Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-12-14
aword With Christmas Purchasers.


purchases Is doubtless one OF different
degree to different people. No one, how
ever, disputes the fact that this fascina-
ton is a tangible reality under normal
conditions The perplexities which attend
il do not appear to materially lessen Its
effect. 1t would be idls here to endeavor
to anal we this charm 1t IL sufficient
for present purposes that it exists ard
that we have the wherewithal and dis
position to enjoy it. 10 a certain sense
it Is duty we owe ourselves to make
the most Of It. II we can give, enjoy
giving. then by all means let US give,
though within reasonable limits. There
Is always some recipient to whom the
uift will be a blessing, which insures that
the giving will be blessing as well, and
the whole transaction the reverse of per
functory.
There Is IA spontaneity which seems
necessary TO the full enjoyment of the
Christmas purchssings. Conse q uen,ly 1t
would seem III advised in discussing the
matter to lecture about duty, which we
occasionally like to think Of by some
other name. However, no one is likely
to resent the suggestion to make sure tie
stores q our town haven't what we want
before going elsewhere; also 10 s. carefully
examine our goods before looking else
where.
OF course no one really expects gem
uine Yankee to turn his back upon what
he deems an excellent bargain. But
along with the many admirable charac-
teristlcs of the Yankee is that which leads
him to expend money and time in getting
to bargain and getting the bargain
home and which, after it is once secured
and examined carefully and reflectively
and the cost Of all the details and in
cidentals are considered, is found to repre-
sent greater expenditure than the regular
price. And 50 there are many of us,
members of largely interdependent
cDID uullN WIN ~ away W. iiih'NN OAAAi'p
mas purchases, which in almost every
instance it were better to make at home.
This will hold true especially in the case
of a purchase, concerning the intrinsic
value of which we wish to be assured, aud
for which we are willing to pay cash.
When those conditions exist the home
trader can give Us as favorable terms,
ninety nine times in IA hundred as the
one who does business in distant city.
surely we ought to give the merchant,
who pays taxes here, whose living ex-
penses are disbursed here, the benefit Of
a trial. We may not be connected with
the professions of butcher, baker or
candlest tick maker, we may not by mar
rage or blood relation have interest in
any of the large and well stocked stores
along the street; but what effects them
affects us If we continue to live in town
We cannot avoid that fact, so perhaps the
suggestion not to avoid the displays in
our stores this Christmas season Is peril
nent after ALL We would add that IA care
full reading of the Journals advertising
columns will not only be of interest but
will afford great convenience to the pur-
chaser, as a comprehensive idea of what
may be found in the different salesrooms
may be obtained from these columns al
most every morning.
No admission to all these beautiful dis
plays is charged so having read the Jour
nal tour of sightseeing and possibly
shopping Is in order 1t really does one
good to see how many beautiful things
there are In the world, to feel that II We
may not have them all this fact does not
deprive others the enjoyment of them.
Each will find something within
means and besides may-if in the right
spirit-enjoy looking at what others are
to have. At any rate the sightseeing and
with other shoppers and
sightscers will do us all a world Of good,
put us in touch with humanity, infuse US
with the delicious sense that life is worth
living, and that it is at its best when We
are devising means and ways to make
Others happy.