The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-04-16
CLEVELAND ON MONEY.
THE PRESIDENTS ARG J1fENTS FOR
A SAFE CURRENCY.
The Battle IL Betw en- the Forces OF Safe
Currency and Thoss OF silver Mono
mstsliism. Cannot Go to Chicago.


CHICAGO, April l5.-Following is the
text Ct President Clovelsnd's reply to the
Invitation of Chicago business men TO
ADDRESS meeting here, as previously
announced.
Executive Mansion.
Washington, ID. c., April l3
To Messrs. William T. Baker, George W.
Smith, John A. Roche, T. w. Harvey
and David Kelly, and Henry c. Rob-
bins:
Gentlemen,-I am much gratined by the
exceedingly kind and complimentary in
vitation you have rendered me on be-
half of many citizens OF Chicago to be
their guest at a gathering in the interest
OF sound money and wholesome financial
doctrine.
My attachment to this cause is 80 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 hattering invita-
ton, but my judgment and my estimate
OF the propreties Of my official place
Oblige me to fOregO the enjoyment or
participating in the occasion l contem-
plate.
/ hope however, the event will mark the
beginning OF an earnest and aggressive
effort 10 disseminate among the people
safe and prudent financial ideas. Moth
ing more important can engage the atten-
ton OF patriotic citizens. because Moth
ing il So vital To he welfare OF orr fell
low countrymen, and to the strength,
prosperity and honor of our nation.
The situation confronting us demands
that those who appreciate the Importance
OF this subject, and those who ought
TO be the first to see impending danger.
should no longer remain Indifferent or
OVer-cOnfident.
II the sound money sentiment abroad
in the land is TO save us from mischief
and disaster. 1t must be crystallized 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 &c examine the ques-
ton i'm all its aspects have, nevertheless,
been ingeniously pressed with specious
suggestions. which in this time Of mis-
fortune and depression find willing listen
ers prepared to give credence to any
scheme which is plausibly presented as a
remedy TOT tlelI unfortunate poSllOu.
TIME TO HEAsoN ToGETHFR.
What is now needed more than any
thing else Is a plain and simple presenta-
ton of the argument I'm favor OF sound
money. In other words. II is a time for
the American people 10 reason together
as members of great nation which can
promise them continuance Of protection
and safety only so long as its solvency
is unsupported. its honor unsullied, and
the soundness Of its money unquestioned.
These things are ill-exchanged for the
Illusions OF debased currency ana
groundless hoT q of advantages to.be gain
ed by a disregard Of our financial credit
and commercial standing among the ma
tons OF the world.
II our people were isolated from all
others, and II the question Of our cur
rency could be treated without regard TO
our relations TO other countries. it's char
actor would be a matter OF comparatively
li,tle importance. II the American people
were only concerned IN the maintenance
Of their physical life among themselves,
they might return to the old days OF bar
ter. and I'm this primitive manner acquire
from each other the materials TO supply
the wants Of their existence. But II
American civilization were satisfied with
this. 1t would abjectly fail in it's high and
noble mission.
HIS ADVICE 10 THE FAnMrR
In these restless days. the farmer is
tempted by the assurance that. though
our currency may be debased redundant
and uncertain, such a situation VIII 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 ~ 40 certainty ba H. ~ too
Of the things he has to sell an nomi-
nally enhanced. the cost of the things he
must buy viii not remain stationary;
that the better prices which cheap money
proclaims are unsubstantial and dclusive,
and that, even II they were real and
palpable he must necessarily be lcft far
behind in the race for their enjoyment
IL ought not TO be difficult to e3nt nee
the wage-earner that II there were benefits
arising from a degenerated clIrer cy.
they would reach him least Of 81 end
last or all. In an unhealthy inhalation
of prices, an increased cost of all the
needs OF his home must long be MS rOr-
ton, while he is at the same time vcXcd
with vanishing visions of increased wages
and an easter lot. The pages Of history
and experience are full of this lesson.
AN insidious attempt is made 10 create
a prejudice against the advocates Of a
safe ana SOUND currency by the iu5iuu
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 and wicked
prejudices are willing TO sacrifice the in
terests Of those outside their circle
| believe that capital and wealth,
through combination and other means.
sometimes gain an undue advantage, and
IL may be conceded that the maintenance
o. a sound currecy may. in a sense, be
invested with a greater or less Importance
TO individuals according 10 their condi-
tons and circumstances. IL Is. however.
only a Difference in degree sine 1t is ut
terly impossible that any one in cur
broad land, rich or poor. whatever may
be his occupation. and whether dwelling
IN 4 center OF finance and commerce, or IN
a remote corner OF our domain, can be
really benefited by a financial scheme
not alike beneficial to all our people. CT
that any one should be excluded i,cm a
common and universal interest IN TIE
safe character and stable value Of the
currency OF the country.
WE ALL BUY AND SILL.
In our relation to this question, we are
all in business, for we all buy AMI sell.
so we all have 10 do with financial opera
lions, for we all earn money ana SPEND
II. We cannot escape our interd spend-
ence. Merchants and ,isalers are In
every neighborhoof. and each has it's
shops and manufactures. Wherever the
wants OF man exist, business and faerce