New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-07
BUSINESS PESSIMISTS-

A BAD HABIT CHARGED AGAINST NETWORK
COMMISSION MEN THAT SHOULD BE STOPPED.
To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: Fabric buyers who come to this market
from all over the United States In search Of stock
say that New-York Is the "blucst" trade centre on
the Continent-that "A class local merchants are
less sangune with regard to future prospects than
their contemporaries in other cities II this is true
IL Is serious arraignment OF New-York commits
sion men. and every agent in the drysoods dis
tr!ct should take II upon himself to determine
inc nature and extent Of his individual culpabiity
IN the abstract IL would seem that the very re-
verse OF this condition should exist. Beyond qu-s
ton New-York Is the greatest fabric market in
the world. No other city has so large and pop
uous an area tributary TO 1t. nor does any other
market possess the commercial facilities enjoyed
by local distributors Of woollens and drygoods
Visiting buyers are not alone In remarking upon
the pcssimisn OF New DIRK commission merchants
Manufacturers from the great fabric producing
centres of the country substantiate the assertion
Indeed there mmen who state emphaiical
that then agents in the local field habitualiy cast
discTedit upon all that makes for future progress
and the betterment of trade conditions.
SO general have such complaints become OF Int
as to make 1t appear strongly probable that they
have some foundation In fact. II exists
for pessimism it is serious menace TO CONNER
ciaI progress and the remedy should be sought
most diligently II causeless pessirnism is a
FACTOR IN the situation, a remedy Is even more
essential. The habit of pessimism is dangerous
one; ii is a drawback to the successful conduct Of
business, !! Is contagious. tnwittingly the visitor
absOrbs IL whenever he Is in atmo sphere
charged with its commerce destroying germs
The optims, is constantly mCreasi his circle Of
business acqua.ntances and enlargins the scope of
MS commercial Influence. II his prophecies are
somewhat highly colored they at least soothing
10 the sensibilities. Buyer and manufacturer
alike rejoice in an expression OF hope from the
commission man. The agent himself becomes on
thusiostc In the effort to insul confidence. In
short. all interests are benefited
If there is a nessim!st in the wholesale fabric
market he should mend his ways The doubling
Thomas easily convince himself Of business
error by introspection. No man is benefited by
constantly belittng future business prospects
least of all the one who permits himself to Indulge
in this pernicious habit. There Is no surer way
of bringing about stagnation in trade than by
persstently shouting the probability Of its exist
ence from the house tops.
Instances not unknown In which manu-
facturers have become SO thoroughly disheartened
that they forthwith countermanded orders for
but the influence Of pessimistic commission men IL
market.
The optimis will do more business IN given
time. do II quickly, and at a better margin
OF profit than he who goes about with a wet
blanket ready to throw It over the manufacturer
purchaser who manifests the slightest desire TO
take an encouraging view of the situation. The
chronic pessimist eclipses himself and his business
prospects. A. W. LlGHTBOCRN.
NeW-YOrk Aug 2, 1898