Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1878-02-02
CoMMUNsCATED.
HONEST MONEY DEMANDED BY
THE HIGHEST PRINCIPLES
OF JUSTICE.

Mr.. Editor-Will you and your Con-
grassional readers allow me 10 suggest
a just and equitable solution and settle
ment of the tnsncial question, which is
regarded by many, and designed by
some TO be complexed and difficult TO
understand or 10 adjust. Bankers, bond
holders, manufacturers, merchants, mi
ners, farmers aud laborers. are, or should
be,equally interested in is fair aud hon
est solution. | therefore propose in
view OF the undeniable fact, that rs this
government has had TO, and in all prob
ability will continue 10 have mixed
currency OF gold, silver and paper, and
that as each has to have the creative
authority of low, that they be made
equal by and under the lar, so as 10
prevent either from legally extorting
upon the other. Whatever is legally
authorized TO be money-by the agents
of the sovereign power, the people
should upon the highest principles of
honesty, Justice and fair dealing, be de-
clared equal in its purchasing and pay
i.g power. This would prevent the
ruinous effects of combination OF the
superior gold, or gold and silver, for in
stance, from extorting upon the infer
ior, or enabling one class Of individuals,
the richer or money boarding, to de-
press business OF labor No tair-miud-
ed man can object 10 all legally author
lied money being declared equal in its
purchasing and paying capacity; it need
not necessarily effect previous contracts,
nor will it lessen the production or
utility of the precious metals; 1t only
bars the speculative power of the one
over the other, apower which IN the
highest sense of common justice should
be restrained in common government;
it would greatly tend to prevent those
spasmodic fluctuations which are produ-
crd by the cupidity of individuals, aud
which prove so depressing aud disas-
,rous 10 all commercial transactions.
Another serious consideration with
nation, is The volume of money, where
legislation is Conducted apart from any
mercenary influence by or over the leg
islator The most liberal allowance per
capita will be granted consistent with y
fair appreciation of il, tor plethory Of
moueS always viializes the industries Of
Il nation, intuses energy, stimulates Gu
terprse, and adorns it with the most
Il rac,ive aud substantial improvements,
which necessarily employs IT'S labor anG
| produces universal coutent,nent and
happiness among its masses, which H.
lustra;es the wisdom, aud should be the
highest aim of government
There are two other relative subjects
which demand equitable National legis-
lation. First is an equal taxation Of the
products of all property, bonds, stocks
or lands. Secondly, an uniform interest
law, SO as TO obviate the tluctnation OF
the currents of money through the in
strumentality of human vultures, who
scent ont the necessities of the people.
These two latter subjects may conflict
with individual interest, party theory
and dogmas, but popular necessity sug-
gests the propriety OF snch progressive
legislation as shall relieve the people OF
unnecessary burden and avert those
crisises which so injuriously disturb
values of property, wreck business en-.
terprises, and distract the harmony and
sympathy of the popular heart towards
its government. No country has arriv.
cd TO the dignity of a Nation, which
has not fixed standard OF value 10 its
circulation medium OF domestic ex.
change, and no disparity OF values can
be sanctioned By the law, without in
flictiDg injury and injustice upon the
weaker and poorer classes, which are al.
ways and in oil countries the larger
class; this in popular government like
ours can aud ought to be avoided.
Suppose the commercial value of
money. like all other commodities, is
governed by circumstances, its posiiire
or legal uaiue must be fixed by law, and
by congress of the nations trading
with each other. Why should couD-
try like America, holding the bnionres
ofHad. in IFS }ouor, blessed with soil
and climate capable of producing not
only every comfort but even the luru-
ries of lite, be debating a carrency ques.
ton with Difference TO other nations or
foreign creditorsi Is there any benefit
which it should confer upon other peo-
pie in preference to her ownf
JUSTICE.