The Washington times., 1903-10-06
ANNUAL CONVENTION
OF DRUGGISTS BEGINS

million dollars a year, sum almost
double our total annual export. This
great army of workers in such territory
represents three fourths of the proprie-
tary medicine purchasing public
The depression that We all fear Will
strike these toilers with especial force
The man that has been earning $500
year may see this income reduced one
fourth, one-third. OF more; no human
being knows the exact ratio. Any move
ment that would at once raise the price
OF all staple household medicines In this
special section from about 75 cents to 81
would meet at the hands Of this large
army of citizens violent rebuke-
Time Not Ripe for Action
II would appear that the time is par
ticularly inopportune for radical action
in that particular territory and our con-
tention that local government is the
only practical measure that will with
stand public opinion and stand the test
of endurance seems TO us we'll supported
But wherever this insurrection. this
price cutting evil exists, something must
be done. We stand ready 10 help you
and / speak authoritatively for a group
OF strong men In our association that
believe a legal. conservative and yet
sincere proprietor that Will greatly i'm
prove conditions IN such sections where
an active. decisive initiative is de-
manded.
We recognize in the retail druggist OF
this country the natural and proper dis
tTibutor Of our own products. Most be-
httingly has this convention been called
TO the capital city OF our nation TO de-
wise national ways and means. bringing
more profit and prosperity to the de-
serving retail druggists Of this country
The name OF Washington is something
so inspiring: IT stands for valor, patriot
ism and conservatism. Let US show
vaIor in protecting our friends, patriot
ism In uphOlding cur deserving fellow
citizens and fraternal friends: conser-
vatism in deyising ways and means that
viii protect all interests concerned a
large body OF prominent proprietors is
here today to emphasize that the Pro-
prietary Association Of America and its
members must and will aid the retail
druggists in any conservative measure
that will bring prosperity to the re-
taller in all sections. that will quickly
apply relief to such localities where con-
ditions are discouraging.
The Retailers Profit.
No law, no measure. of course, can
ever create a utoDian condition, but
we fully believe and hope that legal
conservatism and yet effectual measure
can be taken that will bring the de-
served profit the retailer is so justly en-
titled to-
! hope more proprietors will attend
your conventions hereafter Such 8
course would be of glsat benefit TO both
I branches. II will make one more
/ thoroughly understand the needs OF the
other, and lead to better understanding
/ of our mutual problems
I feel that / have set aside all pre-
/ cedent in devoting so much time and
/ so many words to the theme Of greet
/ ings from the Proprietary Association
) OF America TO the National Retail Drug
gists' Association of America, but / fee
/ there were certain exigencies demand
1 ing a new departure Earnestness is
something that dehes convention. and
for the time being does not count min
/ harnessed by formality. For these rea-
sons / crave your indulgence.
May your deliberations prove ol
wisdom and great benefit 10 your as
sociation. Nay the earnest endeavorE
OF a representative body of proprietors
find a proper re-echo In your own hearts
/ and actions. Let sincerity be the key
note. Let sincerity and the doctrine
| Of the Golden Rule establish a ne~
era that will link the interests Of the
/ prop-ietors TO the ". A R D. stronger
than ever for mutual good. Long live
the y. A. r. d. Gentlemen. l thank
you for your attention