New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-06-14
VUdT BUSINESS MEN ia Mt.

II
II is now generally conceded that the renom-
nation of the President was largely due to
the influence of the business interests OF the
country. Mr.. Depew has expressed this opin-
ion. and as the recognized Harrison leader In
the convention his judgment may be accepted
as conclusive. A large majority OF the deie-
gates were unnstructed, and were influenced
bv the private dispatches which they received
from the business centres Of the country. Ihese
dispatches favored the denomination OF the
President and were most effective In pro-
ducing the result
The same force which impelled dazed and
questioning delegates to cast their ballots al
NJinneapolis for Harrison will inevitably infu-
ence voters at large in November. There is a
general agreement among business men tha'
their interests will be promoted by the con-
FINANCE of a safe and successful Republican
Administration Prudent men discern clearly
the disturbance which would be produced IN the
business world by the election OF Demo-
cratic President and the control of both houses
of Congress by the party of tariff agitation and
free coinage. A long period of uncertainty
would follow. during which business men would
not know where they were standing or what
might be coming. Tariff revision whether II
is attempted by Republicans or Democrats Is
dreaded by business men, since 1t is always d
protracted process, the results OF winch can
never be accurately forecast. During the transit
tion period general business stagnates and IAN
cuisines, and every important mercantile IN
terest is relieved when it is brought to an end.
The success of the Democratic party IN NO
yember would involve the resumption OF tarllf
agitation and the unsettlng of all the prevail
ing conditions of trade. The conservative
oninion of the business elements OF the coun-
try is against the premature reopening OF the
tariff controversy in Congress Under Ke-
publican Administration and with Repub-
lican Congress they have the assurance that
the Tariff Act will stand, and that the orderly
course of business will not be interrupted.
What practical men perceive is the fact that
the Mckinley Act is operating on the whole
very differently from what Democratic op-
ponents anticipated, and more satisfactorily
than its Republican advocates ventured to pre-
dict two years ago. 1t has exerted stim-
ulatng effect upon all productive interests, has
maintained high level of wages and so far
from increasing prices for the consumer has In
many instances reduced them. With the Reel
procity clause it has enlarged the foreign de-
mand for American breadstuffs and manufact-
ures. and at the same time has not increased
the cost of imported food products. Many
classes of business men, who were not con-
WINGED at tho outset that the Mckinley Act
was either necessary or expedient, now admit
that their prejudices were not justified On
every side in business circles there is strong
preference shown for allowing the act to re-
main in operation long enough to be practical
" tested. The influence Of all conservative
business men will be powerfully exeftcd dur
ing the next five months to prevent the un
settling effects of Democratic victory for so
called tariff reform. The Republican part!
will profit heavily by this influence. AS it wa
strong enough to secure the Presidents re
nomination at Minneapolis, it promises alread.
to be sufficient to secure his reelection.