Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1908-10-12
rs A MENACE
Business World Making Con-
tracts Contingent OIL
Taft's Election
SIS MEN HESITATE
BUSINE SS
Leading Merchants and Capitalists of
Chicago Say Prosperity Would Halt
if Democrats Were Successful in
EIection-Leadins Men Give Their
Views.

Chicago merchants, manufacturers II
bankers, business recuperation in the
United States depends upon the cleo
ton of William H. Taft to the presi-
dency.
1t was disclosed yesterday, as an
illustration of what the arguments o.
many of Chicago's leading citizens are
based upon. that contracts for delivery
of large orders of merchandise or man
ufactured articles are being made con-
tingent upon the success of the repub-
lican ticket Nov. 3.
Several commercial leaders stated
that they had such orders in their
possession which We're given with the
provision that they might be Cancelled
if Mr.. Bryan should triumph at the
polls. Among Chicago merchants who
averred this to be the fact were John
+. Farwell, of J.V.Farwell 81 Co,whole-
sale dry goods merchants. and Enos
M. Barton, president of the Western
Electric company.
Bankers Also Testify.
Bankers, among them James u. For
gan. president of the First National
bank; George Nj. Reynolds. president
of the Continental, and George e. Rob-
erts. president of the Commercial Ma
tional, reported that they had knowi-
edge of such a contingency in the bust
ness outlook of the nation. All stated
that the election of Mr.. Bryan would
have a Oppressive effect, whereas hha
election of Mr.. Taft would restore con-
fidence and actuate business men to
push industry and trade along all
lines.
That the country is greater than
Mr.. Bryan or any political party is the
conviction of many leading citizens,
but the nation, they argue, Is IN d
condition wnere it needs demand Tor
trade If recuperation in business Is to
come in the near future.
John V. Farwell, in commenting on
he business conditions, as related TO
the election result, asserted emphat-
icaIly that the election OF Mr.. tart
was the only outcome that would re-
store business confidence.
Cites Own Observation.
our firm" said Mr.. Farwell, mas
rereived numbers of orders that have
heen made conditional upon the cleo
tion of Mr.. Taft. / believe, Judging
from the general attitude of business
men thruout the country, and from my
own experience in business transac-
ions in the last few months, that the
election of Mr.. Bryan would result IN
cancellation Of business orders In an
lines of trade. With the election OIL
Mr.. Taft the business men OF the ma
ton would feel satisfied to go aheaa
and push things II confidence would
accumulate rapidly.
.In business, as every n Knows
confidence is everything. The peopie
must know what the government is go
ing to do in order that they may nave
~adenc The government must
have the right man in the right place
If business is to rally n our COM
,nercial affairs return to their norman
status.
eff we do not nave that it is certain
that money will not be invested 1or d
long time. at least until the n
1a., m what the change of administfa-
ton is 10 DIlHS =
Sees General Stagnation.
"I do not believe thai the detefreii.
effect of Bryan's election would be as
disastrous as it would have been IN
1896. This much is certain, however. =
would cause a general closing DOWN
evervwhere because there Would eNlst
no demand we are not in a CONDITION
where we can stand such an undeslr-
able development. We want things the
other way. Business needs the demand
and must have it if it is to pick up
The election of Taft will instill life into
trade beyond any doubt"
James b. Forgan is firmly OF the pc
lief that the election of Bryan Woula
bring business to a standstill in the
country. and he has many assurances
of that fact from large capitalists
manufacturers and merchants with
whom, he has discussed the political
outlook. ;,
"There is absolutely no doubt" said'
Mr.. Forgan. chat the election of MI.
would bring business to a stand
still. There is also no doubt that such
a political result would keep business
at a standstill for some time to come.
Business Men Cautious.
Business men. as a rule, are opposed
to Mr.. Bryan's theories and are afraid