The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1904-09-29
THE RETAIL MERCHANTS As
SOCIA TION.

SOCIATION.
As was noted in these columns two
weeks ago, the merchants OF Scotland
Neck assembled in the Mayors office
and listened to a strong aud sensible
address by Mr.. Norman H. Johnson
of Raleigh, editor of the Merchants
Journal, and attorney for the Retail
Merchants Association.
Mr.. johnson was introduced by Mr..
Albion Dunn whose remarks were ap-
propriate. In his discussion of freigh
rates and freight discrimination, Mr..
johnson made it clear that the Retail
Merchants Association can do much
towards securing better treights and
towards favorable legislation that will
promote business interests. And these
results obtained through the Associa-
ton will be helpful both to the dealer
and to the consumer. For instance
if cheaper freights can be secured for
Scotland Ne K merchants, the farmers
and other col sumers here will share
the benefit in lower prices.
The Retail Merchants Association
has National, State and local organiza-
Neck is branch OF the State Associa-
tion. Its object is to protect against
unlawful exactions of freights and the
like, to regulate local credits and the
collection of debts.
The objects of the Association are
entirely worthy, and with Its princi-
pies strictly adhered to and successfully
carried out, it cannot fail to be of ben
eht to every man in the town and
community. Fair and square dealing
ought to be desired from the heaviest
shipm ant of any and all goods, either
In long hauls or short hauls, down to
the selling OF paper of pins. The
principles of the Retail Merchants As.
ISOLATION look just to that, and trade
relations and business relations in anv
community ought to improve in every
respect under the operations of this
Association. Even the farmer will be
benefited, for every influence that
will assist the merchant in getting bet
ter freight rates and in collecting bad
debts will put BIN in a better condi.
ton to help his customers with lower
prices.
Some people are inclined to enter
tain unpleasant suspicious against any,
thing that is called an organization
but from all that we can learn of the
principles OF the Retail Merchants
Association-and we were present at
the organization, though not men,
ber-there is absolutely nothing cover |
ed up or hidden in the Association.
One OF the objects of local Associations
Is to protect the members against per-
sons who will not pay their debts.
AS We understand it, when any person
owes member of the Association and
will not pay the debt, the case is re-
ported to the Association and then no
member OF the Association is allowed
to credit such person until his name is
taken from the @blacK list" by paying
bis accounts.
VI course, we understand that men,
bers OF the Association will exercise
due discretion according to the circum-
stances OF the case. But that is about
The way the collection part OF the bust
ness will be worked.
Such Associations can do no harm To
my communlty-on the contrary thew
will WORK benefit to all.
We have thus given somewhat at
ength our opinion of the organization
md something In detail of its plans of
work, because we think it's objects
'ught to be uEdersto I'd by the people
u the town and community.