The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-12-21
The Message.

States minister 10 Ntntxucfas
The Message.
Following is the message sent to con-
gress by President Cleveland to-day.
To Congress: In my annual message
the evils Of our present financial sys-
tenn were plainly pointed out and
the causes and means Of the depletion
of the governments gold were ex-
planned. 1t was therein stated that
after all the efforts that had been made
by the executive branch of the govern
ment to protect our gold reserve by
the issuance of bonds. amounting to
more than s1s2 200. 900. such reserve
then amounted to but little more than
SIS, ,000, 900; that about s16,000.0 900 had
been withdrawn from such reserve
during the month next previous to the
date Of the message. and that quite
large withdrawal for shipment In the
Immediate future was predicted. The
contingency then feared has reached
us, and the withdrawal of gold since
the communication referred to and 9TH
ers that appear inevitable threatens
such depletion In our government gold
reserve as brings us face to face with
the necessity of further action for its
protection. This condition is intensified
by the prevalence In certain quarters
OF sudden and unusual apprehension
and timidity in business circles. We
are in the midst Of another season of
perplexity caused by our dangerous
and fatuous financial operations. These
may be expected to recur with certain
ty so long as there is no amendment In
our financial system. II in this partic-
ular instance our predicament Is at all
influenced by the recent insistence
upon the position we should occupy In
our relation to certain questions con-
cerning our foreign policy. this fur
nishes a signal and impressive warn
ing that even the patriotic sentiment of
our people is not an adequate substi-
tute for a sound financial policy.
OF course there can be no doubt In
any thoughtful mind as to the COM
plete solvency of our nation. nor can
there be any just apprehension that
the American people will be satisfied
with less than the honest payment of
our public obligations in the recognized
money of the world. We should not
overlook the fact, however. that
aroused fear is unreasoning and must
be taken into account in all efforts TO
avert public loss and sacrifice OF our
peoples interest. The real and sensi-
BILE cure for our recurring troubles can
only be effected by a complete change
in our financial scheme. Pending that,
the executive branch of the govern
ment will not relax its efforts nor aban-
don its determination to use exery
means within it's reach to maintain be-
fore the world American credit. nor
will there be any hesitation in exhibit
ing its confidence in the resources of
our country and the constant patriot
ism of our people.
In view, however. OF the peculiar sit
uation now confronting us. have ven
tured to herein express the earnest
hope that congress, in default of the
of a better system of fin
ance. will not take a recess from its
labors before II has. by legislative en-
actment or declaration, done some
thing not only to remind those appre-
hensive among our people that the re-
sources of this government and the
regard for honest dealing
affords a sure guarantee of unques-
toned safety and soundness, but to re-
assure the world that, with these fac
tors and the patriotism of our citizens,
the ability and determination of our
nation to meet In any circumstances
every obligation IL incurs do not admit
OF question. / ask at the hands of con-
gress such prompt aid as 1t alone has
the power to give to prevent In time OF
fear and apprehension any sacrifice of
the peoples interests and the public
funds or the impairment of our public
credit in an effort by executive action
to relieve the dangers of the present
(Signed) Grover Cleveland.
Executive Mansion, Dec. 20, 1896.