The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-02-25
RETAIL MERCHANTS
HAVE BEEN ACTIVE
President {. r. White Gives Summary
of Associations Business.

That the Retail Merchants associa-
ton, during its year and a quarter OF
life, has been Of value not only TO its
members but also TO the citizens in
general because it has fostered better
business practices, was the pith of a
talk given by the president. Edward
T. White, junior member of the firm
OF White & White, at the meeting of
the association Wednesday.
Mr.. White discussed the various
activities of the association and gave
the following summary:
Organization perfected Oct. 3, 1919,
with a total membership of So, when
the existing constitution and bylaws
were adopted.
1.-The object of the association is TO
promote and protect retail trade and
to encourage a spirit of mutual help
fulness among its members. and to
this end, it's officers and members
have devoted their best efforts. de-
parting from it's objective only as
when engaged in work of a civic ma
ture.
Regular weekly meetings have
been held and opportunity afforded its
members for full discussion of trade
matters of interest.
Numerous committees appointed to
further the work of the association
have performed their duties in an en-
thusiastic and efficient manner.
"Some of the most salient accom-
plishments;
THE inauguration of a credit rating
bureau which has proved of value to
the members in deciding upon credits
of a doubtful nature.
Merchants have been. supplied with
display cards for the purpose of mini
MIXING the pernicious practice of shop
lifting, and the passing of worthless
checks.
1T has sought to discourage per-
sons seeking advertisements of doubt
full value, and has endeavored to reg
ulate too frequent solicitations of
merchants in which they are really
not interested and which are of no
benefit to them.
Rewards have been offered for the
arrest and conviction of shoplifters.
"Amicable arrangements have been
perfected with the Clerks association
relative to holidays and closing hours
and there has been created between
thesd associations spirit of coopera-
ton and mutual self-interest
Its inauguration of a trade and
fare-refund week" served as a stimu-
liant to business and was resultant of
some good.
THE members of the association
gave hearty support to the issuance
of bonds for paved highways and pub
lie schools and committees were APP
pointed TO assist in the disposal of
county time warrants. Two delegates
were sent to st. Augustine to attend
the convention of the State Highways
association.
Gave full cooperation to ship-b by
truck day.
Initiated the introduction of a city
ordinance to regulate the movement
of household goods, and is seeking to
have introduced a bill to perfect more
equitable exemption laws.
Initiated national prosperity
week" campaign, which win be car
ried to successful conclusion by the
chamber of commerce.
THE membership of the association
now numbers 81 and as its strength
and influence widens it's officers realize
that upon them there rests also a
greater responsibility and that the eff
forts of the past are but a prelude of
greater accomplishments in the flu
ture.
The social and entertainment fea-
lures have not been neglected. Emer-
son speaks in one of his essays of the
of what he calls facility
Of association" as the practical test
of civilization. He evidently meant
the ability of men to get along to-
gether, work together and plan and
strive for the common good, requiring
Il certain degree of fairmindedness.
liberation, generosity of spirit and
mutual confidence. We do rot like
men when we do not know them we'll
and men whom we once thought cold
and unfriendly become mighty good
fellows upon closer acquaintance. This
makes for better unity OF action and
facilitates the accomplishment of the