The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-08-10
Use Common Sense.

The, real issues will be determined
by society not so much through gov
eminent as through it's own collective
common sense expressed in acts of fair
ness, Justice and square dealing be-
tween man and man"
One of the addresses making a deem
impression a. the morning meeting was
That OF Allan II. Hinchey, editor OF the
southeast Missourian," Cape Girar-
dean, Mo. Mr.. Hinchey brought to the
convention the idea of greater service
between the editor and the merchant.
HIS talk along the lines of greater sat
lsfaction and content in rural districts
RECEIVED much applause
~ part MF. Hnchey said
we must start out with an acknow-
legement of our duty to ourselves, to
each other and to the public. Your
banding for the betterment Of trade
Is not the only reason for the Cotton
states Merchants association II thai
were so it would soon fall apart, being
founded on so selfish a basis that It
would lose respect and confidence OF
those upon whom 1t must depend for
support
'.'rhcre is a democracy of business as
Wen as democracy In government. A
true democracy represents the highest
plane OF life. a true economic democ-
racy does not recognize the individual
or group OF individuals as centrlpetai,
nor does the governmental democracy
approve of the centralized power of the
state as a force to compel obedience to
laws repugnant to all the people.
Must Advertise.
This is not an advertising speech,
take it for granted that you all be-
lIe in advertising. 1t is very inef-
flclent merchant In these days who
does not believe in advertising. But
you merchants S,fttin recognise the tmpor-
the public through the papers OF your
communities, your publicity being larger
or smaller in scope as your environ
ments require or your business justi-
-, 1T is to your benefit TO attract TO
+ Your places of business as many peo-
pie rs you can 10 increase your sales.
You advocate the holding of fairs pic
mics, conventions and gatherings you
offer the return OF carfare, special re-
ducion, sales, or other inducements to
bring the people.
But to bring dissatisfaction and the
loss Of confidence YOU must play the
game fairly. Your goods must be as
represented, your prices in keeping
with your promises, and your personal
ity enter into the scheme. You must
meet the stranger with greeting that
does NOT smack too much OF the man
seeking trade.
Just to the extent of fair dealing and
honest advertising on the pare of the
MERCHANT is the customer retained for
further transactions, and in accordance
with, the energy and the honesty OF the
people of the town Is its business built
up in its tributary territory. The old
saying, The burned child breads fire, "
is applicable in business, and a Gus
toner. once defrauded is likely to refuse
10 place himself in position to be
wronged a second time.
And this where the newspaper comes
in to the game. Ii must join with the
merchant in giving reasons Tor coming
to the home town, or to the commercial
center Of the district. But it, too, must
Fay the game fairly, never by eXag-
geration or misstatements bringing
people who will depart disappointed
or with feeling they have been de-
frauded.
mo merchant can please everyone
all the time. No newspaper was ever
published that did not step on some