Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1888-04-20
Official Paper for the Territory.
OLYMPIA. WASHINGTON TER.
OLYMPIA. FRIDAY EVENING. APRIL 20, 1855.
The Effects of Opposition.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE.
hrx,.,.,. I'll. 700.

Inc Effects OF Imposition.
The late reduction OF fare on the
steamers plying between Olympia and
Seattle has caused considerable alarm
among some of our business men,
who, with remembrance of the effect
OF opposition rates several years ago,
anticipate the loss of mnch trade that
would under ordinary conditions I'M
questionably augment local business.
After Il careful consideration of the
situation, we have formed the belief
that these apprehensions are ground
less. 1t must be remembered that
business methods have greatly changed
within the past few years; that we
have gradually grown out of the pro-
vincial habits that at one time held
local trade in such thraldom that when
close competition prevailed resulted
in the loss of patronage which should
have been retained, and would doubt
less have been maintained. had a diff
ferent policy been pursued by those
most interested. Trade was in a great
measure controlled by men of conser-
vativc ideas, who had been schooled in
those safe, but sure" forms that pre-
vail in nearly all new communities.
The merchant usually bought within
his means, and kept his wares until he
could dispose of them at what he con-
sidered a reasonable, but in reality Il
large, profit. He had not yet realized
the fact that with the progress of 4
steady development the old system
should give way to the new; that as
the means of cheap transportation in
creased, as distance was annihilated
by the facilities for rapid transit, and
increased trade justified smaller mar
gin of profit, that he should accustom
himself, and adapt his business, to the
new order of things.
A change has gradually, but almost
iniperceptibly,: been going on, until
odr'kading merchants are now able to
compete in quality of goods and the
prices at which they are sold, with the
most favored houses in much larger
cities. This is no iGle boast. 1t is
true, as reference to many transac-
tons has amply proven. 1t may seem
almost incredible, but goods have been
bought at retail, in Olympia, by visit
ors from Portland and San Francisco
who have been led by mere curiosity
to examine and price them, for ship
ment to those favored marts, with the
assurance that the quality was equal
and the rates less than the goods could
be purchased for at home. This ap-
plies especially to ladies' dress and fur.
nishing goods. The explanation oil
this seemingly impossible proposition
Is, that much more capital is now EN-.
ployed by our merchants than former.
lN<fkS Stocks arr larger, and bought
in some instances direct from the man.
ufacturer or importer, and that there
is large margin in favor of our local
trade in the smaller expenses in al
most every detail of conducting bust
ness.
The fact that low prices prevail here
is very generally known. A suit o.
clothes can now be bought in Olympus
as cheaply as in Seattle or Portland
Household goods are sold at about the
same figure that they can be bought fol
abroad, without an additional cost fol
transportation, and under these con
ditions there is no necessity or dispo
sition manifested to buy from strang
ers, when the pocket does not protes
against purchasing from our own PEG
pie.
These are the reasons why opposi
ton rates have no terrors for us now
We are able to compete with oul
neighbors, and shall derive quite a,
much benefit from transient visitor
as they will obtain from such of ou
people as wish to take advantage .
cheap passage for a trip abroad.