The record-union., 1895-06-01
IS 1T TO BE A CAMPAIGN OF
SCDRRIIITYs

On the sd ult., at Memphis. Tenn,
the Sound money people' held con-
vention. and after hearing Secretary Car
Isle and other speakers, and engaging in
deliberate unimpassioned debate. the
convention issued an address to the peo-
pie, calmly and argumentatively setting
forth the views of the body. The full re-
ports of the convention show thatit WAS
conducted with propriety and that there
was no abuse INDUCED in in the address
issued. 1t is before us now, and we find
in it argument fortified by reason and
appeal sustained with dignity and with
out intsmperance of utterance.
In other words, these American citi-
zens met and discussed the monetary
questions of the day as great national
matters, calling for wise action and cool
judgment. Neither passion nor infam-
matory expression nor challenge of pa
triotism characterize the address. It opens
with the statement that the convention
believes sound and stable currency to
be essential to general prosperity. On
this declaration of faith it declares it's con-
tenance on a parity of all our money, SO
that each dollar, whatever it's compost
ton, shall have equal purchasing power
with every other dollar.
1t alleges that history proves that BIZ
metallic standard cannot be maintained
where the ratio for coinage fixed by law
does not correspond with the market rate
of the two metals. It's reasons for adher-
ence to the doctrine are set forth in
lengthy detail and without one word of
abuse OF those who hold different views
on the subject.
Next, it declares the belief of the con-
vention in the light of the fact that there
is no country maintaining the bimetallic
standard. nor any where free coinage of
silver obtains which is not on silver
basis; that in the absence of international
agreement and cooperation there should
be retention of the existing gold stand
ard, and it's reasons for this contention
follow in detail.
1t then declares that the convention
would rejoice over the adoption of real
blmetallism. but holds that the United
States cannot independently adopt and
maintain it; that the silver now coined
should be retained; that there should be
recoinage of gold below the denomina-
ton of $40 into higher denomination, so
as to make the entire circulation below
$40 either silver or silver certificates, and
that coinage of silver should be ordered
in that way until the demand is satisfied.
1t declares that the present national
banking system is not adapted to present
conditions, and should be reformed and
the address.
In all this, as in the speeches made,
there was absence of temper and abuse.
Let US now look at the call issued by the
free coinage men for convention, called
TO reply to that one from which we have
just quoted. From the opening sentence
to the closing word it is mass of vituper-
alton, personal abuse and unsparinc
blackguardism of all who dare to hold to
views thatfdo not coincide with those of
the free coiners. Temper. appeal to pas
sion, malevolence and falsehood bristle
all over it, and the gall of hate oozes
from its every pore. It charges In the
opening sentence that its opponents are
actuated by the ''arch enemies of agri-
cultural industry; that there is ''conspir-
acy' to convert the Nation into an APP
pendage of .'moneyed power; that the
other party are promoting nefarious
scheme; that ia their declaration in IA
yor of honest money" the opponents Of
free coinage are liars and traitors, and
that the declaration against the national
banking system is trick, insincere and
lie.
From that on the whole address is
punctuated by the most slangy and
coarse illusions to American citizens
who have the termerity to question the
infallibility of the free silver men, We
are told that all such are conspiroprs;