The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-08-15
The citr.a Intarasta.


AAA-sSf1 AAhGs AENAAa AWE
It seems that some of the most promi-
nent merchants of our city are little ex-
ercised in regard TO some of our citizens
going to sister city to deal, and thereby
greatly iDjuring their trade, and Of course
the prosperity of our city also.
am glad TO see them waking up and
holding meetings to consult and try to find
out the cause or causes, and adopt such
remedies as shall put stop to it.
Its thought they have itin their power
to do so by bringing on good goods and
selling them on as reasonable terms as they
do elsewhere.
Now, Mr.. Editor, / am not a merchant
I am in no business, (but would like to be-
| am not exactly what might be termed Q
tramp, but fear it might be truly said ]
am somewhat of loafer, though assure
you an unwilling one; have been think
ing about making application to my Ole
friend John Warner for position al
driver on one of the street cars; or to oul
mayor to place me as superintendent Over
one of the street brigades, as think
could boss the men to perfection, especi
ally if there were good shade near by
and plenty Of ice water to drink; some maj
prefer beer, don't, as am red ribboE
man: [ never was afraid of work. can si
| in the shade of 6 hot day and see it carried
on by others, and at night not be at al
fatigued, however, the mayor nigh
think am not quite fat enough for tina
position; and besides, in thinking it over
| it seems to me too much like loafing, an,
as despise that sort Of business, although
compelled just Enow to follow it. | think
shall not apply to his honor, but continu
to do the chores about home, and try 4
raise few vegetables in, the back part @
my lot. By the way, Mr.. Editor, | ar
lcultivating tomatoes upon scientific princi
pies, and have this spring succeeded (
perfection, both in their size as well a
Equality. And if you are as fond as / al
of that vegetable, and will call and take
social meal with me I will promise you a
many as you can eat, and if you will brin
along basket, Il mean little one) it wi
give me pleasure to gil 1t for you to tax
home.
4 Pardon me, MIR. Editor. / do believ
I've gotten off the subject | started out o
10 enlighten you and the good people c
this city, have to keep strict guard o
J this zen of mine, for it is very erratic an
will, now and then, run off at tangent,
| am not very careful.
i Well, now let US get back to our subjet
, which is to see if we can offer som
good reason to induce our folks, especiall
the ladies, not to 60 elsewhere to purchas
their goods: !,
: / am we'll aware Of the insurmountab
difficulties lying in the way, to successful
! operate on some people. You may tai
2 to them till doomsday aud it will have I
other effect on them except to make the
laugh at you. and perhaps to think what
great nincompoop you are. They may ha,
> great interests at stake in the prosperity
: their city, still they would not for Il
world have their acquaintance know the
C got that splendid silk dress or that beautif
bonnet here at home, but what pleasu
and pride they manifest when they say
came from Chicago, or still better, fro
f New York.
You find such people all over the Ian
especially in our large cities. New Yo
} for instance--where you come across pc
: ole who send to London or Paris for the
8 wearing apparel. thinking it is aristocrati
= They will send over there aud pay four
FIVE hundred dollars for shawl when tn
can get the same or perhaps better g
ticle at Stewards for less price, so there
DO use taking to such-but l thank G
T. the wise and sensible people who will list
to reason, are not all dead.
n have lived in this city for over TWEEN
years, and | think can say with tru
that our merchants. with few exception
bring on as stylish and as good goods
y you meet with anywhere, and it seems
e me if they would adopt the cash systt
r and be satisfied with smaller profits, th
would not only retain our home custc
but draw custom from our sister cities.
understand our merchants are to me
>, next Tuesday evening for consolidate
and Hope, and indeed have no doubt, tn
IL will devise and adopt some wise, prop
a. measures, for accomplishing the desir
d object, and we shall hear no more of {
~ people going elsewhere to deal.
y Pardon me, Mr. Editor, for this leng,
10 scroll and believe me.
Yours truly, B