Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-11-16
In OVER HIS HEAD
Grover Talks to the New York
Chamber of Commerce
ON OUR BUSINESS INTERESTS
Consumes q Lot OF Time aud Says Notn-
lng-What the Stuffed Prophet
Does Not Know.

ored guests tonight at the l24th annual
dinner of the chatnbsr of commerce
held a. Delmonlcos. There were many
other honored guests present. but none
around whom so many Interests were
centered, unless, indeed, II was the
Hon. Chauncy NJ. Depew, who sat at
the table of honor next to Whitelaw
Reid. Defeat seemed to SIT lightly on
the shoulders vf Mr.. Reid, and Mr..
Depew, whea he shook hands with Mr..
Cleveland before grace, allowed no
thought of the epitaph he said in Buff
fslo ne would inscribe over the politi-
cal grave of the president-elect.
1t was $50 when President Orr called
for order and amid the clouds of fra
grant Hsvanas made a graceful
speech, 10 which he treated on The diff
feren. subjects of politics and the in
auguratlon of the 400th anniversary.
Mr.. Orr concluded by giving the first
toast, which was responded to 10y At
torney General Miller of Indiana. AZ
ter General Miller's remarks, Secretary
OF the Treasury Charles Foster was
next introduced, stepping forwarded
ne said:
Mr.. Foster began by giving history
OF the treasury department from the
time of its inception IN IT'S, and said,
though the original act had from time
to time been amended in respect to de-
tails, the department was working to-
day substantially on the plan drawn
and lines LAID down by Alexander
Hamilton. Mr.. Foster then went into
details regarding the composition and
working of the department today, and
took occasion to euloglze the iutelll-
gence and faithfulness Of Its employ es.
OF the many Thousands of millions of
bonds and paper money of the various
kinds issued and redeemed by the gov
ernment, Mr.. Foster declared that not
a single dollar had been embczzled.
Referring TO currency, Mr.. Foster
said tnat certificates for currency were
issued tor legal tender notes, gold and
silver, thus promoting the convenience
of banks which are required to keep
large reserve balances in legal tender
or gold. The silver certificates are IN
small denominations and are used In
place of the silver dollar.
1--WE have, by the use of gold and
silver certificates AS q circulating med.
ium, illustrated the superiority of
paper money over metal to such an ex-
tent as to create In the minds of
thoughtful men the inquiry as to the
utility of coinage. The fact is estab-
lished that the paper report II pre-
ferred by our people.
small Exchange Notes.
ITO promote the movement of the
crops the treasury furnishes small
notes in exchange for gold and large
notes to the banks desiring them in ex-
change at the sub-treasurles for gold or
large notes, giving them the advantage
of the government contract for express
charges. In 1891 the Shipment west
and south of small notes was near
$50, ,000. 900, and in the current year
about $50, ,00O, ,000."
Speaking of the marine hospital SER
vice, the secretary said this branch of
the treasury became very important
when danger from the Introduction of
epidemic diseases is imminent, as was
illustrated during the threatened in
vssion of cholera the past summer and
fall. He was pleased to state that in
that emergency this service displayed
great energy and skill. 1t managed
successfully the eight quarantine sta
tions placed under its charge by law
and was helpful to the authorities of
New York and Boston.
at IS only proper here to say" said
Mr.. Foster, that in dealing with all
the various phases IF tins subject that
are presented, 1t is most difficult and
embarrassing. Should the govern
ment afford to aliens, who have DOM
icile here, to American citizens travel
lngln the steerage, to tourists ana for
eigners visiting the worlds fair, the
same treatment rs immigrants"
should Discriminate.
We think as long as medical author
tiles pass them at quarantine that the
classes mentioned should be treated
upon different bass than immigrants.
The point aimed at Is to prevent IndIs-
crIminate immigration until the danger
10 passed, and at ,he same time not to
disturb normal conditions beyond what
is absolutely necessary.
In conc udlng, Secretary Foster said: :
"My successor, with the help OF the
president, Will make many changes in
the heads of bureaus and chiefs of div
IsIon., and as consequence, at least
for the time being. the business of the
department will suffer. But behind
the heads are a corps of trained clerks
upon whom the utmost reliance can toe
placed. | have no doubt that the pub
lie business will be well conducted and
the treasury department will maintain
It's fairly earned honorable record"
Nr. cisvelsns's speech
"Mr. President and Gentlemen: am
exceedingly grstiiied 10y the kindness
and warmth of your greeting. 1t does
not surprise me, however, for | have
seen and felt, on more than one occa-
son. the cordial hospitality and heart
iness of those who assemble At the su-
nusl dinners OF our chamber of com
merce. We have all noticed that mRay
men. when they seek 20 appear prsc.
tIcaliy wise aud impressive, speak OF
our business interests' az something
awful and mysterious; snd quite often.
when proposition ~ under dis
cussi0n, 90 msfits are NO longer
apparent 50 those whose hsir r on end
at lae solemn suggestion that 'our husl-
ness INTEREST," are living ia wait. with
numerous vsls of wrath IN complete
readiness for those Who arrive al an
uuaccep,ed conclusion.
II sn fortunate ia being shle 20
state that my relation 20 ths chamner
Il commerce. n tne state II New York
thonsh merely of complimentary
klad. afisina from honorary msmbef
snip. hAs 50 f.fniiiafizs1 me elgh 'husH