The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-04-24
nnw Iroat Tie Silver lssue.

II is not easy to estimate how iar the
current wildly sensational methods OF
silver propagandism may really heip the
mining interest in their struggle Ior Tree
coinage. The later phases OF the aslta-
ton are intended not 10 create an lhteHi-
gent public opinion, but to iniiame passiol
and preiudice among the uneducated
masses. That class is large enough i'll
the sections to which these tactics are
applied TO admit OF the capture OF a very
large number Of votes and, TO that eH-
tent the agitation becomes dangerous.
II is therefore to the last degree urgent
that measures be promptly taken Tor
counteracting this purely demagogic pro-
pagandism. &C.,. 49,.
But how is the kind Of sentiment thus
created TO be dealt WITH The bimetaihc
nroblem viewed in it's Fundamentally
Scientific aspects. is one OF the most an
struse within the whole range OF ecoho-
mic issues; and of what avail can II be
IN reason upon it with men too ignorant
10 understand either the terms, definitions
mr. principles of the question, especially
when they are already precommitted Dy
passlon and prejudice, and when shelr ac-
tual object is the satisfaction OF mere
partisan spirit of conflict reasoning
with these people, through printed matter
and oral address. is not 10 be entirely es-
chemed: for IT could not ran 10 counter
ACT i'm some measure the poison with
which the silver leaders have inoculated
them: but it would be a great mistake
TO depend upon such counteractionS eX-
clusively.
The treatment OF this issue as mere
slsbiect of economic debate is neither the
readiest nor the safest way OF settling IL.
So far as il Is made a mere tongue con-
test. an excitement OF partisan DEBATE
the period OF it's disposal is postponed
The battle of the standards Is as nttie
likely TO be ended by ignorant debate as
the battle of the creeds has been. The
statesman rather than the economic
theorist must be the final arbiter.
rbe first step towards a settlement
must be a recognition of the fact that,
whilst among the agitators there Is
large element of pure passion ana deNiitrS'
vet behind all that and among a more
serious and intelligent class OF western
and Southern citizens there is a deep con-
viction of the existence of grave sec
tional inequality and inequity. the cor
rec;ion OF which has seemed 10 them
possible through free coinage. That con-
viction lies at the root of the willingness
of the Western and Southern states 10
help the silver miners In their attempt
10 force their product upon the Govern
nent. Tenfold moro may be accomplished
towards settlement by wise and con-
cilia;ory consideration OF this deep-seated
sense OF grievance than by heated de-
bates on the comparative merits OF gold
and silver
One OF still remaining innovations upon
normal finance Incident 10 the war Is the
prohibition of note issues by banks or
| "a nized under State laws. For thirty
years. that right has been exclusively re-
served to the national banks The terms
| on which the national institutions are
| permitted 10 issue are so onerous as TO
| have prevented the due expansion OF this
| sole elastic element In our currency sys-
| tenn. and instead of the volume OF bank
/ notes increasing with the growth OF our
| population and commerce. II has lost