The San Francisco call., 1897-12-11

s. D. Magnus of Marshtield, Or, jour
neyed to San Francisco and bought a
stock of general merchandise, because he
was given free return ticket.
Moorehead d Co. of Nahcotta WASH,
general merchants, renewed an acquaint-
ance with San Francisco, made sixteen
years ago, and incidentally left eoOdly
! sum here in payment for extensive pur-
ch9se made.
Z. Gerson, a jeweler OF Los Angeles,
made his first visit in seven years. and
eft $1,000 behind him.
S. B. Cohen of Carson City, large dry-
goods dealer, spent a week and a round
sum, after half years absence.
The following buyers had not been in
this city for the length of time stated: ST.
ION Cohen, Ell Rio, general merchandise,
two years; NJ. Moyse, Chino, general mer-
chandise, two years; J. ?. Nelson, Sanger,
shoes, two years; f. NJ. Ordway, Merced,
stationery, two years; A. Lehman, Lom-
poe, general merchandise, three years; J.
Z. Klemmer, Willows, general merchan-
disc, one and q hall years; c. A. Brew,
San Luis Obispo, furniture, four years;
Joseph Stephens, Etna Mills, general mer-
chandise, two years; Hutz d COwden,
Holiister, general merchandise, tour years.
These names are merely selected a ran
dom. as out of the 223 buyers who regis
tered, the majority had not been accus-
toned to coming here to MAKE their pur-
chases. Some hum orous incidents light
ened the work Of the clerks under Mr..
Keeler, who looked after t comfort of
and gave in .ormation TO the visiting mer-
chants.
Simon Cohen, one OF the heaviest buy
ers who came, and who had not seen Mar
ket street for over two years, gave his res
idence as Jerusalem, but said that the
town was now known as El Rio.
'I settled there thirty years ago." said
Mr.. Cohen, when there was no house nor
person within miles. l built the first
cabin and began business. l named the
place Jerusalem, after the Holy City, and
l think 1t a prettier name than Ell Rio.
When other people came, and others than
Hebre VS. beca me inha bltants, there was
clamor for change of name. rivers be-
ing there the lovers OF Spanish titles nj adj
it EI Rio, and so it is. It's pity, for
| own half the place, and do so like the
name of Jerusalem"
Bill Nye registered from Santa Rosa,
where be sells books and stationery. His
name was not allowed TO pass without
comment Poor Bill Nye," said the
merchant. Il knew him well back East
| ana lived across the road from him. He's
dead now, and l, his namesake, keep his
| funny writings in stock. He made me
! laugh often when living and now / can't
| help smiling when l see his bald headed
| caricature so familiar to his readers"
L. Cert OF Ventura, seller of liquors,
! came TO buy a carload OF beer. He came
| by steamer, and knew nothing of tue league
| offer when he started. When he beca me
aware of the possibilities Of returning
| home free, he fastened TO register at the
| league Office. But he wanted to 60 home
! by rail, and though be ad not complied
with the regu atlons, and though the
league Literature expressly states that
| travellers must return the same way they
came Mr.. Cert thought he had q griev-
ance. He expressed himself openly as to
his belief in the league being a fake and
retired in disgust.
Many buyers failed to do what is put
| down as part OF the require ments on
| their part to obtain transportation gratis.
understand ii fully. Great allowances
were made for this condition, and every
| thing was done to enable them to receive
the advantages of the league.
| There was not as much enthusiasm at
| the outset on the part of the members as
| might have been expected, though when
| the work was once under way they en-
| tered into 1t wnole- Many mer-
chants here thought that there would be
! an unwlllingness on the part OF buyers TO
| register and conform with other regula-
| tions. This proved erroneous, for the
! visitors manifested every desire to do so.
! They were unanimous in their appre-
mem bers, and the eighty-four firms in the
| directory furnished buyers protited largely y
by their liberal spirit
4. w. Keeler stated to CALL represen-
| tative that the league and its parent, the
! Manufacturers and Producers Associa-
Jion, were thoroughly satisfied with re-
| suits. 1t was through the powerful in6u-
| ence OF the association that rates had
| been secured from the railroad and steam
| ship company, as no private or less
| weighty concern could have been success
ful in this vital part of the plan. 1t had
| taken solicitation and many efforts to
bring about the measure of success OBJ
| tained.
Some large Eastern houses have resi-.
dent statesmen here VINO take up their
homes at hotels and avoid expense though
practically running branch store in their
| rooms. prompt and radical remedy
must be found for this state OF affairs.
! Mr.. Keeler laid that the league would
| undoubtedly institute another movement
to bring buyers 10 the city in the spring,
| probably from the middle of February to
the 1st of April. Ii would be on a broad CT
and more extended basis, aud various de-
| tails were under consideration. BUYERS
| might have their fares paid both ways, or
sleepers might be given to those coming
long distances. Possibly stage fares
might be paid TO those who live off the
| railroad and steamship lines.
1t was hoped to induce the Oregon Navi-
CATION and Improvement Company and
| the Northern Pacific Railroad Company
to grant excursion rates, and these privi-
leges would largely expand the territory
now covered by the league offer.
The directory OF mem bers will be multi
piled, as already there are signs of a wish
| to parlake of the profits by many not now
in the league.