Page 99 - Industries_of_San_Antonio

COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. 99

of consignments, to the best advantage to the consignor, or to hunt for it.
The extent and magnitude of the commission business, in a city like San
Antonio, is not generally appreciated; the transactions aggregate to an
amount that would seem almost incredible, and to properly conduct the
business, the highest qualifications, constant attention to keep posted on
the fluctuations of the market, untiring energy, and the employment of
considerable capital, is required. It is a self-evident fact, that some com-
mission merchants must be able to do business to a greater advantage than
others, according to ability and the facilities possessed; among the most
reliable and enterprising houses engaged in this business, in connection
with the wholesale dealing in produce, the firm of Guenther & Zadich, as
regards the magnitude of their transactions, their facilities and experience
rank the very first. Their correspondents are numerous, through the
North, East and West. They represent and , are resident agents for some
of the most prominent houses in the country handling flour, produce,
meats, etc.; among whom are: Ridenour, Baker & Co., of Kansas City, in
flour; Hofman and Bros., Wittbrodt & Nieman, St. Louis, in produce; J. P.
Thomas & H. Dutard, San Francisco; Gregory, Barmond & Co., Sacra-
mento. C. F. Guenther and John Zadich compose the firm; their busi-
ness extends through Texas, their annual transactions reaching $180,000.
Success, that unerring criterion by which to estimate ability, has attended
their efforts. Prompt, reliable and energetic, honorable in all their deal-
ings, this house has special features, commending it to the consideration
of dealers at home and abroad.

ARANSAS PRESCOTT & CO.—Staple and Fancy Grocers; Corner of
Soledad and Houston, Streets.
Of the many branches of business which enter into the general mer-
cantile system of a city, there are none that occupy a co-equal position, in
the public economy, with Family Groceries. None that go so far in pro-
viding for our creature comforts and necessities. While this is true, there
is more difference in these useful establishments, or to put it better, there
is a wider range of management possible in conducting them, than in any
other branch of trade, as regards resultant effects. A clean, tidy, well
ventilated and attractively conducted family grocery, not only invites cus-
tom, but by natural impulse and love, or order, compels it. It is a fact,
that articles from a neatly arranged, habitually clean store, are more palat-
able, and a practical recognition of these facts, renders success certain.
Logically, the reverse of this proposition is equally true. We were led
into these remarks, when visiting Messrs. Prescott & Co's store, obtaining
data from them, by the remarkably, handsome style in which their store
is conducted. A splendid room, perfectly lighted and ventilated, and so
attractively arranged, the best of taste is evidenced. Scrupulously clean,
there are no noisome odors or sights to offend the most fastidious. One is
tempted, despite the seeming inappropriateness of the remarks, in this in-