Our State Association of Pharmacists.-June 1215, Pertle Springs. Our annual meeting will soon be on tap, and a splendid opportunity is presented for every pharmacist in the State to come together as usual and have a good time. It is unnecessary to explain to those who regularly attend what is in store for

T. A. MOSELEY.

them, but to those who frequently quote, "What good is it?" come and "we will show you" as a Missourian. In the language of the MEYER BROTHERS DRUGGIST, "we guarantee satisfaction or money refunded upon the return of wrapper." The writer wishes to state that he is personally acquainted with the manager and proprietor of the Pertle Springs, Mr. J. H. Christopher, and whatever he has under his direction will fully guarantee perfection in every detail necessary to the comfort and happiness of every one who will be in attendance at our meetings.

Yours with great hopes and anticipations for a successful meeting.-[T. A. MOSELEY, Chairman Council M. Ph. A., Harrisonville.

A Trip to Pertle Springs.-W. L. Meyer, A. T. Fleischmann and the writer went to Pertle Springs the early part of the month, and with Mr. Christopher

and the Warrensburg druggists made a careful survey of the surroundings. The M. Ph. A. and the M. Ph. T. A. hold their annual conventions the same time at the above place, and the following may give the reader an idea of the ample accommodations of this popular resort. After arriving at Warrensburg you have a delightful trip over Col. Christopher's railroad, which leads through a fertile country lined on each side with fine residences, varigated with hill and vale, on the sides of which grow all varieties of forest trees and shrubs, and a series of artificial lakes from one to fifty feet in depth covering some sixty acres of ground, in which abound all kinds of game fish (and it is not uncommon to catch a fine six-pound bass-some forty pleasure boats are on these lakes), and the terminal of his railroad is Pertle Springs.

This spring flows from the bowels of the earth at the rate of several thousand gallons of water an hour. It is situated right in the heart of a beautiful valley due south from the hotel which stands out boldly on the top of a hill surrounded by some of the grandest scenery Missouri fell heir to. Druggists who attended the convention when it last met here will not recognize the place, so extensive have been the improvements in the last few years. The enterprise of Col. Christopher (the man who always moves), assisted by the natural advantages, has made everything pleasing and beautiful, and with the medicinal properties of Pertle Springs it can rightly be called the Carlsbad of Missouri. From the hotel you

cross a deep ravine, on a high substantial bridge, to the hill on which Convention Hall is situated; this has a seating capacity of two thousand, with perfect acoustics; it is artistically decorated with all colors of bunting and national emblems of all kinds.

Stewart Cottage and pavilion, north of Convention Hall, has all the comforts money can buy. A large cage of monkeys can here be seen. These amusing creatures, constantly entertaining the old and young by attempting to imitate man, always have a large audience. On dress parade, about the hotel grounds, you will see some fifty beautiful peafowl, and they will be your friends until they attempt to imitate our vocalists. By the way, on "Drummers' Day," the menu will have "Ceylon Peafowl a la Christopher."

A mile west of the hotel is a fine pasture in which graze fifty fine milch cows; these useful animals will see that the druggists have cream at least one week this year.

ness.

Col. Christopher has surrounded himself with everything that makes convention goers comfortable. The Pertle Springs Hotel, including Stewart Cottage, can easily accommodate 800 guests-the dining room seats 200 people at one time. A large and broad veranda around the hotel makes a fine lounging place, and all members of both associations and their guests who wear badges are invited by Col. Christopher to fish to their hearts' content, and the lady who catches the largest fish will receive a prize for her expertDid you ever eat a fish (from the lake into the frying pan)? Ask Wm. Meyer and Dr. Fleischmann how about it. I wish you could have seen them eat. Before concluding, I wish to call your attention to the way Warrensburg druggists are taking an interest in the coming convention. They will leave nothing undone to make it a success, and if you call for anything they have not they will give you "something better," not "just as good.”—[A. BRANDENBERGER, Jefferson City, Chairman Entertainment Committee, M. Ph. A.

London's Water Supply.-The Royal Commission on the Metropolitan Water Supply is now considering definite plans for the future water service of London. A constant supply of water, the Commissioners point out, is not at present given to all the houses in London; about 72,000 are supplied only intermittently. Regarding the amount of water which will be necessary in the future, provision is being made for the requirements reaching forward to the year 1941. The amount of water required per head is reckoned at 35 gallons per day, or a total of 425,000,000 gallons. The estimated population in 1941 is placed at 12,000,000 of people. Provision will also be made to supply water to the upper stories of the lofty buildings.

In the Spring.

All nature wakes, spring flowers blow,
Thoughts turn to Aphrodite,

And balmy south winds whisper low,
"Hydrarg chloridum mite."

-[Southern Medical Record.

TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT.

The

One of the Most Important Cases Ever Brought Before the Interstate Commerce Commission is now being heard in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. The complaint was filed by "The Business Men's League" of St. Louis, against the A. T. & S. F. R. R. et. al. Three specific charges are preferred, but the most important one is the charge affecting the great mass of unorganized retailers throughout the Middle West, Southwest and West. The decision of the commission in this case will, of course, only apply directly to the Pacific Coast, but the principle involved and subsequent rulings will concern every retailer in the country. The complaint is made that the railroads have no moral, legal or commercial right to discriminate against the retailers by forcing the movement of business in unnatural quantities and channels. manufacturers and, to some extent, the jobbers, are protected by organizations that are formed for the express purpose of protecting their interests, but the retailer, the man who in open competition with his neighbor must make his profits from the consumer, has no such protection. He is wholly unorganized and must "pay the freight." It may be claimed that the railroads have the legal right to name the manner and volume in which business should move; we deny this and claim that the duty which the railroads owe to the people-the tax-payers-whose kind consideration permits the condemnation of the farmer's land and the merchant's store to be taken over for use as a public steel highway, is paramount to any authority that may rest with a traffic manager, and that these public highways, operated by private capital, must not be run in the entire interest of the stockholders regardless of the rights of the people who gave the right to use the eminent domain. We concede that every investment should have a fair return, but the time must soon come when it will be impossible for a few traffic managers to promulgate a tariff which will govern the business of this great country without the consent of the governed.

The evidence submitted before the commission, in the case above mentioned, forces the retailer on the Pacific Coast to confine his entire market to the Coast

jobber, and the testimony developed the fact that the jobber on the Coast is taking advantage of this unfair rate situation to increase his prices. The retailer in this case has no friends, is wholly unorganized, and in no case has his testimony been called for by the Coast jobber. The Business Men's League of St. Louis deserve the thanks of the entire retail trade of the country for the fight they are making, and any aid that this journal may give will be given freely to bring about a condition which will enable the retailer to secure his goods on a more equitable basis as compared to the large buyer. The question is one which ought to be above selfish interest, and we make no claim to the applause of the masses for advocating a position that cannot be assailed.

for solution or action in the stomach, including the powders and triturations, with their modifications as cachets, capsules and tablet triturates; and (3) those intended to act through the intestinal tract, for which purpose the pill is the form best adapted. The drugs comprised in these respective groups were indicated by their therapeutic properties, as antiseptics, astringents, cathartics, diuretics, etc.; and these properties would indicate the pharmaceutical form to be adopted in order to secure the desired therapeutic effect. General titles and definitions for the various classes of preparations, together with general formulas for their preparation, were presented. Should these be introduced into the Pharmacopoeia it would not only aid the pharmacist and the prescriber in discriminating between these various preparations, but would have a tendency to check the promiscuous use of tablets by the medical profession.

Considerable discussion followed the reading of this paper. Among those taking part were: A. D. Thorburn, Dr. W. K. Speice and Mr. T. V. Wooten.

The St. Louis College of Pharmacy held its Thirtyfourth Annual Commencement exercises at the Y. M. C. A. Hall, April 11, 1900. In the unavoidable absence of President H. F. A. Spilker, Vice-president Thos. F. Hagenow delivered the opening address and presented the diplomas.

Oklahoma City, Okla. East St. Louis, Ill. CHEMIST-"PH. C."

Fort Smith, Ark.

DEGREE: PHARMACEUTICAL Harvey E. Manning, The valedictory on behalf of the faculty was delivered by Prof. J. M. Good.

In his closing remarks, which were addressed directly to the class, he spoke as follows:

Wherever You May Be we shall be interested in you. We shall be pleased when we learn of your prosperity. We are sure that you realize fully the duties and responsibilities which await you.

For a druggist to succeed he must secure the confidence of the public, medical and non-medical. The measure of your material success will be the ability to pay your debts and have a balance left.

Cheap Drugs are Costly at Any Price.-Buy the best, pay for them promptly and the wholesale druggist will be anxious for your patronage. If you be a clerk only, make the proprietor's interest your own.

A large proportion of the failures in the commercial world comes from embarking in business with insufficient capital-more from this than from any

other one cause.

Do Not Be in a Hurry to Assume the Responsibilities of the Proprietorship of a Drug Store.-A moderate salary, paid with promptness and regularity, with freedom from the anxieties which disturb the rest of the man with monetary obligations to be met, is much to be preferred.

A Good Recipe for a Short Winter is to give a note payable in the Spring.

In a Drug Store there Should be No Masters and No Menials. All necessary work is honorable, and it is proper that there should be a division of labor. Let there be courtesy, always, in directing. Kindness and forbearance mark the gentleman in the shop with greater emphasis than in the drawing-room. There a man is compelled to be on his good behavior. Some one says: "Politeness is like an air cushionthere may be nothing in it, but it eases our jolts wonderfully."

It is necessary that a druggist should be patient and self-contained.

Rev. Sheldon's resolution-"I will try this day to live a simple, sincere, serene life; repelling every thought of discontent, self-seeking and anxiety; cultivating magnanimity, self-control and the habit of silence; practicing economy, cheerfulness and helpfulness"-might be printed large and posted in the laboratory to serve as a check upon an irascible temper, until conformity thereto becomes a habit.

Do Not Gossip.-Do not waste your own time nor your customer's time in prolonged conversation. Do not enter into arguments which are more likely to irritate than to convince. Some people expect more attention than others; often they deserve it, but the poorest are entitled to consideration.

Do Not Be Deceived by Appearances.-The man who wears a diamond may be wealthy.

It has come to be taken for granted that the drug

gist will render to the public a considerable amount of gratuitous service. Getting "something for nothing" is characteristic of these latter days. In this questionable business the people have been by us more or less encouraged. The time has come to charge up some things to the advertising account, others to "profit and loss" and strike a balance. As the drug business has in the past been injured by silly jokes, so it is possible by timely and effective ridicule to shame the public into an attitude of reciprocity.

We Must Acknowledge Conditions and Face Them.Among those with which the apothecary of to-day (and the physician as well) is obliged to contend, is the drift toward psychic science and mental therapeutics. Given as a nucleus a few grains of truth, and upon this a combined system of medicine and religion, is built up the monumental fake of the nineteenth century. The name "Christian science," a friend of mine remarked, reminded him of that of the animal known as the guinea pig: "It isn't a pig and it's not found in Guinea." As a discovery, the value of this pseudo-science is nil; as an invention, it seems, for the present, to be a conspicuous success. Mark Twain says: "It is the first time since the dawn-days of creation that a voice has gone crashing through space with such placid and complacent confidence and command.

In My Advice to You I want to say: Do not lose the habit of study. Subscribe to at least two good pharmaceutical journals and read them carefully and thoughtfully. Co-operate with men who are interested in the advancement of pharmacy, both ethically and commercially.

The Druggist Who Best Knows His Business must necessarily give time to the ethical and professional questions which affect it. This division of attention and energy, some will say, prevents concentration, with the result of diminished force in either direction. Rather consider that it means exercise and development of faculties which are essential to success in a profession or in the general affairs of life. Why advocate a one-sided development. A bird with one wing only cannot fly.

Above All, You Must be Industrious.-Occasional outings are necessary, both for health and temper, but in the main the pursuit of your calling means long hours and much confinement. The man who follows the rule, "Never let business interfere with pleasure," is not likely to make a successful druggist.

There are Pessimists who contend that the demand for persons skilled and expert in the art of dispensing is likely, ultimately, to cease. This is an uncomfortable state of mind. Changes have occurred, but they do not justify this conclusion.

The competent pharmacist will find it necessary, probably, to be, in the future more than in the past, a man of affairs.

The essentials, however, he will not neglect. Because the business, during the century, has grown more complex and the medicinal agents many times multiplied, therefore the responsibility upon him has grown greater. He is needed in the community.

The public, lay and professional, will discover him. Mr. Geo. Neves, Ph. B., delivered the class valedictory. He spoke as follows:

Ladies and Gentlemen, and Gentlemen of the Faculty and Board of Trustees:

It is with feelings of sadness that I, in behalf of the class of 1900 of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, am about to bid farewell to those all too short but happy days spent within the walls of our cherished Alma Mater, whose name and fame shall be upon our tongues as long as life shall last.

To-night brings the painful hour of separation, when the last word must be spoken and the last hand-clasp given in token of a parting that, for many of us, is forever; for never yet were human ties so firmly bound, whether by friendship or love, duty or pleasure, that the stern realities of life may not sever them.

GEO. NEVES.

But before that word is spoken which embarks us on the great sea of practical life, whose storms only the fittest survive, I desire, in the name of the class of 1900, to testify our ever-abiding appreciation to you, Gentlemen of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, to whom we are so greatly indebted for the two years of generous and untiring efforts put forth by you in our behalf. We have been prepared by you to meet those things with which we will actually have to contend, and it becomes our duty to perform the task with an untiring determination, even as you have labored with gentle and forbearing patience to impart to us the knowledge of that humane and indispensable calling-pharmacy. As this is an interest displayed on your part in our behalf, it seems to me that there could be no greater reward to you than the knowledge that those efforts are appreciated, and, I assure you, I express the unanimous sentiment of this class when I say those efforts are fully appreciated.

In the two years of our association with you as students of the College we have learned to regard you with affection and with respect, and it is with a keen sense of pleasure that we testify your worth to all assembled here.

You have made of us pharmacists. To the thoughtless and noninterested this, perhaps, suggests but the vari-colored windows of the corner drug store, or the place where the emergency stamp may be most readily procured and whence the telephone message may be most conveniently dispatched. But to us it brings a sense of deep responsibility; for upon our knowledge, skill and accuracy depends the proper action of the medicine dispensed, and to our honesty are entrusted the health, the happiness and often the life of the patient.

Pharmacy, as a profession, is not inferior to medicine, and the medieval conceit of a pharmacist being "ye hande-mayden" or "ye cooke of ye physician" ceased to have sense or meaning centuries ago; on the contrary, the pharmacist is ever working side by side with the physician for the alleviation of the pangs that flesh is heir to, and for the advancement of the medical profession in general, so that both may become more able to relieve human ailments and distress. And, in view of the high ideals which constitute the basis of the medical profession, it is important that pharmacy should never become a mere traffic whose sole object is pecuniary profit for profit's sake alone, but that it should always remain on a high professional basis.

It behooves us, therefore, to bear in mind the lessons taught us by you, in order that we may dispense, with intelligence and honesty, the medicines (knowledge of which you have taught us), rendering unto the suffering and trustful who seek us that which will not only enrich them with a healthy body and contented mind, but which will also earn for us a competence.

The separation which takes place to-night brings sorrow to our hearts, for it means the passing out of the companionship of those who have become near and dear to us in the past two years as teachers and schoolmates; and yet we need not despair, for while memory lives we shall ever possess the sweet recollection of the joyful hours of friendly and profitable association. Nor