Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1856-03-13

COMMERCIAL AGENCIEs.-The last number,
the NJ !. Independent contains the follow
ing able article from the pen of Mr.. Bowen
of the leading silk house of Bowen, Mona
NEE Il Co. The Mercantile or Commercial
Agency was established in New York in
1841, by LEWIS TArPAN, who was succeeded
By ARTHUR Japan and BENZ. DOUGLASS.
Under the skillful business management Of
these gentlemen, the Agency has become a
thoroughly organized institution in every coun-
ty of the country. The TAPPANs have sold out
now conducted by B. DOUGLASS & Co., who
haze branches in twelve cities of the United
States. Their business makes them perhaps
the most extensive organization in the
country.
Several small agencies have been started
in New York and elsewhere, in imitation Of
the house Of DOUGLASS & Co., but none of
them nave met with much success. One of
them has a partner of the name Of TAPPAN, a
| Young lliAl llOin OllO, viz II NOh-
founded with his celebrated namesakes.
We commend this article to our mercantile
readers.
No mercantile firm, however we'll it may be
acquainted with its customers. can afford to de-
prive itself of the important information TO be
obtained at these agencies. Every step taken
independent of them is dangerous. We should
as soon think Of sailing a ship full freighted
into New York harbor without "A pilot, as to
continue business without the everyday knowl-
knlssAseYlaPart. Not protesting " be infal'
1870. they POSSESS advantages superior to any
other system yet introduced.
A commercial agency is a business record
Office, where all the details are gathered in re
gard to the character. capital, capacity and so
cial standing of business men in all sections Of
the country. These institutions are valuable
for the following reasons:
They frequently warn the city creditor o
danger to his interests in some distant part o.
the country, and furnish him with facilities fol-
protection.
They warn against irresponsible and fraudu
lent traders. often tracing them from State Z
State. and recording their movements in eaci
locality.
They aid the solvent country merchant il
giving him a credit, and the city merchant II
selecting his customers, thus acting as a valua
BILE meanso Of Introducing buyers and sellers t.
each other.
They are disinterested references for the coun
try merchant, for it is impossible to find an,
business in which honesty and interest are NOR
thoroughly blended.
They throw difficulties in the way Of rasl
/ speculation and overtrading.
They tend To keep down the cost of goods t
the consumer, as without their advantages
larger per centage would necessarily be laid up
on goods To leave a margin for bad debts, de
2 lays, and extraordinary expense in making col
l%ections.
They reduce the cost as we'll as the risk of do
ing business with distant parts of the country
5 as information they furnish would cost proba
r bly, ten times as much as if sought through an,
other channel.
They tend to produce greater solvency ant
, prosperity among city merchants and bushes
: men generally.
e They aid sound country merchants, for the
e throw obstacles in the way Of the irresponsible
o no reasonable expectation or intention Of payin
/ for them-thus protecting honorable dealer
from unfair competition.
Commercial Agencies therefore may be justl
called one Of the chief aids 10 commerce. The
are not local in thier influence or benft, ft
I they extend over the whole country. They al
= not confined exclusively to merchants. Banks
q Insurance Companies, and business men in eve
nv department OF trade can alike participate i
their benefits.
' These institutions however are yet in their il
fancy. The time will come we believe whe
y each of them will be obliged to employ at leas
;, one travelling agent constantly in each State I
arrange and keep in perfect order a syster
Il which, shall, ON the wings of the telegraph, kee
this great commercial emporium promptly an
: thoroughly rosted in regard TO every importan
change or event in all business circles.
They should know everything that can
! knOton about every body in trade. They shonl
:. point out wrong doing in every quarter. The
should act as a detective police. They shoul
periodically report, by a circular or Otherwis
the condition and prospects Of business. The
should carefully report The condition Of The crop
, They should thoroughly canvass every subie,
= which can influence the commercial prosperit
Ofthe country.
g We advise every merchant tn subscribe
these institutions. imperfect as they yet are. fl
nee kHOio of their value by actual erOerienc
And We urge upon each Agency to perfect Il
system they have adopted, until they occupy
position which shall command the favor an
support Of the entire business community.