The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-06-17
MEN. WOF"EN
 AND THINGS

have owned up in this column that am a natural born 'jay-walker," that 1 am charter member of the bundle toting club" and now I wish to confess that I am a "bargain-counter fiend."
 
 I'll admit that this last admission on my part is to bring down upon myself the reproduction of every right-thinking man, hut I'll content myself with the thought that it may bring me into sym pathetic touch with my sisters who can not resist the temptation to buy at a dis count.
 Now if it does not make any difference to you what you pay for things, there isn't the slightest reason why you should wade through this tale for it will not interest you in the faintest way. but on the other hand if you have to use judg- ment and economy and self-denial in your purchases I'll advise you hear 1t through
 In reading about the life of Russell Sage, the man whose name while living W as held up to ridicule and scorn because of his penurious ways; but whose memory through the blessings of his savings willed to his wife frightened many sorrows of mankind,-,was in spite of his eccen- tricites man of character and discern ment, or he never would have more than held his own in Wall street.
 
 Ha copfecSec that if ha had apv cess in his great investments it was be- cause that all through his life he had been taught to know the value of dol lar. He was known in the street as close trader, and as broker who was continually on the lookout for bargains in stocks. He grounded the ability he had in the market from the fact that even in the purchases of his clothes he waited for them to be marked down, say ing that "a young man who uses discre- tion in the buying of collars, ties, hats, shoes and clothing was laying the basis as a successful operator in the pit" I do not contend that it's the proper thing for those who are able to scrmp and save and stay out of the market | until price reductions set in, for if every one did this, it would demoralize regular business, and in the end be disastrous. There may be a place in every city for "cut rate'' establishments as an outlet for broken stocks. but as whole mer- chandising to be profitable must rest on customers who can afford to pay reas- enable profit on the goods they buy.
 
 I frankly confess that if every one in Birmingham used the same methods 1 do, it would in the end be unfortunate for the merchants, and therefore injurious to the business of the city, for say what you may. the merchants are the best barometers for gauging the financial health of any commounity. My excuse, therefore, for my conduct is based upon the fact that for years I have not given my life to moneymaking, but have striven to make it pay the best dividends possible in the way of service to my 1 city, county, state and nation.
 l I realize that this self-praise will raise | a smile on the faces of my friends and a frowL on those who object to self exploitation, but to give the simple facts | I am compelled to state them truly and without apology. A man who enters the ministry as paying profession needs a guardian, and one who quits it for reli- gious journalism in the hope of betterng his pocketbook needs to be tried on writ of lunacy But I did it.
 | This recalls the story of the editor of a denomina ational paper. who, suffering l from a mental breakdown on account of loverwork and lack of funds. was sent to an asylum. The inmates gathered about hin. and finally one of the lunatics. act | ing as spokesman for the others, said. l Brother, why did they send you here?' Feelingly he replied, Because I was the editor of religious paper" The inter- locutor answered, That ain't reason enough to have a fellow shut up here.'' But" replied the editor, T started de- (nominational paper. expecting to make money out of it." "Oh," parried the ques- tioner, ''in that case, you ain't crazy, you're just natural born idiot"
 | If I coveted riches I would hardly ex- pect to attain my ambition even as writer on secular paper, although I am not complaining about my wage, but one knows that there is more glory than salary in being a contributing member of the press I do it because I like it. and from the fact that it gives me chance to help along whole lot of good things, as The Age-Herald is ever willing to get | in behind every movement which is for the uplift of the people of Alabama.
 This is a long prelude in justification of my bargain hunting propensities, but l wished to clear the ground for others who | for one cause or another find it necessary | to use care in the expenditure of their incomes or salaries. I own up that am not a desirable customer. for I pick and choose to get the things I want, and while I am not giving to 'jewing," yet as rule, I wait for the merchants to mark down their stuff before I get into the market.
 1 But the retail merchants need not hold | it against me for every one of their buy CTS is hard to work in the wholesale marts fighting for chances to pick up I bargains. and woe betide the head of