The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1895-02-05
RULE OR RUIN.


These advocates of what they cal
the "remonetization" or the "rehabiii-
tati,n, Of silver propose to take every
nosslble advantage Of the financial exi-
eencv to further their policy and II
that cannot prevail, they intend that
nothing else shall. The emibarrass'
ments of the treasury, the credit oil
the government, the security oi the
business OF the country against worse
panic and more disastrous depression
than It has yet experienced, have no
weight with these men against their
demand that silver be restored to the
position II occupied before 1878. APP
peala TO them Of whatever nature are
utterly futile; facts and arguments ex-
ert no influence. Firmly settled upon
the proposition that the government
must resume the free and unlimited
coinage Of silver at the existing legal
ratio. they are determined to surren-
der no part Of their policy and to accept
no compromise. And they are strong
enough to carry out their purpose
United they can defeat any financial
proposltion that is not satisfactory to
them, and knowing this, they are very
cure to be united.
The attitude Of the free silver men
Is not only an insurmountable obstacle
to any Legislation for the relief OF the
treasury by this congress, but 1t Is
likely to be also In the next congress,
II maintained until that time. The ad-
yocates OF the free and unlimited coin
ape Of silver In the senate Of the next
congress win he more numerous than
in the senate at present. The vacan-
cies to be filled In that body will be
occupied by men who are committed to
this policy. They will therefore be In
a stronger position than now to dictate
terms, The house Of representatives,
with rs overwhelming Republican ma
iority. from which the country would
reasonably expect sound and safe flnan'
cial legislation, viii not be able to ac'
compllsh anythlng IL the band Of free
silver senator's hold together In their
determination to force their policy up
on the country. And there is every
reason to apprehend that they will hold
together. They believe that their OPP
portunlty is at hand; that out of the
business distress and the difficulties
and embarrasaments of the national
treasury, they can achieve the result
for which they have been patiently la
boring, and they are encouraged In
this by the suggestions of compromise
proceeding from sources hitherto hos
tile to them.
IT Is an extremely unfortunate and
perplexlng situation. The worst pos,
sIJle construction will be given it
abroad. to the increasing detrlment of
our public and private credit Foreign
investors in American securities and
properties will see in II surer and
stronger tendency toward silver basis
and win be more eager than ever to
Withdraw capital from this country
and realize on our securities The
outflow OF gold win go on with damag'
ing effect upon financial confidence at
home. Greater business depression will
naturally follow. The free silver fanat.
iclsm has already wrought immeasur-
able harm, but It seems to threaten
still greater injury before 1t has run
its course, The duty of the friends of
sound money to stand by their guns
was never more urgent than now.