New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-23
HARD WORK NEEDED.
LEADING WISCONSIN FINANCIERS ON
THE NEED OF INFLICTING A DE-
cIsIyE DEFEAT UPON BRYAN.

Milwaukee. Wis. June 90 CSpeciaD.-Wisconsin
IS Il sure enough State for Mckinley and II IS
certain to elect the Republican State ticket also
in November next. This satisfactory condition
OF things political naturally tends 90 inspire
confidence among Republicans that all will go
We'll with the National ticket; but nevertheless
there is a feeling in financial and commercial
circles that Republicans generally should be I'M
messed with the conviction that it Will be neces-
sary for them TO get out and work for their
ticket from the time the National Convention
adjourns until the close of the polls on Election
Dav. There is danger in an excess of conf
dence as it increases the number Of stay-at-
homes and thus reduces the total vote. The
recent financial legislation by Congress has to
a large extent allayed the fear that any radical
change in the National currency might occur
through e political overturn; but II Is felt on all
hands that the election OF William J. Bryan or
any other leader Of the Democracy who stands
on the Chicago platform would engender dis
trust and disturb financial and commercial con-
ditions
George G. Houghton. vice-president or the
Wisconsin National Bank. believes that If 1t
were generally felt at the present time that
BrTan would defeat President Mckinley finan-
ciers and investors would be taking in reefs to
prepare for the results OF distrust and uncer-
tafnty IN business circles While he has no fear
that Bryan could accomplish anything in the
line OF his free silver doctrine, owing TO the
fact that Republican Senate would stand be
tween him and the success of any radical legis-
lation that he might promote, there would be
general apprehension growing out OF the con-
Iict between the Senate and the Executive. The
situation would be similar TO that which OBJ
tanned on the death of President Lincoln. The
people Of the North recognized Andrew John
sons ability, but their confidence in him was
shaken by his erratic temperament and be-
hayior.
Washington Becker, president Of the Marine
National Bank, formerly the Wisconsin Marine
and Fire Insurance Company Bank, takes a
conservative view Of the situation. He believes
that President Mckinley will be reelected.
Bryan's apparent increase in strength in the
East will be offset by weakness in the West, as
compared with his standing IN that section in
1896. and # the campaign should develop IN
expected strength for Bryan in some localities
this fact would spur the Republican campaign
managers TO renewed activity. The financial
question has been settled by the enactment of
gold standard law. and that law will be upheld
by a Republican Senate; but continued conflict
between a Democratic President and Republi-
can Senate would have disquieting effect and
TO some extent destroy confidence.
Frank Bigelow. president OF the First National
Bank and one OF me most prominent IuduClSIS
in Milwaukee turned from the duties of busy
day when questioned in regard 20 the dangers
Of too much confidence on the part OF Repubn
cans and business men generally, and said:
while Bryan could do less mischief now in
view Of recent legislation. than four years ago.
il seems as absurd ever TO support any party
given to belief In free silver, which, in the light
Of events no sound money man can contem-
plate except with disgust. To put other Ma
tional questions. especially the new ones i'm
posed on the country. into untried hands would
be equally foolish. There ought to be no doubt
Of McKinley's reelection by increased major
tiles. But the Republican party must work"
Bernard Leidersdorf. Of the leading to-
bacco manufacturers of the West, daus ex-
pressed himself when asked in regard to the
advisability Of continuing the present Republ-
can Administration for another term: "Our
Of business. Manufacturers throughout the
country a busy set. They are receiving good
prices for their products, and little idleness is
visible. Our farmers are prosperous; they have
been so ever since the Republican Administra-
ton came into power In 1896; and ii is
derful TO observe the change that has taken
place IN the minds of Western farmers regard
ing the Republican Government NV yearly
hunting trips OF four weeks in the fall in North
and South Dakota bring me in direct com
munication with the farmers. While in 1895
the farmers were poor and hostile 10 good money
and Repubiicanism, they have recovered from
that state of mind. admit the existence of a
good Government and good times, and wish for
a continuance Of the present Administration.
The mercantile world is in a fourishing con-
oition, and has been since 1897. Better
profits are realized and fewer failures are re-
ported. Trade is in a healthy condition, with
signs Of Improvement in all branches. Our
laboring people are at work. with much better
wages than formerly, and hardly any complaints
are heard OF idleness or poor wages. Prosper
ity and satisfaction are everywhere noticed
Our people are satisfied and contented and will
ing TO let well enough alone No one will DENY
that the present state OF prosperity and good
times has been brought about through the skill
1ul wise and patriotic management OF the pres
ent Republican Administration, and change
would be unwise and impOlitic. II is my opin-
ion that by re-electing Mr.. Mckinley President
the country will continue 20 prosper, while if
Mr. Bryan should be elected the country would
be thrown into chaos of uncertainty and
trouble and poor times" Mr. Leidersdorf has
always been stanch Republican. and he was
one OF the delegates from Wisconsin to the Re
publican National Convention at Philadelpbja
Frederick 7. Coll. one OF the directors of the
Col q Frank Company, the largest Wholesale
orygoods establishment in Milwaukee SAYS that
while the prospects of the Republican party are
bright there IS some danger that excessive con-
hoence may lead to unpleasant surprises The
election OF Bryan would make business men and
investors cautious. and this would affect trade
winch at the present time is good. The farmers
are prosperous, collections are satisfactory and
the general business outlook is gratifying It
would De unwise 10 endanger this condition of
affairs h' turning the present AdmInistra tion
out OF oi4Ice on March next. The gold stand
ard law would prevent Bryan from accomplish
Ing anything Immediately in the direction of
Tree silver coinage. but he would have to give
some evidence Of good faith TO the free silver
ties IN attempts 10 do something; and these at
tempts would cause distrust in business circles