The Auction Mania in Seattle

The number of auction sales now going on in Seattle has caused considerable inquiry as to the reason for so many at the same time. Some are no doubt started to make money on the goods and some to work off a stock of old goods. But there is no legitimate reason for so many auctions in Seattle at the present time. Many people buy at auction goods which they would not otherwise purchase at all, but many people also have a mania for attending auctions and buying nothing. During the sale of some $500 in diamonds at J. K. Basye’s store, 804 Front street, a day or two ago, one was reminded of the old story of the sale of a farm at auction. While the diamond sale proceeded, several men pressed close to the auctioneer and watched his every movement closely, appearing much interested in the sale, but not bidding. The auctioneer addressed a spectator: 'My friend, you seem to want the farm and look like a gentleman of intelligence, why don't you bid?' The spectator replied, 'If the farm were selling for 15 cents I could not buy the button on an outhouse door.' There is a legitimate reason for the auction at J. K. Basye’s store. He has been in the jewelry business for twenty-three years and, wishing to retire, has chosen the auction method of closing out the entire stock.