[D8536K], Letter from George Harrison Bliss to Thomas Alva Edison, August 26th, 1885
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Title
[D8536K], Letter from George Harrison Bliss to Thomas Alva Edison, August 26th, 1885
Editor's Notes
About the middle of last month, I resigned my position with the Western Edison Co., effective Sep. 1, or as much sooner as they could relieve me. I have put in nearly four[?] years of solid work for the Edison light. I have stuck to it through thick and thin until the business can now be considered on a thoroughly prosperous basis. We have more work on hand than was done last year. Since my resignation, I have personally made over $20,000 worth of contracts. I have personally made over 50% of all the contracts the Western Co. has taken. I have been responsible for the installations and they have uniformly been successful. The only fault I have to find with the business is that it is getting too easy. So long as we had to fight for orders, there was some excitement about it, but that day seems to have gone by. When I went into this business, you told your people to give me a chance to make some money. I have had a chance to earn a salary and that is all. Since my resignation, the Western Co. have decided to interest their employees in the stock of the Co. and it is time they did. When everybody was talking about abandoning the business, I demonstrated the viability of the Edison light by getting orders. Everybody has come to the conclusion that the business is going to be a great success. There is no reason why the Western Co. should not enjoy great prosperity henceforth. They are nice people and have lots of money. This is of no help, however, to a man without capital who must fight his way. I would have worked any length of time for the Edison light if there had been any doubt of its success. I believe in the light and in yourself more strongly than ever. It is needless to assure you of my continued warm personal friendship. I am going with A.H. Andrews & Co. after the first. They are a very strong concern financially and know how to make cash dividends on their capital. I get a largely increased salary and other advantages. I expect to be in NY next month and will call on you. Am up here a few days to get a little rest and see my relations.
Author
Recipient
Mentioned
Date
1885-08-26
Type
Folder/Volume ID
D8536-F
Microfilm ID
78:278
Document ID
D8536K
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University