The New York herald., 1876-11-29
AN HONEST COUNT.
Views Of Republican Merchants and
Bankers on the Situation.
MOVEMENT TO CALL A MEETING.
Signatures to the Circular Being
Rapidly Received.

The present sagnation in tho business Affairs OF the
country. owing to tho doubtful and uncertain con-
dtion OF tho Presidential canvass, has attracted tho
attention OF large number OF republican merchants
bankers and citizens OF sound mercantile standing
They are beginning to feel anxious to the result of
the count in the disputed States, and, although they
still believe that the election of their candidate--Ar
Haycs-woald be benefit TO the country, they
not sanction any fraud in tho attainment OF such
result The recent expose OF trckery that camo to
hight on the opening of the election returns
from De Soto county, louisiana, has had very
decided elect and brought many gentlemen
OF independent opinions to tho 'front.' who
although nrm supporters Of the republican parly,
are determined to protest to tho Republican
National Committee against any such line OF action
They say they do wish themselves identified with
any fraudulent attempts to carry their ticket and
would prefer TO Mr. Tden elected than that Mr.
Hayes should occupy the Presidential chair II placed
there through trickery. Any such action as that
tho part OF the republican party would be against the
principles OF republican and disastrous to
The financial and business prospects OF the country.
In Instances, whlo talking over the matter
among themselves, the remark has repeatedly been
made that the solid men Of business, who are
fact. the main stay Of the republican party stood a
lair chance Of being ruined through the grasping
designs OF politicians who had nothing TO lose and
everything gain the election of that ticket Tho
result OF such alarming prospect Is being iet
In the business stagnaton that Expresses a branches
OF trade country buyers for tho dry goods and other
branches OF trade in the city in large numbers
but they transacting little no business and ap
pear be quietly awaiting the settlement Of the Pres
icntia election. This is runous state OF affairs All
business connected with tho South and West is appa
Nntly at standst as the drift of public conversation
Exhibits very alarming state OF affairs The impress
Nor is IN dissn sfa cfin rnic
Hpen into an open outbreak should any daring at
Tempt be made to carry the election by fraud. With
view to obtaining the feeling OF republican citizens o.
commercial standing, circular has been Issued from
the office OF Meter & Co.. bankers, No SO Exchange
place. which has been sent around during the past
two three days and obtained q largo number OF
signatures
CIRCULAR
10 headed as foows:-
WHEN FULLY SIGNED RETURN yRTrxR ! CO., NO. SO
EXCHANGE PLACE
lnansmuch us the present condition of public AFFAIRS
growing out OF the recent Presidential election creates
great and general distrust among the people, which
has areldy seriously disturbed business and likely
10 disturb still more seriously for months 10 come,
unless the canvass OF votes IN certain disputed States
be conducted with the utmost mpartiaiy and fair
ness. so as to convince the whole community that the
Will OF tho people, expressed by their ballots, will
be carried out and not defeated by partisan contr
vanccs
We members Of the republican party, who voted for
It's national candidates, unite IA urging upon all who
sut to discharge their duties promptly, impartinlly,
airly and the presence OF representatives, OF both
honest count and true of tho the ag
ation OF the public mind may DO calmcd the paralysis
trade arrested and traditional confidence in the
integrity and efficiency OF republican government be
preserved.
1t has taken somo little trouble bring the matter
directly before those gentlemen who have
stake in the country, bu. in nearly every instance
where honest minded republicans have been ap-
preached, they have at signed the circular and
expressed themselves very strongly on the subject
In several instances they have even complained that
the call couched sufficiently strong language
to those that. general rule little
interest in politics. but when their personal in
eresls at stake would promptly come forward and
take action for their self protection.
HERALD reporter paid visit yesterday afternoon
to tho Office OF Meter & Co., bankers, on Exchange
place, to make some inquiries to the number of
signatures TO the circular that had emanatcd from
their office Mr. Meter stated that large number OF
circulars were still out and they would not be ablo 70
furnish a list until they were all returned.
RKroRrKR.-Will you furnish me with the names OF
those whose signatures you have already receved2
Mr. NErrEE-I should prefer not to do that, as Il
would not DO right TO publish any names until the list
completed.
RsronrKa-what is the object of the circulare
Mr. NErrER--lt rs simply 10 OBTAIN meeting OF
rig minded republicans with view 10 taking action
10 petition tho National Republican Committee 10 dis
:harge their duties promptly, iarly and with Impair
RkroRrER-Wnat are your personal views upon the
lctlon OF the Louisiana Returning Boards
MIR. NKrrKR-I do not care to DO interviewed upon
Iuch q subject present would ike to see u gath
,srng Of republican business nen. and should also
fair and impartial speaker OF reputation.
Tho HxRALD reporter then paid WISH to
MR.. HORACE u. CHAPLIN,
Gho found his counting room, immersed In the
cares OF his gigantic business. Alter waiting low
moments the reporter approached Mr.. Ciafn and tho
following conversation ensued:--
RErogTKK-A circular has been issued making a call
spon the republican merchants and bankers to hold
meeting. wllh to consulting together order to
lake action regarding the present political crisis
What your views. Mr. Claan, of the present con-
dition OF AFFAIRS ia the Southy
Mr. CLApLIS--I ain afraid must decline to express
my opinion on the SUBJECT but am quite in favor Of
such meeting
RrpoRrgR--havc you sgnod the callY
Mr. CLAFLS-i have moi yet seen It, but shall take
great pleasure 10 signing II when II Is brough, 20 me.
KEPORrkR-What DO you think can be gained by
such actiony
Mr ClAyLry--Thas remains to be proved; eu, for my
part should Ike 10 hear the views Of Mr. Evarts
ton.
Rrronrrn-Thon you think affairs ara at such a
crisis as 10 demand a meeting Of that kind?
Mr.. CLAyLiN--i really must decline to be interviewed
on the subject can only add that VIII sign the
circular ii IL is brought to me.
WHAT A FiSANciER THINKS.
The next visit made by tho HERALD reporter was to
gentleman who is president oi a well known hnap-
cia institution. Tho following conversation cnsncd:-
RgroRrgR--I have called. SIR TO Obtain your views
upon situation or affairs in Louisiana and Florida
PRssIpyxr--I am sorry must decline To talk m my
position as president OF company that has customers
belonging TO both parties. | do not think have
right to publish my political opinions IN my Official
capacity.
KKronrEx--Ii you viii kindly give me your views
shall certainly not make use OF your namc II you do
sire 10 remain ipcog.
parsrDGxT--In that case may at once tell you am
republican and voted Tor Mr. Hayes, aud think that
Mr. Hayes elected " would bc beneficial 10 The
country, put on no account should desiie 10 see such
result II II Is DO obtained by fraud. the
Eould be most disastrous 10 the country must say
have not much condolences IN Tue homes, intent OF he
Louisiana Returning Board aud feel very indignant at
such fraudulent practices as were exposed the
Ing or tho returns from De Soto county. have still
ernfienrc ihnt we shan o''siu fair vc'c NJ