The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-12-25
THE REpUBLICAN RELIEF MEASURES

TUEREpJBLICAN RELIEF MEASURES
The Republican majority in Congress
is only playing the ostrich and sticking
its head in the sand to expose its per-
son. when it comes forward with its
present propositions as measures equal
10 relieving the situation that the coun-
try is placed in. 1t is not dealing with
the case on its merits. IT is playing for
political points. It ought to know that
a game of that sort never has fooled the
people. and never Will. The people see
through all such stratagems, and make
the authors of them aware of that fact
in due time whenever they are attempt
ed.
The Republican majority ought to UNI
derstand that the country is in a most
serious position; that there is real risk
that gold payments may have to be sus-
pended, and they should have patriotism
and public spirit enough to raise them
above the petty and contemplate plane
of party squabbles, and TO deal with the
case as judgment and wisdom require
it to be treated.
The pretence that a lack OF revenue is
the cause OF our troubles. in order that
they may get protective duties restored.
deceives no one. The public understands
perfectly well that the wasteful appro-
priations of the Reed billon-dollar Con-
gress caused a deficiency OF revenue, but
il also understands that the redemptions
Of greenbacks with gold mat the free
silver scare has forced on the Govern
ment have kept it supplied with ample
and more than ample revenue so that
il has now nearly a hundred millions of
these redeemed greenbacks that it is re-
quired by law to pay out to meet an de-
'hciencies in the revenue. 1t under
stands also that the revenues under the
Wilson bill are steadily increasing and
that barring war; they Will be ample for
all the expenses Of government in the
next fiscal year. There has. therefore.
been no sort OF need for any more
revenue and, indeed. il there had been
more revenue how would the Govern
ment have complied with the law. which
requires it TO pay the greenbacks out
when they cove into the Treasury? II
the revenues had all along been equal to
the expenses two-thirds of the green
backs would now be hopelessly locked
up in the Treasury and the PoDulists
would be bowling that the currency was
becoming CONSTRUCTED.
The pTetence about lack Of revenue
is, therefore, nothing but pretence that
will fool no one. ana the Republicans
had just as well drop 1t as a real meas
ure and declare it TO be what it really
is-an attempt TO re-establish old-time
protective duties in this country. We
don't suppose that in losing his head
Mr.. Cleveland has also lost his courage.
and we confidently look for a veto
of this measure, therefore. when it
reaches him.
As for their other proposal. we really
see nothing in II at all. The Government
has all the power it needs TO sell bonds
for replenishing the gold reserve. and
the second branch OF their relief measure
is nothing but another scheme for sell
ing bonds. 1t makes "A case Of fweedIe-
dun instead of one of tweedle-dee. #
it is enacted into law. il will leave the
just what it found it and
there will be the end of il.
What the country wants is legislation |
that will satisfy the world we have |
no idea Of departin~ from the standard !
Of the gold dollar and perfect freedom !
to all men 70 create and assign their
credits as they please. Provide for tax
ns in and destroying all the green
backs and Treasury notes. and repeal the /
tax OF 10 per cent. on the issues of
State banks. and the case will take care /
If itself as soon as the war scare is
over.