QUALIFICATIONS OF COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS.

Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 10, 11 July 1885, Page 1 (Supplement)

QUALIFICATIONS OF COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS.

I pres^ n upon ihst presentation. > Amiability, surely, is a most impori tant quality, and yet one meets occasionally with those who appear to have loet it all, if they ever had any. The marvel is how they ever find anyone to do business with. Those who are sour and crabby should select some other avocation.

Were the question put, What are the qualifications which a commercial traveller should possess 1 it might be answered, " A good constitution, good looks, of course, good temper and politeness, unceasing energy, decision .of character, ability to judge character, and patience." The work of the commercial traveller severely tests those who are most robust in health. f lhe constant wear and tear of railway and other travelling, the unavoidable irregularity in the times for taking meals, the rush for train jusl as you are in the midst of a sumptuous repast, the changes of climate and water, and the absence of a feeling of complete rest such as a man gets in his own house, soon moke an impression even upon a strong man. A man is estimated — and often correctly estimated — according to his appearance. Commercial travellers may claim a large share in the distribution of good-looking men. Like those men who are loved at first sight, so it is well if the " commercial " possessed the natural qualities which will en : able him to make a favourable im-