Omaha daily bee., 1898-10-20

1t was the plainly written duty Of every en-
ployer to close his store all day long In or
der to make the final day OF the exposition
what the directors meant 1t to be, day
when every Omaha citizen, rich and poor
alike, could mingle on the grounds. I'VE
will remain closed all day." he said "and
our 600 employees will be given chance to
have a good time There is one proviso to
the arrangement. however" added Mr.. Hay
den, with smile, land that is that you
newspaper men do not get out an afternoon
paper on that day."
Mr. Brandeis OF the Boston store said that
the management had decided after consd-
erng the claims which the day had on pa
triotic Omaha citizens to remain closed dur
ing the entire day OF October 81. The hope
was expressed that other stores would act on
a similar impulse in order that the day
/ might be made a record breaker from the
attendance primarily Of Omaha people. The
store will contribute its quota OF over 500
employees toward making the occasion a sue
cess.
A less favorable opinion was expressed by
w. r. Bennett of the w. R. Bennett COM
pany. who felt that his establishment would
hardly be able to close up. I'VE remained
closed on the opening day." said Mr.. Ben
nett, "and were almost alone in that action.
We do not feel therefore that it will be pos
sible to participate in this occasion in a
similar way. though we wish for 1t an un-
! limited success
Not Certain About Closing.
Mr.. Rosenthal OF the Peoples Furniture
and Carpet company approved cordially OF
the intention to make Omahas official par
ticipation in the exposition the crowning
event of its career. The matter had not
been definitely decided upon by the store
management, but Mr.. Rosenthal said that
in all probability the employees would be
given their liberty, especially II the same
action were taken by other large stores
The store employs about $50 men.
The same view was taken by Mrs. Benson
who said that her establishment would be
guided by the action of other employers in
the matter. II the plan OF keeping closed
house were generally adopted her store
would not be found less patriotic thar
others, and the exposition attendance would
be increased by the number OF thirty girls
with their escorts.
Mr.. Belden of Thompson, Belden G. Co
said that the present intention OF his firm
is to keep open on October 81. I'VE hav,
already been as liberal as possible" h,
said, with our employees in the matter o.
exposition sightseeing. Almost all of then
have already had week off with a con
tinuance Of pay in order that they nigh
have a thorough opportunity to see the ex
position. The remainder will be given thei
vacation at once and we believe that th
plan has been advantageous to all partie.
concerned"
Opposition to the Idea.
| A. C. Raymer. hardware: l am oppose,
to closing our store on that day. / wan
the celebration TO bo a success, but can Sc
no reason why we should be expected 4
close up. There will be lots OF stranger
, in town that day who will not go out to tn
exposition and they will want some plae
, to go.
George w. Kelley for Kelley, Stiger 1
, Co.; l object TO closing the stores. Afte
the hard times through which Omaha ha
, passed in recent years l think II an impo
sltion to ask the retailer to close up. How
ever. IL all the other large stores close o.
that day we will; but 1t has got to be
CLOSE" and no side door or behind tn
blinds business.
Morris Levy, for the Nebraska Clothin
company: II the other clothing store
close, we will. We have had a good bust
ness this summer, and are willing to clos
up for a day. provided other dealers d
the same
r. S. Wilcox, for Browning, King G. Co,
I am for anything which will make Oman
! day the big day of the exposition. wi