The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-31
MERCHANTS TALK
 OF HOLIDAY TRADE Business During 1905 Was Largest Ever Known Here WONDERFUL INCREASES
WONDERFUL
Several Retail Dealrs in the City Re- port That Their Business in De- cember Was Twice That
 of Last Year.

Reports from many of the leading mer- cantile houses of Birmingham show that the holiday trade of 1905 was by Tar tne largest in the history of Birmingham. number of the merchants representing various lines of trade were seen yester- day, and asked for an expression regard ing their holiday business, and without exception the answers showed that busi- ness this year was far in advance of last year, or any previous year
 Many stated that their business had been 50 per cent larger, at a conservative estimate Not one of the reports show an increase of less than 30 per cent, and others show net gain of at least 10 per cent.
 Following are some of the statements made yesterday:
 John L. Parker: My business for the holidays was twice what 1t was last year. It was the biggest by far I have ever known. The class of articles purchased was better
 Simon Klotz, of Klotz & Goldman: T would say that our business was about B per cent larger, and that is very conservative estimate. It was the best we have ever known and people seem to have money still. Everybody had a big Christmas trade
 F. w. Bromberg: My business showed remarkable increase. l do not know the exact percentage of increase, but do know that we sold much better class of goods than ever before People de- manded them'
 Porter-Neel X Co.,: ''The business of this firm was remarkably good and we show ed an increase of over 9 per cent over last Christmas"
 Fifty Per Cent Greater.
 J. D. Collins: My holiday business was at least 50 per cent larger than last year, and was the most satisfactory I have ever known The years business was also much larger"
 H. C. Abbott, of H. c. Abbott & Bro: ''We have been in business in Birming ham for S2 years, and our business this Christmas was by far the largest we have ever had, and also the most satisfac- tory
 Arthur Smith, of Steele-Smth Dry Goods company: Our business was most satis- factory. It was at least 50 per cent larger than last year, and that is a conservative estimate It exceeded our fondest hopes John W. O'Neill: After having had 20 years experience in business in Birmng ham, 1 can say that this years trade was by far the largest in the history of our house. Our holiday trade was at least 50 per cent larger than last year.
 Ben M Jacobs, of Ben M. Jacobs X Bros: 'We have enlarged and had better room for displaying our stock this year, and naturally our business went forward fin bounds. It shows an increase of about 100 per cent. We sold a much higher class of stock this year than ever be- fore
 M. V. Joseph, of Loveman, Joseph & Loeb ''rhs years business was easily the largest in the history of our store. The quality of the goods bought was also much better than in the past. It has been good year with us"
 J. D. Rosenberger, of the Birmingham Trunk Factory: 'srhs is our first year here, but our trade far exceeded our ex- pectations Sales were enormous, and we were greatly pleased with our Christmas debut in Birmingham
 
 wright Co.: "Ihe holiday business was entirely unexpected It exceeded even the fondest hopes. and was d great indica- tion of the phenomenal growth of Bir- mingham."
 Growth the Watchword.
 Ferd Marx: ''The watchword at the Terd Marx store is Growth The year 1905 was the greatest year in the history of the store The Christmas trade was remarkable n all departments However, what we have done merely serves as an inspiration to do better and better yet. The policy of the Marx store is enterpris- ing. We are ever broadening into new fields and during 1906 big things are plan ned. What is now a splendid store will become better one.
 J. Burger. of the Burger Dry Goods Company: Birmingham seems to me to be yet in its infancy. While business to- day is by far better than it has been in many years my opinion is that in course of five or ten years population will triple itself in this city and suburbs and it can not be more than two decades when we will reach the figures of Pittsburg I look for wonderful improvement when the
 (Con,fnued C., Seventh Page)