Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1891-01-30
The Silver Bill.

The Silver Bill.
Week before last the United States Sen
ate passed what is called the Free Coinage
or silver bill, the gist Of which IS as ioi-
lows:
Section j. provides for the coinage OF
dollars of 412i grains of silver, or . s-lOths
grains of gold. the same to be legal tender
for all debts, public and private; and that
the owner of any silver or gold bullion can
deposit the same at any mint of the Unit
ed States. the same to be coined for him
free of charge.
Sec. .. revives and continues part oi the
old law regarding silver certificates sec
3. makes the certificates redeemaole IN
coin. Sec. 4, makes the certificates legal
tender, and Sec. 5, gives the owners OF de-
posted bullion the option of taking coin or
certificates in exchange for it.
The first section places the ratio-of gold
to silver at to l6, whereas in the market
it is about to 20, and this would make
the silver dollar worth about so cents, as
compared to a gold dollar, and as the coin
age provided for includes the silver OF the
world-an amendment restricting it to the
product Of our own mines, having been
defeated-and as it means practically un-
limited and free coinage OF such SILVER Dol.
lars, making the United States forced
buyer Of all the silver bullion In the worid
at an advanced price, it stands to reason
that gold would be driven out of circula-
ton in this country, that silver would ap-
preciate in value here, and that the busl-
ness of the country would have to be plae-
ed on a new basis.
The Western Senators, in their argu-
ments for the bill, said it would help the
Western farmers, but as it does not anu
cannot change real values, as no man can
secure money without giving an equivalent
for it, and as it would be no easier Tor any
man to secure ten dollars worth 80 cents
each than eight dollars worth 100 cents
each, we fail to see any truth in their ar
guments. Many good reasons are given
against the bill, but we have yet to hear
or read one sensible argument in its favor.
Study it as you may, and you will see
nothing in it but tremendous speculation
for the owners Of the silver mines, and
persons who bought silver bullion expect
ing raise in its value.
All the Republican members OF the Sen
ate, representing States east OF the Missou-
ri river voted against the bill, excepting
Mr.. Cameron of this State. Then news
paper correspondent, from some reliable
information be had received, charged tsat
certain Senators and members were per
sonally interested in the success Of the
bill. An investigation followed, and the
very frat man caught is our own dear Sen
ator Cameron. It was proved before the
committee that while the bill was pending
before the Senate, he purchased 1OO, 600
ounces Of Calcutta silver, and he has him
self acknowledged the evidence TO be cor
rect
This exposure is on q par with that oi
the army contracts Of 1861, and it again
demonstrates the principles Of the high
priest Of the machine" Of this State and
also those Of the gentleman in holy writ,
who sold his Master for the thirty pieces Of
silver.
On Monday Of this week Senator Cam
eron by again voting with the Democrats
turne1 the scale against the proposed
Cloture rule. thereby shelving the Election
bill, which he had promised to support at
Harrisburg, and IL be is not deliberately
stabbing the party that has honored him
and bis father with one Of the highest
Offices in it's gift for over a quarter Of a
century, his actions greatly belle him.
Quay made enough trouble for Us, but
this fellow seems to be utterly void Of all
principle, shame or gratitude And what
are we going to do about it' Next year
we again nominate candidates for Assem-
bly, and State Senate, and let your ques-
tion tc very aspirant for Legislative hon
ors be "who and what are you for" Let
us make one more effort TO rid the party in
the State Of a system Of politics that is a
disgrace to us and has brought us into re-
proach all over the continent
The politics OF the State and Country
will shape themselves during the year, 20
that we will know what to do. and in the
meantime it would please 90 out Of every 100
Republicans in the State If President Har.
rison would take the heads off those FEEDER
al Office holders who aided so materially in
securing Cameron's reelection. His re-
sentiment. as shown TO the two State Sena-
tors who called upon him to secure an ap-
pointment was just and righteous and con-
tinuance Of the same will be unanimously
approved Of by the rank and file Of the Re,
publican party Of the State.