, 1874-03-18

has at least formerly been the belief of many,
and I can safely assert that latter years have
given many palpable proofs of the fact, that these
monopolies are by no means worthy of being
envied. There is constantly spoken of the great
profit which the apothecaries make on medicines,
but there is often forgotten the many and differ
emit restrictions laid upon them, not to say any
thing about the trifing demand for medicines
on the whole, especially in such a healthy island
as st. Croix. The Apothecary Institution is not
very old in this island as far as remembered
the first apothecary shop was established in
Christiansted in 1926, afterwards a branch of this
was extended to Frederiksted, and not till 1910
did this latter become an Independent Ap0thecary
Shop. In spite of the prices of medicines being
much higher than at present., = and the demand
certainly much greater, inasmuch as the island
had then many more physicians and the times
were on the whole much better, there was no
visible sign Of the Apo.hecarios who were then
in charge having done more than secured for
themselves and families a frugal living. If we
turn our attention to a later stage in the develop
ment of affairs it is reasonable to suppose that
the position of the Apothecaries has not been
bettered, and that they have been obliged to seek
other sources of gain. Which then was nearer
than trade ? And why is it not fair that an apothe-
cary like any other citizen, be he planter or
anything else, can take out a burgherbriet as
merchant Why should it be prohibited him
to try his luck in the direction of - enterprise ~
The apothecary is obliged to keep a certain
staff of assistants, whether there be any thing for
them to do or not; is it then fair to demand that
these should sit with their hands in their laps and
wait until people get sick? Have the Apothe-
carries not always borne their share of public
burdens? Where in the name of common sense
will q sensible reason be found why Apothecaries
may only deal in medicines, and not have leave
to be " enterprising?" Would the public be best
served by the Apothecaries being in straitened
circumstances, and now and then going in the
Dealing? Let US look at the Mothercountry
finally, and their we will find that the greater
part of the Provincial and Country apothecaries
also help to maintain themselves by trading in
grocery, wines, spirits, etc.
I have perhaps already expressed myself too
lengthily, but as | have SO often heard complaints
of the privileges given the Apothecaries in pre-
ference to other b~urghers, often it is true without
any reasonable grounds, and originating in most
cases from sheer jealousy and petty envy, dis
guised in the garb of justice, | shall without
going into further details as to Mr.. BIS other
points of complaint concerning the presumed
unjust privileges granted the Apothecaries, sim
ply propose to Mr.. B. and others Cf the same opini-
on, to complain directly to the authorities, tho
matter can then be examined and mended. This
seems to me to be the most straightforward and
appropriate way Of proceeding, rs it Will benefit
all parties, and lead to a result sooner than any
other.
I am, dear Sir,