91 



settle into somewhat stationary and fixed channels, adapt- 

 ed to the necessities or convenience of those interested. 



Our business relations proved no exception to this rule, 

 and, as a consequence, steps had to be taken to transact busi- 

 ness on the principles and basis adopted by the commercial 

 world, or retire from the field. As your official represen- 

 tative, those requisites could hardly be found, for, with no 

 funds on hand, no trade established, no future wants 

 known at the time, it were really impracticable to pledge 

 a business of any amount or consequence whatever to 

 any wholesale or jobbing establishment. However, as a 

 man in the business world, as a broker, we obtained the 

 attention of a number of firms with whom we have done 

 a very satisfactory business, and whose goods as well as 

 prices have given to our Patrons, as far as our knowledge 

 and observation go, the most unbounded satisfaction. 

 Our business, like that of every new firm, required more 

 attention, care and expense during its infancy than it now 

 does, with returns much less satisfactorv that at present. 

 This, being the natural and reasonable way of business. 

 presents nothing strange, but demonstrates the fact that 

 the trade of the Agency, even as it is supposed to be the 

 creation of the State Grange, with ample bonds and secu- 

 rity, has to be built in exactly the same manner, and 

 through the same processes usually adopted in the ordi- 

 nary way of trade. Thus figures show that the amount 

 of expense during the first three months nearly approached 

 double the gross income; and while the difference grew 

 somewhat less during the period of the second quarter, it 

 still remained very large. And further figures show that 

 from Sept. 1st to Dec. 1st there is an actual balance of 

 income over expenses. 



Price List No. 1, presenting a full line of plows, organs, 

 sewing-machines, reapers and mowers, and a partial list 

 of dry goods, groceries, clothing, and boots and shoes. 

 was issued during the month of March; and when better 

 established and known to the trade, our facilities having 



