The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1871-11-23
GheGttelIiaetrt
The Secret OF Mr.. Stewards Mercan-
tile Success.

Probably the most striking instance Of
adherence to few rigid rules is afforded
by the man who Is conceded to lead the
mercantile world OF this continent. Men
envy his success who might have stood
even with him in the race had they but
inilexibly held to similar rules.
First and formOst in the stand which
Mr.. Stewart took was the rule to permit
no Misrepresentation Of goods. Pur'
Chasers were not slow 10 find out that in
his establishment there need be no fear
of imposition. Whether they were per-
iectly acquainted with the nature OF the
goods which they wished to purchase, or
were entirely ignorant on the point, they
were sure OF having the truth told. Mr..
Stewart hGd 1t thoroughly understood by
all his clerks that they must tell the
truth; and he had the injunction so con.
spiculOusly placed that his employees were
perpetually reminded Of the great rule of
the establishment, II o clerk was dis.
covered in an overstatement or false.
hood, he was instantly dismissed. The
natural consequence of this course was
tho rigid selt.advertising power of his
DuSlnCoos W uCH luCl huu WOlASu ooJi
go or send there, for you are sure to
get just what the article is represented
TO be-" then friends and neighbors are not
slow in awaiting themselves Of such an
advantage,
The rigid observance of the "One.price
system" was a rule necessarily C0.0pera.
tive with the first. Dealers confess that
it Is exceedingly difficult to maintain this
rule, and where q large proportion OF
business Is transacted on credit II Is well.
nigh impossible; but when the rule Is
PAY on delivery" it can be maintained,
Comfort Is brought to the household OF
every customer when he feels confident
that he can send child or u servant to
make u purchase, and he will be sure OF
not only getting the article he wants, but
obtaining ii on exactly the Same terms as
II he were 10 go himself. 1t Is q great
thing for merchant to discover that the
money Of the poor man IS as good US the
money of the riCh-the cash OF the stran.
ger rs good as the cash Of the acquaint'
anCe,
In Mr.. Stewards vast establishment the
clerks have no option whatever in the
regulation Of prices; this, they know, can
never be taken out Of tho hands of the
employer.
Nne.tenths Of the terrors Of shopping
take their flight in view Of these rules,
and husbands can pluck up courage TO go
with their wives when they understand
there is to be no badgerlng or jewing.
There is still another rule with Mr..
Stewart, which has immediate relation to
the comfort and advantage Of the custo.
mer, and that Is his emphatic prohibition
Of any importantly to purchasers, Who
is there, having had any experience Of
shopping In a city, that does not feel a
kind Of terror OF a certain class OF storesV
lie retains vivid impression of his help.
less bewilderment amidst babel of re.
concentrations and solicitations, until, at
last, in sheer confusion or from the desire
to escape, lie purchased an article he did
not want, and went out Of tho shop with
an inward resolution never TO enter II
again. But here you may gaze upon mil.
lions Of dollars worth Of goods and no
man will interrupt either your media.
tiOns or admiration. Among the highest
productions Of the cunning skill of man
you may make your choice without fear
Of the least intOrmedling importantly
LppiRcOH, December.