The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-02-22

lmond, aud Delaware. For example, l de-
nounced it while ayowing my belief 10 Inc
| time -honorad Democratic doctrine tnat spe-
| Gle is the only safe basis for our currency.
I took pains to show that the resumption
act Is impracticabIe and fraught with injury
| to the country. I insisted that the OHIO
platform, truly interpreted, did not repudl'
ate specie basis, bat, on the contrary, re.
coenized it as desirable. 10 this 1 concurred
with the following remarks of MIR. Pendle'
| ton, In his speech of July q, 1879, at Call"
polls. He said "But believe Interpret
truly its lthe Democratic party's] opinion
and platform when say that we are In favor
| of coin as the basis of the currency; that,a
paper currency should be convertible into
coin at par; that we desire to return to
specie ymeuts as speedily as the interests
OF labor and business will permit; that we
would be glad to return Immediately II
honor, and good faith, and justice Would
permit aud 1t we're possible we are MOI
| now, and never have been, in favor oil an I'M
limited issue Of greenbacks or bank notes !;
we are uot now, and never have been, IN
| favor of reputation in any form"
| These, IN my opinion, were wise and true
remarks. and OPPORTUNITY and braVely spo.
ken, for it is not to be denied that there Is
! new 6CuoOl thot1 ASpuAiSth5 VIZ
teachings of the fathers and the lessons Of
political economy, insist upon demonetizing
gold and silver, and that this new school
interpreted, or at least might interpret, the
Ohio platform to suit their view. And
| yet for expressing precisely the same views
as those of Pendleton above quoted have
| been denounced 10 Ohio as false to her De-
mocracy, and by certain journals in the East
as an apologist for infation and an irredeems-
| BILE currency. 1t requires no great ssgacity
| to see the animus Of these assaults. When
the views OF an individual are assailed by
men of Numerically opposite opinions 1t is
natural to inquire what produces this phe-
nomenon. Subsequent reflection and the
practical working of this resumption act
have strengthened my convictions of its In
justice and impoicy. Hence, on the 7th or
LAST month, spoke in the Senate as follows:
| GThe Senator here Quotes the speech be de-
| liyered in the Senate against the resumption
act on January 7, 1861 OF course, with
these views | shall continue to oppose the
act, and hope to see it repealed and proper
measure substituted for it. | believe that
SUCH measure will surely be agreed upon,
and that all reasonable and patriotic men
who look to the welfare Of the party and the
country will consent to accept it. do not
expect that any measure will satisfy every
body. There is such = diversity OF opinion
and such extreme views upon the subject,
and calm consideration against it has been
so n,rred by Incorporate defamation and
denuncation that perfect harmony is not to
he expected. But l trust that there Is Wis
dom aud patriotism enough IN the party to
bring US to q substantial agreement, for with
out such an agreement the party will
have no chance OF success, and tho country
no chance Of relief from the oppressive legis-
lation of the Radical party. 1t 10 not time
for blind dictation by extremists Of any sort,
bard or soft. Az to my views In reference
to contraction OF the currency, 1t Ia only
necessary for me to remind you that l have
steadily opposed contraction as well as in
hation ever aimee l havo held seat in the
Senate.
I thus, my friend, somewhat at length,
answer your inquiries. have thought 1t
due to your friendship and to your Official
position to do 60.
Hoping that what have esld may meat
the appreciation OF your own judgment, lam,
yours truly, a. Il. THUHnAS.N