The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-19
UNAUTHORIZED

UNAUTHORIZED
In Saturdays Daily Capital there appeared
large advertisement addressed to the merchants OF
Kansas, in opposition to the anti-trading stamp
law now pending before the Kansas legislature
The name of the W. H. Davis Mercantile Co. of
Topeka was signed to the trading stamp trusts adj
vertisement. 1t was not authorized by w. H. Davis
Mr.. Davis says:
81 opposed to trading stamps, manufacrers'
coupons and premiums in every and all forms
They deception and both to mef-
chant and consumer. Whs. premiums l have
given in connection with my business have been
given purely in self defense, to hold our trade
against premium-giving competition
It is fact that with one exception there is no
Kansas wholesale house of consequence which at
present depends upon the premium graft to get
business.
And that one concern has now practically with
drawn its headquarters from the state. 1t started
in Kansas but now has all its head offices in Kan
sas City, Mo.
Big Eastern Trusts Form an Alliance to Beat the
Anti-Trading Stamp Law
What is the TRADING STAMP TRUST?
1t is an alliance of all sorts of premium-givng
& Hutchinson green stamp company, the beef
trust, the millionaire manufacturers of scores of
other commodities which resort to the premium
scheme to sell goods.
These concerns, representing millions of dollars
are all on the job at the Kansas legislature trying
to beat the anti-trading stamp law.
They are spending money in unlimited quanti-
ties. They have filled the state house and the
+Loi,. irod Stc fTOr
of the United States.
This Selfish Combination Would Extort Millions
of Dollars From the People of Kansas.
Why do we say this? Because the Supreme
Court of the United States has so decided
In decision rendered last March sustaining the
anti-trading stamp law passed by the State of
Washington, the Supreme court used in substance
these words
"The SCHEMES of the premium companies rely
on something else than the article sold. They
tempt by a promise of greater value than that
article and hence BY AN APPEAL TO CUPID
TTY, LURE TO IMPROVIDENCE. They may be
considered as having the seduction and evil of
the lottery.
1t Is Purely Selfish Fight.
The Trading Stamp Trust is not out here spend
ing money and tremendous energy for its health
It's motive in fighting the law is purely selfish 1t
is trying to perpetuate its GRAFT at the expense
of the merchants and consumers of Kansas
All its talk about possible injury to the mer-
| chants of Kansas is pure piffe.
State of Washington Retail Merchants Say the
Law Has Not Hurt Them in the Least
The Trading Stamp Trust is GREATLY WOR-
RIED for fear the enactment of this law will in
| jure the local merchants. Don't laugh) They
| are afraid the Larkin clubs and tea and coffee
| peddlers will make millions out of it.
The best way to Judge the future is by the past,
| and the State of Washington has had the anti
| trading stamp law in operation for year. The
| retailers out there ought to know by this time
whether the Larkin clubs, etc., are hurting them
| and whether the law ought to be repealed Read
| kilograms from dozen representative Washing
ton retailers in the adjoining column.