The Portland daily press., 1895-03-23
INTERNATIONAL BIMETALlsM.
President Andrews of Brown University
Speaks of the Silver Question and Its
Preseut Status-He Favors the Restora-
tion of the White Metal.

E. Benjamin Andrews, of Providence,
president of Brown University ami
member of the international monetary
commission which met at Brussels in
1892 has been in Chicago speaking be-
fore the Cook County Teachers Associa-
tion, in Masonic Temple, on "The Pub
lie School System as an Instrumentality
of Social Advancement He also made
an address at the 6University Club ban
quet. Speaking of the proposed inter-
national monetary convention President
Andrws said people do not generally un-
aerstand that the old Brussels commiss.
hon is still in existence and can be re-
convened at any time by President Cleve-
land. The Brussels conference adjourned
In December, 1899. Its mem bers from the
United States are Senators Allison of
Iowa and Jones of Nevada. Congressman
McCreary of Kentucky, Henry W. Can
non, president of the Chase National
Bank, New York. and Mr.. Andrews.
In regard to the new commission re-
Gently appointed by Congress. President
a ndrews said:
ut depends on the foreign countries
whether the old commission reconvenes
or the new one takes up its duties. In
case Germany, for instance, should sig
nifty it's desire to have an entirely new
conference, then the gentlemen appoint
ed by Congress for that purpose would
take up the work. In that event it is
ar1 tbo- nfa n
be held, but it would probably be some
where In Europe. Should the old comis-
sion be called together again it would
dou btless m SD at Brussels. The mem
bers of the new commission are: Senators
Jones of Arkansas, Daniel Of Virginia,
and Teller Of Colorado. Congressman
Heitr of Illinois, and Culbertson of
Texas and Speaker Crisp.
"There is nothing yet definite as to
when the conference will be held. 1t all
depends on the foreign governments. It
seems to me, however, that the attitude
of Germany, England and France is some
what favorable to the conference, and in
dications point to.an international gather
ing, during the coming summer, which
will include every civilized nation. All
governments except Germany, France
and England are in favor of the confer
ence. 1t cannot be said that those three
great powers are opposed to the project,
and there is steady growth of opinion
in support of it.
If the conference finally is held, the
great question before it will be inter-
national bimetallism. BY that term
mean the agreement of the nations to
receive and coin silver at a certain ratio
to gold, Say Is 1-2. Each country would
then abide by that ratio, though, of
course all governments would continue
to issue their own coins as they do now.
1t is great question and one that
can scarcely, touch on now, but | will
say that l am heartily in favor of inter-
national bimetalism. 1t would restore
silver to its proper place as circulating
medium with gold. The results of the
International monetary conference, if it
is held and the line of action. I have
outlined agreed upon, will be far-reach-
ing in beneficial effect. OF course the
conference itself would not have the
power to take any action except to make
recommendations to the governments in
terested. The nations themselves VIII
then have the option of following out the
suggestions of the conference Speak
ing of Brown University, President
A ndrews said that it is now in very
prosperous condition. "We have doubled
the number of Students" he said, in the
last five years, which, considering the
hard times. l think is a remarkable
showing"