The News Boy

BANKERS HARD AT WORK.

They are Making Inquiries as to How Things Stand.

The bankers and money-lenders of this country are "up to their ears" in politics. They are working as they never worked before. They find that they can no longer stand around, look wise, appear indifferent and have their hired attorneys and "statesmen" run the politics of the country.

Of course, there are exceptions. There are bankers and money-lenders who have as deep an interest in the welfare of the country as the masses. But they are exceptions-and not the rule.

As a rule, wherever you find a bank you will find a Wall Street agency. You will find that they are whooping things up for McKinley and the gold standard. They are prospering under the system that causes all others to suffer, and they want to hold onto their job.

Among other schemes adopted by them, they are sending out "personal" letters to the country merchants to ascertain how matters stand. Last week the Silver Dollar Store, successors to Miller & Co., Oran, received the following letter from N. W. Harris & Co., bankers, Chicago, New York and Boston:

Chicago, Sept. 9th, 1896.

Messrs. Miller & Co.,
Oran, Mo.

Gentlemen:

Kindly favor us with your views as to the political situation in your county, and particularly regarding the position the farmers assume on the money question.

We would especially esteem your views as to whether or not the Bryan Democratic vote in November, 1896, will be greater or less than the Democratic vote of 1894.

We shall, of course, regard your reply as strictly confidential, and thank you in advance for your answer-under cover of enclosed stamped envelope.

Yours truly,
N. W. HARRIS & CO.

The object of Harris & Co. is evidently to learn the temper of the people, so that they may be able to estimate just what can be done, and how much "boodle" it will take to do it. If untold millions will elect McKinley, then Bryan is defeated. But it won't work this trip.