The Panama Pacific International Exposition 1915

MANUFACTURES AND VARIED INDUSTRIES among foreign nations. The official classification, extending over hundreds of industries, including many departments, groups and classes, in a single section covers all that would ordinarily be found in retail stores. In the Palace of Manufactures proper, where the idea of utility controls, there are two great divisions, one inclusive of heating, hardware, glass, lighting and merchandise in woods and metals; in the other, clothing textiles, etc. In the Palace of Varied Industries, where ornamentation of the beautiful controls, are installed articles which add to use, such as the contents of the House Beautiful. Manifestly, as far as receptive ideas are concerned, a manufacturer may send his experts to the Exposition to absorb what others have placed on display, but he contrib- utes nothing to the welfare of his craft, and is lacking in the fellowship of a kindred endeavor and a patriotic interest in his industry. Every exposition management must rely to some extent upon the sacrificial spirit of business and busi- ness men. Not only is an exposition in all its departments a world university, it is also a world democracy. Here is heard not only the voice of the people, but the appeal of the people. And response to that appeal is collectively and individually profitable. The sentiment on the part of the management of a big business which prompts the expenditure necessary to a display because of pride in plant and product and honest interest in the public, loses naught thereby because the age is utilitarian and even selfish. The general mind of the pur- chasing element of the people makes demand, and it grows from more to more, that business and business men shall show goods and demonstrate their qualities before asking for patronage. In every retail business in the land there is growing be- lief in the efficacy of meeting this universal demand “to be shown.” And the manufacturer, as is well understood, must often make a market for the retailer of his own goods, be- cause of the latter’s inability to reach all classes with the main argument. Better fixtures, more of courtesy, extra accommodations, continuous announcement through press, [ 19 ]