The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-01-10
The Silver Problem.

It seems that Congressman Springer spoke
With considerable authority when he said
at the jackson banquet given by the Bust
ness Mems Democratic Association OF New
York Friday night that there was not "the
slightest pr liability Of a free coinage bill
becoming law at this session OF congress.
He declared that if any measure relating TO
silver was passed it would be one that would
command the support OF democrats north,
south, east and west.
Notwithstanding all the talk about the
imperative demand for the free coinage Of
silver it has been evident all along 20 lead
ing democrats that it would not be advis-
able for the Democratic party TO take a
position squarely in favor of the free coin
age OF silver. TIE party could not carry
any one Of the eastern states II it should In
sert in its platform a declaration in favor
Of free silver coinage.
It is asserted that a plan has been agreed
upon for solving the silver problem which
meets the approval Of the leading democrats
in congress. both those who are In favor of
free silver coinage and those who are against
it, and that it will not be opposed by the
republicans or the President. Although the
Republican party is against free silver
coinage, it would like TO see the silver
question removed from among the political
Issues, and it is therefore ready to favor a
plan which promises TO accomplish that
object.
The plan which has received the approval
Of the democratic leaders. and to which
Congressman Springer doubtless referred in
his speech in New York, is to pass a meas
ure authorizing the President to invite the
commercial nations of Europe to an inter-
national monetary congress, to meet at
Chicago next year and investigate the
silver question and make such
recommendations as it may con-
slider advisable. II is to be
understood that the action Of the congress
will not be binding upon the nations par
ticipating in the congress It is believed,
however, that an interchange Of views be-
recommendations the congress will moke
will form basis for the settlement Of the
silver question.
Each country. Of course. will select its
delegates In any way that 1t may think
best. 1t is proposed that this country shall
send fifteen delegates TO the congress to be
selected as follows: Five by the President,
five from among the members Of the House
by the speaker, and five from among the
senators in any manner that the Senate
may decide.
The proposed plan appears to be an excel
lent one and commends itself to the think
ing men Of both parties. The advocates of
free coinage may oppose It, though there
does not appear to be any good reason why
they should. There is no probability of a
free coinage bill becoming law during the
present administration, because the Presi-
dent would not sign such bill, and it
could not be passed over his veto. II the
proposed plan should be adopted there
would be no legislation with respect to
silver during the next two or three years,
and there is no certainty that there would
be any IL 1t should not be adopted. Indeed,
In view OF the fact that each OF the great
political parties is divided on the silver
question the prospect that the question
would be satisfactorily settled much sooner
through the efforts Of an international
monetary congress than in any other way
is very promising.
Tbs outlook for its settlement by the ac-
ton Of this country alone is certainly not
encouraging. The difference between those
who favor free silver coinage and those
who oppose it is SO radical that there is no
probability of its early adjustment. II an
international congress should not be called,
therefore. the silver question would likely
be bothersome one In politics for long
time.