Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-04-27
ISSUES OF THE DAY.
The Business Situation Somewhat
Involved, but Nothing Like
DANGER SEEN ON THE SURFACE.
Industrial Discomfort and the Silver Prob
lem Again to the Front.
THE DIGNITY OF AMERICAN LABOR

In seeking a correct understanding of the
business situation, two things must be kept
steadily in view-the industrial trouble and
silver legislation. A great deal depends
upon the manner in which they shall be
settled. Without entering upon discussion
of the merits and dement's of either it is
sufficient to say here that it is unfortunate
that they should have been sprung upon the
country at the beginning of the spring trade,
which is usually the best of the year. AS
midsummer or winter diversions. when business
| is slack, they could work but little harm, and
there would be more time for their discussion
and settlement
| The silver question rests as much upon theory
| as fact. To sum it up it is apparent that one
| side to the controversy is in favor of initiating
| the currency of the country on the ground that
business requires such assistance, while the
other stoutly maintains that any material
expansion of funds would lead to Q rise in
| values, reckless speculation and extravagance,
which would soon bring about financial crash.
| Free, unlimited coinage of silver finds few
advocates. Such legislation as may be enacted
will no doubt be more or less Of a compromise
between the two extremes
Labor being the mainstay of the Countrywide
Archimedean force which moves everything
its claims cannot be ignored, no matter when
presented and they should be met in spirit
of broad liberality as becomes the importance
of the issues involved. and in harmony with the
progressive sentiment of the age. But at the
same time labor should unhesitatingly recog-
nize the value of capital without which there
could be no progress and man would return to
the savage condition of his remote ancestors.
The two are inextricably linked together in a
sort of marriage bond for better or worse, &C
cording they harmonize or disagree. Every
effort, therefore, should be directed to making
their relations agreeable. War between them
invariably results in Injury to both. If the
present upheaval throughout the world shall
result in drawing these great factors in human
development and happiness closer together by
removing the causes Of antagonism which have
hitherto kept them apart great deal will have
been gained. Such a consummation would be
the greatest victory achieved for humanity
since the surrender of King John at Runny-
mede.
So far as this country is concerned
there are no signs Of a long and bitter
conflict. The two sides have come face to face
and are discussing the questions in controversy
with calmness and deliberation which portend
good results. Each recognizes the strength
and ability of the other, and neitheris disposed
to insist upon unfair conditions Of settlement.
Moderation is a characteristic OF the typical
American workingman. He is guided by in
telligence and not passion. He acts from con-
Vlction and not impulse. When he feels that
he Is right, he goes ahead with GOODNESS and
elaboration which command admiration if not
always success. Some men are not dangerous.
They can always be relied upon to uphold the
law and maintain order. Therefore their ef-
forts to improve their condition cannot be
regarded as inimical to the peace and welfare
of society. Hence nothing serious is appre-
hended over the present agitation. Business
may be temporarily depressed in some quar-
ters but the prosperity of the country is so
great and its recuperatve power SO extraordi-
nary that any depression likely TO epsue would
scarcely be felt and the rally would be SO
prompt that very few would know that any
thing beyond the usual had happened. There
may be serious trouble abroad where the la
boring element is less intelligent and self-pos-
sessed, and where there is score of centuries
growth to settle, but there will be none here.
Pittsburg has nothing to complain of so far.
Her prosperity is unabated, All of her great
industries are in full operation. The volume
Of trade last week was the greatest in her his
tory, as shown by the Clearing House report
The bank exchanges were the largest of the
year, and s., 225 900 in round numbers in excess
of those for the corresponding period in 1885,
When it is remembered that these figures rep
resent solid business, speculation being next to
nothing the result shows degree of prosper
ity that is seldom attained by any community,
and should be, and no doubt is matter of
personal pride to every citizen.