The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-08-13
The Local Trade.

What shall We do to keep the trade
which properly belongs here, from going
elsewhere?
This seems to be the question with our
merchants at present and in answer, The
ARGUS is sorry to have to say, that in
great measure the merchants themselves
are to, blame, for instead of making an
effort to prevent the trade from leaving,
they have allowed Davenport merchants to
advertise their stocks and solicit orders
right under their noses. Further, aud we
are very sorry to say, truthfully, we know
of merchants 10 Rock Island, who while
deploring the condition of affairs have at
the same time made purchases themselves
in Davenport, As one lady remarked,
when interviewed about it by merchant,
How can you blame me for going to
Davenport, when your merchants allow
their families to trade there. Why, said
she, saw the wife of one of your promi-
neut merchants buying hat over the riv-
err"
This is only one instance in many that
could be cited and it tells the story.
How any merchant having business in
terests here can sanction anything that
drives trade away, and then complain of it,
is mystery. There is only one way to
settle it and that is for every body TO buy
their goods 10 this city. Our merchants
can sell just as low as anybody else this
side Of Chicago They help to support the
town, and the people here get their sup
port from the town. 1t occurs to us that
no one who takes pride in maintaining the
proper reputation Of Rock Island can 60
elsewhere. We think if ladies look at this
matter properly. instead of going to Dav-
export for dry goods, they would buy at
home. and further it is beyond doubt. that
goods of every description can be purchas-
ed for less money for cash in Rock Island
than anywhere within trading distance.
1t is burning shame on Rock Islanders
that they aid directly or indirectly in
crippling the business interests of the city.
Remember that every dollar taken cut Of
the city is to help other places and ipjure
kock Island and that should business here
decline. SO also would property, and when
property declines the rapid decay of the
city will follow.
Business men, citizens, ladies. pause aud
reflect over this matter. Do not sacrifice
your town for the sake of enhancing the
prospects of another. Your interests are
here. your property is here, and right here
is the place to do your trading.
1t Is fact also 10 connection with thit
matter that in many cases personal feeling
and envy have largely aided in sending trade
away-jealousy of one another. We say
it emphaticaliy and without fear or favor
that the man or woman who Willingly
trades in Davenport from mere choice, ha,
not the interests of the city at heart. Yol
say now dull it is in Rock Island. Die
it ever occur TO you, that you help to max
1t dull Did you ever stop to consider tn,
cause and effect. The ARGUS has repeat
eddy and unasked and without any remu
neration or encouragement spoken O
this matter. and to-day insists that Their,
is nothing for sale in Davenport in any lin,
which cannot be bought fer less money il
kock Island. The situation is plan, tn
remedy is at hand, and it now remains TO
the merchants and citizens to say whethe
there shall be change. What do 20,
propose to do aboutit? Sit tamely sns
/ allow it to 60 on, or put stop TO it. w,
laWait results.