University of Virginia Library

I have often wondered just how
economically dependent the city of
Charlottesville is on the University
community. It seems obvious that a
great deal of Charlottesville's bread
is buttered by the students and
faculty of this institution.

We have no right to demand
undue considerations by the downtown
merchants of this city, but I
cannot help but wish these businessmen,
aware of their position of
limited dependence, would extend
a few courtesies to the University
student.

Perhaps I have been spoiled by
the stores on the Corner who by
their own dedication to making a
profit, or concern about the student,
have decided to extend the
simple courtesy of cashing checks
for University students. If you have
enjoyed this privilege and felt your
honor was a sacred thing on the
Corner, do not go downtown and
try to cash a check. You'll be
disillusioned. No one will trust you.

This past Monday, in what was
in no sense a complete survey of
the subject, I tried to cash a rather
small personal check in several of
the businesses downtown. I am sure
I don't look any more dishonest
than the average student, but it
appeared I was a financial "hot
potato," a risk not to be taken by
the enterprising merchant. Where
has man's faith in his fellow man
gone?

As a matter of record, I visited
Roses, the Wise Discount Store, and
Die News. I also visited Woolworth's,
where they considered
cashing the check if I agreed to buy
something. Being a man of principle.
I refused to comply with the
condition. They suggested I try
Standard Drug Story. At Standard's
all the photographic equipment
arrayed on the check-cashing counter
to no avail, they refused to cash
my check.

The University community may
be able to persuade these merchants
to agree to cash checks for
students, if indeed these students
identified themselves as such. The
economical franchise may determine
a change in the company
policy of a few local concerns.

I urge the local merchants to
consider a policy of cashing checks
for students. With the honor system
provisions for cashing checks, the
merchants have no need to fear
taking a loss on a bad check. Most
students use checks to spend their
fortunes here in Charlottesville.
One day soon, the downtown
merchants may see the light as their
comrades on the Corner did. I don't
think this is too much to ask.

Merchants, wake up and acknowledge
where a large part of
that "butter" comes from. It's good
business