The Washington times., 1917-11-09

away as time goes. is to be the most
unusual one ever experienced in
Washington. The reasons, briefly,
are these: Washington's population
is 10000 greater than at this time
last year. The additional people will
all be purchasers in the splendid
stores Of this city. But to aceommo-
date the greatest Christmas trade
ever known there Is a scarcity Of
statesmen and saleswomen, OF drivers
of delivery wagons and machines. OF
help OF all classes IN nearly every
business establishment
Situation Unusual
washington's situation the coming
Christmas is unlike that OF any other
city in the country. Business men
IN other cities prepare in advance for
q normal increase In population. In
this city the increase has been abb
normal, and the purchasing power of
the thousands OF new people in the
District is probably far above, that
OF the normal increase in population
in other cities.
WashIngton's merchants usually
expect the holiday trade to start In
right after ThanksgiS ing Day, and
from then on until Christmas things
must move at a lively rate so that
the great holiday may find everybody
supplied with the presents they wish
to make.
1t will not pay to postpone the
beginning of Christmas shopping
that late this year, according to the
opinions of experts. II viii be ao-
81. a. AVNnF RraaanNQ
for the soldiers end sailors abroad
by November Is. The Postoffice De-
partment gives notice that arrange
ments have been made to assure-the
ARRIVAL in France AMI other distant
points OF packages sailed not later
than November IS, but after that
date no promises can be made Early
mailing to the boys In the trenches
and elsewhere means that their
Christmas packages will be handed to
them on Christmas Day, carrying the
greatest happiness Imaginable.
Early Mailing.
For the officers and men in the
training camps in this country the
purchases must be made early and
placed in the mails to insure against
the terrific congestion In the Wash
ington postoffce and in the postal
service generally. Postmaster Chance
has clearly indicated the scarcity OF
employees in the Washington postof-
fee by putting on female letter car
riers. 1t is little better anywhere
else.
The arly shopper gets the pick OF
the best things in the best stores in
the world. Washington business men
have tried to anticipate conditions
this year by buying to the limit of the
choicest articles to be had; by employ
ing ALMOST every applicant hunting
work, and by enlarging the delivery
forcest to the fullest extent, but most
OF them will frankly admit that the
best insurance against disappointment
in Christmas purchases is to begin at
once and complete weeks ahead Some
business houses estimate that their
working forces will be 80 per cent
--'ness will increase 80
per cent or more.
-D-Iv 40 save fear that some of
the Iast-day purchasers may have to
go without presents altogether. owing
to the congestion and to scarcity In
some lines OF merchandise.
All kinds OF imported articles are
scarce this year. Some establish
ments have been more fortunate than
others in stocking up heavily, but the
fact is too well known that wars
demaLls on shipping for the last
seven months have materially cut
down imports. Gloves and novelty
leather goods are among the things
that are short, altogether the list is
a long one. Early buying will leave
no doubt as to getting what you
want
Buy New.
The plan that will help the pur-
chaser and the merchant most is this:
Buy now the presents for the be-
loved ones you are sure to remember,
and put them snugly away. The last
minute presents can be bought in the
closing days without the inconyeni-
ence that goes with delay in pur-
chasing the entire list
It will be easier to make up your mind
right now than II will later, when the
best assortments have ben picked over.
Take this as an illustration: The stocks
Of umbrellas are plentiful. Among them
are new styles Of handles you may want.
but the bulk OF the handles are in styles
you are familiar with. Naturally the
first TO buy will have the choice.
a look into washington's stores at this
time will be a delightful revelation.
There is so far no congestion. Good
temper and contented mind may be pre-
served. AL OF US know what It means
to be caught in the Christmas jam in
the last few weeks or days. Let the ex.
periences Of the past carry its warning
and bear In mind that II will be far
worse this year than ever before unless
everybody determines upon shopping ex-
RI