The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-02-20
GERMAN sslMI.IaLI.H>TS.

The declaration of the German
Reichstag by a decisive majority in
favor of an international silver con-
ference Will naturally create a great
deal of interest throughout the COM
mercial world. This was shown by
the announcement of the news by
Mr.. Hill in the Senate. which hap
pened to be busy with the same
question.
1t must not be assumed, says the
Louisville Courier j ournal, that
either the Reichstag or the German
Government Is in favor of free coin.
age of silver. The Government has
only committed itself to confer
ence, and is not bound to sustain
any proposition that may be put
forward. Bi-metallists in Germany,
and, indeed, in Europe generally,
have no idea Of silver monometel-
ism, and therefore have no idea of
resuming free coinage of silver at "a
ratio, or at any other ratio, without
an international agreement of some
sort. The majority Of the sound
money men of the United States are
bi.metallists of the same sort. Both
the Democratic and Republican
platforms Of 1892 favored bi.metal.
ism of this sort, and rejected silver
monometallism.
The call for an international con.
terence from Germany logically fol
lows the Silver Commission held in
Berlin last year, from February ODD
to June 9th. This was rather n the
nature of an investigation as to the
BEST means of raising the value of
silver. The members had right
to propose and discuss matters, but
not to vote. The commission con.
sisted of twenty eight embers,
nine OF whom represented the Gov
eminent, and embraced some en-
lnent silver advocates, as we'll as
some that are opposed to any
change III the Germany monetary
system. That system is very diff.
ierent from ours. There is no free
coinage there either of gold or sill.
yer. individuals are charged for
coinage IA marks ($35 0) per kilo.
gram of fine gold. The coinage OF
silver Is purely on account of the
State. Silver is legal tender only to
the amount of 20 marks so, though
the coins are eychangeable for gold
ut the public treasury.
The report of the German Silver
commission fills two volumes. the
hrst OF which contains over zoo
pages. There was great variety of
opinions expressed. The chief posi-
ton of the silver men was that Fin,
fail In silver is due to governmental
measures--not in one country, bu,
IN all that have closed their minis +,
silver. In other words, they account
for the fall in price by a decrease Of
the demand. and refuse to copside,
the increase of the supply as factor
They, therefore, hope to restore tn,
old price by an international aoree
ment that vii! restore the old do
mand.
Those opposed to disturbance
oil the existing situation admit tbo
the falling off OF the demand bo,
contributed to the fall in the prio
OF silver, but they insist that tn
increase OF the supply should ais,
Dc taken into account. The y;
metaIiists, however, said thew re-
gsrded the ratio as secopdsr,
measure and one that may be EN-
subject of Q compromise. In otba
words. they are willing to cbapo
the ratio if necessary.
1t cannot be denied, saws th
Courier Journal, that the action =
she Reichstag on Saturday marks
considerable change ia the sttitn6