Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1892-08-19
COL. L. K. FULLER's REPLY.

Lddj"> and Gegfjemer:-The industry
that Is the occasion OF this assemblage
stands crowned with forty-siX wears of his
toric life. During the first tiye OF these
years Jacob Estey was in one way or anoth-
er associated with three others, during the
next fifteen years with four others. the next
twenty-fOur wears with TWO others. and
these TWO, Tor The last two years. have. a
surviving partners, continued the business.
His chair Is vacant, but his influence lives.
The first workman that entered within
the wall, of the infant industry Is present
tonight The men OF thirty. twenty. ten
and nyc years ago are with Us in important
numbers. Their children are with us also.
Employees nave always been sought from this
town. county, or adjoining counties. Gen
GRAFTON succeeding generation they are 10
the manner born. II d a matter of home
talent and local training.
The sale of the produc, of the factories
has been conducted upon lines OF perman-
ency. The agent of forty years ago is still
the agent. and Is with us to- night As the
business grew new men were raised up as
agents, and they have grown with the par
ent growth. But as time and business
methods have changed, as selling agents
nave died, moved away or retired from
business, permanently has been secured Dy
entering into favorable arrangements at
prominent points, and thus an eyer-widen-
ing and influential belt is girdling the COM
mercial world
The interests Of the employees. the agents
and the parent house are considered 10 be
mutual and inteT-dependent. In order 10
attain permanently the prosperity of all
must be secured. Such wisdom and intel
ligence as have been vouchsafed the firm
have been as much al the disposal of the
one as the other; the latch-string of the
home OF the employer is always left within
easy reach; the door OF the Office swings
loosely on its hinges and all may freely en-
ter, The moral, educational, social, in
dustrial and other responsible relations
properly growing out OF the circumstances
here developed, have received attention,
and as the way has opened it has been
followed, humbly acknowledging an over
ruling Providence III the affairs of men,
The firm have always acted as unit. hav-
ing but one voice, one aim, one object, &C
knoWledging in their own minds the meas
urt OF responsibility that has attached 10
them
The facts here developed of approval on
the part of the employees, of satisfactory
relations with the agents, and of commend
alton of the citizens, of the recognition on
the part of His EXcelency the Governor
OF the state, and OF "a large and appreciative
public throughout so wide portion of the
world, increase the measure of responsible
tiles.
The success of this house does not in
any way rest upon the misfortunes OF
other houses, or on triumph over any firm
IN matters OF commerce but side by side
with all competitors, without combination
or arrangement conceding 10 all an open
market and freedom of action, these years
of history have been made
We take this opportunity 10 make suit
able acknowledgment of our just sense of
appreciation Of kindly words and deeds
from all, employees, agents, citizens. Off
cials, friends, competitors, the trade at