New-York tribune., 1890-06-07
.rTTfN on ,SILTER.

n,ho Silver bill agreed upon by the House
caucus is to some extent Disappointing 10 all
nartics like every genuine compromise buo
his ;s one of the cases in which concessions
ON hotb sides are not necessarily vicious or
brrtful. For no man has the right 10 say win
docmatic nositiveness, " Exactly so many mill
;ors added 70 the currency each year VIII be
harmless, but a million more would involve
disaster, The Senators and Representatives
are generally prepared to agree that some
increase of currency would be sale ah" DUNE
fetal beyond a mere substitution OF o'her cur
rcncv for bank notes retired. Whether the
increase should be little more or less IS
matter of Judgment about which men must
necessarily differ. and on that point any wise
action can be reached only by compromise
To some extent the same principle applies
~ tho nrovisions for redemption. All Repub-
licans at least will agree that, without adequate
provision for redemption, the large increase
of notes would not be safe. But between the
clearly inadequate provisions which no one
would venture 10 favor, and the over-rgid pro-
visions which could not obtain a majority
there is n wide range for difference of judg-
ment. within which some mutual concessions
aud comnromises can be made without Sacri-
flee of principles. THE TRIBUNE would have
beon clad to see bill more carefully guarded
than either of the pending bills in that par
ticular. but the problem OF practical states
manship is TO get as nearly the best thing as
nossbc. without failing 10 get something good
II reports arc correct. great credit Is due 10
Sneaker Reed for the decision of the Repub-
ican caucus on one matter of high importance.
Regarding the mode Of redemption, a compro-
mise had been proposed TO the amazement oi
many. which not only left the contemplated
bullion notes redeCinablc in any lawful money,
but then rendered that provision incomparably
moro dangerous by making them legal tenders
for the payment o. all public and private
debts. Mr. Reed tool, the floor and opposed
this arrangement manfully and ably, aud was
sustained By the majority OF Republicans IN
caucus, who decided TO retain the option 10
holders Of having bullion notes redeemed IN
silver bullion of the market value III gold
promised on tho face Of the notes. his one
feature has seemed 10 many 20 mark the III
yidjng line between those who wish to bring
the currency to silver basis. or at the least
do not care to avoid any risk on that side. and
those who adhere faithfully 10 the pledge oi
the Republican party and favor tho monetary
u,e both Of gold and of silver The decision
IF the caucus appears II have bcon sustained
Ivy the majority in tho House on THURSDAY
for the votes taken shut ont amendments by
which the bill might have been radically
changed in character. II was supported III
able speeches by Mr. Congcr and others and
a final vote to-day was ordered.
II is frequently reported that some members
of the House are going 10 vote with the Dem
ocrats on this question and against any meas
rrc that Republican caucus Is likely 10 pass
4 similar hope was cherished regarding the
Tariff bill, and it was not found that the Dem
ocrats obtained Republican assistance OF any
consequence. Every member OF the House
recognizes in his private mind the truth that
he has no reason To expect assistance, couuIe-
nance or confidence from other Republicans
whether in or ont Of official place, II he de-
cdes 10 join with the Democrats against his
marty on a question OF such importance The
necessity of having "A party policy. on queN-
tion which has been the turning point OF many
National campaigns is obvious 10 every mem
Der. and he who cannot act in accord with that
policy which the majority Of the party prefers
has no reason 10 claim the advantages and
benefits of Republican,m while aiding It's op-
moments