Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-09-17
BRYAN LOSING
In Those Western States Where He
Was Strongest.
Reports Of Nursery Statesmen All Over the
Country 10 Chase Bros.
Dorchester, On. " Post Express)

Dorchester, On. " Post EXpress.)
| Chase Brothers company. East park
this city, is one of the best known nur-
sery firms in the United States. 1t has
agents all over the country and the most
farmers. The firm has never taken any
stand IN politics. in fact the politics OF
the five members of the firm has not been
known 10 the general public. II may De
stated however, that three OF the mem
bers are Republicans while two have al
ways voted the Democratic ticket. In
common with every other business mouse
the Chase Brothers company has taken
deep interest in the camDaign of 1896
knowing that its result would have great
bearing on the future commercial inter
ests OF the United States. When Bryan
was nominated on the craZy-quilt chi
cago platform the two Democratic mem
bers OF the firm announced to their asso-
ciates that they could not support nm
but would not only vote for Mckinney
but would do what they could to advance
his election. Thus. for once, the firm was
unanimous in their political opinions.
Like all other sensible men, the mem
bers of the Chase Brothers company
made up their minds that Bryan had no
earthly show OF carrying any OF me
eastern states but also, like many other
men they were fearful that most of the
western states would declare for the
youthful popocratic orator After sew
cral conferences the firm decided to send
circular itlttT 10 eaCn Oh It's agents
scattered all over the United States, from
Maine to Nebraska, asking their indiV1d-
p ual political preference. also the prevail
ing sentiment in their localities. II was
thought that the replies received would
, furnish pretty fair political barometer.
us most of the firms agents are or have
been farmers or mechanics. the class
from which the Bryan strength, if he
, develops any at all, must come. 1t was
decided to make the circular entirely nom
committal as to the firms opinions or
preferences, so that it could not be said
, that the replies We're colored with a view
to the writer's retaining their positions.
, Accordingly Secretary-Treasurer Pitkin,
on August 18th despatched this letter to
all parts of the country:
Chase Brothers Company
New England Nurseries
Rochester, n. Y, Aug H. 1886
To our Statesmen:
We. as all good citizens, feel deep in
terest in the result of the presidential
election. and are anxious to know some
thing of the opinion and sentiment in the
different sections of the country. 1t has
therefore occurred TO us that Il canvass
of our salesmen who are scattered over
Il large portion OF the United States
would give a strong indication of the
drift of public opinion. and We ask you to
answer. If you are willing. the questions
below. and return this sheet to US at the
earliest opportunity Your reply will be
treated confidently if you wish, We don
believe in mixing business and politics as
q rule, but as it lis conceded that the
result of the election will make some
changes in business conditions, We wish
to foresec that result rs far as possible
and shape our business plans according
ly. so regard this as a matter OF business
not politics Yours truly
Chase Brothers Company.
William Pitkin. Secretary.
Tie questions accompanying the letter
We're as follows:
l. DO you intend to vote for Mckinley
or Bryan?