The Eureka sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1902-current, 1920-11-27
SIMMONS SAYS HELP
THE SMALL MERCHANT

w. H. Simmons, member Of the
Public Service Commission and head
of the largest Wholesale house In
Reno, in talking over the drop in
prices for every class Of goods. gave
out the following at Carson City:
The people of this State, as in
other sections, will have to use q lot
of judgment IL they wish to avert dis
aster to many of their local mer-
chants. The local merchant has had
to carry a stock that has cost him
much more than the ever paid before.
This will have to be paid for, and
while he will reduce his prices the
movement will have to gradual.
The public will not buy ON a de-
Ginning market, as has been proved
over and over again. A rising market
always brings out buyers. they fear
ing that goods will go higher; but a
declining market works to the con-
trary, as the purchaser always figures
that a lower notch will be found.
Take sugar, for instance. Two
months ago l hardly dared come to
Carson, as every one l met wanted to
know what was the matter with
sugar. They all wanted it, and the
price was close to 80 cents a pound.
People who bought sacks Of sugar
at that price are contented with a few
pounds now, and where we ordered
carloads we now take a less amount.
The same is true Of rice and other
necessities that were at the high peak
of prices. At the same time l did
not tell the people that our firm lost
$1,000 on one shipment of sugar, as
1t dropped in price in transit and we
stood the loss. We were also caught
in the slump of rice, while coffee also
took a nick in the profits. Other ar
ticles have been marked down as the
market falls, and will continue to
be reduced as the prices tumble.
ut is the small merchant of this
State who is going to need the indulg-
ence Of the public, and II the people
will give him a chance he will wealth
er the storm that is already breaking
about him.
while my business keeps me in
touch with the grocer, the same con-
ditions must be manifest in other
lines. l know Of one large Reno firm
that has sustained a loss of several
thousand dollars on textiles, goods
bought on the high market and which
are being sold far below their origi-
nal cost This firm, however, can
stand such a loss. having provided
for it; but 1t is your little fellow. who
makes his living in the small com
munities, that needs all assistance
and confidence.
The people have had a taste oil
panics in the past, and they must con
TESS that they are not desirable. II
the public will just continue its con
idence in the small merchant, stand
the loss with him, there will be nc
trouble; but let the public continue
to hold off, send away for their goods
take advantage Of outside markets
then you are going to have financial
troubles with the merchants over al
of the interior section.
"The purchasing public will have te
stand in for the next six months, and
IL they do Nevada will come out o.
the difficulties with flying c%olors; but
let the trend Of trade go otherwise
and there are bound to be some finan'
cial crashes that will set the State
and people back.
There is no denying the fact thai
all goods are due for a big tumble
and the wise one are prepared. 1t Il
your small merchant, who has beer
struggling along who needs home as
sistance. Therefore l say help hin
over the next few months and give
him a chance to help you as he hal
in the past"
III