Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-09-30
MERCHANTS FORM
STATE ASSOCIATION
Will Fight for Better Roads and
Give Credit Information to
Members-WOuld Like to Sell
Goods at Lower Prices Than Is
Now Possible

About 100 leading merchants of Vermont
gathered at the Hotel Van Ness yester-
day and put in a busy day in organizing
the Vermont State Merchants association.
which Is calculated to help In the impor-
tant matter of delivering goods to Ver-
monters. The meeting was called for
the purpose Of considering the matter
of an organization. but as everyone was
of the same mind the organization was
never a matter of doubt.
The meeting opened in the dining room.
with T. B. Wright as the presiding off,
Ger. 1t was only few minutes after
that when a vote was taken favoring
unanim ously the formation Of the asso-
citation. After remarks by several mer-
chants, committees were appointed for
the purpose Of drawing up the constitu-
ton, nominating officers, and resolutions.
1t was voted the officers be selected from
the place where the meeting was held.
and for that reason the officers are all
Buringtonians. This is done in order
that the officers can work In conjunc-
ton.
The officers elected yesterday are as fol-
lows: President F. D. Abernethy; vice.
president Thomas B. Wright; recording
secretary Edward Hanbridge; treasurer.
II. e. Clarkson. The directors were &C.
lected from different sections OF the State.
They are as follows Isaac Miller Of Rut-
land. C. E. Kingsbury of Montpelier NJ.
J. Cole of Bennington, J. W. Raymond Of
Randolph, Clarke Abney Of st. Johnsbury,
A. P. Simonds of Brattleboro, F. w.
Wheeler Of Springfield, Miss Josephine
Nourse of Barre, S. S. Gushing Of ST.
Adams. j. j. Fenton Of Bellows Falls.
n toto
ston of Rchford. Homer Ladd of Barre
A. ]. Collins of Brandon.
The following we're appointed the noni-
mating committee: G.. E. Wilson Of Rich
ford. II. S. Dunshee Of Bristol. H. NJ.
brennan Of St. Adams. A. P. Smonds Of
Brattleboro w. w. Nichols Of Rutland.
Robert H NaxNam OF Windsor Edward
cambridge of BURLINGTON Miss .IoreoNine
'(ou~ee Of Barre TIE committee ~ the
c1rstituton consisted Of r. Chalmers of
I.t'and W n Nu't'ro NJ Rrardo, T..
II Nichols Of BENNINGTON George " TIL
Zen Of Barre. w Doo'n ~ ST. NNa-s.
". Pei ~ PandO',.r. p. w. Morton
of St Aibans Y COO If BENNINGTON
=. r. Garrison # burlington. The COM
'>'ittee m RESOLUTIONS consisted of Iaaao
rNler Of Rrt'an9, n. AbernetNy of
ou-lir pton A Y Houghton of sn-ing-
u. vi
i-- Of s. Albare w T. Rees Of Barre
r,v A Evans ~ Middlebury. and u. F.
--'.~ ~ P'cNford
The committee on resolutions Reported
and their recommendations for the mos
part were accepted. It was decided b,
the merchants to become active in
fight for better roads Following that
the present tax laws came in for crti
icism Authorities were stated who claim
ed that under the present system Of tax
alton the increase in the cost of livinl
had been exten led % per cent. The sam,
authorities thought that 1t should no
have been more than three per cent undo
O. system Of simpe taxation. One Of tn
main purposes which the organization
homes to accomplish is to gran. bette
credit inform alton to its mem bers and t,
help the public service The merchants
were all Of the same mind to the effec
that lower prices would suit them bette
for the reason that under present condi
tons the cost and work in selling high
priced goods was excessive. The mer
chants are doing their best to restore nor
maj conditions. The Meeting vesterda,
was marked by much enthusiasm. and thu
success Of the organization seems as
sured.
In opening the meeting the following
communication was read from Mayo
Jackson:
It was not so very long ago when tn
merchant was an individual factor in tn
business world. He managed his ow,
business. as the farmer and the manu-
facturer managed his, honestly, but quit
Independent, seeking to build up trad
in his own way.
For some years past, the condition
n changed
and fall governed by causes sometime.
far-reaching; demands made upon tn
merchant have Increased. and the bust
ness wor has grown so big. and tn
merchants place in it has became g
important, that now he must study tn
new problems that constantly confron
him.
You have found that you can bette
solve these problems. and so serve your
selves and the public better by the inter
change Of Views in an association of tn
kind you represent.
I congratulate you in forming the Mel
chants Association of Vermont, You ger
tlemen. have field to work in, worth
of your best effort, for the entire peopl
hold some kind Of business relations wit
you.
I extend to you individually, and a
; an organized body OF men, who woul
build up and promote the mercanti
trade in Vermont, a most hearty we
come to this city. l welcome you as me
; who are not afraid to Join the work {
your hands with the work of your mind
: In making the business of the merchar
successful to him and of service to h
patrons.
hope you will find this city a pleasar
place for the transaction of business
and that you will vote to come again I
: Burlington many times, to hold your ar
nual conventions.
j. HOLMES JACKSON