The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-02-16
A PLEA FOR THE
SMALLER TOWNS
L. A. ROsING TALKS TRANSPoR
TATION TO THE GROCERs. Il
He Gives His Theory as to Rates, ana
Says Industries Should Be More
Widely Scattered-Protest Made
Against Trading Stamps Convention
Declares Itself on Legislation.
Earlier proceedings on page ~

Earlier proceedings on page ~
topics at the morning session of the
state grocers and general merchandise
association. 1t was discussed by l.. A:
Rosing Of Cannon Falls, president of
the Municipal League Of Minnesota.
Mr.. Rosing was made an honorary MEM
Der Of the association along with
George ]. Armson, new surveyor of logs
and lumber for the Saltwater district.
Mr.. Rosing said it was time for Or
ganization for protection of rights. The
period of mental feudalism was rapidly
approaching and the problem was, thru
modification of our system, to use the
powers of these mental feudal lords
for the upbuilding of prosperity. They
must become servants and not masters.
Said Mr.. Rosing:
"The day has come when nothing
can be expected from competition in
the regulation Of railroad rates and
transportation. We must depend on
state and national control of railroad
rates. The transportation question is
the most important question of today.
I, as a democrat, stand with Theodore
Roosevelt for the measures he has adj
vocated. To reverse the proposition L
think Theodore Roosevelt stands with
us because we declared for them before
he did. The transportation question is
most important because freight paid
upon commodities is tax levied upon
every business in the United States.
Railroad rates may not only determine
absolutely where business may be done
and who may do it.
"The railroad commission should be
granted power. to say where railroads
Should be built. The time has come
when it shall say parallel roads should
not be built, as it is an economic
waste.'
The people have absolute power, Mr..
Rosing said, to make rates which are
not confiscatory and which pay ex-
penses and a fair dividend. The rail-
road is as much pubic highway as
the country road.
The strong objection Mr.. Rosing
made to the present system of railroad
rates was it's effect in moving popula-
ton towards populous centers. Manu-
featuring will be done where facilities
are best and where rates are lowest.
This exodus to the cities is the cause
Of labor disturbances. Living condl-
lions would be improved by making
possible the scattering Of these facto-
ries among the small towns
AS to Trading Stamps.
John w. Lux of ST. Paul, second vice
president, read paper on Conducting
| Grocery Business Without Premiums,
Gifts, Schemes, or Trading stamps
He advocated selling goods on. their
merits. The day was coming, In the
speakers belief, when premium plans
would be abolished and when trading
stamps would fade from merchandising
William Furst of Minneapolis, the
association s attorney, discussed PRO
, posed Legislation Affecting Mer.
chants,'' taking up both national and
state measures.
He advocated the amendment Of the
state bulk law by attaching a penal
ty, which had been originally omitted;
the law prescribing what is book ac-
count and making any original entry
evidence; the measure taxing peddlers;
the bill covering the taxation of both
peddlers and box-car merchants; the
bill affecting false representation,
whether written or oral, and that max
ing a Judgment docketed in justice
court lien on real estate.
Representative o. I. Ramsland OF
Sacred Heart told why a state peddler 3
law is necessary and defended his own
bill regulating this class Of merchants.
w. 8. Cole read a paper on Buying
and the Buyer. from the Salesman g
Point Of View He advised buying
from the nearest market; buying from
few houses, and underbuying rather
than overbuying.
The Resolutions.
Resolutions passed concurring with
the national organization in recommend
ing the stamping Of net weights on tho
outside of packages. promising coop
Grafton with Commissioner E. K. Slater
of the state pure food department; sug-
costing to the American Tobacco COM
pany that it abate the premium nui-
sance suggesting a committee of FIVE
to co-operated with five jobbers to per-
feet the carrying out of the regulations
of the state food department.
An unsuccessful attempt was made
to pass a rule which would in effect
shut statesmen out of active member
ship.
The convention will adjourn late to-
day after electing officers and choosing
place for the 1906 meeting.