Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1879-06-03

eminent loans were 10 be carried out, such
are the men who would secure the ap-
pointments, and who by maladministra-
ton would add hundred fold to the loss
bv poor investments. In looking at this
matter we must remember that If the
scheme is carried out, II viii be done by
the Greenback party; that a vast major
ity of its members are impecunious; that
the temptation presented TO persons IN
straitened circumstances by giving them
large sums of money to handle, Is almost
irresistible, and that such men would be
appointed loan agents by their party as
sociates in power. 1t would take but a
brief time to ruin the finances of the
country and sink US hopelessly in debt
if such scheme were attempted.
Bad as the effect would be upon the
general government, its influence upon
voters would be even worse. You place
an engine in the hands of politicians, more
potent to advance the interests of party
than any which has yet been conceived Of
1t is constantly claimed that votes are
purchased for one party or another at
election time. The price of such wares
Is very low, ranging from drink of liquor
10 ten dollars, As the cXigencieS of the
case demand. If men will yield to such
motives. how easily could they be bribed
bv the granting Of an unsafe loan, Oh
coerced by the withholding of secure
one, FavoritiSm would prevail to a
dangerous extent, and we should see the
same state Of affairs which we now OBJ
serve. \ favorite, borrowing unlimited
capital, could tide over every depression
in trade. increase his business, and drive
all small manufacturers out of business,
while his perhaps more skillful and de-
serving neighbor would sink at the first
adverse blow, unable to borrow dollar
because of his political opinions.
This scheme of loaning money TO farm
ers and Others, by the Government, at
low rate of interest, may seem to be plan
ned for the benefit of those who are needy
Blu, this Is not so. 1t is deep-laid plan
of far-sceins men. who ask YOU TO place
in their hands a mechanism by the mean:
of which they shall be able TO alway'
foiSt themselves and their friends into IA
places of trust and power. II viewec
with care, it shows at every point IT.
utter impracticability. Good, common
>cnsed American people will take no stocl
in 50 transparent humbug.
There Is still deeper question involved
in this plan. 1t Is whether or not th'
general government has power to cheaper
money, or to enter into the brokerage
business. Interest viii adjust itself ant
be governed by the laws Of supply an'
demand. Just as every other commodlt!
is governed by them. When there Is ;
demand for corn or potatoes or dollars
they VIII bring the highest price. USul
laws have been passed again and again
but their tendency Is to keep interest a
the prescribed maximum rate, rather thar
to cheaper it. The less government IN
terfcrcs with trade the better we shall be
and the more settled viii our industric'
become. Ifitwill let the money question
alone as It does the manufacture of bricks
business men will know how to inycS
their idle millions where they VIII pay q
percentage that VIII increase the wealth
Of this nation more than millions loancC
by the government at starvation rates.