New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-10-05
COMPROMISE DIFFICULE

The chance Of silver repeal seems to vary
from day to day. Late reports indicate that
Democratic compromisers and silver men are
not entirely agreed on the basis OF compromise,
and il is supposed to be a matter of some I'M
pOrtance that President Cleveland does not
assent TO proposals thus far made. 1t may be
questioned whether this difficulty is of as much
importance as some imagine. If his own party
were able to obtain harmony on any settle
ment. Mr.. Cleveland would find it hard TO place
himself on the Republican side But 1t may
he set down as certain that no compromise VIII
prevail. unless by practical agreement OF the
Democratic members
This means that the Republicans are not IN
favor of compromise TIE TRIBUNE does not
profess TO have especial or private information
regarding the purposes of individuals But 1t
believes tina. it is safe to say that re-
neal Republicans will give no support
10 any compromise whatever. The pres
emit law is the best compromise ever
proposed. 1t is better than any compro-
mise likely to be proposed. 1t has been tested
for three years, and that Of itself it has done
no harm is proved by the unprecedented pros
perity of the country in October last. and by
the absolute confidence then felt in the sta
bility of the currency and in the maintenance
of the panty of gold and silver by the Gov
eminent. This confidence was shared by for
cien capitalists and investors so that SO. OOO,-
600 gold came in during that month. There
has not been anything but ignorant or men
dacious assertion to support the notion that
the present Silver act. under which prosperity
was unbounded in October. caused the prostra-
ton in July. So believing, Republicans VINO
think that this compromise ought to be cleared
away because it is no longer of any actual or
imaginary benefit, are tolcIably sure not to
favor some other compromise which must in
evitaby substitute an untried and uncertain
condition for one both tried and certain.
What the silver men may be willing to do
it is hard to say. They are aware that the
Republicans will almost unanimously vote for
naked and unconditional repeal. but that they
will not vote for some new and necessarily dan
cerous experiment. If the proposed compro-
mise should take into the Treasury less than
100000 ounces Of silver in month"; 1t Is
certain not t. be of any benefit 10 silver pro
ULCERS If il adds every month 10 the volume
of paper rcdacmable in silver. it Is certain to
increase the fear OF 4 silver basis, and 50 to
injure silver producers. But the silver men
are a peculiar people. and do not reason like
other folks, and it Is difficult 10 anticipate
their action.
The Democrats arc not agreed. and in reality
will never be, on this question. some mem
bers are more determined and extreme in their
views than the Senator's from silver states
while others are anxious to meet the wishes OF
the commercial world. And there arc Others
who care only for Democratic harmony. and
are seeking only basis of confidence. When
they get their Democratic measure ready, how
ever. they may as well prepare to pass it with
ont mnch Republcan holp.