The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-02-26
NEWPORT.
WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 90, 1910.
THE CURRENCY.

! A writer in the two last numbers Of the Her
aid, over The signature Of Nsrfsgansstt,' has
occupied no less than twelve columns in the
prsise"orthy attempt to euIighten the comms-
nifty on the subject Of the currency. This being
the ostensible object. il 10 to be regretted that
he had not confined himself to = rational aud
dspassionate discussion OF the principles inyoly-
ed, and the measures proposed and advocated
on the subject. by each Of the great parties in
to which the country is divided; as in this way
it is possible that truth might have been slici-
ted, correct principles established. and the pub
lie thereby benefited by the discussion.
But so loug as newspaper controversies, on
subjects OF great interest and vital importance,
come forth in the style, and taste, and spiri, Of
political slang-hangen. wherein assertion is
taken for proof, and abnse 10 substituted for
the eogency and conc luson Of argument, they
have about the same effect, and be rendered A.
bout as conclusive, with .ensibl. men, as the
usual bar-room brawI Of any other political
quidnunc Of the same ealibre.
| This mode Of managing the subject. in IFS pres.
ent state. 10 not only Intellectual but in bad taste
and defeats the legitimate object Of all coDtro-
vsrsial argument. The country has long been
suffering under the evils OF a constantly fluctu-
stng, and often Of deprecated currency
Candid and rejecting minds. Of all parties, are
anIionsl y-enquiring into the causes Of those e.
wills, and diligently seeking the appropriate rem
edies. in order that they may be promptly sp-
Piled
Now on this. as on other subjects. not sus.
csptible Of immediate or athematical demon
strstion, opinions will not only be various, bur
frequently conHctiug and on subjects merely
speculative or experimental, the opinion of one
person is entitled 10 a. much confidence and
respect OF as that Of smother. SO long as each is
equally competent TO form one and no pro-
ceeding is less likely TO make them harmonic,
or TO discover the true one, than mutual abuse,
and the sra'uious imputa,ion Of sinister mo-
tiyes.
without attempting to dspsrags the labors
or TO question the intentions OF others, many Of
our best and sbIes' mon have examined this
subject, and have arrived at opposite conclu-
sion,. and entertain different opinions fiom the
writer in the Herald. These men possess the
same Interests in common with other citizens /:
heir moral characters are as unimpeschsble :
and. in the estimation Of eDlg ghteued liberality,
their motives aud patriotism are as much entitled
TO an exemption from sinister iu,putaiious as the
writer or his irends can have any pretens ons to
claim for himself. Besides, this question. like
all others affecting the principles or meas
ures of administration, must ultimately bs deci-
ded BY public opinion and it 10 therefore the
paramount, duty OF all who engage in its discus
sion, so far as in their powtr. TO eulishnn the
public mind, and ftudiously avoid everything
calculated to prejudice or influence il a. this
will add both to the character and coupstency
Of the tribunal. and increase the certainty Of a
correct decision.
If, then. thi, writer shall fnally succeed in
developing any latent OF new principles of polit-
zeal philosophy either ftom the texs selected
for his communications, or from the resources
OF his own genius and capacity tits in This
spirit of liberal indulgence. that we tropose to
examine them, and their applicability TO the
existing financial smbarras.ment.. And. III
found TO be exsetly fitted TO the present crisis
OF the country, equal justice shall be awarded
to the original sagaciiy Of Cudjo. AID to tho l.
bility and patriotism Of his commeuator.
SoHEsAN.