Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, December 10, 1914, Page 1

VOLUME 12, N0. 193. - EEMIDJL, MIRRESOTA, g TELL MERCHANTS WHERE FAULTS LAY Mesdames E. F. Netzer and ° T. Bat- tles Score in Addresses . '10,,4 Before -Guests ‘at “Banquet. CO-OPERATION IS GREAT 'NEED Value of Perfect Credit System Amply Demonstrated—Means Success or Failure to Any Business. 80 replete with worthy sugges- tions and good advice were the ad- dresses of Mesdames E. F. Netzer and C. E. Battles, delivered at the ban- quet of the Bemidji Merchants asso- elation last evening, that both are herewith printed in full, The topie of Mrs. Battles was ““Credit,” ‘and that of Mrs. Netzer, “Co-operation.”. Speaking of the value of ‘“Credit,” Mrs. Bstlles said: INSERT.. Mrs. Battles Talks. Mr. Toastmaster, Ladies and Gentle- men: 1 wish'to' eongratulate you upon this Merchants’ Association and the splendid interest the members -are taking in it. Bemidji is Not like the man who waked suddenly in the night, thinking he heard a burglar. When asked by his wife what the matter was he said: “I think there is a man in the house.” ‘“My dear, don’t flatter yourself,” was her reply. For, Bemidji may TRULY flatter herself that there are men here who are giving their best thought and work to building up the interests of the city in which they live. T. R. Fleming, a Writer in one of the magazines, says: ‘“The whole business of life is on a credit basis. Credit is the brain, heart, nerves and artery system of civilization. Credit is the measure of confidence. It is the test of ability and the reward of integrity. It is the great civilizer of the world. It preaches world peace and internationatism more ef- ectively ithan all other forces com- ined. Thus it has vast ethical powers. Threaten All Nations. How absolute is the world’s de- pendance on credit was shown dur- ipg the first days of August when Eu- rope suddenly plunged into war—im- i mediately the world’s credit system | shriveled up, paralyzing business, de- stroying confidence and throwing the| ‘whole financial world into temporary bgnkruptcy. With the credit of the world disturbed, famine in the midst of plenty threatens the people of ev- ery mation.” ‘We wish tonight to consider credit as it applies to our own needs, rather than. world .eredit, however.. The credit ‘system Is a convenience to cus- tomers: .It is-intended in the first place for two classes of people. For those who are amply able to pay their bills in full at any time, but who do not wish to bother with C. O. D. pur- chases, or to pay out money in small amounts, arid for those whose funds are such that they are ‘‘good” for the amount they owe, but to whom it is more convenient to pay at certain periods when cash is in their hands. An Accommodation. Credit, therefore, is an accommo- dation—a special service which every store should limit to only those of its customers who are financially re- sponsible. But, so anxious are many merchants for business, they give people the idea they are doing a fa- vor by having an account with them. This leads to all the greater diffii- culty in making collections. Too much competition is another of the causes of abuse of credit. The merchant is so anxious to sell goods that he takes too great chances on ac- counts. As you all know, the extention of credit very often divides the success or failure of business. You also know that while credit is unsatisfac- tory. in many ways, the merchant must do more or less of it. So the only thing to do is to handle this part of the business in the most sys- tematic way possible. With just a little carelessness a bad debt loss may be enough 'to offset the profits that are made at the sales end of the business. This is one of the problems of business receiving more attention than any other teday. There has been a great.jmprovement in the credit system in the last fifteen years. In 1896, one in every seventy-two merchants ‘failed in business, large- ly from the-bad debt losses, While now the estimate is one in 120, or an average improvement of 66 2-3 per rent. Abuse Brings Failure. It is NOT ithe use of the credit system that brings so many mer- chants to failure, but the abuse of it. Properly managed it is best for all concerned, but it requires care and watchfulness. Merchants are coming to the con- clusion_ that the old time credit methods must go, and are seeking new and better ways. They are ask- ing themselves—'If I must have a credit rating to do business, why is the retail customer entitled to MORE consideration?” A large:portion of the losses of the retailers are made up of small ac- counts opened to accommodate the customer for that particular bill of goods then'added to from time to _time without investigation. One writer says: -“The way out of this difficulty is to have that uncanny at- tribute in man' called cold blooded- ness. Divorce sentiment from busi- ness and say NO. If you would help your fellows do it, not their business, but as a gift of “charity, then you will know at_.the start what your charity has cost you and not have to wait until the books are closed at the end of the year when the worth- less accounts are charged off. To Reduce Losses. One of the plans now to reduce the losses from bad credits is to get the merchants to specify a definite date for settlement and as far as possible get a note or lease at the time of sale, for the merchant who charges GAME WILL BE HARD FOUGHT ‘Bemidji- Teain Expects Worthy Op- ponent in Park Bapids. _COLONEL ALEXANDER. Indicted at Chicago’Under the = iite - Slave “ilaw: Park Rapids will end its basket- ball team to Bemidji tomorrow night for the purpose of meeting the Ath- letics. Tha visitors will place a fast quint on the floor -and expect to se- cure a victory. They will line up as forwards; Britziers, center; Nosin, Tinney and Swansen, guards. Cap- tain Howe of the Bemidji team has not decided on his lineup. Manager Jacobson of the Bemidji five has im- proved conditions for the aceom- modatfon.“ of spectators, bleachers having been -placed on the playing floor and chairs in the gallery. Be- cause of the many objections, no smoking will be allowed during the games. This action will also im- prove the endurance of the players. A large score board will be installed for future games. HATCHERY NOW CERTAIN Supplies for Warfield Dam Establish- ment Reach Bemidji and Will Be Ready for Spring. Photo by American Press Association. Miss Jessie E. Cope of Los Ange- les, who brought about the indi¢tment in Chicago of Colonel Charles Alexan- der of Providence, R. under the white slave law, tried to sue him in Rhode Island, but without success. She went to Providence in August, re- maining for a month, and laid her al- legations before William H. Thorn- ley, a local attorney. He advised her that she had no basis for action. ERECT BUILDING CITY TO Bemidji is to have a pike hatchery next spring, the game and fish com- mission having sent the material for its equipment, all of which reached here this morning. 8. C. Bailey, chief game warden, received notice from the executive a bill of goods has made a loan to his customer—then why shouldn’t he ask the same security as a bank for the loan? Why should there not be a definite understanding at the time the goods are sold as to when and how payment shall be made? Such a request should wants anyway. These are some of the rules of mer- chants who have succeeded. When in doubt do not credit. tlement of bills. business with you, complying with your terms. insist on their tory arrangements are made. Every 30 days go over the books, list all doubtful and past due accounts and all are settled. Charge Interest™ Have one man pass on all re- quests for credit. A customer wants credit 30 or 60 days—charge an ad- vance of ten per cent and tell him if he settles on time the ten per cent will be deducted. Nine times out of ten the customer settles on the date set. This also does away with the complaints of cash customers ‘that they are paying for losses on charge accounts. Have a fixed date to send out statements. Charge interest on overdue accounts. Old accounts ex- ceeding the time limit should not be added without the consent of the credit department. Never forget the date of a promise to settle. Charge an advance on all goods sold on credit and all amounts to draw interest after thirty days. This gives the cash customer the best price and better terms to one who settles promptly than to the one who does not. Fair Proportion. Many merchants now instead of changing to a cash basis as they were tempted to do have adopted the plan of charging all customers bank in- terest on all credit amounts over thirty days old. That is a fair pro- position. It combines some of the advantages of the all-cash system, and at the same time provides credit for worthy people who need and are willing to pay for it. Again, it will tend to discourage the carrying of long-time accounts by well-to-do customers who are amply able to pay, vet desire the conven- ience of a charge account. The day of the ‘‘never closed” credit account is " rapidly passing. ‘Whatever plan you adopt to meet this phase of your business, I give you one word for- your his engine through the day and night, watching every foot of the way for the rocks that might cause disaster. the spirit- of brotherhood ®*grow stronger each year and your efforts of Bemidji. Co-operation. ““Co-operation” was the subject of Mrs. Netzer, and these were her re- marks: There is no slogan so commonly (Continued on last page.¥ SCOOP REPORTER It they wish to dogigtriputed in Lake go over these accounts every day till |matter of the establishment May this association live long and |nay and protected cruiser agent yesterday that the complete paraphernalia had been collected and sent and that the commission would assist in every way possible to make the plan a success. The equipment received includes jars and batteries, not give offense to an honest custom- | in fact everything for use in a mod- er and the other kind no merchant |ern pike hatchery. The commission will provide an ex- perienced man during each hatch- extend|ing season and he will have charge Have some date for the set-|of the fry. Most of the fry will be Bemidji and If cus.|other lakes in this vicinity, stock- tomers fail to make a settlement, re-|ing them in such a manner that the fuse further credit unless satisfac-|good angling of the past will con- tinue indefinitely. It was just a year ago that the of a hatghery first was brought to the at- tetion of the Commerecial club, F. 8. Lycan, at that time-suggesting that such an institution would be a great asset for the city and a guarantee of the splendid fishing conditions to be found here./ The value of Lycan’s idea was im- mediately realized and he was se- lected as being the proper person to make a request of the commission for the establishment of the hatch- ery. He made several trips to St. Paul and finally received the consent of the board to equip a hatchery, should the citizens of Bemidji build it. Subscriptions brought the required finances but nothing more was done. ‘Whether the commission would do anything next spring was doubtful, but by their late action it becomes evi- dent that it intends to comply with its promises. The hatchery will be built at the Warfield Dam, a location there being ideal for such purpose. KAISER REPORTED ILL * (American Press) London, Dec. 10.—According to dispatches from Amsterdam, Kaiser ‘William suffered a severe coughing spell early today and was relieved only after a court physician had ad- motto, | ministered to him for over an hour. ““Watch,” and use the same vigilance | All reports reaching Landon say that that ¢he engineer does as he 1’“0'5 the Kaiser's illmess is most serious. London, Dec. 10.—German armor- ed cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneise- Leipzig have been sunk by the British fleet be ecrowned with success for your|in a battle off the Falkland Islands, selves, and glory for our beloved city[in the South Atlantic. Two other cruisers are being pursued. The German loss of life is placed at two thousand. Petrograd, Dec. 10.—Persistent at- tacks by the Germans within forty miles of Warsaw, is admitted in an official statement from the war office. _%lUB toAuut- Chaci I follows: ~Wright, Nary and Scheers, {,, the fellows only: lne' the pleasure. and joy of this m movement, you ‘would receive m,.fi-u fifty appli-) cations. Wilhins’ 7you. much success in your splendu eH %am, Carl I The above is o1 letters which have the -Pioneer, being Fellow” editor, ther with one o{ the signed blanksiwhich can found on anothers 3 More' Are Weeded. A certain number are showing much interest, hn;ilqthen are need- ed. The “Good Tow” club still has a large number; of vacancies that must be filled before another week. Many urgent requests have reached the committee the past few days, but the source of. the response indicates that the proposition is not given serious ennddmnon in cer-! tain quarters. - PICK UP & Personal Workers Most Sought. The committee does not care to handle money, or, ‘at least, that is not its principal’ function. ‘Any funds that may be eomtributed. will be used to the greatest Idvnmage, but what it wants most are persons who will agree to do personal work: those who personally will care for a family or an individual, providing a Christmas dinner, or-shoes and stock- ings, or mittens, or whatever is most needed in the particular case in which they are interested. Every Appeal Investigated. Nothing is taken for granted by the committee. Every appeal for aid is carefully inyestigated, and prospective Good Fellows will not be freferred to dny h ‘where their services“are’ not neft to’ imperative. But there are several of these homes. There are homes that will be with- out fuel, without food and without cheer of any kind Christmas day un- less somebody responds to the “S. O. S.” call that has been sounding ever since the advent of cold weather. What Aid is Demanded?’ What does it mean to “take care” of a family? It does not mean merely to send a bundle of old clothing out indis- criminately. K does not mean fur- nishing a five-pound chicken for a family of eight or ten hungry chil- dren with disabled parents, and noth- -of the several e received by t to the *“Good ing more. It does not mean assum- ing responsibility for the family’s welfare for the remainder of the winter. Here is what 1s does mean: Turn in your name as a ‘“‘Good Fellow,” the committee will inform you the best: way in which to aid and where assistance is most needed. Tell What You Can Do. Tell them what you are able to do and what you are willing to' do (and everybody should be willing to do all he is able). The committee will look over the files and report the very case that fits the situation. May- be it will only be underwear for a child or two; maybe it will be a Christmhas dinnér for the family, and maybe, if the Good Fellow is willing, it will be toys and candy for a family of little children doubtful of Santa Claus’ impartiality. It may be much or it may be lit- tle. That depends upon the indi- vidual Good Fellow’s ecircumstances and inclination. At any rate, everybody-should do what they can, and the way to do it is to communicate with the Good Fellows’ headquarters and learn where and how it can best be done. " Over 70,000 women are in the em- ploy of the American Telephone and Telegraph company. Greniéer Waves Examination wm} Arrainged Before Jndge Simons, When arrainged before Judge Simons, United States commissioner, this morning, A. H. Grenfer, who ‘has‘been held at the county jail dur- ing the past two weeks on‘a charge of having furnished liquor to a per- son of Indian blood, waived examina- tion and was bound over to-await action of the Federal grand jury. E. S. Oakley, of Duluth, assistant United States district attorney, represented the government at the hearing and the defendant was ad- vised by Attorney Thayer C. Bailey of this city. ' It is understood that Grenier will make application to have his case transferred from the sixth Federal court district to the fifth, the latter being held at Duluth and the former at Fergus Falls. This would make it possible for the case to reach a grand jury.in Jan- uary, while otherwise it would not be heard until May. xMANY OBJECT T0 SITE Sentiment of Bemidji Not Unanimous for Placing of Federal Building at _ Sixth Street and Beltrami. WANT -DOWN-TOWN. LOCATION "Wl Command Border Patrol at -Naco, Ariz. © 1813, by American Press Association A considerable force of troops has left Fort Bliss, near El Paso, Tex., en route to Naco, Ariz., to end the shoot- ing across the international boundary which has resulted - from desultory fighting there between Carranzaista and Villaista troops. General Tasker H. Bliss, assistant chief of staff, will assume full-charge of the Naco situation NOLID’ ORDER AT HIBBING Sentiment of Bemidji residents is not unanimous in its approval of the selection which it appears the govern- ment is to make in establishing a site for the city’s $84,000 Federal building. While the postoffice department has" not announced its choice, Con- gressman Lindbergh's letter to J. J. Opsahl, published in the Pioneer of yesterday, indicates that the 16ts on {Beltrami avenue, between Sixth and Seventh streets, opposite the court house, are the most highly recom- ;mended. and that they are likely to {be chosen. There are many who have express- ed themselves opposing this site, the jfar from the business district; that it, will take the mail carrying out of the railroads’ control; that it will bring about much inconvenience, and various other reasons. To add weight to their arguments these same men refer to the site on Second street and Beltrami avenue as being the proper location for the structure. They feel that the entire block could be secured and attrac- tively parked and that the site should receive just consideration in view of the fact that it is near the two mag- nificent depots and would tend to beautify entrance to the city for vis- itors, causing an attractiveness which would be worth much to Be- midji. They also claim that the lo- cation is the most convenient of any mentioned. However, it appears that the Sixth street site will eventually be picked. The government has practically ar- rived at its decision and unless pow- erful influence is used its selection is certain. STOLE SUIT IS CLAIM. Crowell This Morning. Charged with having stolen a suit of clothes from the employment of- fice of 1. B. Olson, a man giving his name as William Hardy was placed in municipal court this morning. Hardy was arrested on a complaint sworn The defendant was represented by Charles Scrutchin and City Attorney P. J. Russell had on trial before Judge Crowell out by Mr.- Olson. charge of the prosecution. E. S. Oakley, assistant States district attorney, arrived States commissioner. Rolland Henrionnet will couple of days on business. claim being often heard that it is too Will Hardy Case Tried Before Judge United. in Bemidji this morning from his home in Duluth, coming here to represent the government in a criminal case before Judge H: A. Simons, United return this evening from Henning, Minne- sota, where he has spent the past Fifty-one Salocns of Range City to Soon Feel Sting of Indian Agents is Belief Here. “WET” GRAND RAPIDS STILL Hibbing, with its fifty-one bar- rooms, has not yet felt the sting of the Indian agents’ closing orders, al- though it is believed here that it is the intention of the government to slap the “lid” down on the range city liquor establishments at any mo- ment. Yesterday gne of the special agents,J..Cdwdarr, slipped from Be- fdji, boarding a train: traveling in the direction of Hibbing. It was noised around that Hibbing was to be “struck” next. A telephone mes- sage from Hibbing says ‘““nothing do- ing.”” The same response was re- ceived to an inquiry made to Grand Rapids. H. A. Larson, chief special agent, with Agents Brandt and Carson, are still in Bemidji. Larson was more talkative than usual and gave ‘“‘con- siderable™; infqrmallon, admitting to a seporteriof ‘the Pioneer that one of the agents had left the city and that three were still here. TO INVESTIGATE DEATH County Officials Will Hold Inquest Over Body of Dead Redskin. Graham M. Torrance, county at- torney, Andrew Johnson, sheriff, and M. E. Ibertson, coroner, Beltrami county officials, left this morning for Cass Lake from where they drove twenty-five miles to the point at which the Mississippi river flows from Cass Lake, to investigate the manner of death of an Indian whose dead body was found last Thursday. Evidence indicated that the redskin came to his death by suicide, but the officers decided an inquest necessary and the body will be disinterred and examination held.” The place where the body was found is only a few miles from the Cass county line, be- ing in the extreme southeast corner of Beltrami county. In Bemidji -On Business. George T. Simpson, of Minnea- polis, former attorney general of the state, and prominent in state affairs for many years, is in Bemidji on legal business today. He expects to remain here several days. e D. H. Williams, of Superior, train John Larson, of Gully, will leave master of the Soo-Line, is a Bemidji this afternoon for Portland, Oregon. They Are Armmg The Infantry Wlth Machine Guns Now = WEVE GIVEN VP HAVNGMoL Defective Page business visitor today. By "HOP” - Busi-- ness Organization lo‘“!eh- Speakers Commend Its Wonderful tion’s Purpose and Work. There have®been banquets amd BANQUETS held in Bemidji during the past, but the merchants’ -and business men’s affair hifgl in- the Markham hotel Wednauhy avelil] capped the climax’ l_nd will go down in Bemidji history as the big festure event of all time past. The same service that hu made banquets at the Markh hotel such a success in the past again predomin- ated at last evening’s affair and proved a big factor in the fins 1 out- come of the occasion. Mrs. C. E. Battles and Mra, B, F. Netzer, who gave talks on “Credit” and “Co-operation,” respectively, easily made the hit of the_evening and were loudly applauded for the splendid manner in which their ad- - dresses were delivered as well as for the ideas advanced. Both . these talks appear in full elsewhere in thh issue. Tells of Its Aims. President E. A. Barker, who pre- sided as toastmaster, ably outlined the work of the association.during the past year and expressed the sen- timents of the club as the next step to be taken was to annex the women to the membership. In introducing the various speakers, Mr. Barker conducted the title of toastmaster in a becoming and fitting manner. Endorses Association. W. B. Stewart, county superintend- ent of schools, was the first speaker on the program. He said: “It was suggested by the toastmaster that I was merely to break the ice for the other speakers. Professor Stewart spoke encouragingly of Bemidji's progress, heartily endorsed the work of the Business Men's aseceljtion; calling attention to the tact that the Bemidji organization is the it of its kind in the state and that tul':' 3 our united efforts we will continite to meet with success in the future. McGarry a Live-Wire. Senator P. H. McGarry of Walker, who was among the invited guests, was introduced by Toastmaster Bar- ker as a “live-wire” in a live com- munity and “Pat” did not disappoint the merry-makers in the role of an after dinner speaker. ‘“‘Bemidji 1Is the center-piece of beautiful north- ern Minnesota,” said Mr. MecGarry, “and it is only fitting and proper that it should be. The state is proud of Bemidji, because it, has make good as such a center-piece. 1t is filled with the kind of men who make opportunity and who do mot wait for the opportunity to make the man. Have Few Equals. “You have among you a class of people who have few equals. Your bar is comprised of a lot of bright young fellows; your doctors are far above the average and I have never heard a word of complaint against them; your retail and wholesale mer- chants are comprised of men of whom you may well feel proud:. You also have among you a man whom I feel is too big for Bemidji to claim by herself. He belongs to Minne- sota. I am just selfish emough to claim as much right for him for the people of our county and otheréoun- ties as you people do in Bemidjl, and that man is the Honorable Judge €. ‘W. Stanton.” A Mr. McGarry also expressed “him- self as being willing to bopst for this county and district as well as for his own and believed that through: co- operation northern Minnesota — will continue to progress as-it has-in the past. Nord Felt Honored. Senator-elect Leonard H. Nord, of International Falls, was called upon to wind up the evening’s program, which he did in a most fitting man- ner. most pleased to meet with thw of Bemidji, and felt highly h this business men’s banquet. He re- ferred to the time he ate his first big dinner in this city, which was at & “department store,” as he put it, comprising a saloon, a gambling den and a restaurant. Made Wonderful Progress. “Since that time Bemidji has made most wonderful progress,” said Mr. Nord, “looming up today as one of the most progressive.cities in morthwest. “You have elected u your IOII- tor. If I told you what I was go- ing to accomplish, or rather hoped to accomplish, might ask me to hault and invite me {Coutinued on last page.) to be one of the invited guests at _the your toastmasfer - o He expressed himself ‘as w v