Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-05-04
DOUBLE STANDARD
Opinions at the Capitol in Regard
to tho Bimetallic Conference. i
GOLD And SILVER THE MONETARY BASIS
International Agreement Ought Not
to Interfere With Action Here.
ALL DO NOT AG R E E

The international bimetallic congress in
England continues to be the subject of much
| favorable comment at the Capitol Sena-
tors and Representatives who assisted in
the repeal of the Sherman act take even
greater interest in 1t than those who resist
ed repeal, and express themselves very fiee-
ly as in sympathy with the movement
Senator Hill was found. among others, to
be very willing to express his opinion Of
the movement in England in the interest Of
bimetallism. as indicated by the conference.
He said Il Joined in the dispatch TO the
bimetallists of England because desired
to encourage them in their earnest efforts
to promote the cause Of a double standard.
The best interests of the whole world would
be subserved by making gold and silver the
standard money of all countries. The best
thinkers, the best writer's, the best states
men and the best financiers are gradually,
but surely, realizing the fact that single
standard of gold means the impoverishnent
of the people everywhere, and that, some
adequate relief from present conditions Is
essential. An International agreement be-
tween the leading nations recognizing silver
as standard money. with gold. Is the goal to
reach which every effort should now be
made. 1t Is feasible, 1t is desirable, 1t Is
important. 1t would promote the interests
of Great Britain as well as those OF every
other great commercial country. There are
some indications that English sentiment is
now drifting toward himetalism 1t Is the
duty of this government to pursue that
course which will surely hasten the day
when bimetallism shall be an accomplished
fact.
IF the present administration does not
shape it's policy In that direction, the people
will select one that will. Bmetallisrn, eth
err by international agreement or indie
pendently, IL necessary, is to be the great
issue OF the future"
Views of Allison and Voorhees,.
Senator Allison, who was q member of the
last International monetary conference,
said Of the present movement: 1.-THE confer
ence TN London Is significant as respects its
membership. and as respects the strong ut
terances favoring the full use Of silver as
money. 1t shows the growth of public
opinion in Europe in favor OF the inter-
national use of silver as money of full legal
tender. / notice that leaders of public opin-
ion in England are In full sympathy with
and participating In the deliberations OF the
conference. / have faith that when oppor-
tunity is given the growing sentiment in
favor OF the full use of silver will find ex-
preston at the election In England, and
Scotland and Ireland, when a dissolution
takes place. as 1t will be impossible to keep
this question out of the campaign" tt
Senator Voorhees, said of the compromise:
1T is a step I'm the right direction. 1t shows
that the idea Is alive and commanding great
respect. 1t indicates that the nations will
not long consent to the continued disuse of
silver as money, and points to the restora-
ton of free coinage. If silver should con-
tinue to be denied its right as a money
metal. it will be at the behest of the money
power the world over, and at the expense
Of the laboring and producing classes.
expect the issue to be met, especially in this
country, at very early Gate, and in very
rugged and determined manner. Let me
say. also. that look upon the recent repeal
OF the Sherman act as a movement in the
direction of free coinage and the full use of
silver as money.
Il look from no immediate result from the
bimetallic conference in England, but II
shows that the subject Is alive and at the
front among able and thinking people. In
that respect the convention will be OF use
to the friends of silver money. The friends
Of silver money have no occasion to be dis
Outraged. The people have a way of de-
termining great questions at the proper
time and under fitting circumstances which
cannot be resisted. l look for a general.
strong and popular movement on the sub
Ject. such that when 1t comes 1t will defy
the power of money. i hope 10 live to take
part in this movement when 1t shall come"
Asked IL he thought this movement would
take place during the present session of
Congress, Senator Voorhees, said he thought
not.
Senator Morrill, said: II am glad to OBJ
serve the movement in England in the in
terest Of bimetallfsm, and / think there is
some ground for hope that something may
be accomplished. doubt very much, how
ever, whether anything can be done under
the present administra tfon In that country.
With Sir William Vernon Harcourt out of
power. and with Balfour and Lord Sails
bury refnstated, I should be very hopeful
Of accomplishing good results in the Inter-
est of international bimetalism through
English influence"
Opinions on the House Side. 81
The financial leaders of the House ex-
pressed hearty approval Of the cable sent
by Senator's to the lord mayor of London.
Represen tative Bland. the silver leader In
the House. authorized the following state
ment concerning the bimetaliic conference
at London:
Il have never considered an interna-
tionai agreement of sufficient Importance
to delay action by our own government
think We are able to maintain our own sys-
ten Of bimetaIlism. The efforts toward an
international agreement In the past have
been used as a pretext for delay. l have
no doubt, however. that the present move
ment Of European countries is in good
faith and may lead to results. But that Is
too remote to warrant delay on our part
for ourselves
Of the coinage committee: Il heartily in
dorse the views expressed in the cable
gram. An international agreement is the
only means by which we can accomplish
the free coinage of silver and gold Great
Britain must be the moving factor in such
an agreement, and when she acts the rest
of the world will act. For that reason the
present conference is exceedingly impor-
tant."
Mr.. Tracey OF New York, democratic
member of the coinage committee said:
AN international agreement for blnetal-
lism is the most feasible and the only
method of coming silver and gold on equal
terms. 1t would be thoroughly acceptable
to the conservative element in Congress,
and the silver men also would receive IL
with satisfaction. There Is the question
whether the parity between the metals
could be maintained by International agree
ment. but even should gold go to a pre-
MUM there would be no disadvantage to