Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-10-23
ASK FOR ASSURANCE
Big Interests Concerned Over
Wilson's Prospective Policy.
TARIFF QUESTION BOTHERS
Belief Strong That Conservatism
Will Rule White House.
BUSINESS TROUBLED LITTLE
New York Financial Circles Receive
Reports Indicating Success of
Democratic Nominee.
TARIFF QUESTION BOTHERS
TROUBLED LITTLE
BY N. o. MESSENGER.

NIW 1Onh, OctoDer 23--lnQulry in
the financial district elicits the fact that
big business is concerned over the pres
idential campaign mainly as to the ques-
lion whether Wilson when elected will
call an extra session of Congress and re-
wise the tariff. All the Information COM
Ing to the great financial interests here
forecasts a sweeping victory for Wilson
in the nation.
They are therefore setting their house
In order for the expected change in the
administration and discounting its effect
The returns on election day may have a
momentary effect upon values. but reac-
tion Is expected and then big business
will mark time until Wilson outlines his
policy
The belief is strong in we'll informed
financial circles that despite his radical
course in the campaign Wilson will be
conservative in the White House. They
look to see him surround himself with a
conservative cabinet.
Only one proposition bothers them, and
that is, What will be done with the
tariff?" Is it to be the same old demo-
cratic party doing business at the same
old stand in the same old way-tearing
down the tariff walls? Is business to be
checked by uncertainty over this essential
element of business? Or will the new
administration go slowly and give the
country a chance to reap the benefit or
the splendid crops and the big business
boom?
Business and Politics Divorced.
Aside from this consideration of the tar
iff as the issue in the business outlook.
the big interests share the feeling which
exists elsewhere in the country that the
time has almost been reached when busi-
ness and prosperity will be beyond dan
ger Of being harmed by politics.
There has not been in the recollection
of observers a political campaign which
caused SO little disturbance to business
as the present one. One can remember
how it was in former years; from the
first of September onward business would
be seriously checked. Travelling men
their empty order books by saving that
the country was upset over politics. I'M
portant undertakings in the way Of Inn
provements and expension would be
postponed until after election" Borrow
ers would seek to extend their loans,
holding on to every dollar in cash they
had until after election"
This year there has been but very little
ents, who have been far afield and who
compare notes when they meet. agree
that business, and not politics, has been
dominant. And here is another thing; the
business man has not had the politicians S
hand in his pocket as frequently this
year as in times past. He has not been
shaken down. by the campaign solicitor.
OF course, the publicity act of Congress
has had a great deal to do with ,his, de-
terring both the solicitor and The would
be contributor to some extent. a
Funds Denied Republicans.
Unquestionably this tight wad" atti-
tude of business toward politics has hurt
President Taft's campaign. His man
ayers everywhere have told me that if
they could have had the necessary funds
at the outset of the campaign the re-
suit on election day would be far differ
ent At the eleventh hour they are get
ting some money, but the question Is, is
1t not coming in too late?
Only a moment ago Senator Penrose
was bewailing this situation. He said
that Pennsylvania will give President
Taft a plurality, but is mortified that
it promises to be small. Senator Pen
rose declared that some of the most or
binary and necessary elements in po-
litical campaign had to be waived Tor
lack of cold cash.
Taft Leaders Retain Rope.
is the confident spirit manifested by the
Taft leaders No one knows where they
get their optimism from and maybe it is
all a bluff, but they have not given up
the ship yet and still maintain there is
hope.
The big financial interests do not base