National Republican., 1877-12-24

where in the land in the way Of business
and enterprise languishes for the want Of
sustcnance, with little 10 do even at uncom-
pcnsating returns. For three years the val
ues Of property have been shrunken and
shriveled until they have fallen fifty per
cent, and more in very many instances,
within the period named. This, in brief, Is
the picture now presented by the mechanic,
the mercantile, and the manufacturing in
terests of the country-all in low, typhoid
state, without the symptoms even Of rally.
1t is not worth while now to discuss
the causes that have led to this disastrous
condition Of aflaiB-it is remedy that is
needed, and under disagreement Of doc
tors one may not easily be found. Waiting
for resumption, ut given time, with large
contraction Of the currency and the con-
slant boarding Of gold for that purpose, and
with silver demonetized, will never relieve
the business interests Of tho country, for
these may be regarded as among the causes
of this general depression. Matters will
only grow worse instead of better under
the present line Of preparation for resump-
ton.
While we have disagreed with the Presi-
dent on some of his measures, we will not
consent to abandon all hope that he will
yet retrieve his mistakes and return to a
wise sense of duty relating to the future.
He has 1t within his power to save himself
and the business interests ofthe country by
a new financial departure, while If he pur-
sues his present policy, nothing better
than future augmenting disaster can be
looked for or hoped for. 1t may cost
him some sacrifice of pride of opinion and
position, but he must lift his eyes from the
gold rings and money centres and extend
his vision 30 as TO take In and understand
the business interests Of the people at large
of every class throughout the entire por-
tions of this great country. Then he will
very soon begin to sec things more clearly,
and trace the path of duty more distinctly.
After taking wider and more generous
view Of the situation, the President will, we
trust, discover that he should at once pre-
pare q message to Congress which should
be laid before il on its reasscmbling after
the holidays. That document should pre-
sent true reflex Of the business situation
Of the country-East, West, North, and
South. That picture should be attended
with recommendations to Congress that it
pass law making gold, silver, and green
backs o legal-tender for all debts
hereafter to become due TO the Government
or individuals, except In such cases as where
there arc specific contracts for payment in
gold. If this is done the country may be
saved from utter bankruptcy and ruin, but
not under any existing policy Of finance.
We shall 60 steadily from bad 70 worse,
until hope will be lost, aud tho country will
become q general wreck, unless . speedy
change comes over the face of affairs. The
present tendency is to make the poor poorer
and tho rich richer. This proposition may
be nther crude, but, properly moulded and
guarded, it will contain the true panacea
for the disease that is preying upon and
prostruting the business interests Of the
country. Something is due to the laborine
masses at this time.
This is the Presidents opportunity to re,
trieve himself and the country, and If he
neglects il untold evils await the business
of the nation, and accumulated distrust
will fall upon his own head. This is the ques
ton of the hour. All others fall into com
paratiye insignifcance beside 1t.