National Republican., 1880-10-04
4 PERIL -IFIcRTED.
How n Democratic Success Would Affect
Washington.

How n Democratic Success Would Affect
Washington.
To the Editor Of The National Republican.
SIR: Now that Garfeld's election appears
pretty certain, we may contemplate the great
peril to the city which has been averted.
There are in this District not less than
10000 persons, supporting $4,000 individuals,
who draw their support from the government.
Were Hancock elected the boom would sweep
away nearly all officials and employees, from
the cabinet officer to the char-woman. Well
assured of this, Hancock's election would have
put every one of the above 10000 persons on
a rigid and enforced economy. Not for the
past twenty years would Washington have seen
in use SO many old coats and dresses. This
economy would have also descended into the
kitchen and laundry. Palmer food, less of
washing, fewer servants would have been the
rule. Shrnkage of business would have led
to the dismissal of many clerks, both male
and female, from our mercantile establish.
ments aud the owners Of those establishments
would have looked upon their large stocks with
horror, and to catch what little money would
be in circulation, would proceed ut once
to mark down their goods. Tho hardest
winter Washington ever saw would now be
staring us in the face.
1t would have been capital time
depression, this city is always sure Of great
future, and in few years prosperity would
return to IL, so those who could about next
January invest in houses aud hold on to them
would be fortunate. But those fortunate ones
must have come from the outside, for who of
our residents would have been able TO spare
the money?
topping down in rents would have been
the first thing. Tenants would have de-
manded and obtained reductions from thirty
to fifty per cent. Failing TO obtain this, many
families would have broken up and gone to
their little homes or farms in distant states,
leaving tho heads thereof to weather through
in cheap boarding houses aud this miserable
condition of affairs could not begin to improve
before December, 1881, The lucky democrats
ou obtaining offices next March or April would
refrain from bringing their families with
them until after the summer had passed away.
1t would have been the substitution of 10000
men Of means aud families for 10000 men
without means, and for Il year or more, so far
as Washington trade WAS concerned, without
families The above army average at least
$50 per month each, presently monthly pay
roll of 100000, or $4,000, 900 per year. nearly
all of which has hitherto been spent in this
city Not less than $2,0OO,O00 Of this sum
would have been boarded. That means the
bankruptcy Of many merchants.
Let us again see how anC chances Tor spCcula-
tion in real estate tancOCks election would pre-
sent. Many hundreds of the present officials
own their houses These will all ut once be
thrown upon the market, and whore will they
find purchasers Not from the incoming
democrats, impoverished by their twenty
years fast. doubt not homes could be
bought next spring for one-half their present
valuation.
Tho skies are Frightening. Hancock will
not be our next president aud in tho loud hall
leluJahs that fact iuvolSes none ought TO join
more earnestly than the business men OF Wash.
ingtOn. OFFICEHoLDER