New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-03

T,
THAN HERE.
Gowns from Paris Workmanship and Design-Prces
OF London Coats-Experienoes at Home-Dresses
Soiled on the Pier.
II began, "A woman cannot get as good wearing ap-
parel in New York she in London and Paris tor
the same price, with duty added
This article abcunded with statements that could be
easily proven untrue, We therefore regarded It as an
attack upon the entire retail business of New York. with
out doubt the most advanced city OF the world IN retail
merchandising In the belle. that the Evening Post would
welcome information that would correct this good
natred discussion followed the writer of the article and
the nrblisher were readily convinced Of the mistake At
this time there was no thought of Withdrawing our adver
Using from the Evening Post"
We expected nothing but the correction of error by
truthful statement. Disappointment followed and 1t was
proven that the article in question was written under
editorial direction.
After this we simply omitted send advertising to
N. Evening Post" and have had communications
upon the subject since March 18th. The point to be con-
sdcred is whether it is wise to expend money upon adj
vertising in paper tina, by editorial policy deprcciaes its
own advertising value.
The situation at this date so far concerned,
,reuans unchanged but the Evening Post printed on
the 18th of March editorial from which the following
is taken The of the portion printed not affected
by the omission Of the latter part
I'VE print two letters to-day relating to the absence
from our columns of the usual announcements Of certain
d,vooods firms These correspondents and others wish
to know the reason of the sudden withdrawal OF this usual
information for shopping subscribers The reason
that considerable number of dry-goods hrms are dis
pleased with treatment of the baggage matter and
some cognatc subjects. They claim the night to direct
our mode of treating certain topics is the custom, we
are informed in Philadelphia II they would not sbso
lucly prohibit the baggage topic, they would have pre-
ferred that should let 1t alone But they especially
object the appearance in Our columns OF any mention
even by correspondents of the fact that some goods are
nsVd Ito. hOft
complying with their desire is that we have always pre-
sented our independence both in the choice of topics
and in our of treating them, as our chief ue 10
public confidence Any departure from this policy under
pecunary inducements from the outside, would constitute
fraud OF very gross kind readers so that how
ever reasonable the demand may be, we cannot comply
with it,"
The aluson to Philadelphia directs the animus OF the
editorial from which the quotation is made especially
against our firm. Its allegations by implication are,
every of them, in general and in particular without
foundation in fact so far as our hrm is concerned
We were not dlspleased with the fosls treatment
of the baggage matter.
We did net claim the right to direct the Posts
treatment of the baggage matter and other cognae sub
iccts The Post " has letter of ours proving this
We never have tried to direct the policy of any Pha-
delphia newspaper (save the North American" now
owned by members Of our hrn), upon any SUBJECT IN
which we have business interest.
We never have objected truthful comparisons of
American and English prices.
We never have questioned the independence OF the
"Post" nor solicited it to become absurd.
When requested TO supply facts TO the Post " we
have declined to assist in its editorial work.
We have never asked the Post " to compromise its
honesty Our only contention has been that il should
% honrsL
We have been liberal customers and useful business
friends of the Evening Post" have asked nor
desired favors at its hands We members of any
organization for the control of advertising rates for
any other purpose.
But now for business reasons, being compelled to sus-
pend buying its advertising, not permitted to with
draw quietly The sting OF the editorial scorpion is to be
found in the of allegation implication, innuendo;
subtle and pervasive but carefully kept within the danger
line Of lbeous expression.
Common decency would have protected US from the
license Of Misrepresentation in the article in question: bu,
prejudice in this case has bndfoded courtesy and dis
missed truth as a supernumerary
A critical examination OF the POSTS" action develops
the humour of its position in this matter
What sensible advertiser would for moment desire to
control its policy or influence its opinions to conform to
his own if he Differed Such value as it may have the
advertiser rests upon its power reach certain class of
readers The retailer wants customers and it is affair
Ct his whether they free traders proectoniss
pansionis,s or anexpansionists proec,onist in
vertising
MOI We only wanted the Post to be truthful but
that was before j, forgot itself and became malicious
JOHN WANAMAKER.