Page 15 - Past Presidents' Club Book 1

16 77/f Xational Supply and Machinery Dealers’ Association

lint' cheaper than that,” and he said ‘‘I know it, but this is supe­
rior to that.” Then he called my attention to two or three other
features, I said “What is your price on globe glass No. 2 ?” and
he said I said “You are not in it at all; I can buy
cheaper than that from the jobber.” He said “I do not think you
can buy our goods any cheaper, but you can buy the line you speak
of.” I said "Can you give a lower price?” He said “We are not
quoting prices. We have found it very much more economical to

sell to the jobber and supply you people in that way”—he taking
me for a retail merchant. Then he went on to explain that job­
bers bought five and six car loads of their lanterns, and the price
was less in my hand as a retailer if I bought through a jobber
than direct. Those are two types of manufacturers. I am glad
to say that the latter is somewhat increasing, and there is still
some hope of the former class.
There was one manufacturer I was very much tempted to
test. I will not mention any names, but I did not test him because
the gentleman in charge of his goods knew me. I should like to
have known whether that manufacturer, who was making things
that they sharpen tools with, knives, axes and grindstones, whether
he was granting protection to the jobbing trade, or not, but I did
not approach his exhibit. The gentleman is nodding, and I see
he wants me to say that he does protect the jobbing trade. I
hope he does.
There is a large field for the work of an Association of this
kind, and I hope it will give me pleasure, during the time I may
hold office (without the loving cup) to assist Mr. Anderson. I
have known of his work in connection with the National Board of
Trade, of the enthusiasm he worked into that, and if a man can
enthuse the National Board of Trade he ought to bring to life a
dead mule. (Laughter).
I shall attend such meetings as you will permit me to attend.
I notice in checking up the roll call you have at least fifty per
cent of your members present. I want to say that that is fully
as large a percentage as the National Association had at its last
meeting, and I hope you will continue to grow. (Applause).
P r e sid e n t S trong : The meeting this afternoon is called at