Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-07-30

William" said the gray-bearded head OF
famous wholesale dry goods house to his
Junior partner, Il got letter in this morn
ings mail from Hawkins saying that he
would be in town day after tomorrow on
buying trip. You know what that means
Hawkins is doing a big business out in
Colorado and his order cannot amount to
less than several thousand dollars. We've
simply got to land him this time-you re-
member the fellows down the street carried
away the fat of his last order, and we both
agreed at that time its largely due to the
good time they showed him.
Now, when he comes, I'm going to turn
him over to you. And for goodness sake,
make him comfortable while he is here. See
that he is nicely located at a good hotel,
In a good room; then stay with him of even
ings for company's sake and show him
around a bit. He's particularly fond of the
theater. and he likes shows with chorus
girls and all that. Make him feel that we
appreciate him and think he is a good fell
low. Here's a voucher for $50, and If you
need any more money. let me know: for we
want to land that order in full this time
And William. perhaps-perhaps. 1t would be
well to invite him home for dinner one OF
the evenings
Graft?
I'm having a hard time placing anything
like the usually number of orders this trip,
a travelling man of twenty years experience
with a first-class house wrote to the presi-
dent of the firm. It's this way: Blank Il
Co. have lately allowed their man on the
same route S15 a day entertainment eN-
penses, and he's cutting right into my best
trade, which, l fear, will largely desert me
if you, too. don't raise the ante Confiden-
tally, 1 think it's d shame for US to
be held up in this way by lot of picayune
grafters. but we want the business. and SO
what are we going to do about lt?'
What? Grafters?
MY SON." said successful lawyer, set
Ting back in his chair. preparatory to CIV
fpcr tic nffQ ZINC nf fat n X-iNn
my son, you would do well to follow my
practice of keeping a box of fine imported
cigars in my office desk for the benefit of
those callers who smoke; and nearly every
will put any lover of the weed in a good
frame of mind for the discussion of bust
ness, and besides 1t will make him feel
that he is getting something for nothing
out of you and coming out little ahead
of the game
Something for nothing? And that some
thing graft?
Two men met the street.
by the way" said the taller, do you re-
member the man l introduced you to the
other day while going to lunch?"
YES"
Done any business with him yet? He's
in your line, you know"
Not yet but hope to-
well. when you do don't forget how you
happened to get next to him"
Graft?
ION my last trip west I struck hotel
in Chicago where I was able to load up
with about all the paper l shall need in
writing my next book" laughingly con-
fessed a well-known writer of fiction.
Most liberal hotel I ever saw in the way
of writing paper. Send down for some. and
the clerk sends you back a ream. And did
1 take advantage of 1t? Well. 1 came back
with my grip bullying full"
Graft?
Graft to demand of a famous that
he send you his autograph, that you may
sell 1t with your collection later on.
Graft to pull strings for complimentary
tickets-for the circus. for example?
Graft to shirtwaist for week,
then have it nicely pressed and taken back
to the store where you bought 1t and get
your money back-because it doesn't suit?
Graft TO get a friend or an acquaintance
to secure you an invitation to this that, or
the other function at which you yearn to
be present?
Graft to have a professional singer or an
elocutionist at a reception a guest and
then, by constant importuning get the tai
ented guest 10 sing or recite as a great
favor to you?
Graft to say. incidentally In a letter, af-
ter stating that everything is going well
with you and Jack, that just now though
you are considerably worried for little
Margaret is growing so fast and will need
so many new clothes for fall, knowing full
well that the next letter from home will
bring a substantial check?
Graft? And-as was asked in the begin
ning-if not graft what? Business and So
cial amenities? Custom? Thoughtfulness p
Selfshness? Or just plain everyday down
right human nature?