakes 4 20 ee LE. pone Core Fare Marrowfat ..... 1 75@1 8 Dutch Masters Individual ..-.+--- fed Early June .... 1 90@2 10 Seconds ........- ee ‘Indv. -/)! 200 Barly June siftd 2 15@2 30 Exemplar ..... steeee MOMs sseecss 4 BROOMS Grated .......... en Van DAM, Je. s.6 58s 49 00 Fancy Parlor, 25 lb. 10 00 Sliced ......- secscece 7 Dam; 10C .<.,.: 70 00 Parlor, 5 String, 25 lb. 9 15 Pumpkin Worden Grocer Co. Brands Standara Parlor, 23 lb. 9 00 Good ............0- ... 150 Boston Straight .... 42 00 Common, 22 Ib. ...... 850 Fancy ...........0c000 65 Trans Michigan .... 42 50 i b. 8 25 Court Hoyar ....:... 48 00 Special, 23 % otnen GS. 10 .....4..5;..- ~<> 4 90 Hemmeters Cham Warehouse, sae : = Raspberries DUO oc ce nce ses es ss 46 00 BRUSHES No. 2, Biack Syrup .. 200 Iroquois ........:... 42 50 Scrub No, 10, Black ....... 12 50: QOualex ....555.5.5... 46 00 Solid Back, 8 in. .... 100 No. 2, Red Preserved La Qualatincia ...... 70 00 Solid Back, 11 in. .... 1 25 No. 10, Red, Water .. 1250 Worden’s Hand Made 40 00 Pointed Ends ........ 1 00 Salmon _ B. Dis oes oes cues - 42 50 Warrens, 1 lb. Tall .. 365 Royal Major ..... «ee 45 00 Stove Warrens, 1 lb. Flat .. 375 4a Valla Rosa ...... 80 00 NO: B on cixncccscsccess 2 OO Hen Alaska §-.-) 8. 285 La Valla Rosa, Kids = Ou 5 INO. & cccccscccsesccee 180 Med Red Alaska .... 260 Valla Grande ........ 2 50 BiG, 1 ou occecccscscees £90 Pink Ajatia 2. 2 20 Euppeneeer, No. 2 ‘3 . irst National ...... Sardines Knickerbocker ...... 42 50 Shoe Domestic %s ........ 6 75 CLOTHES. LINE NO. 1 ..sceeseeseceeee 1 00 Domestic, % Mustard 6 50 Per doz. No. 2 ...+eeeee-eeeees 180 Domestic, % Mustard 6 80 No. 40 Twisted Cotton 2 00 NO. 8 ...sseeeseeeeeee 170 Norwegian, 4s .... 15@18 No. 50 Twisted Cotton 2 50 O. 4 cecceccoececccee 1 90 Portuguese, %s .... 30@35 No. 60 Twisted Cotton 3 00 No. 80 Twisted Cotton 3 25 BUTTER COLOR Sauer Kraut No. 50 Braided Cotton 2 50 Dandelion, 25¢ size .. 2 00 ae. Pr BE ise 165 N. 60 Braided, Cotton 3 00 eas CAMA wae + sno o's No. 80 Braided Cotton Shrimps No. 50 Sash Cord .... 3 40 CANDLES 17%, Dunbar, 1s doz. ...... 180 No. 60 Sash Cord .... 4 00 Acad: eng ec igi, Dunbar, 1%s doz, .... 340 No. 60 Jute ........ - £ae Faramine, 129 ------- é Gabuseuan No. 72 Jute ..... a 2 WIRING -00+0seeesee a No. 60 Sisal .......... 1 85 CANNED GOODS Good ....... pene le oe Galvanized Wire Apples Fancy ..ccccccccscces _ 20, —— og one : - 8 lb. Standards .. @1 60 Strawberries 0. 19, eac t. long een nscees @5 00 Standard ............ 250 No. 20, each 100ft. long : 00 Fancy ......sccceeeee 290 No. 19, each 100ft. long 2 10 Blackberries Tomatoes Baker’s eee 4g Baker's ......... oh INO. 146 .ccscccccceese Bunte, 10c size Stoner’ No. 10 .. “"@10 50 No. 2 ....... vseeeseee 175 Bunte, 4% db: .... ING: 20 2 55555 eeescccece 8 00 rte ‘ oS: CVEIANG .wccccccseces ee —_ Case Colonial, %s ........... 35 Baked ......... 1 25@2 25 Red Kidney .... 1 25@1 35 String ......... - 1 90@2 50 Wax ..cceseees 1 80@2 50 Blueberries Standard ........... @ PUD: OO cisscacs sees @11 50 Clams Little Neck, 1 Ib. ..... : Clam Boulllon Burnham's ¥% pt. .... 2 25 Burnham’s pts. ...... 3 7 Burnham's qts. ...... 7 60 %s, 4 doz. in case .... igs, 4 doz. in case .... 1s, 4 doz. in case ...... CATSUP Van Camp’s, % a 1 80 Van Camp’s pints .... 2 70 CHEESE PeCTICSS . 22.6222 BRICK occas se Leiden ... Limburger Pineapple ....... Waam 2.4.2. Sap Sago ....... Swiss, Domestic wom ron ee8 899999 a Colonial, %8 ........... 33 Ep PPS cccccccece bocesss ns ae Hershey’S %8 .......-.. 32 Hershey’s %s ........ ». 30 ee Lowney, %8 .......+e20- 38 Lowney, 48 ..sccccceese Bt Lowney, 48 ...... sauna Lowney, 5 lb. cans .... 37 Van Houten, %s ....... 12 Van Houten, \%s .. Van Houten, %s ........ 36 Van Houten, is ........ 65 WaOR-EtG ncsccccscssevs 26 BD goo cis ste ccccce ss a8 Wildur, 4S .scccscscccee 88 Wilbur, %s ............ 83 . om eo COCOANUT #8, S10; CORO nsec ciss 38 “8, 5 1D. Case .....-,. 37 18; 16 1b; Cage 2.4.63 36 108, 45 1D. : CRN iso ass: 35 %4s & %3, 15 lb. case 35% © aed 12¢ pate ..ccss 4 35 Mik OAS on... css: 27 Bis, Barres... 62 ss: 25 70 8c pkgs., per case 5 25 70 4 oz. pkgs., per case 5 25 Bakers Canned, doz. 1 20 COFFEES ROASTED Rio COMEIMNGN 6655 ss 12 DAR 5 oe si5 seas ness ce 13 UOIGR: ba oes eeu s 14 ES, aE ae 15 PEAROISS. 65s ee ccas ss 32 Santos Common <,..46: 40.3; 17 PONE oes ce es cae oes 18 CHOIGS 25665 aces 19 PRANCY 655055 c ices oe 20 Peaperry 22.2. ...4... 32 Maracaibo OMG ows es cbe vices css 20 Choice: 52.3527. 66 ace 24 Mexican CHOICe (65 20 HOMCy .5 55 sot 24 Guatemala POll yous ca es 18 WORCY oc eec uses, 3. 19 Java Private Growth ..... 34 Managing .......5..5. 34 BUMOIN 650555555052. 5 34 San Salvador SOOG 3555-26 oe iss, 22 Mocha Short. Bean ..0..0..; 31 Loong lan 22... 3c esas 31 Bogota WOOP oss os5 osha 5 een 21 BOMCy oss i cee cei cc. 23 Package Coffee New York Basis APDUCHKTS: 22.5... 0.25, 24 50 McLaughlin’s XXxXX McLaughlin’s XXX package coffee is sold to retailers only. Mail all or- ders direct to W. F. Mec- Laughlin & Co., Chicago. Extracts Holland, % gross bxs. 1 380 Felix, % gross ....... 115 Hummel’s foil, % gro. 85 Hummel’s tin, % gro. 1 43 CONDENSED MILK Carnation, "Tall ...... 7 50 Carnation, Baby ..... 6 80 Pet, Pe ocss sche esc 7 50 Pet BAO oe. so 3s. ee 5 50 Van Camp, Tall .... 7 50 Van Camp, Baby .... 5 50 MILK COMPOUND Hebe, Tall, 6 doz. ....6 10 Hebe, Baby, 8 doz. .. 6 00 CONFECTIONERY Stick Candy Pails TIOTOROUNA 665.5550 25 DtATIGATA 2 0.s.00ce oo ee Cases PUD ooo as 5's ae ess 26 Mixed Candy ails BPORGN oo. ec cs eas 25 CRE Tes exc c sees e 26 ON ors sas ob oe 20 Kindergarten coe CROCE es. cesses 25 OVEN og. senses ss Premio Creams ...... 35 TRAV BN eso sce e sees se 24 BOPIAL 64 acne sss oes - 24 Be Oo on vices bees eee 23 Specialties ails Auto Kisses (baskets) 28 Bonnie Butter Bites .. 30 Butter Cream Corn .. 32 Caramel Bon Bons .. 28 Caramel Croquettes .. 26 Cocoanut Waffles ... 28 Cony TORT o.oo ees 28 Fudge, Walnut ...... 32 Fudge, Choc. Peanut 30 Iced Orange Jellies .. 27 Italian Bon Bons .... 27 AA Licorice Drops b 3b. box ...,'.: acess me oD Lozenges, Pep. ...... 32 Lozenges, Pink ...... 32 Manchus ........ . at —— Kisses, io 7 Nut panes Puffs .... 38 Chocolates Pails Assorted Choc. ...... 32 Amazon Caramels .... 32 RAIA oan oS Croc. Chips, Eureka 35 * Klondike Chocolates 38 PERO oe ee Se 38 Nibble Sticks, box ..2 25 Bat Waters... esas 38 Ocoro Choc. Caramels 34 Peanut Clusters ...... 38 OUINTAtTe oe ce 32 OT eo sae ee 30 Pop Corn Goods Cracker-Jack Prize .. 5 60 Checkers Prize ...... 5 60 Cough Drops Boxes Putnam Menthol .... 1 50 Sith: Bros: 2.4... .... 1 50 COOKING COMPOUNDS Crisco oo 1 1D. Cane 4.5.5... 10 25 24 1% 1b. cans....... 10 25 6 6 1D. CANN, oc... 10 25 49.45. Ona: 3555. 10 2% Mazola 5% oz. bottles, 2 doz. 2 60 Pints, tin, 2 doz. .... 8 00 Quarts, tin, 1 doz. ... 7 50 14 gal, tins, 1 doz. .. 14 26 Gal. tins, % doz. .... 13 80 5 Gal. tins, 1-6 doz. CREAM TARTAR Barrels or Drums ..... ORGS 5055 seseeen poases 86 DRIED FRUITS Apples Evap’ed, Choice, blk @16 Evap’d Fancy bik.. @ Apricots CBUTOVINE 2. cco c ce ous s @22 Ci MOBUIOMNIA. 6 ios casa ss os @36 Currants Imported, 1 Ib. pkg. .. Imported, bulk ,....<:. Peaches Muirs—Choice, 25 lb. .. Muirs—Fancy, 25 lb, .. Fancy, Peeled, 25 lb. .. Peel Lemon, American ...... 30 Orange, American .... 32 Raisins Cluster, 20 cartons Loose Muscatels, 4 Cr Loose Muscatels, 3 Cr. L. M. Seeded 1 Ib. 3@13% Oregon Prunes 90-100 25 lb. boxes .. 80- 90 25 lb. boxes .. 70- 80 25 lb. boxes .. 60- 70 25 lb. boxes ..@14 5U- 60 25 Ib. boxes .. 40- 50 25 lb. boxes ..@16 80- 40 25 lb. boxes ..@17% FARINACEOUS GOODS Beans California Limags .... 15% Med. Hand Picked ... 10 Brown, Holland ...... Farina 25 1 lb. packages .... 2 63 Bulk, per 100 Ib. ...... Original Holland Rusk Packed 12 rolls to container 8 containers (36) rolls 4 32 Hominy Pearl, 100 Ib. sack .... 6% Macaronl Domestic, 10 lb. box .. Imported, 25 lb. box .. 1 30 Skinner’s 24s. case 1 87% Pearl Barley Chester ....5.2i4.55242 5 00 POrtage ..6 sess eons es eas Green, Wisconsin, lb. 11% Split, 9% eee eee eee rene go eaet Te ss ae German, sacks ........ 15 German, broken pkg. Taploca Flake, 1v0 lb. sacks .. 16 Pearl, 100 Ib. sacks .. 16% Minute, Substitute, 8 Of.) 8 BOS. sears es 55 FISHING TACKLE Cotton Lines No; 2,15 {660 ...5. ca0% 10 No. 8, 15 feet .. 2.2.22. 11 No, 4, 35: feet... isis 12 NG, 5; 26 POOL ook kc cess 14 ING; 8; 19 Test. oi... oe 32 15 Linen Lines Small, per 100 feet .... 50 Medium, per 100 feet .. BF Large, per 100 feet .... 65 Floats No. 1%, per dozen ..... 13 No. 2, per dozen ...... 15 No. 3, per dozen ....... 20 Hooks—Kirby Size 1-12, per 100 ..... . Size 1-0, per 100 ....... size 2-0, per 100 ..... - 10 size 3-0, per 100 ...... « di size 4-0, per 100 ....... 14 Size 5-0, per 100 ....... 15 Sinkers No: 4, per roger 2245. 60 Oo, 2, per Brose ...... 60 No: 3, per STrose ...... 65 ND, 4; DET BEORS oc. 75 mo. 6; DOr Broes ...... 80 No.6, per 2rO35.... 6... 90 MO, 7, De? GFOss: 2.62. 1 25 No. 8, per grose ..... 1 65 No. 9, per gross ..... 2 40 FLAVORING EXTRACTS Jennings D C Brand Pure Vanila Terpeneless Pure Lemon Per Doz. 7 Dram 16 Cent ;.,... 25 1 14% Uunce 20 Cent ..1 2 Ounce, 35 Cent .... 2 2% Ounce 35 Cent .. 2 24% Ounce 45 Cent .. 3 10 4 Ounce 55 Cent 5 8 Ounce 90 Cent .... 8 7 Dram Assorted 7 1% Ounce Assorted .. 2 00 Moore’s D U Brand Per Doz. 1 oz. Vanilla 15 Cent 1 25 14% oz Vanilla 25 Cent 2 00 3 0z. Vanilla 35 Cent 2 7. 1 oz. Lemon 15 Cent 1 26 1% oz. Lemon 25 Cent 2 00 3 oz. Lemon 35 Cent 2 75 FLOUR AND FEED Valley City Milling ee Lily White Rowena Rye, Me oe . 73 Graham 25 lb. per cwt. 5 90 Rowena Bolted Meai, 25 lbs., per cwt. .... 4 20 Goiden Granulated Meal, 25 lbs., per cwt. .... 4 § Rowena Pancake 5 Ib. per cwt., Rowena Buckwheat Compound ....5.... 6 95 Rowena Corn Flour, Watson Higgins Milling 0. New Perfection %s .. 12 15 Worden Grocer Co. Quaker, %s cloth .. None Quaker, %s cloth .. None (Juaker, Ys civth .. None Quaker, %s paper .. None quaker, \%s paper .. None Kansas Hard Wheat Worden Urvcer Co. Paper American Eagle, %s 11 45 American Eagle, %s 11 55 Spring Wheat Worden Grocer Co. Wingold, %s cloth 11 70 Wingold, 4s cloth 11 60 Boltea: .5s wasee <2 Golden Granulated .. : Wheat Red tee corsecocucesaee White sereseesseseeee Oats Michigan carlotz ..... Less than carlots ... Cera CAVIOIS vc ccccccescccs Less than carlots .... Hay Carlots eecereccvccere : Less than carlote .. Feed Street Car Feed .... No. 1 Corn & Oat ed Cracked Corn ..... Coarse Corn Meal . FRUIT JARS Mason, pts., per gro. 7 60 Mason, qts., per gro. 8 00 .ason, % gal. per gr. 10 35 Mason, can tops, gro. 3 8¢ GELATINE Cox’s, 1 doz. large ... 1 45 Cox’s, 1 doz. small .. 90 Knox’s Sparkling, doz. 1 90 Knox’s Acidu’d doz. .. ? - Minute, 1 doz. Minute, 3 doz. ...... 3 76 Nelson’s ORTORR cone uae Plymouth Rock, Phos. 1 5 Plymouth Rock, Plain 1 50 Waukesha ........... 1 60 HERBS Gare 2... cies teiveestae 2R PIOUS oi oo cess ee cdc gs GAS Laurel Leaves ......... 20 Senna Leaves ......... 4 January 8, 1919 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN HIDES AND PELTS Hides Green, Nor.) 2250.02. 17 Green, No. 2 ...:... 16 Cured, *No. 4... .0 24; 19 Cured, No, 2 .....5.:. 18 Calfskin, green. No. 1 30 Calfskin, green, No. 2 28% Calfskin, cured, No. 1 32 Calfskin; cured, No. 2 =" 1 Horse, No. tveats OO Horse, No. 2... 5 00 Old Wool 2... ... 75@2 00 EOS oo 1 00@2 00 Shearlings ..... 1 00@2 00 Tallow UM @11 Ge 1. @10 NG 2 @09 : Woel Unwashed, med. .... @50 Unwashed, fine @45 HONEY A. G. Woodman’s Brand. t Of, per dos, ...... 2% 20 ox., per doz. ...... 6 65 HORSE RADISH Per doz. JELLY 15lb. pails, per pail .... 30lb. pails, per pail . JELLY GLASSES 8 oz. capped in bbls., per doz. MAPLEINE 2 0z. bottles, per doz. 3 00 1. 02. bottles, per doz. 1 75 16 oz. bottles, per dz. 16 50 32 oz. bottles, per dz. 30 00 MINCE MEAT Per Caae. 2.2.) ,. ne eka 415 MOLASSES New Orieans Fancy Open Kettle .... 70 CHOICE: |. 66656, ek, 58 O06 ee ates cas LOCK ooo. sek. Half barrels Se extra Red Hen, No. 2 2 80 Red Hen, No. oie | Red Hen, No. 5 ...... Red Hen, No. 10 ..... Uncle Ben, No. 2 .. Uncle Ben, No. 2% .. Uncle Ben, No. 5 .... Uncle Ben, No. 10. Ginger Cake, No. 2 Ginger Cake, No. 2% Ginger Cake, No. 5 .. oO. & ta" Kettle, . . a, ow o No. 2 MUSTARD % Ib. 6 Ib. box ....... 30 NUTS—-Whole Almonds, Terragona 30 Brazils, large washed 34 Fancy Mixed 28@29 Filberts, Barcelona .. 24 Peanuts, Virginia ... 18 Peanuts, Virginia, MOasted | oc. 2. es 22 Peanuts, Spanish 20 Walnuts California 36@37 Walnuts, French .... 32 Shelled Almonds: .3 0. ses. 55 Peanuts, Spanish, £0 10. Mex 2s... 19% Peanuts, Spanish, 200 1D OR sae es. 17% Peanuts, Spanish, 200 1B BDL 4... 17 PECANS iio i. cc. 1 00 Walnuts oslo ice 90 OLIVES Bulk, 1 gal. kegs .. @1 75 Bulk, 2 gal. kegs .. @1 55 Bulk, 5 gal. kegs .. @1 50 Stuled, 0 Om.) 225. .4 6. 1 45 Stuffed, 14 0z. ....-.. 00 Pitted (not stuffed) SOM ie ee a a a es 3 00 Manzanilla, 8 oz. .... 1 45 Lumen, 10 02. 2.5.5... 2 00 Tamecn, 36.68. os sas 3 25 Queen, Mammoth, 19 Oe ese eie snes 5 50 Queen, Mammoth, 28 OF ole cee lee ee 75 Olive Chow, 2 doz. cs. per dos Ss 50 PETROLEUM PRODUCTS Iron Barrels Perfection -4...65s60- 12.7 Red Crown Gasoline 23.7 a Machine Gasoline 44.2 M. & P. Naphtha 23.7 Capel Cylinder, Iron Bbls. GohsG bas seers 1.8 Atlantic Red Engine, TON BRIS. ions os3< 8.8 Winter Black, Iron PRON eo oe i dna sa ass 14. Polarine, Iron Bblis. ..44.8 “ PICKLES Medium Barrels, 1,200 count 12 00 Half bbls., 600 count 6 50 5 gallon kegs ........ 2 60 Small PArTele a sc acess 14 00 eralt DArrels .6 20. eck 7 60 S pation Kees 2... 2 80 Gherkins TIOET ONS cei vnceces 25 00 Wialf barrels ........ 13 00 S:geaulon Kegs ........ 4 50 Sweet Small PRY TO es cacao 28 00 5 gallon kegs ....... 5 00 Half barrels ........ 14 50 PIPES Clay, No. 216, per box Clay, T. D. full count Cop, 3 doz. in box .. 1.26 PLAYING CARDS No. 90 Steamboat .... 2 25 No. 808, Bicycle .... 3 50 Pennant — 5.4 c sc 3 25 POTASH Babbitt’s, 2 dom. .... 27% PROVISIONS Barreled Pork Italian Bon Bons .... 25 Clear Back ., 52 00@53 00 Short Cut Clr 44 00@45 00 pega Clear 55 00@56 00 ed eee eeee Dry Salt Meats S P Bellies ... 31 90@32 00 Lard Pure in tierces .. 29@30 Compound Lard 24 @24% 80 Ib tubs ...advance % b. tubs ...advance % tubs ...advance 4 . pails ...advance % . pails ...advance Y . pails ...advance 1 . pails ...advance 1 Smoked Meats Hams, 14-16 Ib. 35 @36 Hams, 16-18 Ib. ones Hams, 18-20 lb. 33 @384 Ham, dried beef Sete 2s os boas 37 @38 California Hams 25 @26 Picnic Boiled PIAMF oo. esas @40 Boiled Hams .. 51 @52 Minced Hams .. 22 @23 BACOM 6isi2..453 389 @52 Sausages WIOIORNG 5 ok osc vies 0's 18 PANOO Geo decease en a 12 Prarnnfort >. 26.34... 19 POC ois ce cse ees 14@15 IVORL 220. si vena ase 11 TROMRUOG iiscc coy cee os 6 a Headcheese .......... 14 eef Boneless ..... 25 00@27 00 Rump, new .. 30 00@31 00 Pig’s Feet Te OS og cases og ve 5 1 75 % bbis., 40 Ibs. ...... 3°40 1 DUIS. i scaccaccecee @ Oe J WO i eos ‘ 00 Tripe Wetts, 10 hs oo occ ck 90 14 Dols., 40 Ws. ...... 1 60 % bbls., 80 Ibs. 8 00 Casings Hogs, per Ip. 2.4... 50@55 Beef, round set .... 19@20 Beef, middles, set .. 45@55 SHECD ee scascese 1 15@1 35 Uncolored Oleomargarine Solid Dairy ........ 282 Country Rolls. ......:. 30@31 Canned aes Corned Beef, 2 Ib. 6 60 Corned Beef, 1 Ib. .. 4 70 Roast Beef, 2 Ib. .... 6 60 Roast Beef, 1 Ib. .... 4 70 Potted Meat, Ham Hiavor, 8. ....:.+; 55 Potted Meat, Ham TEIRVON BGR ea a eos 90 Deviled Meat, Ham PIGVOl, 8 ces ces es 55 Deviled Meat, Ham Puavor, %68 :.. <2... 1 00 Deviled Tongue, 4s .. 1 80 Deviled Tongue, %s .. 3 10 RICEB MACY wus ccacecses Blue Rose ....... 9%@10% POKGH 25.4525 ss cso ROLLED OATS Monarch, bbls. ..... 10 25 Rolled Avena, bbls. ..10 50 Steel Cut, 199 Ib. sks. Monarch, 90 lb. sks. .. 5 00 Quaker, 18 Regular .. 1 95 Quaker, 20 Family .. 5 20 SALAD DRESSING Columbia, % pint .... Columbia, 1 pint Durkee’s large, 1 doz. Durkee’s med., 2 doz. Durkee’s Pienic. 29 doz. Snider’s, large, 1 doz. Snider’s, small, 2 doz. 4 do no Flor bo re) > SALERATUS Packed 60 Ibs. in box. Arm and Hammer .. 3 25 Wyandotte, 100 %s .. 3 00 SAL SODA Granulated, bbls. .... 1 95 Granulated, 100 Ibs. cs. 2 10 Granulated, 363 pkgs. 2 25 SALT Solar Rock 56 Ib. sacks ........ ‘est cee Common Granulated, Fine .... 3 10 Medium, Fine ........ 2 20 SALT FISH od Large, whole ..... Small, whole’ ...... Strips or bricks .. POUOGK © . oo. deeds s Holland Herring Standards, bbls. .... sa REG oe ce cee Standard, RGRO ...- 06 Y. M. ke ens Gagan vans err Full Fat Herren. 850 to 400 count ...... Spiced, 8 Ib. pails ..... 95 Trout Wo. 1. 300 lbs 0.2 No. J, 40 tes... 5... INO; T,EO Tee ee ce No. 1, 8 1bs, 220, oe. Mackere! Meas, 190 Ibs: ...... 25 00 Mens, 60: Vhs. 2 2c. 5: 2: 13 25 Mass, 10 Ins. ...- 2.3 2 95 Mess. 8 Whe... 3c... 2 30 No; 4, 100 ihe. ... 3: 24 00 Ne. 1. 60 Ihe, 33 os: 12 75 MO, FO: Ibe ea 2 80 Lake er S106. ries ‘ SEEDs PSO oo 45 Canary, Stnyrna ... <2. 28 COTEWAY 632s. ee 85 Cardomon, Malabar 1 20 Celery i ee 65 Hemp, Russian ...... 12 Mixed Bird: .......... 12% Mustard, white ...... 40 PODDY © occ ccecccsces SO FADG@ 6 oi eee. 15 SHOE BLACKING Handy Box, large 3 dz. 8 84 Handy Box, small .. 1 95 Rixby’s Roval Polish 1 20 Miller’s Crown Polish 90 SNUFF Swedish Rapee, 10¢ 8 for #4 Swedish Rapee. 1 Th. els 60 Norkoping, 10¢, 8 for ..64 Norkoving, 1 Th. glass .. 6 Copenhagen, 10c. & for 64 Copenhagen, 1 Ib. glass 60 SOAP James S. Kirk & Company American Family, 100 CQHOS. so ey es 6 65 Jap Rose, 50 cakes .. 5 10 Lautz Bros. & Co. Acme, 100 cakes .... 5 50 Rig Master 100 blocks 6 An GINVAS o.oo r ese neces 5 00 Onuneen White ........ 5 90 Oak Leaf ......45., fh BO Queen Anne -.......: 5 00 Proctor & Gamble Co, TenGk 6. ccs ee boa 5 65 WVOry, 8 OF <2 6 65 Wvory, 100%: oe c26. c 10 80 Star. occ s se ees & 55 Swift & Comnany Switt’s Pride .......: 50 White Laundry ...... 5 65 Wool, 6 oz. bars . 6 50 Wool, 10 oz. bars . 9 40 Tradesman Company Black Hawk, one box 8 75 Black Hawk, five bxs 8 70 Black Hawk. ten bxs 8 65 Box contains 72 cakes. It is a most remarkable dirt and grease remover, with- out injury to the skin. Scouring Powders Sapolio, grosa lots .. 9 50 Sapolio, half gro. lots 4 85 Sapolio, single boxes 2 46 Sapolio, hand ... .... 2 40 Queen Anne, 30 cans. 1 80 Queen Anne, 60 cans 3 &0 Snow Maid, 3% cans .. 1 80 Snow Maid. 80 eans .. 2 40 Washing Powders Snow Boy, 100 pkgs. . 6 65 Snow Boy, 60 pkgs. .. 3 55 Snow Boy, 24 pkgs. .. 5 00 srw Rev, 90 pkes & Qh Soap Powders Johnson’s Fine, 48 2 5 Johnson’s XXX 100 .. 5 75 Rub-No-More 5 Nine O’Clock ........ 4 Lautz Naphtha, 60s .. Oak i Soap Powder 24 pKes. oe, 4 25 Oak fr Soap Powder, 100 pkgs 5 Queen aes Soap Pow- 3 der, 60 pkgs. ...... 60 Old Dutch Cleanser, OOS oes si oak 4 00 SODA Bi Carb, Kegs SPICES Whole Spices Allspice, Jamaica Allspice, lg. Garden Cloves, Zanzibar .. @55 Cassia, Canton .... 20 Cassia, 6c pkg. doz. 365 Ginger, African .... @15 Ginger, Cochin .... 20 Mace, Penang . 90 Mixed, No. 1 . cs 17 Mixed, No. 2 ....... 16 Mixed, 6c pkgs. dz. @45 Nutmegs, 70-8 - @50 Nutmegs, 105- 110 we Pepper, Black ..... 32 Pepper, White ..... 40 Pepper, Cayenne Paprika, Hungarian Pure Ground In Bulk Allspice, Jamaica .. @16 Cloves, Zanzibar @68 Cassia, Canton @32 Ginger, African . @25 Mace, Penang ..... @1 66 Nutmegs .......... @45 Pepper, Black ..... @35 Pepper, White ..... @52 Pepper, Cayenne .. 380 Paprika, Hungarian @45 STARCH Corn Kingsford, 40 Ibs. .. 9% Muzzy, 48 llb. pkgs. as Kingsford Silver Gross," 40 40 Tp. -. 9% Argo, 48 5c cao cee ae Silver Gloss, 16 3lbs. .. 9% Silver Gloss, 12 6lbs. .. 9% Muzzy 48 1lb. packages ...... 9% 16 3lb. packages ...... Hi 12 61b. packages ...... 9 50 Ib. boxes ........;. 6% SVRUPS Corn Barrel ie neces 75 Halt pboarrele....iss..«: 1 Blue Karo, No. 1%, S AOR occ ecsnns 2 65 Blue Karo, No. 2, 2 dz. 3 30 Blue Karo, No. 2%, 2 GON oo ou eaeeces seus 4 Blue Karo, No. 5, 1 dz. 3 95 ber Karo, No. 10, % Red "Karo, No. 1%, 2 GON as oie ccce <= Red Karo, No. 2, 3 dz. Red Karo, No. 24 2dz. Red Karo, No. 5, 1 dz. Red Karo, No. 10 % doz. wo 3 o tm em C8 OS an a Pure Cane eee ere seene eee Fair ... eee e eco seaesene ee ~hoine TABLE SAUCES Halford, large ........ 3 75 Halford, small ...... 2 26 TEA Uncolored Japan Medium 34@38 Choice 35@38 PONOe oO lacs sees 45@55 Basket-Fired Med’m Basket-Fired Choice Basket-Fired Fancy No. 1 Nibbs Siftings, bulk ....... Siftings, 1 lb. pkgs. Gunpowder Moyune, Medium .. Moyune, Choice .... 35@40 40@45 Young Hyson 35@40 50@60 Oolon Formosa, Medium .. Formosa, Choice Formosa, Fancy 40@45 45@50 55@75 English Breakfast Congou, Medium 40@45 Congou, Choice - 45@50 Congou, Fancy . 50@60 Congou, Ex. Fancy 60@80 Ceylon Pekoe, Medium 40@45 Dr. Pekoe, Choice .. 45@48 Flowery O. P. Fancy 55@60 TWINE Cotton, oF ply... ks ei 70 Corton, 4.10 2... sss 70 il 6 De occ. cee 35 ply Wool 100 Ib. bales wee. 20 VINEGAR White Wine, 40 grain 20 White Wine, 80 grain 25% White Wine 100 grain 28 Oakland Vinegar & Pickle Co.’s Brands Oakland apple cider .. 35 Blue Ribbon Corn .... 25 Oakland white picklg 20 Packages no charge. WICKING No. 0, per gross ...... 70 WO. 1, Per Crees ...... 80 No. 2, per gross ...... 1 20 No. 8 per gross ...... 1 80 WOODENWARE Baskets PMGIS og ice cs chances 2 00 Bushels, wide band .. 2 25 Market, drop handle .. 70 Market, single handle 75 Sprint, iarge ......... 5 78 Splint, medium ...... 5 25 Splint amall ........ 4 75 Butter Plates Wire Find 144 Ib., 260 in crate .... 55 EWb.. S60 in crate: i463 65 2 1D. 200 Im Grate. ...... 76 S tbh. 260 im crate ...... 90 6 Ih., 260 im ovate .... tk 25 Churns Barrel, 5 gal., each .. 2 40 Barrel, 10 gal. each ., 2 55 Clothes Pins Round Head 4% inch, 5 gross .... 1 50 Cartons, 20-36s, box.. 1 70 Egg Crates and Fillers Humpty Dumpty, 12 dz. 24 No. 2 complete ....... . 50 No. 2 complete ........ 40 Case, medium, 12 sets 1 80 Faucets Cork ifimed, 8 in. ....... 10 Cork lined, 9 in. ...... 80 Cork Waed, WO ih. ...ccs 90 Mop Sticks TROJAN SOPINg oc... Eclipse patent spring 1 No. 1 common 1 6 No. 2, pat. brush hold 1 6 ideal: NG. tein. ees es 1 120z. cotton mop heads 3 Palis 10 qt. Galvanized .... 4 12 qt. Galvanized .... 6 14 qt. Galvanized .... 6 Pibre ee ee 9 Toothpicks WOGRE oe ccs ce: Traps Mouse, wood, 4 holes .. Mouse, wood, 6 hvies .. Mouse, tin, 5 holes .... 66 Rat. WOOG 2c i ks cnc 80 Rat. Spring 2.20.0... 76 Tubs Wo.) Wibte ... 6... 42 00 NG. 2 BAGre 2. isc 38 00 INO: 3 Wire on. cc. 33 00 Large Galvanized ... 17 00 Medium Galvanized 14 75 Small Galvanized .. 12 25 Washboards Banner Globe ........ 5 25 Brass, Single ........ 8 00 Glass, Single ........ 6 25 Double Peerless .... 8 00 Single Peerless ...... 6 75 Northern Queen .... 6 25 Good Enough 6 25 Universal 20.0.0. 6... 6 25 Window Cleaners ES A os ass ceases 1 65 TA rae iss 1 85 Te cua 6s wwe cca 2 80 Wood Bowls 38 in. Butter .......< 1 90 15 in. Butter ........ 7 00 I? im. Butter 22.30. 8 00 19 in. Butter ......., 11 00 WRAPPING PAPER Fibre, Manila, white .. 6% Fibre, Manila, colored INO. ED FIDre cis vc cceu cs 8% Butchers’ Manila .... 7 eT es ccaigtkens 12% Wax Butter, short c’nt 20 Parchm’t Butter, rolis 22 YEAST CAKE Magis, ¥ dos... 6.2%. Sunlight, 3 doz. ...... Sunlight, 1% doz. .... 50 Yeast Foam, 3 doz. .. Yeast Foam, 1% ‘doz. 85 YEAST—COMPRESSED Fleischman, per doz. ..24 SPECIAL _ Price Current AXLE GREASE 25 lb. pails, per doz. --18 80 BAKING POWDER CALUMET 10¢c size, 20c size, S0e aise, 3 Te ccc ccs 75e size, 2% Ib. $1.25 size, 5 Ib. oeeee KITCHEN KLENZER | LANs. scours es pouist 80 can cases, $4 per case PEANUT BUTTER Bel-Car-Mo Brand 6 oz. 1 doz. in case .. 2 90 12 oz. 1 doz. in case .. 2 50 94 1 TD. patis .....2 6. <. 5 25 2 2 POS ca ces 5 00 4h Ib. pails, 6 in crate 5 70 AO UE DORIS co ccc cca es 18 TD - 3D, Pate ... i dca see 17% fo 16. Ws ke 16% BG 1b: tins 6 16% SALT Morton’s Sait > Per case, 24 2 Ibs. .... 1 80 Five case lots ..... —— Colors in Knit Goods. Through color standardization as proposed by the Textile Color Card Association of the United States it is hoped to reduce the number of colors used annually in sweaters and other knitted textiles to twenty-five or thirty shades, which will effect a con- siderable saving in stocks, yarns, etc., and, it is expected, avoid the produc- tion of unsalable shades. The stand- ard shades to be used during the coming season are now in the hands of the Sweater and Knitted Textile Manufacturers’ Association, and are under the consideration of the com- mitteemen representing the various sections of the country. Each year it has been shown that the large consumption really falls upon very few colors, the demand for a large variety of shades being very small. The present plan is to deter- mine a set of standard shades, subject to the elimination or addition of not more than three or four shades each year. Such an arrangement gener- ally specified in the trade, it is felt, will not only result in the saving of much money, but will assist in in- creasing the sale of goods by pro- ducing color harmony in general stocks. — ~~. May Sell High-Cut Shoes. It is now possible for the retail shoe dealers in England to again sell women’s high-cut shoes if they are held in stock. This applies to all such shoes with the uppers exceeding seven inches in height if made of leather, and eight inches in height if made -of any other material. It is no longer necessary for individual retailers to apply for a permit to sell them. The removal of the embargo on the retail sale of women’s high-cut from stock on hand was primarily caused by the granting of licenses to import and the arrival in England of several hundred thousand pairs of women’s shoes of similar character which were made over a year ago by factories. Watson-Higgins Mlg.Co. GRAND RAPIDS. MICH. Merchant Millers Owned by Merchants a Products sold by Merchants Brand Recommended by Merchants NewPerfection Flour Packed In SAXOLIN Paper-lined Cotton, Sanitary Sacks Chocolates Package Goods of Paramount Quality and Artistic Design id neta wine nc i Si SN i an aE BE wd — ae Mince ibis 3 RACERS GORI HN a . 3 a . ‘ i = 2 ia wen aca Se LON Ri LE AEA, ina ada essed cRidarnvansi Nese Ly January 8, 1919 OUTLOOK FOR THE GROCER. Relation of Finance To Reconstruc- tion Transition. Now that the war is over, and pros- pects are that the wholesale grocery business will soon pass from under Governmental regulation, the ques- tion of proper management of our business during the period of transi- tion from the inflation of war time to the normal affairs of peace, is paramount. Are we going to have lower prices, and if so, on what particular commo- dities, and when? And to what ex- tent are salaries going to decrease? And again, what will be the relative value of our merchandise on hand, under the broader call for food, as it will come from our former ene- mies and our Allies, as compared with present and immediately past values where the call for our stocks in America were more restricted. Economists claim that the rapidity of decline in prices of war commodi- ties will depend upon the degree of the reduction in the volume of paper money in circulation. Prices need not decline to any great extent in any country which is willing to sus- pend gold payment and conduct trade on a strictly. paper money basis, just as the United States did after the Civil War. Let us consider the outlook in the United States. At the present time the banks in the Federal Reserve system, including the reserve banks themselves, hold over $4,000,000,000 of Government securities and over $11,000,000,000 of commercial bills and other securities. Their gold holdings amount to $2,360,000,000. Now that the war is over can these banks continue to maintain the credit now extended? As the bank statement stands at present the banking position seems very secure. In fact it would be absolutely normal if the other coun- tries of the world were also in a healthy financial position. It cannot be said that international finance is on a sound basis, however, until other coun- tries where there is now a deficit of sold have secured large sums of the metal from the United States. Our credit situation will not be healthy until investors with accumu:- lated savings shall have purchased most of the Govérnment securities now carried by the banks. The assets of the banks should be mainly trade paper based upon merchandise —movable goods—liquid. Their pur- chase of Liberty Bonds was necessary to finance the war, but they should promptly sell most of them to the public now that the war is over. Considering that we shall be receiv- ing over $400,000,000 interest from England, France, and other Allies every year, it is difficult to see how they can sell us:enough goods to pay us the‘interest they will owe us and take away gold. Meantime, there must be a considerable restraint upon business, promotion at home. There is no doubt in my mind of a public need as well as an institutional need of a Government authority in the regulation and standardization of the wholesale grocery business, just MICHIGAN TRADESMAN 31 as was necessary in the affairs of the railroads, also as is being exercised by the United States Comptroller of the Currency over our National banks wherein a central authority speaks in elimination of banking abuses. Many abuses in practice have crept into the affairs of the wholesale gro- cery business as we have had to wit- ness in the affairs of the retail grocery business, wherein stimulated by de- sire to meet competition and please their patrons, the have offered a de- gree of service not necessary and ofa nature to add materially to the cost of conducting their business, while the wholesale grocers have multiplied the services which were previously common by too frequent calls made by traveling salesmen and an excess- ive number of competitive salesmen making common territory. The frequency of the calls influenced orders in smaller quantities, broken cases, etc., which also had a tendency to increase the cost of the merchan- dise. Unreasonable extension of credit extended in competition for business, having in effect the respon- sibility of financing the retailer and thereby dividing volume with the retail element able to pay. The ac- ceptance of local checks not at par in banking centers, reckless accept- ance of returned goods, shipped with- out due authority, the old practice of rebating obsolete in most sections, and many other abuses too numerous to mention, seem to be waiting for a government authority in abolishment —such as was necessary to aid the railroads to abolish the old time prac- tice of railroad rebates, which we know they could not Have done ex- cepting a central authority gave them assistance. I am impressed that our trade situation is desirable enough, and of a nature not to be dangerous to our better welfare, providing our deal- ings from now on are of a conserva- tive nature, seeing to it that we do not engage ourselves in any sort of speculation or undue extension of credit. I mean, that we should deal conservatively, sit steady in the boat, directing our attention to the better- ment of our service and that strictly along economical lines. O. J. Moore, Vice-President National Wholesale Grocers’ Association. ——__. > ——_—_—. Harrison Drug Act Hard on Use of Narcotics. Every sale by a druggist or store keeper of paregoric, Bateman’s drops, soothing syrups, or cordials contain- ing narcotic drugs in quantities too low to make them subject to the Harrison Drug Act, would have to be registered as the sales of poisons are now recorded, according to a provision of the new. revenue Dill which the Internal Revenue Bureau is preparing to enforce. Dealers’ records would have to show the name of the purchaser, the date, quantity bought and purpose. —_~+2 > If you don’t treat a customer fair- ly in the matter of one price to all, vou won't long have the chance to treat him at all. “year ending August 30th, $32,000. Ad- BUSINESS WANTS DEPARTMENT Advertisements Inserted under this head for three cents a word the first Insertion and two cents a word for each subsequent continuous Insertion. If set in capital letters, double price. No charge less than 25 cents. Cash must accompany all orders. BUSINESS CHANCES. Special Sales To reduce merchandise stocks personally conducted for retail merchants anywhere. nag for date and terms stating size — Expert se! . 2. GREENE, an Promoter, Jackson, Mich. _ Sale—Stock of groceries, dry goods and shoes. Only store of kind in town of about 500. Good school. Other business to look after. J. D. ~~ naw, Michigan. Oakley, Michigan. Wanted At Once—Cash paid for mens Wanted to hear from Owner of good and boys’ clothing, furnishings, hats, general merchandise store for sale. Cash caps, shoes. M. Kahn, 504 Washington price, description. D. F. Bush, Minne- Ave., Bay City, Michigan. 996 apolis, Minnesota. 35 Pay spot cash for clothing and furnish- For Sale—Variety store, location good, ing goods stocks. L. Silberman, 106 E. rent $22 per month, electric lights, city Hancock, Detroit. 936 water, business good, clean stock. Write —Tri9 Salesmen Wanted—On salary and ooruae ae ee eo 15 East — commission, to call on drug trade with aol eee our guaranteed ‘‘Tix Ton Line for con- For Sale—TWO GROCERY STOCKS _ serving animal life,’’ or can be taken on WITH FIXTURES. One inventories as side line with drug sundries, stock- $7,700. Gther inventories $1,600. Lo- foods, germicides, implements, fertilizers, eated in Muskegon, Michigan. Nice’ ete. If you wish this Line of Action clean stocks doing cash business, lo- write or call at once. Parsons Chemical cation the best, good reason for selling. Works, Grand Ledge, Michigan, 33 Muskegon is booming and this is a good or Sale—One of the best grocery stores opportunity. Write eat call, R. J. in one of the best towns in Michigan. Prendergast, care Worden Grocer Co., Doing a splendid business. Only reason Grand Rapids, Michigan. 48 for selling, cannot stand the work. Ad- FOR SALE—On account of the death dress No. 6, care Michigan Tradesman. of the proprietor, complete stock of 6 groceries and fixtures. Mrs. F. W, Downing, Byron, Michigan. 49 Wanted—PARTS FOR FORDS. If you manufacture parts to be sold to the jobbing trade and want them placed in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisi- ana by reliable salesman, write PAUL B. GREEN, MFGRS. AGT., Southland a} For Sale—Country store and stock; five “+ miles from Grant on gravel road; good s+ trade; no delivery. Paul Brink, Grant, Michigan. 29 We can sell your business, farm or property, no matter where located. Cap- ital procured for meritorious enterp. ises. Herbert, Webster Bldg., Chicago, Ill. 1 Will pay cash for whole or part stocks of merchandise. Louis Levinsohn, cm 757 PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, COPY- RIGHTS procured. Protect your inven- tion by patent. Protect your business or product by trademark. Book FREE. Sanders, 14 Webster Building, Chicago, Illinois. 34 For Sale—80 acres of good, productive soil, good frame house and barn and Hotel. Dallas, Texas. 50 other out buildings. A good bearing Wanted—Meat man of experience with orchard of 46 trees. Also quantity or capital to join leading grocery in city. good lumber and building stuff. Will Address No. 51, care Michigan Trades- man. 51 For Sale—Grocery stock and fixtures. Splendid location. Sales for year $40,000. For particulars write, No. 52, care Mich- igan Tradesman. 52 For Sale—The Wm. J. Stephens’ resi- dence, basement under house and porch; hard and soft water; electric lights; all modern improvements. Also store build- ing and old established harness busi- ness with stock and fixtures, including shoe, harness and auto tire repair for our ‘No Collection. No Charge’’ offer. equipment; all-stock inventoried at old -Arrow Mercantile Service. Murray Build- prices. W. J. Stephens, Elkton, Mich- ing. Grand Rapids. Mich. 390 ioe 5 it 53 SEE NEXT PAGE. For Sale—Shoe stock and repair outfit Advertisements received too late to run to close estate. .J. N. Gilman, Special on this page appear on the following Administrator, Springport, Mich. 54 page. For Sale—Good clean stock of hard- ware in the best town in Delaware. Es- tablished in 1877 and under the same management. Reason for selling, health and age of manager and treasurer. H. B. Wright Co., Newark, Delaware. 40 Clothing Store For Sale—Central loca- tion in manufacturing city of 10,000; sur- rounded by rich farming section. Will sell building also, if wanted. A. S§. Burgess, Cortland, New York. 41 For Sale—Grocery store and stock can be bought at a bargain. Address F. J. Winslow. Linden, Michigan. 43 Land will go higher. Merchandise will surely drop. Never was a better time to exchange your business for land than right now. I want to get into business and have 480 acres unimproved Ogemaw County, Eastern Michigan land. Soil is very fertile, being a sandy clay loam. The making of a wonderful stock and dairy farm. Price $25.00 per acre. Enc. $3.000. Will trade all or part for good clean mercantile business. Send full par- ticulars in first letter to E. L. Garner, Austin, Minnesota. 44 BARRELS—We buy and sell all kinds, either tight or slack. Single or carload lots. Pay best prices. Start the year right by dealing with Wolverine Barrel & Bag Co., 448 Sixth St., Grand Rapids, Michigan. 45 A fortune is here waiting for the right man, in the furniture business; a three story building that has been occupied as a furniture store for seventy-five years, located in the very best retail center of a city now 40,000 people; rent low. If interested address, Lewis E. ‘Higgins, Taunton, Massachusetts. 37 For Sale—Grocery stock in town of 1,000. Invoicing about $4,000. Sales for sell or exchange for stock of general merchandise not to exceed $5,000. Geo. T. Kelly, Twining, Michigan. 36 Cash Registers—We buy, sell and ex- change. all makes of cash registers. We change saloon machines into penny key registers. Ask for information. The J. Cc. Vogt Sales Co., Saginaw, Mich. 906 COLLECTIONS. Collections—We collect anywhete. Send Genuine Mapleine Syrup made with sugar, water and Mapleine is A Real Saving and a delicious spread for hot cakes. A trial will please your customers. Order from your jobber or Louis Hilfer Co , 1205 Peoples Life Bldg., Chicago, Ill. Crescent Mfg. Co.,, (M-347) Seattle, Wash. Art Calendars on Short Notice We offer to merchants and bankers outside of Mason county a limited number of calendars with three color reproduction of one of Alten’s famous paintings. We have decided to accept but one order from each county, so there may be no conflict in the dis- tribution of this beautiful work of art. Sample and price sent on receipt of statement as to number of calendars desired. TRADESMAN COMPANY Grand Rapids, Mich. dress No. 990, care Michigan —— For Sale—Clean stock hardware, furni- ture, wall paper and notions, in small town. Good farming country. Address No. 30. care Michigan Tradesman. 30 Collections—Claims and accounts col- lected. Write me. H. C. VanAken, Tawyer, 309 Post Building, Battle Creek, Michigan. 28 CARA ON ete A SECRETE i UTHER EK ARAAI RA ATE LRA RIT SE OE AR ESI INLETS PE BESTE: a somerset i ‘ Hi ; i i escent serene tals: tc ienilgrsicealpias? pohimmnatie tage BoE eet we pat aneaeeae, 32 MICHIGAN TRADESMAN January FIRE INSURANCE FEATURE. The Tradesman launches. a new feature this week—a department de- voted to the exposition of fire insur- ance topics in general and mutual fire insurance matters in particular. This feature has long been under consid- eration, having received the sanction of many patrons of the Tradesman many months in advance of its actual appearance. It was deemed the part of wisdom. however, to defer the inaug- uration of this feature until such time as the insurance companies which would be vitally interested in the presentation were in shape to do their part in making the department profit- able to all concerned. The time has now arrived when it is no longer necessary for any retail merchant to confine his patronage to the stock fire insurance companies, with their abnormally high rates, their arbitrary methods, their tricky policies and their shyster adjusters. There was a time when the retailer was forced to submit to the exactions of those highwaymen, but so many reliable mutual companies have come into the field during the past half dozen years that merchants of any class can now transfer their entire fire insurance protection from the monopolistic monsters of the Eastern cities to the mutual companies of the Middle West. Michigan mutuals are now writing nearly all classes of mer- cantile risks at from 25 to 30 per cent. less than stock rates and some of the large outside mutual companies (authorized to do business in Michi- gan) are carrying mercantile risks as low as 55 per cent. less than stock rates. How can they do it? By reducing the expense ratio two- thirds and the loss ratio more than one-half, by accepting only good risks and not too many in a single block or group. Competition among stock companies is so strong that they will accept any kind of risk offered, but mutual companies write only such risks as come up to a certain standard. Inasmuch as the acceptance of an advertisement by the Tradesman is equivalent to a recommendation, we feel no hesitation in commending to our readers as entirely trustworthy any company which makes a bid for public favor and patronage in this department, because no company will be admitted which has not been sub- jected to the most rigid scrutiny and which courts investigation and super- vision. 22> Why Retailers Must Take Careful Inventories. Never in the history of. the retail business have so many merchants taken stock at this season as in the past week. It has been an annual custom with some for many years but the vast majority failed to do so and as a consequence never knew what their conditions were. With the activity of the Government, how- ever, through the Internal Revenue Department, thousands have under- taken the task this year compared to hundreds heretofore. Under the income tax schedules which must be filed the retailer is called upon to show the value of his inventory at the beginning of the year, how much merchandise was purchased during the year and what the amount of the stock was at the end of the year. In this way the Government gets at the facts as to the volume of business as also the actual assets when taken in consid- eration with other expenses and reve- nues derived during the year. By taking stock, too, the retailer fre- quently discovers merchandise thar he did not know he had. Some dealers figure the value ot stock on hand at the retail price al- though it should be based on the cost. That is the basis on which stocks are sold when stores change’ hands and is the actual value. If for any reason a dealer wants to know the retail value he could show, both by carrying out the extensions as to the whosale and retail worth, al- though it is unnecessary. By taking stock it means merchan- dise for sale as well as store fixtures and other investments in the way of delivery vehicles, automobiles, etc. Not a large proportion understand this yet fixtures and other equipment are as much an asset as merchan- dise. Moreover, most dealers do not understand that fixtures and equip- ment depreciate in value and that such depreciation should be charged against the business as a source of expense to provide against the time when the delivery trucks must be replaced. The failure to do this has crippled many merchants when the store equipment was worn out and unless figured in a dealer pays income tax on what should be an expense. More- over, by not doing so he is prevented from knowing exactly what his full expenses are and consequently his overhead on sales shows less than what it really is. This, in connection with failure to charge rent if building is owned by proprietor, and to pay himself a salary, oftentimes accounts for the low operating cost which they speak of in connection with their business. Just how much to charge off to de- preciation puzzles many dealers. The Government allows depreciation in proportion to the life of a fixture. Un- der ordinary conditions the life of a fixture placed at ten years, therefore 10 per cent. of original value can be charged off yearly. In the case of an automobile delivery truck its life is not estimated at more than five years, consequently 20 per cent. is deducted yearly for depreciation, and the amount charged against the ex- pense of the business. It is quite easy. therefore, to figure what per- centage should be deducted as depre- ciation if the life of the fixture is taken into consideration. If the dealer should own stocks or bonds and the same is kept in con- nection with his business, the value at the time of taking inventory should be given as that is their actual value. By the same rule, if the value of stock increases, the increased value should be shown. In making income tax returns the Government assumes the year to mean from January 1 to December 31, although one has the right to have his own fiscal year to conclude at any of the other. twelve months. In such instance, however, it is necessary to inform the Internal Revenue office having jurisdiction when the fiscal year closes and thereafter income tax returns will be made accordingly. If returns are made from January to. December, inclusive. the schedule must be filed by March 1 following, unless prevented because of sickness or other good reason, when an ex- tension can be obtained from the Revenue Collector for the district. The taxes are then payable by June 15, a bill being issued by the Gov- ernment in due form. The schedule which a dealer makes out must show the gross sales and income from the business. In addi- tion the total amount paid out for labor or salaries, the amount of sup- plies, such as butter trays, paper bags. twine. wrapping paper, etc., the total of all merchandise bought for sale and any other costs. The in- ventory at the beginning of the year must be shown, the inventory at the end of the year, what was paid out for rent, interest on business indebt- edness, taxes on business property, repairs, bad debts and other expenses. From these figures the net income of the business is obtained and on this amount the tax is calculated. Income tax returns are not required unless the gross income is $2,000 or more. Nevertheless, the retailer must be prepared with his figures to prove that none should be made when the revenue agent comes around to ascertain why a schedule was not filed. As the Commissioner of In- ternal Revenue of Washington stated, the purpose hereafter will be to check all returns closely and the one filing same must be prepared to show the accuracy of his figures. —_+. > ____ Lid Off on Flour and Mixed Flour. The following information was transmitted to the National Whole- sale Grocers’ Association by the United States Food Administration for promulgation to members last Friday. “Please advise the trade that the specific maximum margins and_ all other special license regulations gov- erning dealers in wheat flour and mixed flours have been withdrawn. However, the general license rgula- tions still apply. ‘Both the wholesaler’s and retailer’s maximum margins on wheat mill feeds have also been repealed. At- tention is called to the fact, however, that the dealer is still subject to the general license regulations, and that the wholesale dealer in mill feeds is not permitted to make an average net profit of more than 4 per cent. on his ennual gross sales of feedingstuffs and the retail dealer is not permitted to make an average net profit of more than 6 per cent. on his annual gross sales of feedingstuffs.” ——__2<->___ When you meet a customer who likes to shop around for bargains, spend more time talking quality than talking prices. Manufacturing Matters. Caro—About fifty .men are now employed at the plant of the Miller Auto Top Co. This concern makes automobile tops and bodies. Among some of the contracts on hand are those from the E. A.. Nelson Motor Car Company, of Detroit; also some special contracts for winter tops for the Ford Motor Co. St. Louis—The Bollstrom Motors Co. has been organized to manufac- ture the new type of four wheel drive trucks and has purchased the old Whitney farm on the road between Alma and St. Louis, on which it will erect its plant of steel and concrete. Work has already commenced on lay- ing out the grounds for the buildings. Thorice — The Barton-O’Gorman Co. has been incorporated to manu- facture and conduct a general mer- cantile business in timber products, with an authorized capital stock of $40,000, of which amount $25,000 has been subscribed and paid in, $5,000 in cash and $20,000 property. The busi- ness office of the company is at Saginaw. Mt. Pleasant—The Transport Mo- tor Truck Co., has now entered into active production and has completed arrangements for distribution in practically all of the large centers of the country. The company, which is headed by M. A. Holmes, formerly of the Republican Motor Truck Co., of Alma, will market a two and one- half-ton internal gear drive truck equipped with Continental engine, Eisemann magneto, Stromberg car- buretor, Fuller clutch and _ gearset, Columbia front axle, Jacox steering gear and Prudden wheels. Houghton—The copper mines. of the Michigan district produced during 1918 235,000,000 pounds. This com- pares with 275,000,000 pounds in 1917, and is the lowest in fifteen years, with the exception of the period of the Western Federation of Miners’ strike. Calumet & Hecla and sub- sidiarv properties show a total output of 135,000,000 pounds. This com- pares with an actual output of the same properties of 155,268,317 in 1917. The decrease in output is due entirely to the labor situation, influ- enced by abnormal situations brought on by the war. -There has been no complaint as to working conditions, nor with regard to compensation. Attention is directed to the an- nouncement of the preferred stock of the Alfred J. Brown Seed Co., published on page 13 of this week’s edition, The offering is an excep- tional one and the stock is rapidly being absorbed by conservative in- vestors. —_——_—_—_2+-. —____ The advertisement of the Porter Pottery Co., published on page 23 of last week, should have carried an illustration of the Phoenix engraved chimney, instead of .the illustration of a plain chimney. BUSINESS CHANCES. Fine large modern’ residence in Mt. Pleasant. Location the best. Just across from court house. Fourteen rooms and hath: two toilets; three lavoratories. Two large lots: two garages; fine’ shade. Proverty in pink of condition. For sale cheap or trade for stock of general mer- chandise up to $4,000 or improved un- encumbered 40 acre farm with buildings. S. E. Francis, Mt. Pleasant, Mich. 55 ee ae in- ter an red ion Mt. and ‘wo ide. sale rg ry to sell The “A Means Efficiency — Package Sugar Grocers who handle Franklin Package Sugars are enabled to have cleaner, neater, more attrac- tive stores because of the elimi- nation of bulk containers, spill- — age and waste. clerks’ time which can be devoted They save the window dressing and other store work of the kind that helps goods. Franklin Sugar Refining — PHILADELPHIA Franklin Cane Sugar for every use’’ Granulated, Dainty Lumps, Powdered, Confectioners, Brown || DUTCH MASTERS CIGARS Made in a Model Factory © Handled by All Jobbers Sold by All Dealers Enjoyed by Discriminating Smokers G. J. JOHNSON CIGAR CO., Makers GRAND RAPIDS eresota Flour Always Unikiraly aot Made from Spring Wheat at Minneapolis, Minn. WE ARE ACCEPTING CONTRACTS NOW FOR | 1919 DELIVERIES OF J. Hungerford Smith Co.’s Soda Fountain Fruits and Syrups If you have not signed up, drop us a card. Protect yourself for next season’s business before it is too late. Prices guaranteed against advance or decline. We also carry a full line of Soda Fountain ‘Accessories. Putnam Factory Grand Rapids, Michigan Manufacturers of Putnam’s ‘‘Double A’’ Chocolates a aT en ae weer + —_— —_ — Judson Grocer Company ) The Pure Foods House Distributors GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN ‘ ete Yearly Invoice Record The contract you enter into when you purchase fire insurance ‘ requires you to retain all invoices or keep a record of all purchases dur- ing the current year. Merchants who have small safes sometimes find it inconvenient to preserve all invoices intact. To meet this requirement, we have devised an Invoice Record which enables the merchant to record his purchases, as set forth in his invoices, so as to have a com- plete record in compact form for use in effecting a settlement in the event of a loss by fire. This Record is invaluable to the merchant, - because it enables him to ascertain in a moment what he paid for and where he purchased any article in stock. Price $2. Tradesman Company Grand Rapids PORTER’S “TUFF-GLASS” LAMP CHIMNEYS PHOENIX ENGRAVED No. 2; 5% in. Bulb. Assorted Decorations. The symmetrical design and pure white burnt- in-the-glass decoration give this chimney an artistic : embellishment that makes it a popular favorite. Ask your local jobber for TUFF-GLASS Phoenix Engraved, or write us for complete price list. PORTER POTTERY CO, Inc. Clinton, Ky. “Everything in Shop Equipment” - Electric Motors Wood Working Machinery Metal Working Machinery Pumps, Compressors Power Transmission Machinists’ Supplies tetas McMullen Machinery Co. 64-66 Ionia Avenue, S. Ww. Opposite Union Depot GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Gloss Starch ONE POUND NET WEIGHT : Douglas Douglas Company, Monufect int No Effort gad to Sell Douglas Products § pOUGLAS specialties move automatically, without the need of pushing. The name is accepted as the guarantee of the finest possible quality. Both buyer and seller know that there will be no comebacks. Douglas Oil-has won the enviable reputation of being the finest salad and cooking oil. There are millions of packages of Douglas Corn Starch sold every year. Douglas Gloss Starch sends the user back to demand more of the same. One package, one trial, makes a permanent customer. Thus it would seem only well-balanced business judgment to handle these three great products. Your stock is not complete without them. Douglas Oil Douglas Corn Starch—The Value of an Advertised Name. In addition to quality, the name Douglas is made familiar to the best American trade by continuous national advertising in the leading monthly and weekly publica: Evening Post, ies’ Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, Pictorial Review. Woman’s Home Companion, McCall's _ many more take the Douglas message into more than 10,000,000 prosperous homes month after month. The readers of these magazines—many times ten million—will [ask for Douglas when they want Oil or Corn Starch or Laundry tions. Such publications as the Saturday ~ Douglas Gloss Starch—Backed by Standardized Quality. This great volume of selling publicity would have no value unless it was backed by supreme quality. This quality was achieved by the Douglas Company before introducing Douglas products. Thus every article and each package proves every statement. Such a combination insures popularity which results in general demand. You must be able to fill it. Don’t send customers somewhere else asking for Douglas— Order today from your jobber. THE DOUGLAS COMPANY, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Manufacturers of Corn Products l] . 4 3 { ‘