Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1904-12-10
The Produce Exchange.

Editors Messenger:
There has been much said during the
past year or more regarding the work
ings of Produce Exchange by people
unfamiliar with the work. which has in
some sections misled the people and
caused the growers to be disappointed
organizations; at the same time. they
realize that they have not sustained
any loss through their connection with
our Exchange, but in most instances
they have been benefited materially.
This condition of affairs is caused by
statements made to the people regard
ing the workings of the Virginia Ex-
change which the writer and anyone
ever connected with the Virginia Elk.
change knows to be wrong
Some of the growers were under the
impression that the Exchange paid for
the goods at the time of delivery at the
shipping point, but the business could
not be handled i'll this way except on
speculative basis which would be de-
trimental to the grower. from the fact
that il would be u, cessarv for self pro-
lection. TO buy the produce as low as
possible. As it is now we handle the
growers produce TO the verv best
possible advantage and pay them the
highest price obtainable, less our usua II
per cent commission.
This plan has worked well in Virginia
and is working well with us The prices
received for your shipments speak plain
w Instead of recklessly consigning all
of your trucks as in the past the pro-
Queer is able to handle most of them on
"a cash basis. If you should make con-
signments of produce to some of the
Commission Merchants repres enting us.
our Exchange, guarantees the shipper
against failure on part of the Commits
sion Merchant to pay for the goods,
thereby giving the shipper protection
he has never enjoyed before. While
our plan may not be perfect, no plan
that man can devise will meet the views
of every grower, or the emergency of
every condition which may arise. How
ever, we believe the reader will admit
that the Exchange plan is the best way
TO handle the products of the farmer.
The coming of the Exchange means
thousands and thousands of dollars TO
the farmers. farm land owners. and
Merchants through the counties where
il operates; even though some of the
people seem inclined to take a contrary
view. as did some of the farmers on the
Eastern Shore of Virginia. But this
condition can never, and will never be
brought about by any advanc. in price
on the quantity of produce now grown
through this territory. but must come
by greatly increasing the quantity now
grown.
The soil of the most of our territory
is admirably adapted To the growing Of
Irish and sweet potatoes; and especially
To the growing of sweets. AT the same
time, there are more sweet potatoes
shipped from one railroad station in
Virginia than is shipped from all points
i'll the counties of Somerset. Worcester
and Wicomico. Some may say that we
cannot grow sweets TO equal the sweets
grown in Virginia. but let me say that
the sweets we handled this season gave
excellent satisfaction. and We have
letters on file in our office compliment
ing us on the quality of our goods, and
stating that our sweets were the finest
ever handled on their market This
should be highly pleasing to the farmers
through these counties.
You very seldom hear of failure in
the sweet potato crop, from the fact
that the dry weather of the summer
does not affect them. 1t is the safest
and most reliable crop our farmers can
grow. w. y. CULLEN,
Secretary and Treasurer.