The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-12-21
CLETEEANDs CRY OF "FTRE."


Mr.. Cleveland's course regarding the
financial affairs of the government re-
minds one of nothing SO much as the
man who sets his house on fire to obtain
the Insurance, and then rushes out and
calls in the neighbors and the fire de-
partment to put out the blaze.
BY urging tariff reform he succeeded
in securing the passage of the Wilson
bill and depriviug the government of
sufficient revenue to meet its expenses,
and at the same time greatly reduced the
receipts of gold By refusing to coin or
use silver for any purpose whatever he
has produced a constant drain on the
gold reserve. By announcing that ali
outstanding government paper will be
redeemed in gold, regardless of the law
which provides for its redemption in
either silver or gold, at the option of the
government, he has invited the raids of
gold exporters and gold spectators, as
we'll as those who desire to cause the
issue Of more bonds.
After doing all these things he points
out to congress the predicament in which
he has placed the country and asks
that body to do something toward extri-
eating it. Even in doing this he leaves
the inference that any remedy in order
to meet his approval must be along lines
which he has laid down in each success
sive message. 1t is apparent that he will
accept nothing else or he would adopt
the remedy already at hand which is to
redeem the greenbacks and treasury
notes in silver as provided for in the re-
sumption act and the Sherman law. If
he did not want the fire why did he light
it; and having lighted it, if he would put
it out, why doesn't he apply the ex-
tinguisher which he has at hand? The
message submitted to congress yesterday
was intended solely as a warning to con :
gress that he is about to issue more
bonds; with their authority if they see fit
to grant it-without it if they do not.
The message may however serve a
good purpose. 1t brings congress face
to face with the condition and renders
action of some sort almost imperative.
Speaker Reeds do-nothing policy can
hardly be carried out under the circum-
stances unless the members of the ma
tional legislature are willing to be called
to an awful accounting with the people.
The situation predicted by the STATE
JOURNAL some weeks ago has arrived.
The Republican majority is to be forced
to assume a position. The president
asks them to do something and to do it
now. If this congress shall adjourn
over the holidays and go home and dur
ing the recess Mr.. Cleveland shall make
another issue of bonds, which he has
clearly indicated he will do, will not the
people hold the Republican party
equally accountable with the executive.
Congress has the power to pass laws
that the executive branch of The govern
ment must obey-laws that do not admit
of two interpretations. The Republicans
have the majority and on them devolves
the duty of doing what should be done.
Mr.. Cleveland is determined to have
his way or rid himself of responsibility.
The Republican party can hardly afford
to wait for the assembling of the ma
tional convention to make an issue. It
must be made now, else either it or the
whole people must suffer; perhaps both.