The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-10-18

routes terminate, Portland or San Francisco.
The go-betweens have established their connec-
lions IN these places, AID have arranged for
their commissions on sales. Seattle has been
growing in Importance, and it is probably only
aquestion of time when the regular steamers
will cease to run down 10 Portland, but will
make their terminus here. Then the whole of
the Independent trade viii fall into Seattle's
hands. As it is, we are getting more and more
every day, as the Alaska merchants learn that
We can supply them, and that the freight is
cheaper from here. The staples in hardware are
Chiefly sent at present.
E. Lobe, of the Golden Rule Bazaar, thought
that the difficulty of making collections under
Alaska laws made unusual caution necessary
in dealing there. But the business was gener-
ally for cash or very short credit. Fort Wran-
gel, Howcan, Sitka and Juneau were furnishing
him with customers
Schwabacher Bros. believe that it is only a
question of time until the business comes to Sc
attic. This city has bi-monthly service, while
there is only monthly service from Portland.
This makes the wholesale houses of Seattle
much more available to the Alaska merchants
Furthermore, it is likely that Seattle's facilities
for trade with the territory viii still further i'm
prove. The firm is reaching out for the trade
and is confident that the great bulk OF il will
soon be in the hands OF merchants here
Ralph A. Schoenfeld, secretary of the Stand
ard Furniture Company, said: ave have been
doing little shipping TO Alaska on each
steamer, but have made but little special effort
to work up business there. We found there was
too little in ii for u.s. as the class of furniture
bought there is cheap goods, on which the mar
gin OF profit is very small. l have been told by
friend OF mine who has been there in the in
terest OF a Portland boot and shoe house, that
trade Is very good there and of a desirable
kind
Fred Sylvester, manager for Shoudy Brothers
said he knew but little about Alaska trade in
general, as they had only one customer there, a
meat dealer, who buys his live stock here and
ships feed from here also TO feed the cattle
While they are waiting to be killed. He said
their shipments average from fifteen TO twenty
tons on each boat. In addition to feed and
grain the same dealer buys eggs, butter and
vegetables from them.
J. Trow bridge, chief clerk in the Pacific Coast
Steamship Company's Office, stated that no re-
ducton had been made in Alaska rates, but
merchants up there found they could buy
cheaper in Seattle than they could in Portland,
and consequently Seattle is beginning TO get
the bulk OF the trade.
Mr.. Charles Loueh. wholesale and retail grocer
ana pork packer, said: 81 keep a man in Alaska
all the time, and find the trade worth seeking.
This summer has been dull but the resources of
the country are splendid and the trade will
surely come. The position of Seattle is such
that we can compete successfully with Portland
and San Francisco. On on even basis of freight
rates the rival towns would be at disadyan-
tage"
Mr.. George nellie, of the firm of Nellie & Engei-
brecht, dealers in window glass. mirrors, sash
and DOORS said: ave receive a few orders but
do not have a large trade with Alaska. 1t would
not pay to send representative, the orders are
so small Our line depends on the activity OF
building, and of course we watch Developments
Alaska has the resources, and some day will
how do rail lrNssl, afra
John Schram, president OF the John Schram
Company, dealers in hardware, tinware and
plumbers supplies, said: al have not made
much of an effort to secure the Alaska trade in
late years. The long distance and the meager
knowledge possible to be attained concerning
the credit OF firms made it rather risky dealing.
OF late, however, there has been great increase
in our trade with SItka and Juneau. Merchants
in Alaska prefer TO trade in Seattle because
orders may be sent down and shipped ON the
return trip of the same boat In this matter we
have an immense advantage over Portland and
San Francisco. The principal goods shipped
are sheet-iron, unware and stoves.
Chester l. Foresman, bookkeeper of the Seat
tie steam Candy Company, said: 1--WE do our
business in Alaska through the Crescent Manu-
featuring Company. This is the first summer
that we have attended to the trade aud we have
been successful beyond our expectation. Since
July we have shipped three orders, the last
being part OF the cargo taken by the Mexico.
There is not trade enough to pay to send man
with one line, but by combining the Crescent
Manufacturing Company, Northwestern Cracker