The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1895-12-12
COMMUNICATED.
MIR. Henry's Speech-Some Observa-
tons on the Currency Question, &c.

SAVHS Vss SAsS wi sSHSy VoSSSlOns W.
EDITOR GOLD LEAF-Having occasion
to visit your live and energetic town on
Saturday last, and being attracted by
the Court House bell, found Mr. Walter
K. Henry's sOnorOus voice filling the
building.
After listening with attention the wr-
ter went on his way possessed by feel
ing of wonder and amazement of more
than two hours growth, that man of
Mr.. Henry's apparent education and
ability would himself believe much of
what he was saying; yet an honest man
could not SO earnestly try to impress on
his nearer. that in which he had:'no faith,
and Mr.. Henry began by telling his aud
fence that he was an honest man.
1t is TACT and a matter of sincere re-
greet to its true disciples that any dis
crepanc" should have occurred between
Democratic promises and performance.
But in the repeal of the Federal election
law alone, the party has a Just claim
for gratitude from every citizen South of
Mason and DixOn's line; it insures hence
forth freedom to vote according to con-
science; it has already caused a break in
the color line; and most of all has opened
wide the door and dates the exit of many
politicians who have long been a burden
on the party, between whom and good
Democrats there is a distinction as radi-
cal as that between the blackboard of
MIR. Henry and the white chalk with
which he wrote upon it. Mr. Henry early
stated that he should not be abusive or
Willy any on alas for good resolutions
and so near the end OF the year too! In
q few minutes the terms Towards and
liars" rolled smoothly off his tongue.
While attacking the platform of 1892
he entirely omitted to state that in the
last Congress were many delegates
counted in the majority of the House who
were not Democrats at all, but Populists
on a masquerade; these did their utmost
to wreck the organization and in SO far
as the party of the common people failed
to redeem it's pledges, the responsibility
is primarily and justly chargeable to this
element, many of whom have since been
deservedly retired by their constituent
cies.
If Mr.. Henry desires to have his re-
marks accepted ut their face ralue, the
way is open; let him make it generally
understood that he is mot out for office
and declare definitely by public utter
ance and through the press over his sig
nature that while not seeking POLITICAL
preferment neither will he accept it, if un-
solicited, it is offered.
This letter was not intended to be a
criticism or even report of Mr.. Henry
speech but to place before your readers
for consideration the following observa-
tiOns on the currency, viz:
That superfluity of currency, as well
as scarcity ure alike adverse to com
mercial interests.
That M moro orrr.,n,- no., -
into circulation than is required by the
demands of trade.
That as the requirements Of trade vary
at different seasons OF the year, no fixed
| sum can exactly supply all needs at all
times.
That an ideal currency must possess
the elements OF safety and elasticity, and
be at hand when wanted, that is. not
become cOngested at the monetary CEN
tres when not in use.
That the first step toward attaining
this end is the repeal of the ten per cent.
tax on State bank notes.
That the notes OF State banks, under
proper supervision, would be equally
sale and accepted anywhere as are those
of National banks.
That they would possess elasticity
equal to all legitimate demands, and
automatically adjust themselves to the
fluctuations of trade.
That being in the hands of local insti-
buttons they would both be forthcoming
on the spot when needed and evenly dis
tributed through the country; for small
banks would spring up wherever the pop.
ulation and business would support
them.
That in the above is to be found the
basis OF Democratic unity now, and the
issue which will result in victory in
| 1896. LOUIS DE LAcRoIx
OXFORD, y. C.. Dec. 9th. 1895.