Page:The Tales of a Traveller.djvu/28



In December, 1806, while still traveling for the florist supply house, I happened to arrive in St. Louis Union Station about four o'clock in the morning. I cannot recall now whether I could not get any sleeping accommodations, or whether because of my habit of economy I deliberately failed to engage them. Be that as it may, I found myself on that momentous morning at the large, well-lighted, warm Union Station. I say momentous, because during that morning I formulated a plan of action that was the beginning of my future independence. It was the result of a sudden flash of thought, which I seized upon and there and then worked out in full detail. Often events of great consequence in the history of nations and of individuals have come about as a result of a similar "flash." It occurred to me that if I was worth twenty dollars a week to the supply house, plus two per cent, on my sales, plus traveling expenses, why could I not pay my own expenses, and instead of carrying a line of supplies only, just as well take up a number of other lines such as seed, fertilizers, pots. Carnation cuttings. Rose plants, palms, bulbs, and so on—and thus not only make sure of my salary and expense but my independence of "bossism" as well. A capital idea!

Starting on My Own Account

On the first of January, 1897, I was ready for the radical change. I was ready to carry my "capital idea" into action. First of all, I approached my employer. I explained to him that it might best pay both of us if instead of employing me on salary and commission he would let me carry his line on a commission basis only, I paying my own expenses. I furthermore told him that in addition to his line it was my intention to take up other things, such as I have mentioned above. He, too, thought that I had the right idea.

Discouragement But here my difficulties began. Practically a stranger to the wholesale seed and horticultural houses, my applications met for a time with no response. Discouragement stared me in the face. Then the thought of having perhaps acted prematurely upon my plan, and thereby sacrificed my weekly salary, which after all was a certainty, naturally had a depressing effect upon my spirit and energies. But the idea was a good one in spite of all, and there was no reason why I should not carry it out. I stuck to it. I applied to Henry F. Michell Company for its line. Mr. Henry F. Michell, as all who know him will agree, is a man of keen perception and remarkable business qualifications. His own business successfully attests my statement. He saw my idea at a glance, and agreed to let me have his lines. To his credit be it said, his terms were liberal and his treatment from the time I undertook his line until I embarked in business for myself invariably was fair and square.

Palms were greatly in demand, and I thought that if I had a suitable line I could readily sell them. But where was I to obtain such a line? I applied to two prominent local growers, of whom I shall have occasion to speak later, but my application for their lines was rejected. They could dispose of all the palms themselves without having to pay any commission. Daunted, but not fully discouraged, I applied to Siebrecht & Wadley, at that time a prominent wholesale horticultural