New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-05-23
AHcsany County, N. T., May 10, 1880
HEADsroNEs FOR SOLDIERS GRAVES.
THE LADIES' DRESS ASSOCIATION.
HOW 1T DIFFERS FROM THE ONE IN LONDON

HOW 1T DIFFERS + RON THE ONE IN LONDON
LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER OF THE LONDON
AssocIATIoN-IIE OFFERS SOME ADVICE BASED
on PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE.
To the Edft0r Of The Tribune.
SIR: As the founder of the Ladies' Dress
Association in England, my attention has naturally
been directed to the report Of meeting held In New
York OF ladies who, from what they have seen OF the
present undertaking IN London, DESTROYS OF forming
similar institution in NewYork These ladies' are In
erro. 10 supposng that tho Ladies' Dress Association
purpose opening branch in New-York.
No doubt the mistake from the fact that IN reply
to an American lady who called upon me- stated that
II saw promise Of sufficient support shouid haysno
objection later TO proceed to America and organise
similar institution to the organized 10 England, and
give the American ladies the benefit OF all the expert
ence had gained from the English venture. Moreover.
thought although distinct associations they might
work together in harmony 10 mutual advantage ana
that our buyers who constantly visiting the Cont
might increase the number of their vsfs
to enable them to offer ladies OF both associations an In
nitey greater selection of novelties and fashions ~
cheaper rates than could be obtained by either work
ing by ITSELF NY opinion Is that 1t would never do for
one to be considered branch Of the other, IL 90 tho
branch would inevitably suffer IN Its management nom
the very idea that the control was so far away.
The principle OF the projected American Company u
essentially different from the English one, 10 fact 1t 10
not cooperative store at all seeing that the surplus
profits are so the founders The sole end and Elm
Of cooperative Is not to make profits but 70 cell
goods az cheapy possible to ts subscribers conse
aueuy in the Ladies' Dress Association the dividends
are restricted per per annum and the proht In
goods charged only a sufficient rate 10 pay the cur
rent expenses and this fair interest to the shareholders
Necessarily must be margin to cover risks when
BY of good this margin creates an excess OF
profits the prices reduced and the surplus profits
either put to reserve fund divided between such Of
the shareholders as are purchasers The very nature OF
cooperative trading ensuring the sale OF goods -
cheaper rates than In ordinary shops induces such Coz
tany OF in trading that the shares In GOOD co
operatives societies in England are looked upon az safo
investments, and in consequence the capitalists WHO
supply the money content with lower and moro no
scted rate Of interest than they would seek In ordinary
commercial undertakings.
In the Ladies' Dress Association the major part OF the
capita is subscribed by ladies for the sake OF securing
the ad yauages OF the association. BY taking ono o.
more shares they set affair rate Of interest for then
money and gain privilege Of dealing with the asse-
cioon or rather with themselves. They virtually say
TO the manager there money 60 into the msrkss
and huy from the manufacturer what we require. ana
distribute the goods bought 70 US at an increase @
the manufacturers prices sufficient only 10 pay to1
actual expense OF distributing the goods amongss ~
the small rate q we pssnd , iGr this tSas
tnose WHO are not shareholders are glad to pay cs
tickets 70 give ihe s be e9 seen how deret ia principle
the Ladies' Association as FOUNDED 10 Lonoon s
ta Tbs Spy ecmsnt 10 the
| is that yet Founder small return sufficient @
make IL worth my while to keep that general supefvs-
ION over the affairs necessary TO prevent the cakagea
which n the ordinary cearse 81 events Woa v
only payable when full dividends are PAID and then
so small not to amount TO cent on dollar LAID Gus
IL is claimed that the proposed association 10 more
20 sSae It's pros With the e%pc
draSe in theory but ~ e more pr,c
Teal and far better for the employee 70 pay them I'D