The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1907-02-15

association work. This work en-
ahasizes the wonderful work being
done in the interest of winning back
trade from outside competition, of
keeping the hold on the home trade
and establishing the most cordial
and friendly relations between men
in the same line Of business. Or
ganization and association have
broken down the barriers that for
merly kept men in the same line of
business from meeting in friendly
discourse and considering matters
of mutual concern or in protecting
their own interests when assaulted
from without. 1t has annihilated
prejudice and thrown wide open the
gates of friendly and fraternal in.
tercourse. Men in the conventions
of this state association or county
gatherings have rubbed shoulders
and clasped hands with men in the
same line of business and been the
better for the contact. The retailer
who docs not attend the convention
of his association, be it county, city
or state, has neglected an opportu-
nifty to make a better merchant of
himself.
Allow me to say that l consider
the day at hand when it requires or
CARNATIONS instead of individuals to
nIonn fhni> Cto ~ |, Of 0Oy,cnr Nr Is,
approval upon questions of concern
to make an impression; it will only
be a question of time until questions
of moment will come before you. L
might name such matters as the Par
Gel post, election of senator's by di-
rect vote, government ownership of
railways-these are all within the
range of possibilities within your
life time.
That organization work is effect
i've can be proven by numberless tes-
timonials. l cite you the recent case
in the federal court of your state of
M. w. & Co. against the Retail Mer-
chants Association.
Calling forth such cases and ac-
ton ought to show what is being
and a be done by an association.
A word to the jobbers and whole
salers why they owe it to the re-
taller to assist him in eliminating
the evils attendant upon the retail
ing of merchandise. The argument
advanced that a jobber can sell to
whoever he sees fit and who can pay
the money for the goods he has to
sell is without merit; it does not
hold good under any condition.
The effort being made to secure
the assistance of the jobber by not
selling to the mail order house is
not only legitimate, but has for its
backing the fact that the jobber
owes his original creation and con
tinued existence to the business
given him by the retailer. Further,
the soundest argument to my mind
in favor of this contention is the fact
that the retailer is a perpetual con-
,dition and the jobber must look to
him for the continued life of his in
stitution.
A word to the retailer. Inasmuch
as the jobber has manifested his de-
sire to help you, you must in turn
apply and inject into your business
such methods that will show him
your sincerity in the matter.
In regard to advancing of prices
allow me your indulgence a few mo-
ments longer.
| have a right to assure you that
the advances in the last few wears
are by no means at the hands of ar
rogant and manipulating jobbers. 1t
is mostly done by the manufacturers.
But be that as it may, the advance
is for you to take care of. Advanc-
ing a selling price the amount it has
advanced in the buying price de-
creases the amount of your profit
and is not commensurate with good
business. Let me illustrate: Good
and safe business dictates a CORE
spending percentage of increase of
the selling price as the advance of
the buying price.
A year ago. when | appeared be-
fore you, you INDUCED my advice as
to how a merchant can increase his
business and keep money from going
to the mail order house. Such was
the advice all along the line to the
retailer. This has been followed out
to a very large degree and to-day in
this grand state of South Dakota the
business OF the retailer is gradually
i'll the ascendant and not on the de-
cline, and much credit must be given
to the progressiveness and aggress-
iveness of the retailer and travelling
men of South Dakota.
UNSETTLED ON RATE BILL.