The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-12-14
IS MADE PERMANENT
Implement and Hardware
Men formally Organize,
ATTENDANCE WAS LARGE
Splendid Speeches Are Made
Regarding the Purpose
OF THE FIRST SESSION
Meetings. Success Exceeded
All Expectations,
OF THE FIRST SESSION

what is considered as one Of the most
important meetings ever held in Wichita
was the session Of the Southwest kan
sas and Oklahoma Implement and Hard
ware Dealers association at the Sedg-
wick Music hall yesterday afternoon and
last night. Dealers and representatives
from over southwest Kansas and Okla
hona were in attendance and the organi-
cation Of an association which is bound
to be Of immense benefit to this part Of
the state was made permanent. Nearly
one hundred names were added to the
enrolment books, and this is only the
beginning.
At all times there was that interest
which marks the successful venture and
the visitors from over southwest Kansas
and Oklahoma were busy getting ac-
ouainted with the local dealers and job
hers
This is the first time in the history OF
this part Of Kansas that a meeting was
called where the dealer. jobber and man
ufacturer were invited, and as evidence
that the invitation was appreciated the
attendance can be taken as an estimate.
No one interested in the movement had
any idea that the attendance would be
so large at the first gathering. The men
were surprised themselves. Everywhere,
however. could be heard words of approx
al Of the movement and the organiza-
ton so recently formed.
The movement was not started until
late in November and circular letters at
that time were sent out over the terri
tory tributary to Wichita, asking the
dealers to meet here on December 10.
That they responded is evidenced by the
fact that the attendance was large and
the persons who were at the head of the
affair we're surprised, yet pleased that
the outlook is so bright for the organiza-
ton
Every dealer in this section Of the
country has felt the need Of such an or
ganization. While meeting once a year
does not seem to be much, yet it means
a great-deal TO the dealers who get to-
getber at that time to compare notes and
also TO buy a portion of their stocks Of
goods.
That the organization VIII meet with
success there can be no question. No
other organization in the history Of the
state has had such beginning. and
within a few months from this date the
association viii be a power that viii
make itself felt over the portion Of kan
sas and Oklahoma where its territory is.
The session was opened at 1870 yester-
day. Mr.. w A. Johnson, Of the Plano
Manufacturing company, was made the
temporary chairman. Immediately after
taking the chair Mr.. s. D Porter stated
that he would offer the services of his
stenographer. This act was accepted with
a vote Of thanks
At this time Mr.. B. B. Breed stated
the object of the meeting. He said:
Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen. includ-
ing managers Of branch houses and trav-
cling men-It is an act of charity on the
part Of our chairman to call upon yours
truly, a travelling man, to tell you what
you are here for. 1t is a good deal like
a police judge asking one Of the court
hangers-on to notify the prisoner when
he found he was In Jail that he the pc
lice judge, put him there. Gentlemen.
there is no one more responsible for your
being here today than the chairman; to
him and very few other gentlemen is
the credit due for the work up to today
and including what is to follow this
evening.
1T is with pleasure our committee ex-
tend to you not only our greetings. but
also our congratulations upon the goodly
number Of dealers which are present.
which shows the depth of interest which
we take to be substantial evidence Of
how your interests are interviewer each
with the other. 1t is our hope that this
association may grow and develop into
strong. healthful body. one full Of vigor
yet with such latent power undeveloped
which can and should be used to the pos
five advancement Of the business inter
ests OF every implement hardware and
vehicle dealer in the great southwest and
Oklahoma. the greatest field for the de-
velopment OF your lines in the world
This territory CHE Wichita) consumes
more implements and vehicles than any
like territory anywhere in these United
States. The transportation companies
carry through this city more goods Of
these lines than through any one city Of
double our size In the world. Why chem
should not this city be made The base
for distribution of these goods?
There can be but one answer The
great transportation lines do not see the
needs eff the business man. and what
is more. do not want 70 see. but gentle
men. with your help. with your brains.
with the characteristic push. grit and
get there qualities Of the implement
man, you viii make the Blind see. This
is our production OF the result if the
spirit Of good VIII and harmony prevails
which we feel justified in saying shan
prevail In the circular letter which was
mailed 70 you as q feeler' for this Eath-
ering the question which was 60 be
found between the lines was: .Wlu the
implement. hardware and vehicle dealers
and business men in kindred lines Of this
CHE Wichlta) territory longer SUBMIT 50
the unjust discrimination and excessive
freight rates on shipments OF all kinds
out % Wichita2' Your presence here to-
day is an answer to that question. ard a
protest ot The right kind our committee
has also received letters from many
other dealers unable 10 be with us today
but deeply interested and anxious 20 aid,
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