This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Va. Beach, Va. this 12th day of August, 1933, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [257], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis and L. B. Cayce.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have those conditions relative to the material and mental welfare of [257] and associates; while not present in this place at this time, we have those circumstances many of which we have had before.
2. Ready for questions.
3. (Q) Should I do anything further before Monday's meeting at the American Sugar Co. on the beer barrel situation as presented by Gen. McRoberts on Monday at 12:30?
   (A) As we find, there is little that may be accomplished before the meeting. And, as we have indicated, if there is to be further consideration of the manufacture of barrels of this particular character, there is little that may be accomplished without the cooperation of the sugar company. For, without these associations as a channel through which the financial arrangements may be made - and their associates and outlet as a way of distribution of the product, the business for the body [257] would be rather an uphill business! For, this condition, as we find, when analyzed, is the position that [257] occupies:
   There are plenty of people who are just as capable in this particular direction, through their own experiences, to meet such a situation. True, many of the older heads or directors have either engaged in other fields of operations or have passed from the field of activity; yet the experience of the body [257] in the wood and metal business, with the facilities that the body is acquainted with, offers an opportunity for the body - provided the associations and connections for the body in this particular business are such as to insure that the greater part of the output may be taken, or assured sufficient quantity of the output that there is not the necessity for such a scramble or endeavor to make associations for the product. But, with the sugar company, their facilities, connections and associations are so far-reaching in this particular field that, if the body will be connected in the capacity of the agent between the manufacturer and the product itself, it would insure an association and a connection not only in the barrel relations but also in fixtures, furniture, and refrigeration. For, these all of necessity work hand in hand.
   That there is a possibility of the body's using the plants, or plant, in which the body has felt and does feel a particular interest, is also an opportunity. But, the body should not jeopardize its standing, its credit, its associations, without an assurance from such associations and connections that this proposition once taken will only offer a place where there may be carried out the whole operations with the body acting rather in the capacity of contact man, salesman and agent.
4. Ready for questions.
5. (Q) As Mr. Walter Bartlette on Monday takes charge of Brooklyn Cooperage Co., should I attempt to see him first or have the General see him to work out the details of representation?
   (A) Through the General, preferably.
6. (Q) Considering present attitude of Abbott, President of Amer. Sugar Co., 120 Wall St., should I feel that the Sugar Co. deal will go thru on basis we suggested?
   (A) That remains to be seen. And, as understood, will rest largely upon the recommendations of the General as a member of the Board and a channel through which the Sugar Company receives much of its financial aid.
7. (Q) What is attitude of H. C. Smith, Vice-Pres. of Brooklyn Cooperage Co., since his talk with the general and Mr. Abbott?
   (A) As one of waiting for further instructions; not committing self as yet without further instructions.
8. (Q) Will his opinion have any influence on Bartlette?
   (A) They have worked together, and their interests are so interlaced that, to be sure, there will be a great deal of influence in the activity or the attitudes that will be taken by each of these.
9. (Q) What is my next move as far as sugar company is concerned?
   (A) As we have outlined, IF this is not so arranged - through those that are in authority - that the body [257] may become a representative in an integral way and manner, it's bad business getting into the barrel business! and the reason is given. It costs too much money! The experience is not far enough reaching!
10. (Q) Should I follow other leads with money and oak supply while waiting on action of sugar company and, if so, which one is better?
    (A) To be sure, it is well to follow leads; provided self and associates do not become committed in a manner as to be held for any of the final outcomes of the arrangements, see?
11. (Q) As I met [335] [brewer] at Edw. Whalen's home, should I discuss Carolina Wood Products with him for barrel making or not? [See 335-3 in 6/33.]
    (A) That must necessarily depend upon the known facts as to how far [335]'s interests are in these directions.
12. (Q) In what way can I work with [335]?
    (A) This is pre-supposing too many conditions, as we find, at the present. For self is NOT yet determined as to WHAT the activities of the body are to be in respect to this type or phase of business. Neither is it as yet determined in [335] as to how far-reaching his interests are to become.
    Then, to say as to how or in what manner would be rather speculative, as to where their interests will converge or meet.
13. (Q) What kind of propositions would be acceptable to [335]?
    (A) This is still beggaring just the things we are talking about! To make a proposition - what has self got to make a proposition ON? What is the interest that [335] has that would even JUSTIFY a proposition?
    That there is an interest aroused, and a desire in [335] and on the part of self to become associated, that's fine! But it'll only be talking through the hat to be making propositions, until there's some proposition capable of being made! The body, to be sure, knows where there are some orders; the body, to be sure, knows where there is a plant that - with the expenditure of something like a hundred and fifty thousand dollars - could be put in order, to make a hundred and fifty thousand or half a million dollars worth of goods! but what would it get anybody, unless there is a further outlet for what has been get up to be determined! Has [335] determined in self as to how far-reaching his interest is to be in this particular field? THEN there may be something worked out. It will take six months to work out anything with [335] and THEN it will have to be approached by [335] rather than [257]!
14. (Q) Where best to find responsible cooperage men who understand general manufacturing of barrels?
    (A) Through the regular channels where such lists are kept, and as to how they are classified in their activities. The best would be from Germany, to be sure - but they would not fit in with the conditions in this particular country; or Copenhagen.
15. (Q) Name one special boss cooper, if possible, and his address.
    (A) It's not possible here, under the present conditions.
16. (Q) How can Alexander Chatin, 52 Vanderbuilt Ave., Overseas Lumber Co., and I be of help to one another?
    (A) Work together and not cross-fire with each other would be the best help for each, in making the proper contacts for those who insist upon having that character of product that may be furnished through Chatin's associations.
17. (Q) On what basis should we work as to beer barrel manufacturing or timber land purchases?
    (A) That depends upon WHAT connections and WHAT associations are made! If the associations are made with the sugar company, THEY will set the policies and [257] will either accept or reject! and it will give leeway as to how far the activities of the body will be in directions of making connections where purchases or preparations of timber or lumber may be made for the activity in producing the products.
    As for the body to make 'em, or to set 'em, IT DOESN'T KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT IT!
18. (Q) Should I plan to operate Carolina Wood with a view of public financing later, or just as a manufacturing plant?
    (A) That depends upon what association, what connections, may be made in the manufacture of either furniture or fixtures or beer barrels, for that particular plant.
    There are those circumstances which would justify, as we have given, the operation of this plant. For an immediate order, consider Brooklyn. If it's to be a business, consider Carolina.
    As to the manner of financing same, let it be financed through those who are to be the recipients of the product that is to be manufactured there; [257] acting in the capacity of the agent in the sale, the running and the distribution of the product.
    19. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to File

BACKGROUND

1. 8/07/33 He obtained 257-116.
2. 8/12/33 He submitted further questions.

REPORTS

1. 8/21/33 He obtained 257-118.

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