The record-union., 1897-03-01
a HOME PRODUCT EXPOSITION

Something over year ago the Rec
ordUnion' pointed out the value that
Home Product exhibition would be to
the people of this county and city. Sew
eIal other cities and counties in 1880
and 1896 in several States of the Union,
successfully held such exhibitions and
we notice in our Eastern exchanges
that preparations are on foot in other
places to follow that example. Two
cities in California, we believe, have held
such expositions with common profit to
al the people
The success of the Food Exposition
just closed in this city suggests a re-
newal of the proposition Of last year,
namely, that not later than July of this
year, and May or June, would be far
preferable, a home product exhibition
be held in this city, all the exhibits to be
confined to those of Sacramento produc-
ton and manufactures. If possible
admission should be Free or for a very
low or nominal fee, the expenses being
borne by sale of privileges and space
for exhibition. Such light evening en-
tertainment might be added to the expo
sition, as would serve to augment the
social interest in it.
The chief value of such an exposition
resides in the education of the people
in the knowledge of what is made and
produced at their own doors, for 1T is a
fact, that not a majority of the peo-
pie, indeed far less than a majority,
have an adequate idea of the number of
things produced at hime, which are pre-
cisely as good and often are better than
imported articles of similar manufac-
ture and production. AS a means of
ducers and manufacturers such an ex-
position would be an efficient agency.
The community that does not support
its home producers and manufacturers
when as good an article can be had
here as that brought from some other
community, Is blameworthy. Where a
community of this size does not afford
such support, 1t is largely due to two
causes, namely ignorance of the facts
and failure of the producers and manu-
facturers to thoroughly advertise. One
OF the best means to teach them the
value of advertising their wares is just
such an exposition as we propose. There
will therefore be gain all around by
holding such home fair. The mediums
Of press advertising will benefit, the
people viii learn what they are en-
titled to know, and the producers and
manufacturers will find an increased
and probably profitable demand for
their wares and hence the necessity to
advertise them well
It is related as an incident illustra-
tive of the fact that We do not all know
how far we are producers and manu-
facturers Of some of the smaller. but
not less essential things Of common use,
that a householder who has been ac-
customed to buy a certain kind of
sauce for his table. was more than par
tial to that brand. His wife learned
that such sauce was made here. but
the husband resolutely refused to sup
plant the old and foreign brand with
the new or home product. The wife.
thereupon purchased the home article
and placed 1t in the cases Of the foreign
and served it upon her table for con-
siderable time before she revealed the
secret, none of the family discovering
the change. Close examination and
test were then had, and it was found
that the home article was pure and lust
what was claimed for it, while the for
eign was sophisticated and largely a
cheat.
In another case of which we have
knowledge. home article is taken
abroad, adulterated, treated, rebottled
and sold back into the community in
which it is produced and at a higher
price than the genuine can be had for
at home. 1t is probable that other cases