Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-12-25
Silver Sidetracked.

The results of the November elections
seem to have silenced some OF the advo-
Gates of free coinage, and disposed them to
await the results OF campaign of edu-
cation" on that subject before pressing
Its consideration upon public attention.
We have not changed our OWE opinion in
the least degree as 10 the desirability OF
resorting to free coinage as an experiment
which. If successful. would bring into
use universal currency gold can never
| become such medium Of exchanged and
do more for the world than any other
financial measure which has been orgi-
mated during the nineteenth century. But
we are too practical, and have too
much respect for public opinion,
to try to force Congress to adopt
the same views, Indeed, to be candid, it
seems TO US that It would be impossible
for the Democratic party to combine its
members in favor Of free coinage in time
to carry the country on that issue in the
presidential campaign now so near US in
the future. And therefore that party
must postpone making free coinage an
issue. few years of great nations life
are not much. A few years of Republican
rule under the force bill would make the
silver issue dwindle TO insignifiCance in
comparison with the wrongs which that
bill would infiict upon the people of the
South-nay, upon the people Of the whole
country
But the campaign of education" may
go on and accomplish its object, at the
same time that the year 1898 mhy-this Is q
bare posslbility-fnd all sectional ques-
tons sunk out of sight and the free
coinage of silver the one issue dividing the
people into two great parties. 1t may pos
sibly find New England arrayed against
the West and the South. 1t may find even
rebel" the nominee of the silver-men
for President of the United States. The
New York papers may be converted from
the error OF their ways by that time, and
those silly people all over the country who
have no opinions on any subject which are
not doled out to them by so-called metro
politan" editors may have learned that
politico-economica science cannot best be
mustered in the hubbub of Wall street.
In fact, here is a New York paper right
before our eyes which has already begun
the campaign of education" The World
says:
Some very interesting points are suggested
70 the World by gentleman who has held high
and responsible oflice in the Treasury Depart
ment
Froe coinage, whether restricted 10 silver OF
American production or adopted without re-.
10 hnII Ia
suits desired or deprecated or most commonly
predicted. 1t would neither food us with the
silver Of the world 10 the breaking down OF
values, as Secretary WINDOW feared, nor add
appreciably 10 the total volume OF money IN
the country, as the most ardent silver advocates
hope. Mexico, this gentleman points out. Is and
always has been under the rule OF the freesllver
coinage at a ratio substantially identified with
ours. Yet no ships have been freighted with
European silver seeking coinage there, aud the
total amount q money there has never become
so great relatively TO population or business
needs as II Is In this country He contends that
n the predicted results were In any degree like
IL 10 follow free coinage here they would actually
accompany free coinage in Mexico"
We read with great pleasure tho Worlds
concluding sentence, and we commend it
TO the approval of all good Democrats.
That sentence was in the words following
THE thing wanted is true enlightenment.
not doctrinaire dogmatism." II is grand
victory for the silver to have brought
the World up to that point.