"Trade is a Little Dull."

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 15 January 1891, Page 2

"Trade is a Little Dull."

— ♦ — We find the following lifcfc'e sketch iv the Boston Commercial Bulletin. It forcibly illustrates the fact that " trade is a little dull," aud also that the portion of the business community known as " drummers," or commercial travellers, despite their almost inexhaustible resources and invention, are often obliged to yield to the pressure of these_ stagnant times. The Bulletin says :—- One of these gentlemen, Who hasf recently returned from a trip for' Thistle Brothers aud Co., of Mm city, did not show a very large exhibit of orders to balance the liberal expense account allowed him by the firm, and Mr Thistle, atter looking over his return, said : "Mr Rataplan, I am afraid you do not approach the dealers in the right way ; I used to be very successful in this Hue. Now, just suppose me to be Mr liigher, of Sellout, Illinois, and show me the way you introduce the house." Accordingly Rataplan stepped out . of the counting room, and re-entered hat in hand, inquiring, "Is Mr Bigh^r in ?" " That is my name,'' answered Thistle urbanely. "My name is Rataplan sir; I represent the house of Thistle Brothers and Co., of Boston." Thistle, in his character of Western' merchant, here rose, offered the salesman a chair, and expressed his pleasure at seeing him. " I am stopping with Overcharge, at the Stichem House, and have, a . fine unbroken lot of samples, which ~, t I should like to show you ; think we can offer you some special advantages." etc. And Eatap'an delivered himself of a neat speech in professional style. "Very we'l, very well," said: Thistle, " I don't see but you unders and the way to got at customers." "Excuse me, Mr Thistle," said Rataplan, " I am afraid you do noj understand the stye of western merchants just now ; suppose you ex-

change places with me, and we repeat this rehearsal ? " "Certainly," said Thistle, and picking up his hat ho stepped out. Returning, he found Rataplan with hie chair tilted back, hat cccVed fiercey over his right eye, his heels planted on Thistle's polished de-k, and a, lighted cigar between his teeth." Thistle looked a little staggered bat nevertheless he commenced : "IsMrßigher in?" " Yes, he is," responded Rataplan blowing a cloud of pure Connecticut into Thistle's eyes. ; * Who the devil are you ? " r"I represent the house of Thistle Brother* and C 0.," sa ; d the astonished employer, coughing out about a quart of siro 1 «■ from his throat . '• The blnz s you do. Are you one of that concern ? " #< No, fair, I am not," said Thistle. " Well, it's lucky for you that you are net, for I've had two • drummers ' to one customer in my store for the last two months; and if I could get hold of one oi the fools that sent 'em out here at this time. I'm darned if I wouldn't boot him clean out of the town cf Sell" out." ' That'll do, that'll do, Mr Rata plan," said Thistle " I have no doubt you did the best for the interest of the house. Trade is a little dull.