The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-08-27

George A. Storey formerly a member
of the board OF directors of the Trav-
elers' Protective Association. the largest
Of commercial travellers fraternal or
ganizations, arrived in the city last night
from Chicago. He is en- route to Homo
lulu. where he viii spend the winter for
hts health.
Probably no man in all the United
States has a wider acquaintance among
commercial travellers than Mr.. Storey.
having himself been on the road for
over quarter of century.
This is the first vacation I have had
since leaving the road" he said, when
seen at the Rainier last night. and that
is seven years ago. / expect 10 be gone
about six months.
Every branch of business in Chicago
is booming. The volume of business
done by Chicago jobhing houses last
year was the best in their history and
notwithstanding that this is election
year there is a good prospect of our
coming up to II not beating the record
this year. This condition is probably
the best indicator of general prosperity
in the United States that we could have.
Illinois will be carried by the Repub-
iicans by 10000 at least this year. The
Bryan talk about seeing a majority In
Illinois is but a sample OF their many
other extravagant utterances, and there
is not the first indication on which to
base the slightest hope.
There has been much talk about the
Antitrust Association controlling the
commercial travellers vote. Let me say
that there Is not 10 per cent. of the trav-
cling men on the road today regardless
of past politics, that have a kind word
for Bryan or the principles he advocates.
They well know the results of any COM
mercial depression which must follow in
the wake Of Bryan. should he be chosen
president.
commercial travellers were earning more
money than lthey are at present. There
never was time when they did more
business than they are doing. and there
never was a time when they were better
satisfied with their remuneration or gave
better satisfied to their employers. They
more than any other class OF people, feel
a change in the general prosperity or
adversely OF the country and have
watched the increase in orders in all ter
ritories and, for the general good times
now being enjoyed. give credit to the
party to which it Is due.
Much of the literature being sent
broadcast by the Antitrust Association
contains the statement that the forma-
ion of trusts has caused reduction jim
the number OF travelling men employed
This may he true in some cases but II
was not the successful or Woodworking
drummer that lost his Job owing 20 the
combination. 1t was the loafer who in
good and had times alike failed to get
the business. II was a weeding-out pro-
cess and those who were worth retain
ing had their salaries increased and
many new men began career as
knights Of the grip.
There has been no reduction in forces
on the road with grocery. hardware
boots and shoes or other commodity
houses. In fact. they have been in
creased, and while | have not any data
at hand j am sure that today there are
fully as many travelling men on the road
as before trusts existed. One thing Of
which I am certain is that they are a
much better class OF men.
while there will be no organized trav-
cling mans vote you can rest assured
il. as a rule. will be cast With the full
dinner pain party and only wish / could
be here TO increase Il one more"