Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-04-05
Settling Down to Business.

No one can fail to notice what change
has come over the people within the last
six months in regard to agitation of the
currency question. Six months ago it was
the all-absorbing topic everywhere. Bust
ness waited upon it, Elections were de-
cided by it. Ministers could not keep it
out of their sermons and prayers. The
papers were loaded with it. Now one
hears but little said about it in the streets
or places Of business. The greenbackers
try to keep up agitation by rehearsing their
old speeches of last year and repeating in
the columns of their papers their much
used, musty and marvellous mis-statements
in regard to the finances of the country, but
they find it discouraging work and will soon
have to abandon it. The elections not only
in our own State but in other States show
that it is about played OUT as power in
politics.
In spite Of the determined opposition to
Resumption of those who desired to keep
up agitation of the money question, that
measure has been successful. 1t has OPP
Grated in quiet and mysterious manner
to restore public confidence, working
through all classes of people, and steadi-
ly though silently laying the foundation of
coming prosperity Grcenbacks are at par
with gold National bank notes are equiv
alent to either, worth the gold or the gov
eminent note to buy bread or labor or for
any transactions in business. The people
know and realize these things. They have
confidence in the currency as it exists
The croakers may tell them we have too
much or too little for the wants of business,
but that is an old story. They know what
the paper dollar is worth to-day, that it
will be the same tomorrow and next year,
and that puts an end to a large part of the
dissatisfaction and trouble heretofore felt
about the currency.
Besides once more having a stable cur
rency we are returning to the honest, safe
and reliable ways of doing business
and getting living. We have got the
honest dollar, and the mass of people have
come to the conclusion that they must
give an honest equivalent for it in labor or
the production OF labor. There is no pa
tent for getting rich. The manufacture of
fiat money cannot create wealth. The
way to get money is to earn it. Denounc-
ing bondholders or passing resolves at
conventions in favor of distribution of
property will not even buy dinner or a
frock for the baby. Since the craze about
fiat money is over. people are going to
work in earnest to make an honest effort to
get an honest support. They are seeking
employment where it is to be found. Thou
sands upon thousands are turning to the Gull
tivation of the land. Many are going West
to take up new land or to try mining. In
our State hundreds are going to Aroostook
to make them homes, and many more in
other counties are sticking closely to the
acres they own, or taking up those which
have been abandoned or neglected to try
other occupations than farming.
There is a general movement for some
thing to to do. There is not mnch halt
ing about wages for work. Chances are
taken when they offer even though the
compensation seems small. Thus the
ranks of tina idlers are being thinned, and
by and by the tide will turn, there will
be more demand for help, and better
times will come to the employed as well
as the employer. The country is really
settling down TO business, and the result
will be happier and better people, more
honesty, more wealth, and an end to the
delusion that riches can be created from
nothing. Since the war there has not been
SO healthy business look before the
country as is visible at the present time.
The Senate Committee on Privileges
and Elections has reported adversely on
the claim Of Charles H. Bell, of New
Hampshire, to the seat lately vacated by
Senator Wadleigh. The only question in
volved in this case is whether the Govern
or of State has the right to appoint a
Senator to fill vacancy caused by the
expiration of the term of his predecessor.
Mr.. Wadleigh's term ended March 4,
1879, and the Legislature not now tsine
il session, Gov. Prescott appointed Mr..
Bell to fill the vacancy until his successor
should be elected. The Constitution is
not clear upon this point. Primarily, it is
provided that State Legislatures shall
choose the Senators. though it is also pro-
vided that the Governor of State may
m IKE appointments when vacancies hap
pm, by resignation or otherwise, during