Evening journal., 1904-06-11
MERCHANTS INVESTIGATE
SALE OF PREMIUM SOAP
Also Discuss The Otto Gas
Engine Company and the
Gas Company

The Mercantile Association is in
favor of helping Wilmington grow.
This was evidenced by the earnest
discussion at the meeting last evening,
Of the troubles which have beset the
Otto Gas Engine Company in its effort
to locate In this city. The merchants
were very forceful in declaring their
position I'm the matter. They want fair
treatment for an industry that will
mean much TO Wilmington. They are
disposed to wait another week before
taking further active steps. The mer-
chants are very determined, however,
to do all they can toward securing the
new industry which will mean so much
to the city's business interests.
Another topic which received con-
siderable attention was the immense
amount of premium soap sold in the
city. The merchants hnd that over
two hundred $40 boxes Of soap are
shipped here every month TO people
who dispose Of the soap to Secure
premiums No license is paid by those
who sell the soap and the merchants
think this is against the provisions OF
the city ordinances. A complete in
vestigation will be made and definite
action taken at the next meeting.
The association has issued this let
ter:
The Mercantile Association. an in
corporation composed Of retail mer-
chants of Wilmington. engaged in all
lines Of business. with about one hum
dred and fifty members, is now fully
organized, and solicits your co-opera-
ton and support. The objects of the
association, briefly stated, are as fol-
lows:
l. To promote the general welfare
Of the merchants of Wilmington.
,. Settle differences.
8. To procure more united and
friendly intercourse and uniformity Of
action.
4. To secure the practical benefits
derived from the discussion Of subjects
Of Importance.
5. The protection against loss from
unjust, businesslike or unlawful COM
petition. as we'll as from professional
and other delinquents unworthy Of
credit.
We have a collection system in oper-
alton which promises to bring excellent
results at practically no expense to our
members. our rigid investigation Of
advertising schemes has already saved
our members hundreds Of dollars, and
we believe the continuation of our
method will result in wedding out
practically all of the Improbable
schemes which have in the past been
such a source of annoyance and ex-
pense, to the merchants of Whining
ton. other objects concerning the well
/ fare of our members are considered at
our meetings, and such action taken
as the united judgment Of the associa-
tion directs.
The association has no intention Of
making any rules or regulations that
would deny any member the privilege
of conducting his business as his judg-
ment directs. but rather to work along
broad educational lines which will re-
suit in the general good of the men,
bers. The expense Of membership is
merely nominal, one dollar at the time
of joining, and dues Of six dollars pei
year.
Any member will gladly volunteer
any fgrther information which you
lmay desire. and furnish a copy of oul
constitution and bylaws for your ex'
animation. Meetings are held eacf
Friday evening on the third floor o.
Eden Han. and it will give us grea
pleasure to have you attend. and be-
come more familiar with our work
and IL consistent to unite with us il
forwarding the interests of the retail
community.
Respectfully yours,
James II. Wright,
IL. H. Bartlett. President.