The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-09
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
The Silver Question.

To the Editor Of the indianapolis Journal:
The people of Arkansas take lively interest
in all measures looking towards opening up the
Indian Territory to white settlers, after allot-
ting to the Indians residing there suitable
quantity of lands in sevoralty, and abolshing
the tribal ownership of vast bodies of excellent
farming lands for bunting grounds. especially
when it is known that all game has disappeared
oppose generally, any innovation on the exist
ing ownership of their lands, the common, bat
they will submit to the inevitable,
when they see the United States
Aake hold of the matter in earnest.
had conversation some time ago with an in
telligent and educated Indian, Cherokee
thoroughly alive to what he considers the rights
and interest of his nation, and proud of his race
and its history He resides in the Territory,
and had brought his wife to the springs for
treatment She being white woman was sub
ject to the ills which happen to others of her sex,
and, like kind husband, he sought relief for
her in the healing waters we'll known to his
ancestors before the pale face ever penetrated
this region. l broached to him the subject of
dividing the tribes lands in severalty to the
members, stating that our philanthro-
pists were of the opinion that such
a measure would result in the
civilization of his race, which could not be
affected while the tribal ownership was main
tanned He gave me to distinctly understand
that his tribe did not appreciate any such phi
lanthropy.
The people of this city are now somewhat ex-
cited about the mines which are but few miles
distant, and many tons of the dirt are being
shipped away for analysis. The existence of
these mines is not a recent discovery. but
parties from abroad have lately become inter-
ested, and are working them with more vigor
1t is not improbable that in the near
future the mines of precious metal will
attract more attention than the mineral springs.
And this brings me to the discussion of the all
absorbing subject Of suspending silver coinage
The division of public sentiment on the question
appears to be largely geogra phical, the East ia
voring, while the West and South oppose sus-
pension. The reason for this territorial division
will be obvious when it is considered that the
East embraces mainly the creditor class while
the West and South are debtors. owing large
money obligations to the East. which they have
borrowed TO build their railroads. manufactures
and to improve their farms. the creditors hav-
ing lent out their cheap money, naturally want
payment in a dearer currency than that
which they lent If, therefore Congress can
be induced to suspend silver coinage it would be
a step toward making gold the exclusive stand
ard Of value. 1t would seem that the selfish
ness of the creditor was the origin of the agita-
ton of the question
There are people who oppose suspending coin
age, but who say the weight of the dollar must
be increased until 1t is the equal of a dollar in
golu. According TO tnlS LneOry tnere might be
a constant change in the size of the dollar to
keep pace with the fluctuations of the market or
the whims Of the monometalists. The silver
dollar coined is just what it was
when it commanded premium over gold,
and to change it would be absurd
Capitalists, if they desire to do So can. at any
time, combine and depreciate gold as they have
silver. The United States accepts silver in pay
ment of duties on imports, but will not pay out
dollar on the interest or principal of the public
debt, though positively required by law to do so.
For fifteen years every Secretary of the Treas
ury has refused to pay out silver though by the
express language of the bonds it was so payable
Is it any wonder that silver accumulates in the
vaults Of the Treasurys It is plain that while
this state Of affairs exists the government stands
in the attitude of discreditng its own circulating
medium, bearing the impress of its own eagle.
There is not gold enough to pay debts, public
and private and to insist upon it will drive indi
viduals, corporations and States to reputation
We must Gave the bimetalic currency, including
greenbacks and national bank circulation or
debts will never be paid If the United States
will set the example and execute plain law by
paying out coin, private debtors will fall in line
and an era of prosperity will begin.
NJ L. BuNDY.
HoT SPRINGS, Ark, Jan. 4, 1885,