The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1908-11-07
.lHE STATUS Uf
The TRAVELLERS
SOME OF THE THINGS THAT MAY
BE GAINED THROUGH CLOSER
ORGANIZATION - IS A GREAT
FACTOR IN MOULDING PUBLIC
OPINION.

An interesting and valuable paper
was read before the fourth annual
convention of the South Dakota Trav-
elingmen's association by Frank ].
vetsch of Sioux City, Ia. Mr.. vetsch
outlined in clear manner the matter
of a closer organization among com
mercial travellers, and the possibility
of accomplishment from such organi-
zation. His paper in part follows:
This occasion again proves that the
commercial traveller of today is not
| only alert to his own interests, but 1t
also proves the fact that we have in
our own ranks those who are seriously
concerned not only in the present well
fare, but who fully realize that the fu-
ture foundation we build today. To
these who so freely give of their time
efforts and money is certainly due the
support of every lay member
To find recommendation for such en-
deavor and purpose we need only to
look about us and we see co operation
of mutual interests the order OF tn eday,
but more than this reason should in
spire us to further action.
Looking right down deep into the
conditions as they exist in our own
ranks, we find one Of the most dis
organized bodies in the commercial
world. at the same time we also find
that when commercial travellers do
unite and act in a common cause,
which, however, to date, has been but
spasmodic, we see the most splendid
and remarkable results. -.
Analysing these two conditions of
fact, we find a vast field of possibilities,
which, with proper cultivation, will
yield most satisfactory and gratifying
results. The last ten years have been.
years Of awakening among all men.
The mind and conscience have been
awakened and quickened. Many things
which were considered right and hon
orable in days gone by, today receive
condemnation by the high minded and
patriotic citizens as well as by the hon
est business man.
] bespeak compliment and admira-
tion that the travelling men have not
failed or been delinquent in this great
er comprehension. A quarter OF a.
century ago it was almost unwritten
law that the travelling men should get
his business through the medium OF
debauchery accompanied by loose hab-
It's and careless practice. Today, q
premium is placed on the man who
abstains entirely and whose main
stock In trade is eiaracted and honest
dealings. For him there is a standing
invitation to accept the highest and
most responsible positions in the busi-
ness world.
Endorsement for this statement is
found in the actions and requirements
of our employers, our customers, and
the companies who bond us. The early
type has passed away. 1t has been
replaced by a broader, better, grander,
group OF men, who have no superiors
in active life. The salesman of to-
day is a gentleman who has culture,
integriety, and type of manhood
which Is an example Of all that is !
worthy to be commended in men.
The ethics of our profession have
been improved, the standard Of our
fraternity has been raised 1t re-
quires high degree Of intelligence |
and business conception to abide by |
this standard, and those who fail to
qualify quickly relegate themselves to |
fields OF less Importance.
These times are not a temporary |
season of advancement and uplift, or |
only the bursting wave Of public senti-
nlent. or the sudden impulse Of few
inspired men, but this is an age of |
higher standards, moral uplift and |
square DEAL" and / want to add my |
share in behalf OF our profession to
bring honor to its name and respect to |
our wives and children
The unorganized condition in our
ranks is the very reason why we as
body do not receive just consideration
in affairs as they pertain to the COM
munity in which we live, our society
or matters of public welfare.
Our occupation of necessity compels
us to forego and waive the privilege
of the ballot to such degree that
We are almost lost sight Of In the shut
file. and still we have at our command
an opportunity that to my mind has
become a responsibility-name that
Of moulding public sentiment.
The routine of our daily labor brings
Us In personal contact with many peo-
Pile, and as already indicated, this op-
p0ASnhAsy - q ICSpotSADA1lJ AOJ W US,l
treated lightly. as / beIieve that our
power along this line is as great and
on a parity with the press.
Don't misunderstood me that we
should take part in every piece Of
1illy-dally politics, but participate only
IN sach questions as affect our COM
forts on the road, the welfare and
lpbuilding Of our profession and in
such matters OF moment as AFFECT
sither the present or future welfare Of
our nation and her commerce. This
we can do with every degree of justin
cation, supported and strengthened BY
he dignity and seriousness commen-
'urate OF g ninteIIigent and broad
minded class.