APPENDIX 189 



V. THE NATIONAI. LEAGUE OF COMMISSION 

 MERCHANTS OF THE UNITED STATES 



Shippers seeking reliable commission men to whom 

 fruit may be consigned may find it convenient to con- 

 sult the following roster of members of the National 

 League of Commission Merchants. The present offi- 

 cers of the League are: D. W. Longfellow, Minneap- 

 olis, President; A. Warren Patch, Boston, Secretary, 

 and C. W. Nokes, Cleveland, Treasurer. 



The following statement of the objects of the league 

 is made by its officers: 



" Individuals or isolated communities can accomplish but 

 limited results, therefore an organization of national extent 

 and influence is indispensable. 



" In this organization we propose to combine good, respon- 

 sible commission merchants of every large commercial center, 

 and with the aid of growers, producers, and shippers, either 

 organized or unorganized, work together for the general wel- 

 fare of the trade. 



"A large percentage of the food products of the earth is 

 handled on commission. The commission merchant is, and of 

 necessity must always be, an important factor in the com- 

 merce of the world. 



" Our organization lays its foundation on the personal in- 

 tegrity and financial responsibility of its individual members. 



" The conditions of membership are exacting, but not ex- 

 clusive. Reputable commission merchants, where an organi- 

 zation may be legally formed, are invited to join us under our 

 constitution and by-laws. An unworthy, irresponsible com- 

 mission merchant may, by misrepresentation, enter this or- 

 ganization, but when his unfitness or the unworthiness of any 

 member is discovered, expulsion will surely follow. 



" Financial soundness and honesty for the individual 

 members, combined in a national organization of broad com- 



