Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-04-16
CAN'T GO TO CHICAGO
THE PRESIDENT REPLIES TO THE
BUSINESS MEMS COMMITTEE.
Although He Feels Obliged to De-
cline the Invitation. He Takes
Occasion TO Emphasize His Views
or the Money Question.

or the Money Question.
Mr. Henry Robbins, OF Chicago. hal
received from President Cleveland let
ter declining the Invitation OF number
OF Chicago businessmen TO attend
public reception In the northwestern me
tropolls TO himself and Mrs. Cleveland.
on April 9th one hundred OF the mos
prominent citizens OF Chicago, botf
Democrats and Republicans sent an IN
vitation 60 the President, stating ina
they were anxious 20 express their deSg
sense Of appreciation Of his SALESMAN
like and courageous action IN maintain
ing the financial credit Of our nation
and his attitude An favor OF the preser'
walton Of fsound national currency
There is <huch disappointment at Mr.
cIcveIandb declinaiion. but his excuse
is wa rtteivod. Mfr. Robbins says tha'
while he rs sorry that the President was
unable to accept the invitation as Inc
ovation which would have been gwen
him would have given great impetus 10
the honest-money sentiment 'nIo 1,!-.,l.'
the West. sin he is glad the invitation
was sent, as In his reply Mr.. Cleveland
taxes occasion 10 speak on the topic
and he believes his words viii nave
great weight.
THE LETTER.
The following is the text Of President
Clsyeland's reply 10 the committee:
EXECUTIVE MANSION.
WASHINGTON. j. c., April b. 1885.
To Nessrs. ". r. Baker. George w.
smith. John A. Roche. T. W. Harvey
David Kelly. and Henry 5. Robbins:
Gentlernen.-T am much gratihed by
the exceedingly kind and complimentary
i,vs,atlon you have rendered me on be
L.lf Of many citizens Of Chicago to be
their guest at a gathering IN the inter
est Of sound money and wholesome imam
Ciai doctrine.
Nv attachment 70 this cause is so
GREAT. and | know so well the hospitality
and kindness OF the people OF Chicago'
hat my personal inclination Is stToheiy
n favor Of accepting your hattering IN
,itation: but my judgment ana my tsu,
nate OF the prOprieties Of my oHcldI
,loce oblige me 20 forego the enjoyment
81 participating in the occasion You con-
template.
/ hope. however, the event VIII marx
he beginning Of an aggressive euoft 10
disseminate among the people safe ana
prudent financial ideas. Nothing more
important can engage the attention Oh
patriotic citizens, because nothing Is 50
zeal 10 the welfare OF our fellow-coun-
trymen and 10 the strength, prosperity
and honor Of our nation.
The situation that we are confronting
demands that those who appreciate the
importance Of this subject anu those
who ought to be the first 10 see the I'M
rending danger should no longer remain
indifferent or over-confident.
II the sound-moncy sentiment abroad IN
tho land is 70 save US from mischief ana
disaster IL must be Crystalized ana COM
blnsd ana made Immediately active. II
IS dangerous 10 overlook the TACT that
a vast number Of our people with scant
opportunity thus far to examine the ques-
ton I'm all its aspects have neFerthe-
less been ingeniOusiy pressed with spa
cicus suggestions, WhiCh, IN tnIs tiihe
OF misfortune and depression, find willing
listeners prepared 10 give credence to any
scheme which is psusibly presented as a
remedy for their unfortunate condition.
NEED or THE HOUR.
What IS more needed than anything
else Is a plain and simple presentation or
the argument in favor Of sound money.
In other words, IL is a time for the Ameri-
can people 10 reason together as members
Of q great nation, which can promise
them a continuance Of protection and
cA4ftl OAatg - IONS a. 10 sS-fN-+N+ 80
unsusDec;cd. It's honor unsullied. ana the
souudaess Of its money unquestioned.
These THINGS are so exchanged for the
Illusions OF q debased currency and
grouadless hope % advantages to be
gained by a disregard Of our financial
credit and commercial standing among the
nations Of the world
Il our people were ISOLATED from all others,
and If the question of our currency could
"a. rr-ff "a 70 relations
10 other countries. its character would be
e matter Of comparatively little impOr-
lance. II the American people were
only concerned I'm the maintenance Of
their precious life among themselves they
might return 70 the old days of barter.
and in this primitive manner acquire
from each other the materials TO supply
the wants OF their existence. But if
American civilization was satisfied with
this it would abjectly fail in its high ana
noble mission.
In these restless days the farmer IS
tempted b. the assurance that though our
currency may be debased, redundant, and
uncertain, such a situation would improve
the price Of his products. Let US re-
mind 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 IS nOminally en-
HANGED the cost Of things he must buy
VIII. not remain stationary; that the best
prices which cheap money proclaims are
uasubstantial and elusive, and even If
they were real and palpabie he must
necessarily be left far behind in the race
for their enjoyment. Ii ought not to be
difficult to convince the wage-earner that
II there were benefits arising from
1egenerated currency they would reach
him least of all and last Of all. In an
unhealthy stimulation of prices an in
creased cost of the needs of his home
must be long his portion. 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.
PREJUDICE.
An insidious attempt is made to create
a prejudice against the advocates Of
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
81 sympathy with the common people oil
the land. but for selfish and wicked pur,
poses are willing to sacrifice the interests
4 those outside their circle.
believe that capital and wealth,
through combination and other means,
sometimes gain en- undue advantage; and
must be conceded that the malnte,
nance OF sound currency may, in
sense be invested with greater or less
Importance 10 individuals according TO
heir condition and circumstances. 1t is,
lowever. only a difference in degree,
since it is utterly impossible that any
one I'm our broad land, rich or poor,
whatever may be his occupation, and
whether dwelling in d centre Of finance
and commerce. or in a remote corner of
)ur domain, can be really benefited by a
financial scheme not alike beneficial to
all our people. or that any one should be
excluded from common and universal
interest in the safe character and stable
yalue OF the currency of the country.
In our relation TO this question we are
al in business, for we all buy and sell,
20 we all have 10 do with financial operas
ions, for We ali earn money and spend
I. We cannot escape our interdepend-
nee. Merchants and dealers are in every
leighborhood, and each has it's shops
md manufactures. Wherever the wants
man exist. business and finance in
ONE degree are found. related in one
direction TO those whose wants they sup,
ly. and in another TO the more extern
ave business and finance to which thet
re tributary. A huctuation In prices at
he Seaboard is known the same day or