The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-07-20
SILVER IN ENGLAND
horton Frswen, Of London, Tells
How the Silver Sentiment Is
Growing Abroad.
The Conference VIII Help, But the
Problem Gan Be Solved In
America.
Ne disbursement To He Had ~ Long
- Gladstone Il In
Power.

MI. Moreton Frewsn, who 10, perhaps. sh'
best known In America Of the English sd
vocates of free coinage. 10 At the Helena OF
4 short tour through Montana. While it ii
his firss visit in this state he ID largely in
tersstsd in Colorado, California and utaf
mines, and expects to place investments IL
Montana before his return. He has made q
critical study OF the monetary question ano
has written pamphlets and delivered many
addresses on the subject. He was a promi-
nent figure in the recent national silver
convention at Washington and there dellv-
cred an address that attracted much atten-
ton. He is using his best efforts to arouse
general inherent in England. and feels mucn
encouraged over the outlook.
II do not think the people OF the United
States appreciate the progress of the free
coinage sentiment in England" he said.
..and I believe if the home rule question
were removed from our politcis the
silver question would become the great
issue. The feeling that free coinage ID the
right solution has grown to an aston
ishinp degree in Great Britain within the
past few years. 1t is true that Mr. Glad
stone has been a bitter opponent OF BIZ
metalism, but l do not think his lease OF
power will last longer thai twelve months.
We must look to the conservative party IN
England for justice to the metal. MI.
Balfour, the first lord OF the treasury, Is
very friendly to silver, and Nj. Goschen,
chancellor of the exchequer, is down in his
heart quite as friendly. As political mat
ters now stand Gladstone has no working
majority and there will be no Irish bill
passed this year. in my opinion. The agi-
tation of that question keeps the discussion
of silver in the background. and yet, as
said, it is an issue of great Importance IN
England and commands the most pro-
found interest Of our statesmen.
II look for good results from the COM
ing international monetary conference.
and yet / think the problem would be easily
and satisfactorily solved by the adoption
of the free coinage Of silver by the United
States government. l have been greatly
surprised in my conversations with prom
inent bankers in New York to find how ig-
norant they are on this question. When
the subject is preached they throw up their
hands in alarm and predict all sorts of
and yetsfrom all my talks l have
never been able to gather an intelligent
reason why the country would not be better
off with free coinage. 1t certainly should
benefit American farmers. The great coin
of India is, of course. the silver rupee.
The farmers OF that country sell ths wheat
in British markets for gold and
get silver exchange. Very we'll.
when silver is low. as a natural
consequence the price of wheat is down.
This in turn affects the price of American
wheat, making it lower in proportion es
silver and wheat from India 60 down in
markets. / wish very much that
the coming conference could be held in
London. The pub lcation Of proceedings in
the English newspapers would have the
effect of widely increasing the silver senti-
msnt abroad. And yet l look to see free
firmly established before very long.
The sentiment is Increasing all tine tins in
this country. and though | believe Presi-
dent Harrison would veto a free silver bill,
think satisfactory legislation and an exec
ntive friendly TO silver interests will be had
a few years ct the best"
while l have never been In Montana
before l Know that it Is a state wonderfully
rich in resources. am sure that l shall
not be disappointed in my visit, and expect
10 make some investments in mining prop
DTties before leaving the state"