The advocate and Topeka tribune., 1893-03-08
WASHINGTON EDITORIAL O0RRE-
sP0NDENOE.

bonds for the purchase Of gold was one
Of the first subjects that engaged the at
tsntiOn Of the National Reform Press
association at the beginning OF it's ses-
sion in Washington. At preliminary
meeting held at the rooms OF President
Loucks, Of the National F. A. & I. o., at
the Hillman House, on Tuesday even
ing, a committee was appointed to draft
a protest to the scheme. Before this
could be done the measure had been
rushed through the senate. 1t will meet
with more determined opposition in the
house, where every method known
whereby Vicious legislation can be OBJ
structed, will be employed. The hypo-
critical pretense Of economy under the
thin guise OF which this measure is
sought to be forced through congress at
this time is characteristic Of the man
who is responsible for more legalized
robbery Of the masses Of his fellow coun-
trymen than any other land pirate that
ever preyed upon the possessions Of any
people of the earth. There is no inge-
nuity too desplcsble for this man to
father in the interest Of plutocracy. The
following protest drawn by the commit
toe will give the reader good idea OF
the character Of the scheme
Your committee, TO whom was referred
the matter Of the further issue Of bonds, beg
leave TO report the following:
Whereas, The following amendment to the
Sundry civil appropriation bill has passed
the senate, to enable the secretary of the
treasury TO provide for and to maintain the
redemption of United States notes accord
ing to the provisions of the act approved
January IA, 1875, entitled "An act to pro-
vide for the resumption of specie pay
ments," $4,000; and at the discretion Of the
secretary he Is authorized to issue, sell and
dispose Of, at not less than par in coin,
either of the description of bonds author
lied in said aCt, or bonds Of the United
States bearing not to exceed per cent. in
terest, payable semi-annually and redeem
able at the pleasure of the United States
after Ave years from their date, with like
qualities, privileges and exemptions pro-
vided in said act for the bonds therein au-
thorized, to the extent necessary to carry
said resumption into effect; and
Whereas, This amendmentisn not only am
biguous aud subject TO forced construction
in addition to the plain proposition of a
further issue of bonds and a consequent in
crease in the burdens Of taxation; and
Whereas, There is in the treasury of the
United States at the present time $l08, ,0OO,-
600 in gold, and about $50, 900 in silver,
the entire aggregate'Of of which can be law
fully and justly applied to the redemption
Of United States notes; and
Whereas, This position is sustained by the
following eminent authority, to-wit:
Hon. Edward Plerrepont, attorney gen.
eral ofthe United States and minister to
England, in letter TO the New York Times
ofApril 18, 1884, says:
'There is not an outstanding bond, oou-
pom or Rreenback issued by the United
States which may not be lawfully paid in
silver. Not one Of them on its face or back
or in the statute authorizing the issue, or in
declaration, or in resolution Of congress,
has any proviso that they shall be paid in
gold. And the act of February 2S, 1873, di-
LII. 4.
olared that such dollars shall be. legal
tender nc their nominal value for all debts
and dues, public and private, except where
otherwise expressly stipulated IN the con-
tract"
And whereas, This position is further
strengthened by the following resolution