New-York tribune., 1900-06-23
HEDGING TILL BRYAN IS BEATEN.
NO PICKING UP IN BUSINESS LIKELY TILL
1T IS ASSURED

Boston. June % (speciaD-The American
WooIlen Company employs about twenty thou
sand men. The president is Frederick Aver,
who asked w NJ Wood. treasurer of the COM
pany. to speak for him. but first himself said:
Perhaps our own business is in better condi-
ton than some others, but already, in antcipa-
ton of the possible election of Bryan business
in all lines s hedging There is a halt while
the country waits to see what is to be the re-
suit Of the campaign Judging by the past.
should say that the election Of Bryan would
mean four years of disaster"
NIr. Wood then said:
Fortunately the Senate stands between the
country and Organism. There can be no change
either in the tariff or in the currency situation
We are securely on a gold basis. All this means
much. Still Notwithstanding this great bull
wark Of safety, the election of Bryan would per
haps inaugurate a haIting, Intermittent and
unsatisfactory state of things in business
1T will have to be admitted that the country
has been enjoying unparalleled prosperity. The
balance of trade in favor of this country was
never so great as now. I have not the figures
at hand, but the balance of trade in favor Of
the United States for the last three or four
months has been greater than any correspond
ing period in the history of the country twice
over. Wages were never higher and labor was
reasons why this should not continue. and would
continue but for the fear that would attend the
Introduction of a new state of things, such as
the election of Bryan would bring about.
You ask me if my business would be injured
by the election of Bryan l answer, Yes Cap
ital would be made timid and longer be put
into the building Of mills. When Cleveland was
in office practically every mill in the country
was shut down. There was panic every sixty
days. The conditions are not now the same as
they were then but il Is so largely a question
of sentiment that the sensitive markets must be
expected to respond to such disturbing in
huenCe
Il do not anticipate, however, the election OF
Bryan, and feel that the people appreciate all
that Mckinley stands for, and that the Republi-
can party will be triumphant at the polls
AS Mr.. Wood speaking the party was
joined by Frank Jones, Of Portsmouth the
prominent brewer, who is also director in the
wOollen company, and formerly represented his
district. in New-Hampshire, in Congress as
Democrat. When he asked to add his
opinion he replied:
People have told me they expect business to
brighten up this summer That comes OF the
American habit of looking on the bright side Of
things. 1t is a good habit and IT is what has
made this country what ii is. But l look at
facts. ! look at the past Nobody need expect
20 do any business till after the election
this gentleman" Mr.. Jones usually refers to
Bryan as this gentleman'l was there as the
clerk Of one OF the members MY how he could
work a typewriter, He has more words than
Ideas. Until It is settled that this gentleman is
not to be the next President you need expect to
see no picking up in business. Business depends
upon the of confidence"