Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 November 1876 — Trading with the Japs. [ARTICLE]

Trading with the Japs.

The following bit of experience in buying goods at the Centennial Exhibition is related by a visitor, and will be relished by many who have had similar treatment: “Looking at the pottery in the Japanese Bazaar I espied a flower-pot which struck my fancy, and I inquired the price.” ‘“Four dollaire,’ was the response from a youthful Jap. “ The price suiting as well as the article, I determined to take it on my way out, and in the afternoon again approached the bazaar with that object. This time there was a leathery old Oriental in attendance, with a face like that of a wrinkled old monkey, who upon being asked the price answered: “ ‘ Eight dollaire!’ “ ‘No, 1 1 said, throwing up four fingers,‘it was four dollars this morning.’ “ The old heathen opened a mouth like a gash in a side of sole leather, and, displaying a row of yellow fangs, from which the gums had receded, ejaculated: Tri Off, n Oa , h e j s eight dollaire.’ “As I retreated, I noticed in the little garden which surrounds the bazaar the same kind of flower-pots, in some of which were plants, and 1 tried the custodian of these, a sober, chestnut complexioned Jap. “ ‘ How much are those ?’ ‘ bix dollaire.’ “ Again I explained they were four dollars in the morning, but was only answered by a quiet grin and: ‘“Six dollaire.’ “ Approaching the bazaar once more, I waited until the withered old swindler was called for a few minutes, and then hailing the youngest and most amiable-faced Jap I could select, I touched the flower-pot again and askeel: “ ‘ How much F “The youthful son of Japan picked it up, looked at it, trying to estimate its value, and then, turning to me, said, evidently at hazard: “•Four dollaire an half.’ “ And I carried it off at the fourth price at which it had been offered me during the day.”— Bouton Commercial Bulletin.