Year: 1862




1t has long been source of wonder to us
that the country merchants of our State did
not or could not make their purchases in Port
land, quite as advantageously as in other mar
kets. We saw no reason why the merchants
of this city could not successfully compete with
their Boston neighbors, and retain the trade Of
the State within her own borders. We see
none now, yet until very recently the business
men Of Maine, have chung tenaciously to the
old notion that goods could be bought only in
Boston, and would meet more ready sale, at
lower prices than if they had not the honor of
coming from the City of Notions.


But facts are stubborn things, and the facts
in this case clearly indicate that merchandise
can be purchased in Portland, more advantage
ously than in other markets, and many of
our country merchants have discovered that
in many kinds Of goods they can actually do
better here than elsewhere. All their heavy
goods they find it for their interest to purchase
here, and some have learned that domestic dry
goods can be obtained here quite as well as
elsewhere, still they go to other markets for
those goods which they imagine are not to be
found here. An intelligent gentleman from
one of the thriving towns on the Kennebec,
who has been engaged in the Dry Goods bus-
ness for twenty-five years, with whom we were
conversing upon this subject few days since,
remarked that "all domestics, could be bought
in Portland cheaper than in Boston, but" said
he, I'VE have to go to Boston for our imported
and fancy goods for they are not here" A de-
mand for, will always create a supply Of any
article Of trade and undoubtedly If their Gus
toners demanded, the enterprising wholesale
dealers in Portland, would very soon, If they
have not now on hand, as good stock, from
which to select, as can be found in New Eng
land. In fact, even now we have no doubt but
that country merchants could find all they re-
quire in this city, If they would but try the ex-
pertinent and reference to our advertising
columns, will be of service to them in this di-
recton.


The truth is, that the idea many have honest
ly entertained, that Boston Is the only availa-
BILE market, is fallacy. Portland is the natur-
al commercial capital of the State. With one
Of the best harbors in the world and with her
extensive railway communications, she pre-
sents unrivalled facilities for the transaction of
business. Her merchants are enterprising and
ready to meet any demands upon them. The
business Of the State should centre here, and
will, when the business men of the State fully
understand its Importance to them. Certain
it is that the advantages to accrue are mutual,
whatever benefits Portland and increases its
business, benefits she whole State, SO whatever
benefits other sections of the commonwealth,
benefits Portland. We shall pursue this sub
ject farther hereafter. Suffice it now to say
that we hope the country merchants, will lay
aside preconceived ideas and see what they
can do here, and on the other hand, we would
suggest to the wholesale dealers Of Portland,
that they be prepared to do their part although
perhaps such suggestion is unnecessary.
When once the business men of Maine can feel
assured that they need go no farther than
Portland, for all they require, then and only
then win Portland assume her true position as
the commercial emporium of Maine.