The New York herald., 1876-11-30
How Bankers and Merchants Re-
gard the Situation.
STAGNATION IN TRADE.
The Presid dential Conflict Said
To Be the Cause.
WHAT OUGHT TO BE DONE.

lcan gentlemen are joining with the democrats In heir
regrets the unfortunate condition OF affairs that
political wrangling has brought upon the copf
They say that just before the election The by
prospects looked excellent, and they had every
to anticipate ono OF the most prosperous seasopA
the country had seen for years. The general
feeling OF disrust, however, has arisen from
the political complications in Louisiana, Florida and
South Carolina, and ut present trade Is Tor the most
part at standsti Is all trade Of at oil specu-
Iave nature The circular that has been disseminated
among the republican merchants and bankers is re-
ceiving numerous signatures and although in few
instances the heading is so worded us not TO convey
exactly the sentiments of some II meets with general
appreciation The lists Will be probably all returned IN
the course OF few days and then decisive action
will be taken. A number OF leading merchants and
bankers were visited yesterday BY members of the
HERALD staI and below vii! be found their views
the situation -
A. n. STEWART co.
A representative OF the HERALD made q call yeser-
day afternoon at the wholesale store Of A. r. Stewart
& Co., and after a brief delay favored with the
following interview by Mr. Libby, one Of tho senior
members Of the 6rm:--
REPORTER Mr. Libby, do you find any unusual dull
ness in the dry goods tradey
Mr. IiBBY-I do not notice any remarkable dcprecia-
course, a natural shrinkags that must experience
year by year. but do not think that other
affecting the trade
RgroRrgR-Do you think, then, that country buyers
purchasing now us they have done In other years.
when troubles were looming IN the horizons
MIR. IIBBY-I cannot detect any marked change In
the business Buyers have to supply the demand OF
their customers, and rumors OF approaching difficulties
Will not seriously affect their sales. People must
have clothes in peace war, and at present
people too cool and thoughtful to rush rashly at
any conclusion.
REpoRrER--You have heard, probably. Mr.. Libby, Of
a movement that is being made ny republican mer
chants and bankers with view to pet,ioning the Re-
publican National Committee to great caution in
the counting OF tho vote avoid any pretcxt for
a charge OF fraud on their part.
SIR LIBBy-i have not heard that any such move
ment hand, but am very glad to know il, as
feel assured that all right minded men, whether re-
pubIicans or democrats, only have one desire
that is TO fair election and tho right placed
in the Presidential chair.
REPORTER Has the call that is being circulated been
brought to you for your signature?
Mr. LIRBY-No, it has not; suppose because, be-
love, have the reputation OF being democrat
am however, influenced by no party feelings and al
ways for the best 1t very ttlc for
Tden Is elected long he elected honestly. 1t
would be fearful calamity should either party SO
cupaby dishonest elect their candidate by fraud
aud nothing could be moro disastrous 10 tho prosperity
OF the country.
RxroRrER-Ihc proposed meeting Is said 10 be with
view TO checking any rash action Of politicians who
have nothing to lose and, blind TO all Interests but
Their own, would upset the peaceable condition Of
affairs ana precpitaie the country into war.
ticans have very little regard for an ybodys interests
hut their own. sincerely trust, however. that this
complication may be the means OF rlddng tho South
crn country OF the unprincipcd scoundrcls OF both
parties that have held political sway Tor the past few
years. All right -minded people can only have that ono
wish. MS win be the means OF restoring prosperous
condition Of affairs in the south, and opening out a
trade which for many years has been nearly entirely
buried.
A HERALD reporter paid visit yesterday to the
nrm Of Horace b. Claim Co.. and held short In
tcrvew With the senior partner, Mr. Horace d. Cafn.
The following conversation ensued:-
REpoITER-I have called 10 learn II the present
political difficulties are affecting the dry goods trade
Mr. CLAFLIS-Yes, sir, they certainly are, and TO
very large extent There Is an uncertainty about The
future that IL being ieit all over ,he country.
REpoRTkR-ls IL the southern trade that 10 princi-
Mr. CHAPMAN trade; not moro in tho South than
II in The last or West. In fact people do not
know what to make oil the present condition
Of affairs, and are awaiting the result with con
siderable anxiety. What the result will DO cannot
say, but do ce assured that II either Mr.. Hayes or
Mr.. rlden were elected by lair msorty there would
be brisk December trade for our business. think
ycurselg however Any OF the large dry goods whole
sale houses VIII echo my views.
WRIGHT. BLls1 rADyAS.
Avisit was then made 10 the firm OF Wright Bliss
Fabyan snd the reporter had tho pleasure OF "a brief
conversation with Mr. Bii s. which resulted as fol-
Mr Bliss :-sI do not krow il there is anything
in present condition OF trade remarkably different
IRON what. We usually md at this OF the
year The large auction tnat have taken place IN
the last Two days show plenty OF buyers and good
lriccs. i dare say the Presidential muddic has had
some effect, but DO not think u makes very much
difference. There Is probably certain class OF buy
holding back and awaiting settlement OF iicu-
ties bat thcy are seriously Affecting business.
do not think any thinking people can amy cause for
trace lively as ever. ! think ia the ensuing month
shall probably transact quite brisk trade"
WILLIAM LoIrlMER co.
HERALD reporter called on the irm OF William
IottnIcr x Co.. Leonard street, and OF the
partners, Mr. HIN, with whom he had a short inter-
view, y ioows:--
RKroKrsa--l should Ike 10 know, Mr. Hill, your
opInion on the prospects OF the dry goods trade.
Mr. HlLLAs FAR as our public sales are considered
nothing could be more promising. The sale yesterday
OF wooleu goods was Que Of he best we
acied. Prices were from fifteen 10 twenty per
higher than anticipated, aud 5000 900 worth OF
goods sold inside ol four hours. Again, tho
other hand. warehouse business perfectly stag
nant aud th,t branch dong literally nothing
REpoKrER-How do you account Tor that dulnsss In
tradcy
Mr. HILL can only see ono solution 10 tho problem
and that the people want settlement OF the political
question, and until that Is satisfactorily arranged
tuat there be no cavng over the result, country
buyers will not como into the market
REPoRrER-In your belief general business ID not
| the same as II usually is at this season.
Mr. HILL-Certaniy not, and II VIII not be until wc
know without q douot VINO rs going TO be elected.
EVANS, PEAkE X
A visit to the house of Evans, Pcake Co gave the
reporter the pleasure OF an introduction to Mr. Evans
the senior partner Of the irm. He very kindly offered
To give any Information that he could the subject
and the following conversation cnsucd -
RrrnRrER-Mr Evans, should like to obtain from
you some idea oi the present condition Of the dry
goods trade.
Mr.. EvANsAs far MS trade goes II could not be much
worse, and Judging from my correspondence iron tho
South and West there Is no possibility OF its bright
ening up until we get some definite settlement
Presidential election.
RKroRrER--Then you attribute the present duness
In business to the political excementy
Mr.. EvASs--Ycs, certainly. There IS general lee
ing OF discontent at the shape affairs taking, and
people want settlement
REpoRTER-s this dissatisfied condition Of affairs
confined any particular section Of the country
II gensroiY
Mr. EvAxs--our business is mostly connned to the