New-York tribune., 1897-08-17
THE SITUATION PLEASES THEM.
RICHARD c. KERExs AND f. p. RIPLEY TALK {

RICHARD c KERENs AND f. p RIPLEY TALK OF
THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT.
Every visitor to the city these days, whether he
comes from South West or East or North
brings cheering news OF a he althy revival of bust
ness Colonel Richard c. Kerens of st. Louis.
came to town on Sunday. and from his talk II was
evident that he was bull on the whole situation.
Colonel Kerens is the member Of the Republican
National Committee from Missouri. and a business
man with large interests Speaking Of the way
the wave OF prosperity had reached Missouri, "A
hotbed of free-silver agitation. Colonel kerens
said The farmers have big crops Of diversified
kind: the merchants and manufacturers are busy;
the railroads have prospects Of large freight busl
ness; everything IS booming and the voice Of the
calamity howler is stilled. The business admins
tration of President Mckinley is giving satisfac-
ton even in the States which gave Democratic
pluralities. Instinctvely the people of Missouri
realize that the present Administration is being
conducted along business lines, and the impetus
given to business is most satisfactory.
"All our Industries. such as lead. iron. lumber
and zinc. looking up, which means that large
orders hand and more mei are being en-
ployed. our crops are excellent, and are In
irst-class condition now. The people OF Missouri
are beginning to see what benefits come from a
Republican Administration. We have a nucleus OF
10000 Republican votes in the State; and, while
the Democrats have carried the State in State and
National elections for thirty years. | think that
matters will be reversed at the next election. and
Missouri will be swung into the Republican ranks.
The present prosperity IS argument for the
Democrats but on the other hand IL reminder of
Republican methods"
The Democrats have from time 10 time made
great political capital our Of the alleged fights in
Missouri between the Fey faction and its OPP
pOncnts Colonel Kerens says everything is har-
monous now, and all Republicans are working for
the best interests OF ;he party He commended
President McKincy's selection of ~ A. Hitchcock.
Of 81. Louis be Minister Russia, saying Mr..
Hitchcock is a business man. and IS largely ideni-
fled with the business growth OF ST. Louis. He IS
large crystal and plate-gass manufacturer ana
founded Crystal city. place about twelve miles
from - LO lis. which now has about twenty thou
sand inhab tans. mostly employed In his factories.
He will make able Minister. ana think he VIII
do much to Increase trade between this country
and Russia"
r. +. Ripley. president of the Achlson. Topeka
and Santa Fe Railroad. Is another who has great
faith in the situation. Mr.. Ripley says: I'VE have
not experit need any boom in business yet but
there has been a decided improvement noticeable
foi the last ninety days. The movement of mer-
chandise Is better and there is more Of dsposi-
ton on the part Of capitalists TO take up new en-
ierprses There j. large wheat crop already
harvested in Kansas ana oklahoma, which, from
present indications. Will doubtless sell for good
prices. and will put, perhaps. Sj1n).U0o I'm cash
IN the hands of the farmers OF these two States.
OF course. this crop will have 10 bee moved and
other enterprises projected. and the outlook
for business IS generally good"