Page 60 - Industries_of_San_Antonio

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SAN ANTONIO-HER TRADE,
politan recognition, the wholesale grocery trade must always occupy a
prominent position, as it conduces more than any other branch to a pros-
perous and progressive passage through that critical age in the lives of all
commercial centers—the future being dependent entirely on the enterprise
and fearless business operations of their merchants. There is no more
important factor in this commercial growth, no more unerring index by
which to judge of the possibilities of a city, than the grocery trade. It is
the mercantile barometer, by which to foretell approaching prosperity or
wrecked anticipation. San Antonio has a number of grocery establish-
ments, all, we believe, in a prosperous condition, the most prominent of
which, forming our judgment from general acknowledgment, is that of
Hugo & Schmeltzer. A striking example of progress, and of what en-
ergy, quick perception of business and fair dealing may accomplish, is af-
forded by the history of this well-known house, which has become one of
the land-marks of the city. We accord them this position, not from any
claims made by themselves, not from any desire to make invidious com-
parisons, but from the fact of their long connection with the business,
their extended transactions, high standing and marked reputation. This
house has, from the outset, taken a conspicuous position for energy, indus-
trious application, and rapid, and solid increase in their business. The
commercial biography of all prosperous cities evidences in no uncertain
language that the first architects of their mercantile structure were houses
such as this. Sedulously attentive to their own affairs, and ever quick to
exert their influence for the general thrift they have pursued their course
in legitimate channels, and gained prosperity by honorable, upright, bus-
iness policy. This business was established in 1870, with small capital.
From the small beginning alluded to, this business has grown to be one of
the largest in the South, the stock carried being very large and compre-
hensive, including every article pertaining to this line, averages $100,000 in
value, and the yearly transactions will average $1,000,000. For their bus-
iness premises they occupy a portion of an edifice of historic renown, the
famous "Alamo," known the world over in connection with the war for
the independence of Texas. It is 210 feet by 55 feet, two stories high;
thus they occupy fully 23,100 square feet in the prosecution of their bus-
iness. Carrying on their operations upon legitimate and honorable
business principles, under the direct supervision of the proprietors,
enables them to guarantee the purity and quality of all goods put upon the
market and gives them a reputation second to none. Some idea of the
extent and magnitude of their transactions may be had from the fact that
they employ twenty-six hands in various capacities, and that their trade
radiates through this state and Mexico. In every characteristic indicative
of business enterprise and management they are well endowed. Charles
Hugo, G. Schmeltzer and W.Heuermann are the members of the firm; they
have been residents of this state for thirty years. These gentlemen have
.each an experience in their business, measured by the years they have
been old enough to transact business—from thirty to forty years.