The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-05-25

alize that there exists in some quar-
ters disposition TO modify the old-fash-
ioned principles Of democracy-a desire
to enlarge the functions of government
by the assumption OF unusual or doubt
ful powers, heretofore wholly or partially
unexercised, leading plainly in the direc-
ton OF paternalism, pointing the path to
stronger centralized government. and
paving the way for a larger standing
army and an enormous and powerful na-
Wy maintained at a tremendous expense
TO the people; a disposition 10 sanction
the pernicious practice of governmental
bounties and subsidies to private individ-
uals and interests. to which our opponents
especially seem fully committed: a grow
ing tendency TO look to the general gov
eminent for a remedy for all ills to which
the body polite Is unfortunately subject
an inclination to usurp the revenues
which properly belong to the states by
taxes laid directly. but not
according to the population
as required by the constitution: and an
ostentatious proneness under the assumed
garb of patriotic fervOr and intense Amer
icanism, TO foolishly embroil this country
In quarrel with foreign countries with
out justiiable cause or even a plausible or
decent excuse. These dangerous tenden-
cies recently exhibited, were not inher-
tied from our democratic forefathers. and
can find no warrant In true democratic
teachings
These undemocratic and concerted de-
mands for material army and navy en-
largement at this time, when a treasury
deficit is already STAYING us in the face,
which seemingly can only be supplied by
additional taxation, lead to the suspicion
that it is desired not so much for legiti-
mate purposes Of national defense as by
corporate interests for illegitimate inter-
ference in labor controversies in
the state, with or without the
consent of the authorities thereof: but,
Whatever may be the motives which in
spired these demands and which are parti-
ally concealed behind vociferous protesta-
tions of desire for the public welfare and
solicitude for the honor and safety of the
country, the fact remains that the people
upon whom the burden must ultimately
fall view these demands with anxiety and
grave doubts of their propriety, and insist
that the utmost caution shall be exercised
in their consideration.
The question that is now creating the
most burning issue in our national politics
is the silver question and Of that 1 wish TO
say few words. IL the resolutions adopt
ed by the delegates to the national con-
ventions held by each Of the two great par
ties In 1892. and the resolutions adopted by
those same parties represented In the sew
eral state conventions OF 1894, are an indi-
cation, II is plain that the voters of the
country generally prefer the bimetallic sys-
tenn of coinage that prevailed In the United
States before 1873
In 1892 there was not much difference in
that regard between the resolutions of the
two greater parties The republicans used
the word "bimetallism' and hence the re-
publican state platform of 1894, use that
word more frequently than do the demo-
cratic, but both refer to free bimetallc
coinage. Nearly all that refer to a ratio,
mention :. le, Few II any of the
democratic state platforms refer ex-
pressly to International cooperation,
but half dozen republican
platforms do. One or two democratic con-
ventions insist on Immediately opening CUR
mints to both without awaiting European
consent. Nearly every one-democratic
and republican-demands parity in the
purchasing and debt paying power of the
coined dollars.
If any divergence between the resolutions
is to be discerned, II is In the more posi-
tive tone and temper of some of the west
ern conventions In respect to absolute
parity ard equivalence Of the dollars.
do not see how any fair minded European,
reading those resolutions, no matter by
which state or party convention adopted,
can infer that our voters intend to coin 80
cent silver dollars, or to make
dollar to be dollar
in paying debts. do not think
that a majority Of either party in any
state advocate coinage laws which the ad-
vocates believe will produce a silver dol
Tor Of less value in fact than the gold dol
lar. Those who urge an immediate OPEN
ing of our mints TO silver on a ratio of 16,
really fancy SO far as the majority
are concerned, that the United States can
alone and unaided, do as much for silver
now as bimetallic France did from 1868 TO
1873. 1 think that impossible--at least un-
der present conditions. / do believe that
the concerted laws Of the principal govern
ments of the world combined, can, on
ratio of 15h, determine and maintain that
relative value everywhere of coined or
uncoined silver and gold. Upon that be-
lief 1 shall act till 1t is overthrown by
facts.
Senator Hill was obliged to stop fire.
quently owing TO outbursts of applause
on the part of his hearers.