Los Angeles herald., 1908-10-04
STRAUS HONORS
EUGENE GERMAN
GOES ON BOARD OF BRYAN
ASSOCIATION
BUSINESS MEN OF THE COUNTY
ORGANIZE
Los Angeles Merchant, Reporting
Conditions, Says LaborIng Classes
and Former Soldiers Are Sup
porting Democrats

Chairman Nathan Straus of the Busi-
ness Mems Bryan and Kern association
a national Organization, has just ap-
pointed Eugene tSermain of Los An
geles on the committee of the associa-
tion. ~
In accepting, Mr.. Germain, In MS iee-
ter In obedience to Chairman Straus
request, has given his views at iehs'n
on the local situation.
Mr.. Straus' letter of appointment 10 az
follows: ,, -,
II am desirous of appointing you on
the committee of the Business nlSn
National Bryan and Kern assoeis''ioi'
"a Patriotic Duty"
"Your cooperation in the work OF
electing our ticket is, In the opinion -,
of this committee, patrlotlc uu.y az ~
one of the most important contesls III
the history of our country. -
I'm accepting will yow please Iavor
us with the names of men OF similar
high standing and equal interest IN the
movement to add to our committee: III
giving the names please add partlcu-
lars as to the line of business, ETC., OF
the gentlemen you Suggest.
"Will you oblige us with your opln-
ions and the result of your observa-
tions on political sentiment in your
community
"Our committee is particularly In
terested in the effort to learn the ex-
tent OF any changes OF sentiment that
can be reported on the tariff question,
on the trust question and on Mr..
Bryan's strength among Democrats, In
dependents and even Republicans.
Change, of Sentiment
Nothing could be more valuable as an
Indication of probable results and how
they can be influenced than comparl-
sons on these points based upon the
observation Of men of affairs like your
self.
I'm addition to the general features
indicated and the other issues covered
In the Democratic national platform
there may be facts In connection with
your own political record or individual
business experience which would be OF
value and interest and which you couio
favor with a reminder or.
ANY attention that you can give to
this matter and any information that
you will oblige us with will be thor
oughly appreciated. Yours very truly,
NATHAN STRAUS,
"Chairman Business Mems Bryan and
Kern association"
Mr.. Germain responded as follows;
Acknowledging receipt OF your
ence to my appointment on the commit
tee of your association and in accept
ing the same ! beg to express my
hearty appreciation of your courtesy In
thus honoring me.
s'You may be sure that I profoundly
appreciate the Importance of your work
at this time.
"All loyal Democrats, and especially
business men, should stand solidly to-
gether for an administration OF pro-
gressive policies under a modest ana
nationally conservative and reasonably
consistent chief executive. and what l
can do personally toward accomplish
ing this result l Will do.
within my own observance little or
no attention is now paid by merchants
to the tariff question, 1t being the gen.
eral consensus of opinion that when 1t
comes to amending the. present existing
laws the question of personal equation
is always the dominant factor IN the
caluculation of Democrats and Repup-
licans alike, and scarcely anyone is
found who does not Immediately be-
come a protectionist as far as his per-
sonal interests are concerned, and these
generally are of such material import
ance to him that they overshadow
everything lse.
Bankers Not Helping
Most of our bankers are Republi-
cans Many of them were originally
Democrats, but having gone over to the
enemy since 1895 because of the silver
gold controversy remain there for vari-
ous reason of their own, as can De
readily understood. Their own selnsh
interest is again predominant.
lin the accomplishment OF greater
personal gain they care nothing for the
general welfare of the public. 1T is not
a factor in the political scheme, and so
we cannot expect any support from
them, except it comes from isolated
cases.
''There will be. on the other hand, a
considerable gain from the laboring
classes.
sMany Republicans who are honest.
hard working people are beginning to
express a distrust in their party's sin
cerity, in so far as its relation to the
large banking and corporate institu-
tions are concerned.
Distrust Congress
''While there does not appear to be
any widespread feeling against Mr.. |
Roosevelt there is an undercurrent
which Is rapidly gaining strength
against congress under Republican
methods and control. In this sentiment
is particularly included Mr.. Cannon
and Mr.. Foraker. |
"The national guarantee of bank de-
posits and the establishment of postal
savings banks seems to meet with
popular favor among the poorer an5 I
middle classes and is finding much |
favor among the men who live by the
sweat of their brow.
1.-THE recent action of the national
bankers convention In SO positively ex-
pressing their objections to these fea-
lures has shown them more clearly
than anything else that these principles
of Democracy really stand for the in
terest of the people as whole and not
for the handlers of money as class.
This will have. believe. a very strong
effect on the result In November
Taft and Ex-soIdlers
''Mr. Taft's treatment of the volun-
teer army in the Philippine islands
when he was at the head of the COM
there, when he heaped unnec-
essary indignitiees upon the soldiers in
the interest of Philippine insurgents, is
q matter | have frequently heard re-
Verted to and one which could be used
with satisfactory results If the details
were collected and put in shape to at
tract the attention Of ex-soldiers who
suffered at his expense.
Referring to your request for the
names OF men of Democratic faith and Il
high business standing who might be /
come interested in the work of your
committee / beg to sllQeasf w r. Row. II