Worcester Daily Press

THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE:

The movement towards establishing a Business Exchange in this city is one in which all business men are directly interested. If it shall succeed in accomplishing the objects which it has in view, the whole business affairs of the city will be infused with new life, and persons who do not now take an active part in the organization of the Exchange will soon become sensible of the benefits arising from it and will be glad to avail themselves of the privilege of membership. On the other hand, if for any reason this movement shall fail to result in the organization of a healthy and active Business Exchange, it will be a loss not only to those who have directly interested themselves in the project, but to all who are interested in the business prosperity of the city; and such a failure would be another proof of the unwelcome statement so often made by the business men of other cities, that the business interests of Worcester are conducted upon a too selfish basis, and that we are so blinded by what appear to be our immediate personal interests that we cannot see the increased benefits which would arise from a healthy interchange of business sentiments and opinions.

Concerning the many benefits which would arise from the workings of a Business Exchange in this city it is needless to speak in this connection. They have been thoroughly discussed in the meetings which have been held for the purpose of effecting such an organization; and they have been so plainly demonstrated in the workings of similar organizations that there can be no doubt as to their reality. The only question now is how such an organization can be the most quickly effected and placed in working order. Some weeks ago the initiatory steps were taken by a few gentlemen who were sufficiently interested to give their time and attention to the matter, and now the number who have directly interested themselves in the subject has grown to such an extent as to leave no room for doubt that there is in this city a sufficient interest to insure for it permanent success.

In this undertaking, as in all others, it is especially important that the first steps should be well taken, that nothing should be done without due consideration, and that in all matters the highest interests of the organization should be consulted. Among the many arrangements necessary for putting the Business Exchange in working order, the selection of a proper location is of great importance. The principal requirements are that it shall be central, that it shall be sufficiently retired to escape the annoyance caused by constant passing to and fro, and that the rent shall be economical until the enterprise has become so well established as to warrant the selection of the best location regardless of expense. At the present stage of the organization each of these requirements is of great importance; and any movement which disregards even one of them may seriously injure its prospects, or even result in its failure.

By reference to the report in another column of a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Business Exchange held on Saturday evening it will be seen that the new Committee on Rooms, appointed after the rescinding of the vote to secure the rooms on Main street—now occupied by J. S. PINKHAM—were undecided as to their choice between three different locations, and the matter was finally submitted to the Board of Directors. The three locations which were most favorably regarded were the store in the Bishop Block on Pearl street, the rooms in CROMPTON's Block on Mechanic street and the store on Main street, which had previously been under consideration. After some discussion as to the relative merits of the different locations, it was decided by a small majority to lease the store on Pearl street.

We do not wish to appear unduly critical of the action of the Board in this selection; they have probably acted in the manner which seemed to be for the best interests of the organization. But we do think the Board have made a mistake in choosing the Pearl street location. In our estimation the relative merits and disadvantages of the three places under consideration are as follows: We think that in regard to location and general convenience the Main street site is the best; but in view of the high rent and certain conditions of the lease, which is not yet expired, we should not favor the selection of this location. The location on Pearl street we regard as the most undesirable of the three, for the following reasons: The room opens directly upon the street, which will make it more or less subject to the annoyance of outsiders who are passing and who will be disposed to stroll in. This will necessitate the employment of a door-keeper, unless we desire to have the rooms of the Business Exchange become identical in appearance with those of an auction shop. Again this place is poorly ventilated, is narrow, dark, gloomy, and inconvenient in every way. It is claimed in its favor that it is near the Post Office—a claim well founded, but in no way offering any advantage. Not one-half of our business men go to the Post Office once a week; their mail is usually brought to them by clerks or carriers. We regard the Main street location, even with its high rent and other obstacles, far preferable to this.

The rooms in Crompton's Block we have all the time regarded, and do still regard, as the most desirable of those which have been under consideration. As far as the rooms themselves are concerned, they are, by far, better than either of the others. They contain more than 2,100 square feet, while neither of the others contain more than 1,500. The block is one of the finest in the city, and is only a few steps from Main street. The rent is extremely low, and Mr. CROMPTON is willing to make all necessary alterations for the convenience of the Exchange. The location is just far enough from Main street to afford the necessary retirement, and not too far to be objectionable on that account. The rooms are light, well ventilated and provided with all the conveniences which could be desired. Considering all things, we think this location would have been much the wisest selection. Many of the Directors and other members of the Exchange were strongly in favor of choosing this location. The objection that it is on Mechanic street amounts to nothing. It is hardly a step from Main street, and business men are continually passing to the formation of the Business Exchange in any way retarded by an unfortunate choice in the location.