The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-07-08
RETAIL MERcHANTs-HELPl

Not quite satisfied with the unescap-
able misfortunes that have been the lot of
Key West in the past, our merchants seem
to be intent to invite an additional stroke
of hard luck and still further diminished
payroll.
The rumor is abroad that the Armour
Packing Company is seriously contemplat-
ing pulling out of Key West. It seems to
be the general opinion that if they do, the
tug Warbler will have to find another
home port.
All this can easily be averted by our
merchants if they will consult their own
interests and will take the trouble to realize
what the saving of a cent or two may cost
them
The coming of the highway had many
more effects than anyone anticipated.
Having opened channel for the flow of
trade, we were apparently taken by sur
prise when we observed that the tide
could ebb as well as flow
Pouring into Key West came the
great trucks of the provision dealers from
the north, offering trifling shading of
prices from what was offered by dealer
who employs Key West people, pays wages
in Key West, pays his full share of taxes
(any maybe little more) in Key West;
and whose presence here is the reason for
this port being selected as the home port OF
the warbler which also maintains a
sizeable payroll and brings in new money
to Key West.
And, to save penny here, and a
penny there, the bulk of the Key West
business is going to firms from another
city; firms who pay no taxes and employ
no Key West people. The Armour plant
has grown weary of being used as 2 con-
venience; a standby when five pounds OF
cheese are needed in hurry, but in the
discard when real order was to be handed
out.
It should not take great deal of re-
Election to lead one to the conclusion that
it is worth fraction of cent on the pound
to maintain a well-stocked packing plant
in Key West; nor, need one reflect very
long to realize that if Armour's goes, it
will not be long before the price exacted
for provisions will be dictated by outside
houses, no longer kept in check by q local
house, and that it will be take it or leave
it, with no option on the part of the Key
West dealer And where will you get
your small accommodation order in q
hurry then?
Nor, should it be hard to understand
that the local plant can not operate as
cheaply in Key West as can the ones on
the mainland that have a back country for
the distribution Of larger volume
No discriminatory tax can be levied
on these out-of-town dealers for whom we
have provided ready access to Key West.
That is settled fact; settled in the
courts.
The whole situation is in the hands OF
Key West merchants. If they have civic
spirit enough to say to the out-of-town
solicitor, Il live in and on Key West and
my business will 60 to the firm that shares
with me the problem of getting along in
Key West, and if they have enough Of the
spirit of representation to stick to that
and to let the Armours know that such is
their purpose, Key West will not be bled
any further in that direction.
It is time that militant spirit was
aroused that would plainly say, Key West
for those who are for Key West
OF, if we prefer, we can let our bones
be picked clean, one at time.