The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1877-06-27
IL it Right2

II dIhcult to obtain the means OF subslst'
ence by honest labor. They may pray
earnestly give us this day our daily
bread" and yet the answer to that prayer
seems to lack full6llment We are great
nation, populous country, and yet we are
not overstocked with Inhabitants. There
is still vide expanse Of uncultivated but
fertile land awaiting the coming of the
husband man to redeem it from the hand of
nature, and make 1t yield its generous re-
wards 10 return for the labor of toll and in
dustry. Lines of Railway are abundant
aud extend in all directions. The facilities
for transportation and commerce are every
where comparatively near at hand. Large
and expensive manufactures dot the land,
the forge and anvil are mute witnesses of
great expectations, and the columns of
of the press TEEN with advertisements of
merchants and artizans anxious to dispose
of their goods and products. The country
is undoubtedly rich in material resources,
and possesses in abundance those things
which should make it prosperous and bust
ness hourishing.
How happens it then, at the present
time and to such an unhealthy extent,
labor goes a begging and thousands are
seeking employment which is not to be
had,or only at such prices as barely suffice
to prolong existence. There is something
radically wrong in the existing condition of
affairs, something which is either the out
growth aud natural result of past errors
and maladministration of public affairs, or
which results from a present hurtful and
dangerous public policy. There certainly
must be some very active and Efficient
cause which produces such stringency in
financial circles, such stagnation in bust.
ness, such alarming shrinkage Of values
and inactivity of enterprise as now con.
fessedly exists throughout the whole coun'
try. The nation is at peace, the crops al
general thing are promising and abun'
dant, the strife and excitement of the
presidential contest no longer agitate oil
occupy public attention. and in the
natural order of things plenty and pros
perity should prevail.
The trouble lies behind all this, The
monetary affairs Of the country are not il
sound and healthy condition. There is
lack Of public confidence and credit, anC
capital instead Of seeking the customary
channels Of enterprise and outlay is timit
and kept husbanded in reserve for future
operations in more favorable times. Who's
fault is it2
The whole matter really hinges upon tn,
propriety or fallacy of the policy of specie
resumption, which by act of Congress i
named to take place within the compare
lively short period of two years hence
The Secretary of the Treasury insist
sharply upon adhering to the policy of re
sumption. 1t is given out in official circle
that the President is mainly in accord witt
the Secretary 10 his views Of the prophet
Of that policy and the means for pursuin
it. The question is however by no mean
strictly of party nature, friends and op
ponents Of the measure being found il
both Of the great political parties of tb
country. The ARGUS has very decide
views of its own in relation to the fnancis
affairs Of the nation, and upon all queS
;ions Of public policy. Upon all suitabl
occasions. at every reasonable opportunity
it has never failed to openly give expires
sion to its opinions. 1t favors such legi.
lation and administration as it bonestl
believes will be Of greatest advantage
the largest number.
Capital is always strong; it Is, except
times of anarchy or predatory warfar
always able to take care Of its own inte
ests. Capital and labor are not necessari
antagonistic, certainly not so beyond
quite limited extent. But labor is alway
at a disadvantage in times Of monetar
difficulty, and no legislation is wise or e1
pedient which is solely or largely in Il
interest of capital at the expense of labo
Is the so-called resumption act legislatiC
of that CLASP 1t may be freely admitte
that it is not the sole cause Of the presel
state of things; it might perhaps be {
readily conceded that it is not one of ii
primary causes; the real question is dot
it afford actually, or even prospectivel
any remedy. Will the shrinkage of value
and the reduction of labor to the point of
gold standard make the times better
business more prosperous. When tn
point is reached will it revive trade, 8
furnaces roaring increase manufactures,
tighten taxes and lessen the burdens of IL
people. If not, to what purpose of publ
good does it contribute
We speak earnestly and inquiringly
behalf of those already out of employment
who would willingly labor if employmel
was to be had; we speak in behalf Of ii
thousands more who will be discharge
from mills, manufactures, workshops, al
other agencies of labor, as certainly al
surely as contraction continues and force
resumption is persisted in.
Repeal the resumption act;
Remonetize silver;
Give US q financial policy which shi
be as much in the interest of the people
large 0s 1t now is adverse to their interest
and then we will say IL IS right.
oh Yes.
Being among the spectators on the GU