Semi-weekly independent., 1896-04-25
THE MONON SEED CO.
METHODS OF CHICAGO COMPANY
INDICATE FRAUD.
Propositions Limited to Three People in "a
Neighborhood Sent out in Quantities
A Peculiar Limitation Of "Locaiity"
Gives Their Methods shady Hue.

Some time since THE INDEP ENDENT
published an advertisement OF the
MonOn Seed Co., of Chicago 1t offer
ed prizes to those who would make a
list of the largest number OF words
containing only the letters which occur
in "MonOn Seeds Grow" and attracted
considerable attention.
Many people of this city and vicinity
began the preparation of lists. When
completed these Ii IT'S were mailed to
Chicago and in due time what pur-
ports to be typewriter letter, but what
Is in fact printed circular letter with
merely the address written with type
writer, was mailed to each of the con-
testants.
The prizes offered in the advertise
ment were cash. The letter proposed
to give neighborhood prizes in addition
to the cash prizes advertised. The let
ter reads as follows:
Dear Madam:-On the ID of last
month The Monon Seed Co. commence
prize to the three contestants in each
locality from whom we received the
best list of words made from the letters
contained in "Monon Seeds Grow
You are one of the lucky three and
entitled to one of the extra prizes for
your locality. The other two are being
notified today.
If you return the enclosed agreement
signed within six days you will be given
first choice of the three extra Neigh
borhOod" prizes.
The three extra prizes consist of:
First A very pretty, genuine diamond
ring, gold setting, guaranteed genuine }
Second-A genuine Ansonia watch
(gentleman's siZe,) American movement
stem wind and set, guaranteed an ac-
curate and reliable time-piece and alb
sOlutely dust and water proof.
Third-An after dinner Silver Tea
Set, three pieces, tea pot, cream and
sugar. quadruple plate, prettily engrav
ed and cream pitcher is gold lined.
These extra "NeighborhOod' prizes
have no connection and do not inter
fere with the regular prizes which will
be given in the contest, and rewarded
promptly at close of same. No charge
whatever is made for this extra prize,
excepting that you order our Spring
Collection of forty beautiful Flowering
Bulbs $50 and agree to show them
now and also during the season when
in bloom, to your friends and neIghbors
and tell them we have many just such
bargains.
The object of these extra prizes is to
have our bargains In Bulbs thoroughly
advertised in every locality, and viii be
sent only ON conditions named in agree
ment.
Please understand that it is necessary
to return the enclosed agreement sign
ed within six days which entities you
to first choice of the three extra elegant
prizes. Kindly accept our congratula-
tiOns and we trust your receiving this
extra prize will increase our popularity
in your section. We remain
Sincerely yours,
The MOnon Seed Co.
1t will be noticed that each recipient
of one of these letters was zone of the
lucky three" OF course there may
arise some question as to the specific
definition of the word locality" but
the general acceptance in cases of this
kind would be that locality meant the
village or city, and not the people of a
block or short section of street.
We have no further comment tC
make at this time, but shall deem it a
favor on the part of every subscriber
who received one of these letters tC
give us further information in regard
to the matter. 1t has bad look as il
stands, but if the Monon Seed Co. i:
dealing fairly and justly with its pa
irons, We shall be very glad indeed tt
set them right before the people of thu.
locality.