The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-11-01

slight exceptions the coinage act of 1897
and provided for the free coinage OF sill
yer.
Mr.. voorhees, then moved that the
substitute reported by the finance COM
mittee for the house bill be adopted
and asked unanimous consent that after
its adoption 1T might be treated as the
original bin would be. To the latter re-
quest there was no objection. OF his
motion the yeas and nays were taken
and by a vote of yeas IS, nays 9, the sub
stitute reported by the finance commit
tee was agreed to. Those who voted
against the substitute were Senators Al
len, Bate, Call, Coke, Irby, Kyle, PETER,
Roach and Vance.
The Perkins Amendemnt.
Mr.. Perkins Of California then offered
the amendment Of which he had given
notice on Oct. IA. 1t provides for the
coinage Of American silver at the exist
ing ratio with a seigniorage charge Of 20
per cent. No gold pieces of less denomi-
nation than $40 are to be coined and no
legal tender, national currency or treas
ury notes of less denomination than s.
are to be issued. The holder of any
standard silver dollars may deposit the
same with the treasurer or any assistant
treasurer Of the United States in any
sum and receive therefor notes Of de-
nominations of less than $40 only, which
notes shall have the same legal tender
quality as the coin for which they are
exchanged. There is to be appointed a
commission of five monetary experts,
the members whereof shall not be other
wise connected with the government,
whose duty it shall be to keep congress
and the executive advised of all neces-
sary matters relating to the. currency.
Mr.. Perkins explained his amendment.
and said now that the slackwater Of
debate had come, amendments could be
discussed and considered dispassionately.
Mr. Stewart called attention to the
change upon the part of Voorhees,, Cor
don, Ransom, Hill, Mills, Turpie and
Squire on the silver question, who last
spring voted for free coinage and now
against it. Mr.. Allen expressed regret
at what might be called a back down.
to some, extent upon the part Of advo-
Gates of silver.
Teller Moved to Tears.
Mr.. Teller, while not favoring hereto
fore proposition to coin only silver of
American product as that savored Of
class legislation, said he would vote for
the Perkins amendment as it was better
than the proposed act. Mr.. Teller went
on to speak with great bitterness of the
desertion of the cause of silver by re-
publican senators. He said the present
controversy ought to have been settled
by a concession to the advocates Of sill
YER
Nobody who hears me tonight would
disagree with me in the statement that
if the men sitting in front Of me Gepub-
lican repealers) had been as ready to
concede US something as were the men
who believed in repeal on the other side
Of the chamber, there would have been
a compromise, not disgraceful or disas-
trous, but benefci, | to US and beneficial
10 all alike. If the railroads can't pay
the interest on their bonds that is not
our fault But our personal obligations
we will pay TO the last cent
ITO me this is the most terrible mo-
ment Of my legislative life," said Mr.
Teller with much feeling. ITO me it
brings more fear than any other since
l entered public life. fear that we are
entering upon a financial system from
which there is absolutely no escape. I
know there will be no favorable legisla-
ton for silver until the American people
are heard from at the ballot-boX.
Mr.. President, am not a pessimist;
never have been. / am an Optimist. 1
have never seen disaster and distress
growing out of politics simply because
IL dld not meet my approval. L nave
had faith in the American people. CHere
Mr.. Teller's voice choked and tears came
to his eyes. He spoke most impressively
and was accorded the undivided atten-
ton of every senator and the large audi
ence in the galleries) 1 have faith i'm
men. 1 can see the silver lining in
cloud as quickly as any man living
There never is a storm. however dark,
that I cannot see the coming light on
the mountain top, but / cannot contem-
plate this condition of things without alb
solute terror. 1t strikes to my very SOUL
and want TO enter this as a warning to
the American people. that If they do not
resist they will enter upon system Of
industrial slavery that will be the worst
known to the human race"
Mr.. VOORHEES, desired TO secure vote
on the Perkins amendment. But as Mr.
Wolcott expressed wish to submit some
remarks, he moved that the senate take
a recess until II o'clock tomorrow morn
ing. The motion at $40 o'clock was
agreed to.