New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-10-15
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES BRYAN
OFFICERS OF BROOKLYN TRUST COM
PANIES THINK DISASTER WOULD
FOLLOW HIS ELECTION.

The leading officers OF the trust companies Of
Brooklyn earnestly favor the reelection OF Presl-
dent Mckinley and are convinced that the elecuon
Of BRYAN would bring disaster TO the present pros
porous conditions OF the country
George II. Southland. of the Franklin Trust COM
panv said yesterday that the effect of Mr. Bryan s
election in consequence of his statements regard
ing his action. elected. in the line OF making the
largest use Of silver was the only disturbing ele-
nent In the business situation. The effect OF MI
Tsrvsn,s election on business would be disastrous,
and the confidence OF the people would be snaken
because OF the expecta@ lion that his actions would
unsettle the currency question.
"Tf Mr. Mckinley IS reelected" said Mr.. South
ard at look for several years Of great prosperity
ir business and think this country Will reap the
effects Of the present condition Of prosperity IN It's
future business
pany said the stsgnatIon Of business this year as
compared with last was due largely to the timidity
OF capital. year ago there was great activity in
all branches of business and the difference between
then and now must be attributed largely to the
Presidential contest. The sluggshuess of business
would undoubtedly continue until the result OF the
election was known.
In fifty years Of business" continued Mr.. Dutch
or. II have not known Presidential elections TO
have much effect on business interests as those
and the present year. The disastrous result
following the election 1892 is the cause of the
unprecedented timidity shown by capitalists now
and four years ago. The people OF this country
have rarely in any Presidential contest been
prosperous they in this year, 1870.
The large amount of money lying idle, indi-
Gated by the large sums deposited with the banks
and trust companies. and the amount loaned TO
Europe at low rates of interest, further evil
dence of the fear Of capitalists TO enter into busi-
ness enterprises until the financial questions in
yolyed in this election are settled beyond all
Edward Merritt. president Of the Long. Island
Loan and Trust Company. declared that If Bryan
spread panic. There would. OF course be a gradual
recovery as commerce and industry would set 10
Work 10 accommodate themselves TO possible new
conditions, but the process would be slow,
the interim capital and labor would feel the distress
keenly. The position taken by voters thai
fearing and opposing all that Bryanisn stands for
they viii yet vote for Bryan under the idea that II
elected he would be poweriess to do any harm was
about as wise as to let a mad dog into ones house
with the hope that the dog could be muzZled before
getting chance TO bite.
President Miller OF the Brooklyn Trust COMPANY
Sald ne was without qualification opposed to Mr.
Bryan, who. if elected, would be the responsihie
executive Of the party which enacted the Chica 20
ana Kansas CITY platforms. No observer could
Tree silver coinage than of any other plank OF
those remarkable platforms. Bryan's election
interests Of clerks wage earners and those denend
ent upon the incomes OF small investments as to
Decome a calamity. Mr.. Miller regarded it as q
respective Of party ties. sE' IL
moses May. president of the Williamsburg Trust
company, said that II the Democratic marty sboiJ
pe victorious he believed widely extended 7isasta-
would follow IN all lines of business There U1oSI5
CsILdlIlig oe panic on the Stock Exchange nrices
Nouid decline and banks and trust corn1,a nice
would be compelled TO call loans 'FA-iie9
MI May said there man who uyap+a5 90
1910 ,o.row IRON the Williamsburg Trust COMPANY a
IaIee sum OF money with which to buy real 60
on when ne had option. If McKiniav ie aIao@oS
~ WI MAKE the loan: il Mckinley be defeated he
'"'u MOI Guy the property at any price