Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 December 1885 — An Interesting Scheme. [ARTICLE]

An Interesting Scheme.

_ They were two traditional newspaper men. “Any news?” asked one. “No; the city editor is out, and I am prospecting. ” “Prospecting for what ?” “A new overcoat. I’m go ng' to try the installment plan. Ever heard of that?” “Not in the gents’ furnishing line,” answered the surprised writer. “Well, ’tis a fact,” continued the other; “within a year there has been an important extension in the system. Now we have several institutions gotten up for just such a purpose. Going to one of those institutions and naming the article you desire, you are asked, ‘What have you got for references ? Where are you employed ? and are you employed permanently ?’ After answering, you are asked to come again in a day or two. In the meantime your references are investigated. Should they prove satisfactory, upon your callling again the manager hands you an order and directs' you to a Itore where the article you desire is kept, there to choose for yourself. They make arrangements with stores for any article in the furnishing line, and receive as compensation a percentage on all goods sold, and the only security these installment institutions have is the fact that you are at work and that you furnished satisfactory references. It may be thought that on account of' all this a much larger price would be charged than at places where cash payments are the rule. This, however, is not so. They claim that their prices will compare favorably with any house in the city; in fact, they point to this as the reason why their trade is constantly increasing. Occasionally they meet with loss by the dishonesty of some individual that they have furnished. The system is designed to become, jin the future of great magnitude.” “Eight you are,” said the brother scribbler; “guess I'll go along, too. ” Boston Globe.