The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-06-24
SATURDAY HALF HOLIDAY
A HEALTHY POLICY TOO MUCH NEG.
LEcTED BY EMPLOYERS.
How 1t Operates to the Advantage Of
Both Classes, Develops Physical and
Mental Man and Promotes Religion
Give the Employees Chance.


Were It not for rest and recreation the
lives Of mortals would be materially short
ened. faM' r' -
The classes to which this relief comes as
the most precious boon are the men who
pose over columns of figures in counting
rooms Of both mercantile and banking es-
adjustments and cotton concerns. fF
1t has been custom In the various cities
for years TO close business-houscs, at 3p. IN.
ON Saturdays during the heated term. This
generally extends from June Is TO Septem-
Der 1. A few years ago Memphis fell into
line, at first on small scale, but each year
increasing until now most OF the larger
houses, wholesale and retail, display the
mystic and cheering sign. ,..r
The greatest difficulty In carrying tho re-
form movement through was encountered
at the retail end Of the mercantile com
munity. This was quite natural. In
the wholesale line there was and could
be little objection. During the summer
months business with those dealers IL dull ut
best, and for five days and half time hangs
heavily on their hands. About all that
comes around are gotten off In good shape
by Friday night On Saturday the pro
prietors aud employees atdown and whilcd
away the hours with snake fish and other
improbable yarns. With retail men, particu-
larry those who serve the fair sex, circum-
stances were somewhat different. Saturday
afternoon, of all others, has been set apart by
ladies as the shopping period. Just why
this is 80 Is something no fellow can find
| out. II can't be for tho Sunday dinner, for
| dry goods stores don't deal in those commodi-
| ties. II can't be for new dress TO catch all
| eyes with at church, for that requires soma
| time 10 make. The explanation can only be
made on the theory that It Is the custom,
which Is always long and tedious lob to
| revolutionize
Memphis merchants lead the world In
| running their business to accommodate
and please customers. For this they are
famed, and by ii riches are rapidly accumu-
lating 10 their credit. Few who have be-
slowed their patronage are content TO with
draw IT, even under circumstances OF COM
pulsion, growing out OF removal 10 distance
| Revolution In the custom OF Saturday after
noon shopping could not be effected In one
| year OF two. Customers have TO be gradually
| drawn 20 the idea, trained as infants, as II
were. Once established, there will be no fu-
turc difficulty, and the retail stores may
close their doors at 3 o'clock pm. on. that
day without the loss Of q consequential
amount.
The Saturday haf-holday in summer has
a claim upon employers that no one can fail
to appreciate and conccde. II goes far to-
ward fostering and promoting Christian
work. Young men desire something more
than mere rest from their labors, yet this Is
all that a community inclined toward pious
refinement expects on the Sabbath. They
can on that day indulge their procliyities and
tastes for none Of those manly sports the
outcome Of which Is development OF physi-
cal and mental nature. Rest they obtain,
but not n the kind that Is really and truly
rcstful. IL lacks the rccreative feature,
without which the aim and intont Is ut least
a partial failure. Saturday afternoon, how
ever, may be and Is consccreated by the
liberated employees 10 baseball, tennis and
other healthy outdoor sports and amuse'
ments, puts them In frame Of mind "a
resign Sunday to It's proper observance
and starts them on the next weeks dutic'
with renewed vigor and pleasure. This
condition OF affairs Is fruitful TO all parties
alike. .a- ll.r
Cards announcing the weekly half holiday
are already conspicuously displayed alonl
Main and Front Streets but not with thu
universally the merits OF the moyemen
demand. II Is hoped and beloved Ttha
/, other houses will adopt the policy bcfor
many days have passed.