The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-04-11
THE MERCHANTS WEEK.
Discussion at the Business Mems
Banquet.
THE PLANS NOT YET MATURED.
Good ideas Advanced by the Several Pro-
inent Speakers Present-Grest Bargains
and Great Attractions Will Probably be
Onered-A Gala Week for Providence.

The Business Mems Association held its
third festival Saturday evening in Til
linghast's parlors, Westminster street.
The members and friends sat down to one
Of Tillinghast's best suppers.
This meeting was called for the express
purpose Of discussing the proposed "Mer-
chants Week" to be held in June, Inc to
listen to some of the prominent business
and professional men or the subject.
President Ba.rdeen said he was glad to
welcome those present, and had hoped for
. better attendance, as the subject for dis
cussion, namely, Merchants Week."
was one which he wished all to hear. The
speakers. he said, were not posted very
member when there had been anything Of
the kind in Providence, though Boston
and other cities had successfully attempt
ed such . festival. Mr.. Barden called
upon the chairman Of the Merchants
Week" committee to state what had been
done By the committee in that direction,
and what ideas for that celebration had
been advanced.
Mr.. Bennett said that the support Of the
merchants wa absolutely necessary and
n they would agree to help, the Business
Mems Association would use their utmost
endeavor to promote the enterprise. No
plan had been definitely arranged but any
suggestions would be gratefully received.
President Bardeen read letters of regret
rom Gov.-elect Brown and Ex-Mayor
Hayward. Gov. Ladd and G. II. George
were expected but could not be present.
Prof. George A. Littlefeld of the State
Normal School was introduced rs the hest
speaker and said that he felt out of place
speaking in the place Of governors and
governors-elect, but that he was heartily
an favor al such a project as was under
way to observe the proposed Merchants
Week" was to make special bargains to
attract business men rather than to in
terest the younger element in light enter
tainment. There is no reason why Provi-
dence should not draw tradc- from mHuy
parts OF Massachusetts,. New Hampshire
and CORNERSTONE, which are nearer here
than either New York or Boston. Prof.
Littlefeld also said that a tariff debate
between speakers OF national repute
would assist to draw people to Providence
and when they are here use them In a fair
manner so that they will come and send
orders again. The city council also ought
70 give all the assistance in its power as
the result ought to be beneficial to the
whole city.
Alfred Stone was next introduced and
agreed with Prof. Littlefeld and wished
TO go a step farther. The manufacturers
could take their customers and visitors
through their establishments, especially
those firms who sell directly to retail
dealers and not through jobbers. There
are many shops in Providence and Paw
tuckef, the duplicates of which canpot
be found the world over aud the novelty
20 outsiders cannot be appreciated by US
who are accustomed to them. Rhode
Island ought to show the outside world
what we have to be proud OF.
John McAuslan OF the Boston store was
tho ext speaker. He said the idea of
Merchants Week" was n new one to him
and ne was not able togive the committee
any advice on the subject. The vast in
crease In mmer and railroad facilities
since 1928 was commented upon aud also
1he difference in the manner of doing
business now and many years z Bust
ness has TO be doomed nevada, = and the
idea of a Merchants Week" will boom
business to Q greater or less degree as il is
Intended He agreed with Mr.. Littleheld
% the main, but he thought that some
entertainment ought to be provided to
attract beside the bargains. A day down
the river, another at Narragansett Park
were suggested, and the speaker said that
be was personally In favor Of the enter
prise.
benjamin W. Gallup Of the Home In
veetnent Company was next introduced,
and said that a great deal OF faith and con-
ddencs In needed to Insure the success Of
the venture, and though many would not
fall Ia with the idea at first, they would
al b Obliged 10 Ret into the game IA or
der not Il get left.
Gen. Olnsy Arnold said he came 10 the
neetinR with . blank mind, but the ideas
advanced rsceived bis endorsement. He
spoke ~ a banker Of the close relations ~
nerchants and bankers. aud said that N
~ merchants prosper the banks prosper
= DsoDost1ons 20 be was In favor OF any