St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-10-27
CoCKHELL AND VEST.

st. Louis is one of the largest primary
cotton markets in the United States,
and the cotton exchange there
is composed Of many of the most
enterprising business men to be
found in the West. They are men
OF observation as we'll as energy, and in
the aggregate represent vast wealth in
vested in cotton planting and manu-
featuring, Industries that give employ
ment and support to millions of work.
ing people. The exchange is not par
tlsan organization. Republicans and
Democrats alike meet ON its floor to
barter and sell and get gain-if they
can.-
This representative body on Wednes-
day gave expression to its views
upon the pending silver repeal bill,
and incidentally to the prevailing opin-
Ion among business men as to the
course OF Senators Cockrell and Vest
on that measure. The resolutions that
were adopted were short, sharp and in
ciSlVe. The senators were Informed in
few words that their opposition to
the repeal bill was not approved; that
1t was contrary to public policy and
public sentiment, and that unless they
changed their course their designations
would be very acceptable to the people.
A hint was conveyed also that if the
senators shall persist in their course it
may become necessary for business
men to unite to prevent their return to
their seats in the senate.
The course of the two Missouri sena-
tors on the silver question is inexplica-
bic. The sentiment of the people of
the state has been freely expressed
through the columns of the leading
newspapers and the media of public
meetings of representative commercial
and mercantile bodies. The state has
trade relations with several of the silver
states, notably with Colorado, but this
intimacy has only brought home more
closely realization of the evils result
ing from the compulsory purchase and
coinage OF silver. st. Louis banking
institutions have not suffered as have
the banks of other large commercial
centers, but this fact is due to their
conservative management more than to
trade conditions. The money strin-
gency in business circles has been as
greatthere as elsewhere, however, and
| has been due to the overproducton and
consequent depreciation in value of the
white metal. The senators from Mis-
souri, have perhaps placed too high
value upon the Colorado trade, which
may account for their coquetting with
the silverites. That they have made a
mistake must by this time be manifest
even to their dull comprehension.
Ii they are wise, Senator'S Y est and
Cockrell will heed the warning of the
st. Louis cotton exchange. The men,
bers of that body are not in a mood for
thrilling. There is too much at stake.
Present conditions are threatening the
city's trade, menacing the stability of
her hitherto invulnerable financial in
situations. Such shameless disregard
of the well-being of great city and
state as has been shown by the senators
is almost without precedent. and merits
the severe condemnation of the business
men which it has received. Self-inter-
est, If not motives of public policy,
should induce them to change their
course. Their persistence in maintain
Ing their present indefensible position
will be nothing less than political sui
eide.