The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-10-13
SIGNTFICdNT ,SJRA Us.
Answers to "a Weii-known nursery From
ftsAeents.

It's Agents.
Chase Brothers Co., Rochester. y. y.
H. one OF the best known ma. -ery nrms In
the United States. 1t has agents all over
the country and the most oi these are men
who ale or have been farmers. Inc lrm
has never taken any stand IN politics; ia
fact the politics of the i've members OF
the firm has not been known to the gene
raj public. II may be stated however,
that three OF the members are kepuDii-
cans, while two have always voted the
Democrat, ticket. In common with every
other business house the Chase Brothers
Company has taken deep interest in the
campaign OF 1896. knowing that its result
would have great bearing on the future
commercial interests of the United States.
When Biyan was nominated the Two
Democrs tic memb ers OF the firm announc-
ed 10 their associates that they could not
support him. and that they would not
only vote for Mckinley. but would do
what they could TO advance his election.
After several conferences the firm de-
cided 10 send a circular letter TO each
of its agents scattered all over the United
States. from Maine 70 Nebraska, asking
their individual political preference, also
the prevailing sentiment in their locali-
ties. IL was thought that the replies re-
Ceived would furnish a pretty fair politi-
cal barometer. II was decided 10 make
the circular entirely non-commital as TO
the FIRMS opinions or preferences. 80
that II could not be said that the replies
were colored with a view TO the writers
retaining their positions. Accordingly
Secretary Treasurer Pitkin. on August
18th. despatched this letter TO all parts or
the country:
To our statesmen:
We. as all good citizens. feel a deep in
tercst in the result Of the presidential
election. and are anxious 10 know some
thing of the opinion and sentiment IN the
different sections OF the country. IL has,
therefore. occurred 10 US that a canvass
OF our statesmen who are scattered over
"A large portion Of the United States would
give a strong indication OF the DRIFT OF
public opinion. and we ask you &c answos
II you are willing. the questions below
and return this sheet TO us al the earliest
opnortunity Your reply will be treated
c0nndentially If you wish. We don't be-
neNe In mixing business and politics as
rule but as il Is conceded that the re
suit OF the election will make some
changes i'm business conditions, We WISH
to forcsee that result as far as possible,
and shape our business plans accordingly
so regard this as matter of business,
not politics. Yours truly.
CHASE BROTHERS COMPANY.
William Pltkin. Secretary.
The questions accompanying the letter
/. DO YOU intend to vote for Mckinley
or Bryan?
?. What is the prevailing sentiment in
9. How many Democrats do you know
who will vote for Mckinley?
4. How any Republicans will vote for
Bryan?
3. How many gold Democrats will vote
for a third ticket If one is nOminated2
4 few days ago Mr.. Pitkin said. II
must confess that when We sent out those
letters [ was dubious as 10 what the re-
plies would be. / was afraid they would
be an for Bryan. The result has been a
welcome disappointment As Mr. Pit
kin spoke he pointed 10 large pile OF let
ters beside his desk. THAT pile, he said.
Contains 23S replies that we have receiy-
ed up TO date. out OF the Us. lbH declare
unhesitatingy that the writers Will vote
for Mckinley: 80 Will vote for Bryan.
while % say they are on the fence. As
would be expected. the Bryan sentiment
is principally confined 10 the West but
even there the Mckinley sentiment over
balances that for Bryan. For instance. M
Illinois n are for Mckinley 10 : FOR bry-
an This Is especially significant when II
is remembered that the Bryan men are
making lfeat claims for Wisconsin. and
iu thar State our agents ar" an farmers.
I'm Indiana rs are for Mckinley 10 : FOR
BRYAN. in Iowa. there are = Mckinley
men TO ? Bryce adherent. lT ohio the
ratio is 10 % o. Missouri IS the only one
where there f. a prcponderauce for lity-
an Even i'm Nebraska ont of replies
received. are for Mckinley 70 l for
BRYAN
Following is a compilation Of the replies
To-