Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
DEPARTMENT STORES
John Wanamaker Before the
Industrial Commission.
He Shows the Advantages Such Con-
binations Offer to Tradesmen and
to the Consumer-He Says Such
Stores Shorten Hours of Labor.

Washington, Dec. 15.-John Wanna
maker appeared before the industrial
commission this morning to discuss the
general subject of department stores
His testimony took the form of an es-
say on the conditions which have pro-
duced such a union of many enter
prises under one roof, the advantages
such a combination offer to the trades
man, and the effect on retail prices.
1T will be admitted he said in
concluding, that the large retail store
of the period is beneficial to society,
and therefore has a substantial eco
nomic and moral basis for it's existence
The department store is not the inven-
ton of any person or group of persons.
1t is a natural product, evolved from
conditions that exist as a result of
, fixed trade laws. Cheaper capital bet
ter transportation, more rapid COM
munication, make the modern retail
store possible and natural therefore,
inevitable. Executive capacity, COM
bined with command of capital find
opportunity in these conditions which
are harmonious with the irresistible de-
termination of the producer to meet the
consumer directly and of merchandise
of least resistance. Prices are reduced
to the consumer very largely. All of
the reductions in prices created by the
producers and manufacturers savings,
plus the reduction in retail profits con-
sequent upon the concentration of large
distribution at a single point, should
go to the consumer. That this is the
practical result is shown in the low re-
tail prices that generally prevail
Mr.. Wanamaker then cited as in
stances of such reduction, wooden, silk
and cotton fabrics, kitchen utensils,
stamped metal, standard patters of
French china dinnerware and many
other articles of metal, wood or iron.
Reduced prices" he said, stimulate
consumption and increase employ
ment. More labor is required for pro-
duction, transportation and distribu-
ton. This last element highly impor-
tant, especially in the handling of mer-
chandise in large retail stores. The
personal comfort and taste involved in
the vast majority of retail transactions
creates immense detail that requires a.
1Iar- Of fo,
istration and increases enormously the
labor required for the distribution of
merchandise. 1t opens new avenues of
employment for women and enlarges
others, and is, therefore, advantageous
to women. 1t is sound opinion that the
increased employment created by the
department store goes to women with
out curtailing that of men.
In general it may be stated that
large retail stores have shortened the
hours of labor, and by systematic dis
cipline have made it lighter The small
store is harder upon the sales person
and clerk. The effects upon the char
acter and capacity of the employees
oIC SOoh- "A N6ll-OTueIeu DOu6rn re-
tail store is a means of education in
spelling, writing, English language,
system and method. Thus it becomes
to the ambitious and serious employees
in small way, university, in which
| character is broadened by intelligent
instruction practically applied
As to the effect of combination stores
on small shOpkeepers, Mr.. Wanamaker
said it could not be denied that the
latter were placed at a disadvantage.
But while this was true, their interests
was very small in comparison with
those of the great mass of the people.
The wholesalers and jobbers were also
affected, for the reason that the de-
partment stores bought direct from the
manufacturer and the public profited
by what was saved in the middlemans s
commission.
In answer to a question Mr.. Wanna
maker said he believed the fixing of
gold basis for the finances of the coun-
try and the proper regulation of the
tariff so that it would stay regulated,
would mark a step of progress in the
interest of the business of the country.
PARKER WINS.