The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-09-11
DOUBTS ALTRU|SM ON LOCAL BROKERS Otis Draws Conclusion
 From Pankey's Letter WRONG POINT OF VIEW Cites Some Recent Examples of Un-
 just Advances In Prices to Show
 How Consumer Gets Worst of 1t
 
WRONG POINT OF VIEW

To the Editor of The Herald
 The edifying letter of MT Tom Pankey. which appeared in your issue of today. your subscribers. and It seems that this interest must not have been altogether free from amusement in the minds of those who are familiar with tho brokerage business from the outside. In fact. the point of his humor is at times so fine that one is almost tempted to believe that his letter was edited in an endeavor to clear himself from some measure of blame, and since. no accusation has been made against him, so far as the casual reader can determine. the defense In some way recalls the old proverb in regard to the hit dog bowling.
 In the first place. it Is little difficult to credit the brokers--or other merchants. for that mattcr--with such altruism that goods are sold before the last cent of profit has been realized. and I have very intimate personal knowledge of the fact that at times devious methods are used to increase these profits, since l have very distinct recollection of large quan- tity of perishable stuff which was shipped by me to firm who first refused it, stat ing that 1t was spoiled. and then were instructed to sell regardless. They re- mitteo about one-sixth of>the value of the shipment. but afterward discovered that it really sold at a price above the market. This is of course not reflection on the gentleman but is simply intended to H. lustrate the point that conditions might exist which would perhaps raise a slight doubt as to the altruistic spirit which vades the hearts of the brokers of thls city.
 Furthermore. this doubt is not lessened by the recollection of the comparatively recent trial of the Southern Wholesale Grocers' association, when the president of this body paid large fine for wrongfully conspiring to infate prices.
 The communication mentioned above fails to recognize the fact that the in- qufry is directed at the cause of the sudden rise in prices, and seems resentful that the acts of merchants should be questioned, even the use of the food itself being brought in to prove that all mer- chsnts are honest men. Of course, to a byst;.nder this would appear to be some what irrelevant, but we are willing to concede that there may be some occult connection not to be discerned by the lay man.
 We also concede that the consumption -----~----~---~~--~- carrying the autumn idea Mrs Ander- sons guests were. besides the honoree Mrs John Dill, Mrs. J. V. Methoin. Miss Peary Nugent, Miss Thelma F'itts, Miss Amelia Anderson, Miss Lucille Anderson and Miss Estelle Methoin. Mrs E. A. Golden is in Gadsden.
 Mrs. R. K.s sims and. daughter have re- turned from a visit to Montevallo.
 West End
 Mrs Frank Morrow has been called to Macon, Ga, on account of the serious illness of her father.
 Mrs Marion Allen has as her guests Mir. and Mrs. J. M. Mcdonald of Talla- dega and Mrs. H. C. Melton of Talla- poosa. Ga
 Miss Julia Weaver has returned from a lengthy visit to Morris.
 Miss Elizabeth Freeman is spending sev- eral weeks in Columbia Tenn
 Miss Alice Hand has gone to Montevallo to school
 Mrs. Ped Hickman has issued invitations for a linen shower.