The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-14
OPPOSES STAMP BILL
Lee Merchantile Company Working
Against Measure.

Mr. ]. NJ. Mitchell, assistant secre-
pany, wholesale grocers, Salina, is here
opposing the passage of senate bill No.
3S1, which is a bill requiring a license
from firms and corporations issuing
premium stamps, coupons and other
trading devices, a bill generally favor
ed by retail merchants.
In explaining his opposition to the
bill, Mr.. Mitchell says: I'VE oppose
the bill because it takes away from
the Kansas retail dealers the protec-
ton against premium giving mail
order houses, which are not affected
by this act, as it cannot cover inter
state business. We do not think Il bill
of this kind that will handicap Kansas
merchants to the advantage of outside
merchants is a wise one. We handle
certain soaps, tobaccos, chewing gums
and a list of over one hundred items
that are furnished thru interstate
business that are already on the retail
Srocers' shelves which contain coupons
that are given by the manufacturers
to those who purchase these goods. II
this bill becomes effective, the retail
grocer will have to pay tax for SELL
ing these nationally advertised and
we'll known goods on his shelves"
Which leads the State Journal to
say:
Mr.. Mitchell admits that the over
whelming sentiment in both the house
and senate appears to be in favor oil
this bill designed to put trading
stamps out of business. He says that
the senators and members have re-
ceived many letters and telegram
from retail merchants, asking that the
bill be passed.
Mr.. Mitchells company is circulat-
ing literature which shows the COM
pany is in favor of the use of coupons
and premium stamps. In this lltera-
ture is found this statement: Ihe
prohibition of the use of coupons does
good to no one, is an injury to many
and in our judgment is very unWlst
measure to pass"
OF course, in regard to the soaps
tobaccos and chewing gums, etc, han
died by the wholesale house, it would
pl obably compel the eastern manufac
turers to cut the premium stamps ant
coupons out of their merchandise, fol
the retailer would not pay the license
| Certain big concerns. like Marshal
eld & Company, who do an enor-
NOUS business, refuse to handle pre-
MUM stamps and the above goods un-
| less the premiums are omitted.
| 1t is understood that the Lee Mer'
camille company is especially opposed
| to any apparent advantage being giver
mail order houses, and they claim
! that this bill would help the mail or
der house. the mail order mouse l:
alays a thorn in the flesh of all loca
retail merchants; but if a mail order
| house, in order to compete with loca
| merchants is obliged to throw in al
sorts of premiums, it is another illus
Iration why Kansas people should pa
tronize their own merchants, instead
of the mail order houses located ir
other states, and buy the goods they
| want without being compelled to buy
| the premiums too.
| The argument used by Mr.. Mitchell
is the same argument that the pro
hibitory question has constantly me
in Kansas; that is to say, if we do no
permit the sale of liquor here, other
outside of the state will sell it to us
Same in sale of premiums.
The whole premium business, Mr.
Mitchell. is gift enterprise, and il
the final analysis it is necessaril.
| claSSed as such.