The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-03-28
HIGH links
AMONG THE
DRUGGISTS

There Is a prospect OF lively times In
the drug business in this city.
A big cut-rate war is on I'm Boston. and
Providence is expected 10 be the ground
None of the local druggists is disposed
10 discuss the matter at present for pup
lcation. but In private conversation the
remarks OF some OF them foreshadowed as
big fight here as in Boston II the Ma
tional Association OF Retail Druggists.
which is the prime mover I'm the matter.
throws down the gauntlet here, as IL Is
expected to do.
The National association has placed on
Its blacklist four prominent Boston deal
ers In drugs and notified the wholesale
men that they are not 10 sell to these
firms the Serial Numbered and Direct
Contract patent medicines which the as
trolls.
The firms against which the blacklist is
directed Will night the movement to an
been given carte blanche TO cut prices,
are making things merry.
The refusal OF the four big firms TO sell
their goods at the schedule set by the as
sociation is the cause OF the blacklist.
ON March 23 the agreement which had
been in effect for one year between the
retail druggists and the national body,
setting prices on patent medicines, ex-
pired.
on the expiration OF this contract the
association sent out new list. Through
their agents they control many OF the
most common patent medicines; I'm fact,
nearly every one OF the largest advertisers
In the country Is on the serial number
Ing and direct contract schemes.
When the new list was sent. the prices
were raised perceptibly on all patent
medicines. The four Boston firms did not
pay any attention 10 the list. but kept
their prices at their old figures, and de-
fled the association.
And now the war is on.
According TO leading Providence drug
gist, the movement originally started I'm
the west. and was extended east TO New
York. but large druggists objected 10
Joining the organization because they
would then be put on level with the
small dealers and would be required TO
increase their prices.
1t is well known that the large dealer
-can-buy- mefe-eheaPly than the small
one. and thereby can sell cheaper.
The organization tried To stop the
wholesale dealers from selling goods TO
firms that did not belong TO the associa-
tion but as these larger firms bought
more goods. the wholesaler naturally
sought their trade rather than that of
"the little fellows"
The first appearance OF the movement
in New England wis in Boston: and
Providence is looked upon as the next
city TO be attacked.
According 10 one local druggist who is
I'm entire sympathy with the organization,
IL was formed "for the purpose OF elevat-
ing pharmacy from rut into which II
has falling In many cases, due TO prevent
substitution, and Il is always striving 10
advise and recommend plans and meth
DDS by which substitution shall be stamp
ed out and the business be maintained on
a high level of commercial ethics.
1T is intended to encourage the drug
gists of experience. and OF business integ-
rity; and ii is desired to raise the trade
TO level entirely free from suspicion OF
LII, 49, o -l..
hold the respect and absolute confidence
of the public"
The local druggists today are simpe
lying low, watching to see how the cat
will jump; but when the leap is taken
there will certainly be fur in the al