The National tribune., 1895-12-26
FRIDAY, Dec. 90.

In the Senate after considerable discussion.
the Senate passed the bill appropriating $780,
GOO for "A Venezuelan Commission, without
amendment.
Aside from the question Of the immediate
massage of the bill, the other proposition dis
cussed WAS whether the Senate should leave
the appointment OF the members of the
nronosed Commission entirely 10 the President
OF should insist upon their confirmation by
the Senate These two questions alone ell
crossed the attention of the Senate, hut the
discussion took a much wider range, and the
character of the speeches made has added TO
the gravity Of the situation.
The discussion was opened with the PROPOSE
ton of Senator Allen tosnqnire into the ex-
pediency of providing the country with money
enough to carry on war with Great Britain
bv opening the minfs to the free and unlimited
coinage Of silver and authorizing the issuance
of legal-tender notes based npon the credit of
the Government The absurdity of the propo-
sition did not prevent its adoption by the silver
votes of the body, although the belligerent
references were stricken ont
After this Senator Sherman, in urging that
no hastv action he taken the bill, argued
that il was of the gravest Importance. de
remarked that in all probability the dispute
would have been Settled amicaby between
Great Britain and Venezuela before this
country would be called upon 10 interfere,
but he gave the same impression as all the
other speakers. that the action once taken
would be irrevocable and would commit this
cnuutrv 10 war if the circumstances should
justify.
senator Mills drew a dreadful picture of the
manner in which American ports are to be
bloclsaded and Government cut of from all
revenues from tariff taxes. which was only
eoualed by Senator Chambers ready agreement
10 make aHy sacrifice. personal or otherwise, IN
order to vindicate the honor of the country.
Senator Chandler babe defiance to the money
lenders and investors in American securities IN
a manner almost as picturesque and certainly
/ as emphstic as that Of Senator Stewart when
hurting denunciation in the same direction.
Il understand" Mr.. Chandler proceeded
sarcasticallv. that stocks have gene down to-
day: that Wall street and State street are
1 acitatcd because Democratic President desires
TO sustain the honor of his country and is up
held By Republican Congress. If stocks have
gone down have no doubt that they stocks
that deserve 10 go down. j do not think We
! should be intimidated by these foreign capital
4 lists. who are pounding the stock board"
/ Other Senators spoke.
The Presidents message on the financial
! question was read, aud the Senate adjourned.
The message WAS as follows:
"To THE CoNGRKss: Ia my last annual
message the evils of our present financial sys-
tenn were plainly pointed out. and the causes
and means OF The depletion of Government
4 gold were explained. 1t was therein stated
that after all tile efforts that had been made by
/ the Executive branch OF the Government To
protect our gold reserve by the issuance OF
( bonds amounting 10 more than Sl62. 0O0,UDO
/ such reserve then amounting to but little more
than $4,000 600, that about SlG000,00O had
been withdrawn from such reserve during the
month next previous 10 the date OF that message
and that quite large Withdrawals for ship
ment in the immediate future were predicted
The contingency then feared has reached us
aud the Withdrawals of gold since the commu
nication referred TO. and Others that aPpea
inevitable threaten such a depletion ia on
Government gold reserve as brings US face 4
face with the necessity of further action 70
its protection.
This condition is intensified by the preva
lence in certain quarters Of sudden and an
usual apprehension and tmidhy in bushes
circles We arc in the midst Of another seaso
of perplexty caused by our dangerous an
faiuous financial operations. These may b
expected 10 recur with certainty as long a
there is no amendment 10 our financial syi
tenn. -
; "Of course, there can be no doubt in an
thoughtful minds as to the complete solvenc
OF our Nation, uor can there be any just appr'
S hension that the American people will be sati;
}. fed with less than an honest payment OF on
b. public obligations in the recognized money {
| the world. We should not overlook the fac
d however, that aroused fear is occasioned an
must be taken into account ip all efforts
e avert public los&and the sacrifice of our pei
IS pies interests
:. THE real and sensible cure for our recu
e ring troubles only be effected by comple
Is change in cur financial scheme.
4 " In view of the peculiar situation now col
n fronting us, have ventured TO herein EXPIRE
'e the earnest hope that the Congress in deiau
Of the inauguration Of a better system Of
10 nance, will not take a recess from its labo
il before il has. by legislative enactment or decl
& ration, done something not only TO remll
e. those apprehensive among our people that u
resources of this Government and a scrupulo
a. regard for honest dealing afford a guara
N tee Of unquestoned safety and soundness b
r. 10 resssure the world that with these facto
or and the patriotism Of our citizens the abili
a and determination of our Nation TO meet
at any circumstances every obligation 1t incu
On GO not admit of question.
OF - ask 1T the hands Of Congress such prom
he aid as it alone has the power to give to prove
IN ia q time OF fear and apprehension any sacrif
IT, OF ihe peoples Interests and the public fan
IL or thc Impairment OF our public credit in
N effort hy Executive action to relieve the d;
in gers OF tic present emergency"