The billboard (Jan-June 1899)

THE BILLBOARD JI^ms^*'"" It Is a waste of time for correspondents to write us, mentioning work they are doing, unless the firm name and address of each advertiser is given in full. We do not publish letters as a free adver- tisement for the writer, but on account of the interest In them for our readers. The name and address of a Arm that is actually posting, distrbuing, painting, demonstrating or tacking signs is always NEWS. It en- ables our readers to write them with a pros- pect of obtaining a share of their business WHENEVER YOU MENTION AN ADVER- TISER GIVE HIS NAME A..D ADDRESS IN FULL. Editor of "The Billboard:"' Dear Sir—I was so much interested in reading your "Physchology of Advertics," which formed the editorial in your April issue of "The Billboard," tbat I take the lib- erty of writing you my appreciation of the subject. You strike the keynote. The influences of certain forms of advertising upon certain minds under certain conditions is a study profound and valuable to any advertiser, and the wonder is that it is not more seriously studied. But then it is too deep for the av- erage advertiser's mind. Whatever is deep is annoying, and the advertiser dismisses it with impatience and concerns himself with more material matters. The ramifications of the mind—the tangent of ideas resulting from first thought—tne re- ceptive mood as well as the analytical and deductive faculties are subjects to which no writer has yet done justice. In the minds of many the serious consid- eration of a profound abstract matters is a subject for jest. If you have ever traveled through Utah and noted the ignorance of the farmer class there, then compared that with the intelli- gence of the similar class in New England, you will appreciate the importance of adver- tising matter prepared to strike the mind to which it is directed. Just so with many other States. Some minds demand the flippant—others the serious, others the bombastic, others the simple, others the complex, others the talk- ative, others the dogmatic, others the log- ical, others the artistic, others the sensation- al, and so on. In times of war and political excitement people's minds become abnormal and then the dramatic and sensational are effective. In ordinary conditions, the logical accomplishes more. The demand for logical advertising is growing greater, thanks to in- ' creasing intelligence and competition. Just how to mix with the logical a due proportion of brilliant lightness and art is a problem that every advertiser should con- sider most carefully. The analytical and deductive faculties, as far as I have been able to learn, have reach- ed their highest development (in America) in Boston. You would not think so by Bos- ton's advertising. But then advertising—nor newspapers—in a community do not always reflect the intelligence of the people. Commercial travelers are profound stu- dents of the vagaries of mind. One drum- mer will tell another: "How Jones likes to talk of so and so. and if you can get him talking on that subject, at the end of half an hour- the chances are that he will surprise you with a sudden order." In faet.eommer- cial men are deep students of physcology all the time, although they may never suspect it. The average mind after a period of serious study must spring back into the whimsical, ridiculous and festive in order to recover its equilibrium. That explains why so many farce comedies and light literature drown Shakesperiaa and solid mental food, -'the comedian in private life is grave; the trage- dian happy. Th- receptive mill m»%=t wait *h* adver- tiser's work, otherwise he is wasting ammu- nition. When there is a superabundance oi advertising on a subject the how adw-rtiser clever, dramatic or i-jr;.-ible enough !o im- press minds al-3H.|y fill«-l r ith ad'-citi.-Irg food. When there is a clear right of way a lesser effort will bring results, but the bet- ter tho effort the better the rssults. These thoughts were suggested by your ed- itorial, and your editorial suggested the let- ter. 1 will watch your succeeding remarks on the subject with deep interest. Yours very truly, -' J. ANGUS macdonald: Wbonsocket. R. I., April 3,1889. Editor of "The Billboard;" Dear Sir—Seeing an article in the March issue of "The Billboard" from "Proctor & Nye," of Lincoln, Neb-, referring to "The Dr. Snoop" mode of dealing with distribu- tors, brings to mind a little experience that I had with that company. Two years ago I received a letter from Dr. Snoop Co., asking if I wished to do this work and saying that they paid $1.50 per m. I answered same, saying that my price was $2 per m., and would guarantee the best of service, but net accept the work at their price (51.50 per m.). A short time after my letter to the Dr. Shopp Co., my-brother received a letter from them, offering to appoint him as their dis- tributor in this city at $1.50 per m. He being an employe of this concern, turn- ed the letter over to me, and I answered : same. -■ Well, they finally secured the services of a man, and to him they Intrusted their work. During the month of ebruary, 1899. I re- ceived another letter from "The Dr. Shoop Co./' saying the service had not been satis- factory, and again asking me to do their work at the old price of $1.50 per m. They enclosed a contract, which I filled out and inserted $2 per m. in place of the print- ad price of $1.50. After waiting a short time I ran across a bunch of SIX of "The Dr. Shoop" booklets in the hallway at my home, and upon following this distribution (in the immediate vicinity of my home) I found other evidence of very poor work. Upon inquiry. I found that the work had been done by a concern located in Provi- dence, R. I., and that this city had been dis- tributed in ONE DAY. Now, if " this Providence .concern received 5,000 (the required number) booklets for dis- tribution in this citty at $1.50 per m« how can they give decent service, and make a cent, after paying carfares (80c per man for round trip from Providence), and also pay- ing their help? To distribute this city, it takes me (with two men) nearly three days, and I fail to see where the "Dr. Shoop Co.'- have saved a cent by employing a concern that gives the kitid of service that they received here during the month of March, 1899. Medical concerns that are not willing to pay a fair price, and cheap distributing con- cerns that do work for "any old price," are just the people that block the wheels of legit- imate trade and prevent a distributor from receiving a fair price for good service. Very respectfully yours, WILLIAM O. HACKETT, Manager City Bill Posting Co. Woonsocket, R. I. Denver, Colo., April 13, 1899. Editor of "The Billboard:" Dear Sir—We had a very pleasant call this week from Mr. D. K. Wade, who is repre- senting "Cascarets." We made a contract with him to distribute Denver, Pueblo, Colo- rado Springs and surrounding towns. We bave found Mr. Wade very much of a gen- tleman, and thoroughly up-to-date and painstaking in regard to his distributing matter. We also closed a contract -with Levering & Co., of Baltimore, to distribute 10,000 cir- culars, advertising Levering's coffee. We did a large amount of distributing for the last election that took place in this city, handling upwards of 700,000 pieces of distrib- uting matter for the different political par- ties. Mr. Hardwiek, representative of Pyle's Pearline, called April 3. We sampled the city of Denver for him. We put out 380 sam- ples to the physicians of the cities of Den- ver. Pueblo and Colorado Springs, advertis- ing Mcllen's Food Co., of Boston. Closed contract for 75,000 pieces of distrib- uting matter, advertising Bromo Seltzer, Emerson Drug Co., Baltimore. Distributed 26.000 pamphlets for Dr. Chase Medical Co., of Philadelphia, in Denver. Seventeen thousand samples containing pills advertising Dr. Guhri. of the Busanku Medicine Co., of Philadelphia- Distributed 36,000 pamphlets for Dr. Miles Medical Co.. of Elkhart. Ind. Thirty thousand pamphlets and papers for C. I. Hood & Co.. of Lowell, Mass. Dr. Cooper, Denver, "Cooper's Tea," 100,- 000 for Denver and throughout Colorado. Yours respectfully, JAS. A. CURRAN. Editor of "The Billboard:" Dear Sir—I have bought out the business of J. H. Haynes & Son, of this city, and have joined the I. A. D. I have just finished doing some sampling for Mr. B. H. Bacon, of Rochester, N. Y. It was the first work I ever did for him. I handed the samples to the lady of the bouse, at the kitchen door. I was paid to do that kind of work. If the advertisers would pay distributers enough for their work, so .they could do it in the way it should be done, they would get gc*d returns. It would make the distributors feel better. What satisfac- tion is it to stick a sample under the door cr over it. when, if we would hand it into the lady of the house, they -would be sure to try it. I am speaking from personal ex- perience, and of people I have known ever since I begun the advertising business, and that is over six years. A few days ago, when I was doing work for the above-named firm, I found two and three families living in a house that looked to be only large enough for one. Some told they never got anything that came around. I very often receive letters from firms say- ing they want a distributor in Ironton, and will pay $1.50 per thousand for circulars and samples, as the case may be, and "If you can do it for that price fill out the applica- tion blank." I can not afford to work for that price, so refuse rather than take it. I do no work at all for less than $2 per thou- sand, and sampling according to size, weight and the way in which it is to be done. This is a very scattering town in some parts to work, as the traveling men for Miles Medical Co., W. t. Hanson & Co., C. I. Hood & Co., and Foster-Milburn Co., could tell you. Yours very respectfully, H. C. CROSLEY. Knoxville, Tenn., April 18. Editor of "The Billboard:" Within the last few months I have received several communications from other States, asking my opinion of forming an association in the South. I have been strongly in favor of doing this for a number of years, and talked the matter over wiL* Mr. Campbell two years ago while In Chicago, and he seemed to be of the same opinion as myself. But there is no one Southern State with enough bill pesters in to form a State associ- ation. It will be best to form a Southern State Association. Now I see the matter has again been taken up by other bill posters, and 1 certainly intend to meet them in At- lanta on May 15, and do all in my power to make the same a success- Business with ub has been very good this spring, considering the amount of rain we have had. We would advise all local bill posters to write to the Marble City Drug Co., of Knox- ville, as they are doing some nice posting. Hoping to meet all Southern (also as many Northern as can come) bill posters in At- lanta, I am fraternally yours, B. C. BARNES, Schenectady, N. Y. April 17, 1899. Editor of "The Billboard:" " Dear Sir—Notwithstanding my inexperi- ence and lack of important information with which to interest your readers, 1 will en- deavor to contribute-a few lines: at least, to that very important department of your most interesting publication, "A Monthly Experience Meeting." Although I have not manifested much interest in your worthy efforts to make this feature of "The Bill- board" one of the most interesting, from the distributors' view point, in our oiricial jour- nal, let me assure you that I appreciate its inestimable value, and 1 regret that I am unable to contribute more to your efforts than an occasional "tale of woe.*' such as I am now about to relate. In the first place, 'I have practically done no work at all during the winter. This, however, is perhaps nothing remarkable, but I mention it for the benefit of those of my brother distributors who have been in the same boat, for I really do believe that there are others besides myself who have been confronted with such conditions, and it may please them to know that they were not alone in their troubles. There is another chapter of my experience, however, which has been somewhat discouraging. I should have said in the beginning that my lack of work during the winter has probably been partly due to own obstinacy. I made up my mind long ago that distributing in this city was worth $2 per thousand, and, not being in the business solely for my health, I bave refused several contracts in which the price offered was less than that amount. These offers came from advetisers which I knew would demand first-class work, regardless of the price paid, and knowing that I could not do the work as they desired to bave it done, and make a living at the price offered, I have refused the. contracts. All communications which I have received from advertisers, regarding my prices for distributing matter, have been promptly answered, but in many cases after sending them my price lists, our negotiations have ended. Some of the firms, however, bave answered my communications, saying that they had never paid more than this, or that amount for their work, which was invari- ably less than my price, and consequently I could not accept the work. Then, again, there have been cases where these same firms have given their work to a couple of "cheap men." who reside in this city, and, in a few days, a person could go through most any street in the city and see valuable advertising matter lying on the front stoops, or in the back yards, of the residences. These men, whom I call the cheap men. are generals in an immense army of "kids," who are experts in the art of dis- posing of valuable advertising matter. Their ruthless distributing of circulars, booklets and other printed matter has caused the city authorities to pass an ordinance against de- positing such matter in places where it can be blown in the streets, and it seems prob- able, now, that the sewer department will have to take stringent measures to prevent the sewers being stopped up. Dr. Miles and the Pe-ru-na Co. have re- cently distributed in this city, but I am not sure as to who did the work. Dr. Miles' work seemed to be pretty well done, but the Pe- ru-na Drug Co.'s distributing was done on the wholesale plan; for example: The house I live in is occupied by two families, tbat is, including my own. At this house, or, rather, on the front stoop, the distributor left seven of the Pe-ru-na books. I have just completed the distribution of 3,000 sixteen-page books for B. F. Jackson & Co., Indianapolis, Ind. This firm sent me their work without the usual preliminary correspondence regarding prices, &c. Never- theless, they informed me that their bills were usually $1.50 per thousand. About three months ago I received 6000 small books from Drs. Kennedy & Kergan of Detroit, Mich. These I still have in my possession, for upon my first attempt to dis- tribute them I was stopped by a police of- ficer and taken before the Chief of Police This gentleman claimed that the books con- tained obscene, literature, and that I would be arrested should I distribute any more of them. I communicated these facts to the doctors, and they told me to hold the matter subject to their orders. I have not yet re- ceived those orders. In the meantime I have consulted several lawyers regarding the mat- ter, and they say that I could fight the au- thorities and win, but it would probably cost more than the distribution would be worth Despite all these difficulties and discourse- • ing incidents. I am still in the distributing business, as you will see by the circular let- ter which I enclose with this, i expect to remain in the business, too, as long as I can get an occasional contract from ; dvertisers who appreciate honest work and are willing to pay a reasonable price for the same With best wishes for the success of the I A. D. and our official journal. I remain yours respectfully, HARRY F. MILLER. _.,„ . Liberty, Mo., March 28, 1899. Editor of "The Billboard:" , D .f2£ S U:7,l "ot'eed in the March number Si The Billboard" a few remarks made by Mr. A. E. Harbough. Among other things. "™ ay ?.,,fL at th f. ? gn P aln «»S department of Ihe Billboard" is made up of a lot of dry material. I was glad to hear him say that, for it is just what has been preying on my mind for a long while, and he certainly bit the nail on the head. This department does not hold Its own with pa 6 !!^}?^ 6 , of th . e J° urn °l- I have been PAINTING signs of every description for the past ten years, and I do not consider myself one of the BEST sign painters, ek er. but I ™J 2,™ tb A* a ?°" nB man w ho has no more ability than I have would think he bad learned anything from reading some of these articles on "How to letter" I can make a dozen dlerent styles of letters and do It off-hand, and a letter pattern would be a handicap to me in any bulletin work I un- dertake, and in almost any other kind of sign The best way I know of to learn to paint a bulletin is to learn first -ow to letter then to space, and finally to ma -e y.nir wording fill a specified space by eye nu-as- urcment. The main thing utter having' learned all of this, is: Learn how to get the work to do, and this is the one thing that I have not learned yet. I thought I was on the right track when I learned of N. S. P. ,\ but it seems as though that is going to be a failure, for everybody seems to be inter- ested in it but Mr. A. E. Harbough and tuy- self. I have been trying for some time to secure a permanent position as an ad-sign painter and have fuiled, and so have some of un- friends who are in the same business. It is nonsense to say that there are not many sign painters who can do bulletin work. An ad in a city newspaper will bring a dozen at the first issue. If this was not so I would surely get a No. 1 job In short order, for I am temperate. Industrious, and all I want Is a chance to prove my ability. If this will look better in the waste basket put it there. Wishing "The Billboard" and its patrons the best success, I remain, yours truly C. H. SPURLOCK. Rockville. Ind., April, 1899. Editor of "The Billboard:" Kindly allow me a little space in your val- uable paper to tell my friends, advertisers and bill posters what is going on in Rock- ville. in the Southern Indiana coal field. 23 miles north of Terre Haute and 68 miles west of Indianapolis. Our business has been as good as could bo expected all winter, and work from our patrons has been coming in regularly every month. We have posted the following show paper at 3 cents per sheet: Stetson's Uncle Tom's Cabin Co.. Creston Clark Co., Davis Columbian Minstrels. Da- vis & Busby. Ten Nights in a Bar Room, Robert Downing in The Gladiator. A Jolly Hot Co., The Late Mr. Early Co.. Haverly's Minstrels, Sadie Raymond. Missouri Girl and Davidson's Old Armer Hopkins Co. All these shows did well here, in fact Rockville is said to be the best town in the State for its size (3.000). The following is a list of our commercial work for March: 100 3-sheets for Connelys Cigar. 400 3-sheets for American Eagle Cigar 25 20-shects Cascaretts. 500 1-sheet Cascar- etts. 25 3-sheets No-To-Bac and 55 3-sheets Jones Hair Restorer. I am confident that this is a good showing for a town of 3,000 population. The bill posters in the small towns will probably wonder how so much work comes to me. I will tell them the secret. Any man who will be conscientous and pay strict at- tention to his business can in two or three years have all the bill posting and distrib- uting he can do. One company which deserves to be given the cold shoulder by all bill posters and dis- tributors is the Northwestern Yeast Co. This company never gives its advertising to local men, but instead have a number $35 a month salesmen out for them, some of whom I know from experience, haven't enough sense to know that the war with Spain is over. They tack signs on your boards or any old place—it docs not matter to them. I have written to the company about it any number of times, but they have not even shown the common courtesy to answer my letters. It won't be long, though, before they will be glad to contract with local men. because good men can not be had for $35 a month, and others do not pay. Bill posters, get ready; get your supplies and rebuild your boards for the rush which is coming this summer: it is bound to come, and when it does come be prepared to be in it with the rest. The county fairs and street fairs will soon be coming, and if the bill posters work it right thev may be able to contract for the posters, as well as the post- ing. If you do hear of any movement where advertising will be done, go after it. drop a card to the two leading printing houses in the country: The Donaldson Lithographing Co. and the Hennegan Co.. both located in Cincinnati. O.. for prices and samples. They will be glad to send them to you. I would like to hear from some brother bill posters once in a while, through "The Bill- board." What Is the matter with D. B. Stevers. Dcnlson. Iowa: W. White. Lemars, Iowa; Mr. Thompson, Harper. Kas.: W. W. Rusk, Osage City. Kas.: A. Wood. Centralia. Mo., and lots of others? Fellows, give us a letter now and then. •I noticed In the two Inst issues of "The Billboard" an article by Mr. Van Syclc, of Indianapolis, concerning some distributing done In that city by Mr. Will A. Molton. I happened to be In that city at the time the distributing for Drs. Kennedy & Kergan was done by Mr. Molton's agent, and saw the distributors working from bouse to house, and to all appearances the work was being done very well. With rrgards to all. and best wishes for the continued success of "The Billboard." 1 remain, rsepectfully. EMMET LITTLETON. Hallstead. Pa., March 13, 1899. Editor of "The Billboard:" Thinking that my experience ns a distrib- utor might be of some interest to your rend- ers. I will give It. I have been distributing for eight or ten years, and consider tlrnt there are still things for me to learn about The flrrt question Hint confronts n distrib- utor Is: Wbnt Is the best way to get your work Into the houses? There are different ways to do this. Leaving matter In Hie mall box seems to work very well for the medicine companies, but even then people will throw It In the street, because e* their ' disappointment on finding advertising mutter Instead of mall. Sticking paper In the 'ioor Jams works all right, as docs sliding It un- der the doors, where you will have no trou- ble with kids destroying your work. Above all, ring no door bells, for If you do your work will be In the street almost *» soon as you are. One big mistake mad/e by THE BILLBOARD both local and traveling distributors is in passing a house when it is fur hack in the yard or on a hill. You are five times as apt to Kct results from a place like that as from the others, because they do not receive half ns much advertised mutter as places closu to tin- street. In thi> Inst three months we have dono work for two advertisers who did not have their goods on sale here. 1 notified the drug- gist tlutt we were about to distribute some -samples, and told him that it might pay him lo net some of the medicine, it he did not have liny, but he said that he already had too many other brands for the same trouble. About two weeks later I called to see the saute man. to tell him about another dis- tribution, ami I noticed that he had quite a display of the first goods advertised. When questioned, he said that the demand had been so great that he had been compelled to get it. The same thing happened after the second remedy had been advertised. So you see what can be done by reaching the houses away from the street. Try it. There are two ways to inspect, that is, to see how the work is being done. One is to follow your man. but far enough behind to be out of his sight. Another way is to in- quire at several different places; 1, more than one place has been passed, you w 11 know that the work is not being done properly. We solicit business by writing to advertis- ers three times a year—in December, in March and in September. This plan gives c,ood results, but where it is possible a per- sonal call is more satisfactory. We think that sign tacking gives the best results, if the signs are put up correctly. Make it a point to have as many signs us possible, at right angles to the walls, so that people will have to come face to face with them. Hoping that someone will get a pointer or two from this letter, I remain, respectfully, JAS. S. CLAXTON. Nisholasville, Ky., March 30, 1S99. Editor of "The Billboard:" Maybe some of your readers will be inter- ested in what we are doing. Last week we made a distribution for Dr. Miles (and, by the way. this is our fifth annual contract with that firm). Dr. Chase. Sterling Remedy Co., C. I. Hood. Miller Bros, and W. C. Den- ttiau: also, posted 3-sheets and 20-sheets for the Sterling Remedy Co. 1 and 2-sheets and lithographs for the Lexington Opera House, and 1 and 2-sheets for W. C. Deuman, for the Pingree Composite Shoe, 2-sheets of the Klorsheim & Co. shoes, and 1-shects for Rey- man. the hatter. Our business is increasing each week. We have lately added sign writing, and are do- ing wen. \\'e have also secured the posting and distributing at Versailles, sixteen miles west of here, and do work between these places. You can see by our letter head that we give the Dr. Miles Medical Co. and the American Tobacco as references. This is by their special permission. We receive "The Billboard" regularly and would not do without it for ten limes the cost. Respectfully JELFS BILL POSTING CO. Mansfield. O., *.pril 17, 1S»9. Editor of "The Billboard:" Dear Sir—Have been quite busy during the past few weeks. Aside from our theatrical work, we have posted for Liggett & Myers. St. Louis: Lea & Perrin Sauce paper, from V.IH Iluren. N. Y.. loo 3-sheets and 350 1 sheets for local firms, and have paper com- ing from Aug. Beck & Co.. Chicago. Medical • ■urn Co.. Buffalo, and have done distribut- ing fr.r J. W. Brant & Co., Albion. Mich., Boston Medical Institute, Columbus, O.- l-oley & Co.. Chicago, and I)r. Miles, Elk- hart. Ind. We have improved our plant some tliis spring and now have room for a great deal more paper. Respectful!v vours. E. R. ENDLY. McMinnville. Ore.. April 10, 1S99. Editor of "The Billboard:" Permit us a few lines in your valuable pa- per. We have just finished the distribution of books and samples for the E. C. -Hewitt *- Co.. Chicago. III., through our local drug company, bill for the American Tobacco Co.. Wan Francisio. Cal.. and KW. Feigner & Sons, Fashion Tobacco Paper. Portland. Ore. We have contracted with seven local mer- chants for bill posting, the posters from the Donaldson Lithographing Co.. New-port. Ky. We have also contracted with L. E. Piukham Medicine Co.. Lynn, Mass.. to distribute their books through Yamhill County Ore. We are prepared to distribute In twelve towns and villages in this one county. 1 hanking you for all favors and wishing long life to "The Billboard." we remain very truly yours. B. V. UANGASSEU & CO. Illoomlngton. Ind.. April 15, 1S99. I'.ditor of "The Billboard:" Have done distributing fcr the following linns: Iirs. Kennedy & Kergan. Detroit. Mch.; iirs. c. I. Slump. Racine, Wis.; Dr. Miles Med. Co.. Elkhart. Ind.: Brown Med. in., hrie. Pa.: John Morrow Co.. Springfield. <>.: Orator F. Woodward. Le Rov. N. Y.: The Kmcger Chemical Co.. of this cltv. wants to hear from distributors. Their address Is 315 l-.ast Kirkwood Ave. Very trtilr. L. E. KUUEGER. Milan. Mich.. March 29. 1SS9. I'.ditor of "The Billboard:" I herewith mention the work I have done, nnil ir you consider It worthy you may pub- lish same. • Posted 25 .1-shects for C, II. & 1). R R Cincinnati. O. ' Posted 10 3-sheets for Foley A Co.. Chl- I'ostod 500 I-Bliect mid 20 20 sheets for Ster- ling Remedy Co., Attica, Hid. I osted l.ooo M-shects for California Cnr. Distributed 1.300 pieces for Dr. c -" Phil- adelphia, and 35,000 pieces Hood & Co..' Low- '■». Mass. I also h„ vo BC vcrul other con- tracts. Very respectfully. W. B. REDMAN. Williamsport, Pa.. March 20, 1899. Editor of "The Billboard:" I am glad this evening that I can let my I. A.-D. brothers know that I am still in the field. Since you last heard from me I bave been busy working with my force of men (not boys) for some of the largest advertising houses in the country, such as The Doctor Chase Co.. Dr. Sliocp. Dr. Btirkhart, The Heart Drug Co.. Kondon Mfg. Co, Dr. Green and others. 1 am the only distributor in this city whose work is guaranteed by the I. A. D. I do good, honest work, and the adver- tisers know where to place their distrib- uting matter so as to insure good returns and prompt and-efficient service at all times. Respectfully, S. M. BOND. Trairic City. la.. April 13, 1S99. Editor of "The Billboard:" Probably my experience in the distributing business might tend to reduce the feverish pulse of many would-be distributors. Some ten years ago I was inllucnced by newspaper advertisements offering from three to ten dollars per day to engage in dis- tributing advertising matter. 1 joined some ten different associations, bureaus. &c, each at a cost of from two to five dollars. No work came. I was advised to "write personal let- ters to advertisers," that God helped those who helped themselves. Writing letters in- volved too much time, so I mailed 5.000 in- iimtation typewritten letters and busied my- self figuring up the immense amount of work tins would bring me and the handsome profits I should derive. 1 did not receive a single reply, so the dose was repeated, with the same result, save that 1 received a few notices that my letter had been Hied away. &o. I made no further ef- fort for a year. Then I joined three more sucker associations (the Circular, of Kan- sas City. Co-operative, of N. Y., and Pub and Mfg.. of Cohoes, N. Y.). More letters were mailed, and I began to receive inquir- ies now and some little work. My first job was for the Von Oracf .Medical Co.. and was tor all the leading towns in the country I lost just $11 on this work. I continued to take wcrk cheaper than it could be done (a common failing with begiunets). and was rorced to quit the business for a time In '!•;: 1 wcrked in California with a trav- eling representative. painting signs for J ond s hxtrai-t. and. returning to Iowa in ».•. resumed distributing with poor success Two years ago. being in charge of one of the best printing offices in Iowa, and in touch with distributers throughout the countrv I undertook to publish a directory, the result of which is known to you. From the very moment I decided to engage in the business I have made distributing a study hvery plan and every theory has been thoroughly tested. Much, of course has been learned from observation. A thou- sand dollars of the best niouev ever coined would not pay for what my 'knowledge of distributing has cost me. I am living in the country now. and not in the advertising business, except that 1 paint buietin and roadside signs when such work is wanted, but 1 expect some dav (not very distant) to own one of the best distrib- uting plants in the countrv; then mv ex- perience will be valuable to me and "worth all it cost. This is my career briefly stated, and there is a lesson in it for every young man who expects to amass a fortune by distributing .i {."' . i,y ' wi " t< '" - vou wnat ' k "<> w about who i si ,'"' ss ', -?"' 1 - vo ". '•"» readily discover what I do not know. Verv trulv vours FRANK V. "DRAPER. Editor of -The Billboard:" ' Dear Sir and Friend—Notwithstanding vour kind suggestion, made at the foot of my" last letter, regarding lloughtaling & Stnhlbrodt slander, that the controversy should end I have come to ash space for a few- parting words Those self-appointed guardians of the advertisers interests, in the last issue of their literary "Soup Wrapper." sav that I nave succeeded in making myself ridicu- lous in my controversy with them. After hhiking the matter all over. I am inclined to the belief that there may be some truth n their statement. It may be that I should have ignored them altogether and devoted my tnttre time to posting bills. But. an at- tack having been made on mv character to- gether with an effort to destroy mv business by a syndicate of New York fakirs, who are evidently doing business on their "nerve," made me forget myself for the time being. When such men as lloughtaling & Stahl- brodt pose as moral men, my blood rises in red rebellion. When such firms are permit- ted under our laws to do business on their wits, without any investment of capital, save what is required to maintain their blackmailing sheet, there Is no "long-felt want" in our bill posting business for such nose-poking meddlers as the so-called firm referred to, and I hope to see the day when the laws of this country will be so amended that all fakirs and Illegitimate combinations of men to control the business and trades of this country, and to regulate prices, can be suppressed as if they were common pick- pockets or burglars. This syndicate of conspirators to control the bill posting business of the country, without a shadow of right or title to such an offensive monopoly, is quite naturally op- posed to the further existence of "The Bill- board," because your paper has always been the bill posters' friend. Syndicates are al- ways opposed to anything and everything which they can not control. But this syn- dicate is naturally in favor of George Leon- ard, of Grand Rapids, because tbey evident- ly own and control him. It may be through such men as Mr. Leonard that the syndicate hopes to eventually wipe out the Bill Post- ers' Association. That I was "fired out" ot the association is so false that it is silly. It is difficult to find a labor union or an association of any kind with a large membership without at least a few traitors in the camp, and when I discovered George Leonard and others ot similar character at the head of the Bill Pcsttrs' Association, I dropped out. But I did not drop out to "cut prices." It is be- cause I am maintaining prices up to the as- sociation standard that I am abused and slandered by Messrs. lloughtaling & Stahl- brodt. I am not unfriendly toward the association. I believe in the principles contended for by the association, but not in the nrinciples of some of the members, who are seeking to destroy its usefulness. As I understand it, the object of the association was to protect the bill posting trade against such sharks and fakirs as lloughtaling & Stahlbrodt. The association has failed in its principal ob- ject: theiefore, I am "not in it." Houghtaling & Stahlbrodt, however, are experts in the ait of misrepresentation, and for me to attempt a reply to every falsehood and low insinuation made against me by them would be a waste of time and space. He who engages in a fair fight with a skunk at short range will get the worst of it. The game is hardly worth the candle. This sug- gests why I think I made a mistake in en- tering the arena of controversy with Messrs. Houghtaling & Stahlbrodt. Be that as it may~when these syndicates, with the aid of their "suborned and subsi- dized sheetleet." shall succeed in destroying the bill posters' trade, I will then be com- pelled to enter some other field of labor. In the meantime, I desire to repeat that I am doing business at the old stand, and am ready to receive and attend to any business in my line, which may be entrusted to me— by the advertisers, at legitimate rates: but will not accept any work or business from, or through, commission men, at 16 2-3 per cent. It may be that these "honorable gents." these machine-made solicitors of New- Ycrk. own and control the bill posting business of this e-ountry and Canada: it may be that they are "running" the association, and have a warranty title of Alpena in their vest pock- ets, but. up to the present writiug, they are not 'Tunning" me. I wish to thank the editor of "The Bill- board for the many favors conferred upon iii»\ and for the favors the trade has re- ceived through your columns, and. no mat- ter how this contention may terminate: no matter whether the syndicate will permit me to continue in the bill postiug business. I shall always entertain a friendly feeling towards you. and hope for the continued suc- cess of "The Billboard." Thankfullv vours, R. NOLAN. _. The Only Alpena City Bill Poster. Dated Alpena. April 22, 1SJ9. "~ THE West Indies Adv. and Bill Posting Co. has been incorporated under the laws of New Jersey. Capital, $30,000. "t -uwauwi an ■-V-i^jSk-IS "A MILLION A MINUTE' wmi Cigar fWerfVinters Advertisements under this heading will be published at the uniform rate of 10 cents per Hue per issue or Ji.oo per year. £S?T , * 1 !"«*»*.>-*-^--rW* -:-:s-—- rjJT ; -f'- * i«v-T r -»'" •*■ ' -■•■'*;'■ ■"-"■."•r"-'* •*--'* : - Boston Job Print. Co.,4 Alden. Boston Mass Brooklyn Daily Eag:e Job P. Co™ B 9 yn N y' Ca.vert Litho Co.. Detroit. Mich iu •* ,, - 1 - Central City Show Print. Co.. Jaekson Mick Donaldson Lith. Co.. Newport a ^* aon - M,ck - Brie Show- Printing Co., Erie. Pa. *orbes Lith.Co.,181Devonshire Boston Ma«s Great Am.Eng & Print.Co..57 Beekiah NY Greve Litho. Co.. The. Milwaukee, W°i Haber. P. B., Fond-du-Lac. Wis Hennegan & Co.. 127 E. 8th St.. Cin'tl O Morgan. W.J.& Co., St.C. and Wod Cde'veb Moinson Show Print. Detroit. Mich ' National P.& Eng.Co.,316-8 Wabash Chi II Ln.on and A dve.tiser Co.. Roch ester, N.yI NOTES. m ?^ C ' Nee ' e - the popular and widely known S thTRusselV 1 ! tf Ster P 2 ntins °ep y artmeTt tires Mav 1 \t- M ° r e an „ Co - .Cincinnati, re- active career ho *^, -- e bas haa a ,0D e an <> wishes^ Pa!ro^ e a S nd W co'm p , e , t^ he ^ Pr™ e ing at Co b0 ?s k .h» U « <I b ? tne National Show seasoTisThe" W T £• Clre "S printere this promised tss » ta ars?ass^sss: a " d It Is High Tim ie. everV b 'da h ;?n p^ee&n^ m °. re ri »"eful frauds. Advenfsemeufs of ^ aderS asainst character are not received at a „„1 uc ?»0"able pecially does this rule li„' f ny pr,ce - Es " ing schemes that offer fi'" nioney-mak- tU Tn S e f Pni?ad^ a r4 eU " tu - «' -h "' "" fuTtber fhLn th.^ i?2 ml haS gone a «ep "otices toT the effect tha? S it r wfi? tly . aent ou ' advertisements under "'Help "'wTn,.Pn-" b " Sn spring 5 fi^'ierSS^ aa " for parlicula™ o°r samples. SUlmPS ° r money mIu ,S w m o ay cons?der k mo^ey m^ 83 P „°' i<!y to object for whiV.iT money -making the only an|Ve, f °,t is h < :u b ,e a tn'e C, c„ n 1?a e ry iS C °° dU « ed ' high , - t mi„d S edne U ss h eve„""fm„ a ,fg h0 o n u e h S ! y ,, an,1 »-JE,.i,, the Programs. Among those C%e° a fd ht norhave^e a ,o ,0 Ste Un afa^F E?k? e p-- S ." the ™ P y was furnished byThe frtv"L,- PriDt,ns Committee, and here is the advertisement as it appeared: : GEO. B. PALMER, ... : - o„„ « " • UNDERTAKER, : . Can fix you up after your decease : so beautifully that you can foo^k : •" th^/? 1 "." 1 "' and teel Profoundly ': "• tD ™* fUl , tha , t >" ou have shuffled." Three lovely vaults and ■ : Pleny of Ice. ! ; c "t Rates on Ladies" and - : Gents' Caskets. : he r< saw y ,h 1 !f fl Mr - Palmer was horrified when hi saw this flippant treatment of his busi- ness is putting it mildly. He appeared at ™;V» «he daily papers with a card? fn "thi« if ^elared that he was innocent ot for," ™* ad , V,sed , a ? d ""Proper attempt at fun. a na begged the public to believe that he regarded death as quite a serious matter. — Kansas City Journal. "••«««. ~^—' — ! — — : 5 ^- - A Good One by Gunning, Chicago. Additional New York. Thaddeus B. Elker. editor and publisher of the National Advertiser, was arraigned by Magistrate Flammer in the Centre street Po- lice Court recently, on a charge of criminal libel preferred by Charles Austin Bates, an ad. writer. In his complaint Mr. Bates stated that an article had been published in a recent num- ber of the defendant's paper, in which he was spoken of as "a mountebank." "a 22- culibre freak." and "pig-headed Bates." Mr. Elker. when given a chance to defend himself, stated that the phrases to which exception had been taken were published In his funny column, and w-ere intended as jokes. Mr. Bates said he could not see where the fun came in. The magistrate pa- roled Elker for examination.