Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1895-04-18
The President on Sound Money.

to visit that city and address meet
ing in the interest of sound money.
The following is the Presidents reply
to the invitation:
/ am much gratified by the exceeding
ly kind and complimentary invitation
you have rendered me on behalf Of many
citizens of Chicago TO be their guest at a
gathering in the interest of sound money
and wholesome financial doctrine.
Ny attachment TO this cause is so
great, and know so well the hospitality
and kindness of the people of Chicago
that my personal inclination is strongly
in favor of accepting your fattering in
vitation, but my judgment and my es-
innate of the proprieties of my official
place oblige me to forego the enjoyment
of participating in the occasion you con-
template.
hope, however, the event will mark
the beginning of an earnest and aggres-
sive effort 10 disseminate among the
people safe and prudent financial ideas
Nothing more important can engage the
attention of patriotic citizens, because
nothing is so vital TO the welfare Of our
fellow-countrymen and to the strength,
prosperity and honor of our nation.
The situation confronting US demands
that those who appreciate the import
ance of this subject and those who ought
to be the first TO see impending danger
should no longer remain Indifferent or
over-confident.
If the sound money sentiment abroad
in the land is 10 save US from mischief
and disaster il must be crystalized and
combined and made Immediately active.
1t is dangerous TO overlook the fact that
a vast number Of our people, with scant
opportunity. thus far, TO examine the
question in all its aspects, have never
theless been ingeniously pressed with
special suggestions which in this time Of
misfortune and depression find willing
listeners prepared TO give credence 10
any scheme which is plausibly presented
as remedy for their unfortunate con-
dition.
What is now needed more than any
thing else is a plain and simple presen-
tation of the argument in favor Of sound
money. In other words, it is time for
the American people to reason together
as members of a great nation, which can
promise them continuance Of protec-
ton and safety only so long as its solv-
ency is unsupported. its honor unsullied
and the soundness Of its money unques
toned. These things are i'll exchanged
for the illusions Of a debased currency
and groundless hope Of advantages TO be
gained by disregard Of our financial
credit and commercial standing among
the nations of the world.
If our people were isolated from all
Others and if the question of our cur
rency could be treated without regard
10 our relations to other countries, its
character would be a matter of compar-
atively little importance. If the Ameri-
can people were only concerned in the
maintenance of their physical life
among themselves they might return to
the old days Of barter, and in this prim-
tive manner acquire from each other
the materials to supply the wants Of
their existence But if American civil
ization was satisfied with this il would
abiectly fail in It's high and noble mis-
sion.
In these restless days the farmer is
tempted by the assurance that though
our currency may be debased, redundant
and uncertain. such a situation Will i'm
prove the price of his products. Let us
remind him that he must buy as well as
sell; that his dreams Of plenty are shaded
by the certainty that if the price Of the
things he has 10 sell are nominally en-
HANGED. the cost of the things he must
buy will not remain stationary: that the
better prices which cheap money pro
claims are unsubstantial and elusive and
that even if they were real and palpaple,
he must necessarily be left far behind
in the race for their enjoyment
1t ought not be difficult TO convince
the wage-earner that if there were bene-
fits arising from a degenerated currency.
they would reach him least Of all, and
last Of all In an unhealthy stimula-
tion Of prices an increased cost Of all the
needs Of his home must long be his por-
ton while he is at the same time veXed
with vanishing visions Of increased
wages and an easier lot. The pages Of
history and experience are full Of this
lesson.
An insdious attempt is made TO create
a prejudice against the advocates Of q
safe and sound currency by the insinua-
ton more or less directly made that
they belong to financial and business
classes and are, therefore, not only out
of sympathy with the common people Of
the land, but for selfish purposes and
are willing to sacrifice the interest Of
those outside their circle.
believe that capital and wealth.
through combination and other means.
sometimes gain an undue advantage;
and il must be conceded that the main
tenance of sound currency may, in a
sense. be invested with a greater or less
importance to individuals according to
their condition and circumstances. Ii
is, however, only difference in degree,
since il is utterly impossible that any
one in our broad land, rich or poor,
whatever may be his occupation and