Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1893-08-17

experiment opposed to the policy and
practice of other civilized states; nor
is it justified in permitting an exag,
gerated and unreasonable reliance on
our national strength and ability to
ieopardize the soundness OF the peo-
pies money.
This matter rises above the plane
of party politics. 1t vitally concerns
every business and calling and enters
s-.-shoasehold in The ta4s5.-,rr..seFe is
one important aspect of the subject
which especially should never be over
looked. At time like the present,
when the evils of unsound finance
threaten us, the speculator may an
ticipate the harvest gathered from
the misfortunes of others; the capi-
talist may protect himself by hoard
ing or may even find profit in fluc-
tuation OF values; but the wage Garner
is the first to be injured by the depre-
ciated currency and the last to re-
ceive the benefit of its correction. He
| is practically defenseless. He relies
for work upon ventures of confident
and contended capital. This failing
him, his condition is without allevia-
ton, for he can neither prey on the
misfortunes of others, nor hoard his
labor,
One of the greatest statesmen our
country has known, speaking more
than fifty years ago, when derange-
ment of the currency had caused COM
mercial distress, said: "The very man
of all others who has the deepest in
terest in a sound currency and who
suffers by mischievous legislation in
monetary matters is the man who
| t,IC lai1 Ixy T., laf
toll" These words are as pertinent
now as on the day they were uttered,
and ought to impressively remind us
that failure in the discharge of our
duty at this time must especially in
lure those of our countrymen who
labor and who, because of their num-
Der and condition, are entitled to the
most watchful care of their govern
ment.
1t is OF the utmost Importance that
such relief as congress can afford in
the existing situation be afforded at
once. The maxim "He gives twice
who gives quickly" is directly appli-
cable.
1t may be true that the embarrass-
ments from which the business of the
country Is suffering arise as much
from evils apprehended as from those
actually existing. We may hope, too,
that calm counsels will prevail, and
that neither capitalists nor wage
earners will givSway to unreasonine
panic, and sacrifice their property or
; their interests under the influence oi
. exaggerated fears. Nevertheless, every
delay in removing one of the plain and
principal causes of the present state
of things, eDlarges the business already
done and increases the responsibility
OF the government for its existence
j Whatever else the people have a right
to expect from congress, they may
certainly demand that legislation
condemned by an ordeal OF three years
$ disastrous experience, shall be re
J moved from the statute books a:
! soon as their representatives can legit
imately deal with it.
1t was my purpose to summon con
gress in special session early in tn,
u coming September that we might ente
J. promptly upon the work OF tariff re
, form, which the true interests of tn
? country clearly demand; which s,
u large a majority of the people, a
shown by their suffrages, desire an,
expect, and to accomplish which ever,
&c effort of the present administration
1. pleuscu. Dut Wuiic ldIiu tclOTIl Ia
u lost none OF its immediate and perma
= nent Importance, and must in tn
n near future engage the attention c
q congress, it has seemed to me tha
~ the financial condition of the countr
u should at once and before all othe
u subjects be considered by your honor
~ y able body. 1 earnestly recommen
% the prompt repeal of the provision
:, of the act passed July 18th, 1896
nl authorizing the purchase OF silve
&c bullion; and that other legislative a.
tion may put beyond all doubt c
re mistake the intention and ability (
" the government to fulfil it's pecuniar
y. obligations in money universally re
eC ognized by all civilized countries.
s (Signed. GROVER CLEVELAND.
all EXECUTIVE MANSION, Aug. z, 1898.