The record-union., 1895-04-15
EXECUTIVE MANSION,

EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGToN, April 13. 1895.
Gentlemen: l am much gratified by the
exceedingly kind and complimentary
invitation you have rendered me, in be-
half of the many citizens of Chicago, to
be their guest at a gathering in the inter-
ests OF sound money and wholesome
finance doctrine. My attachment to this
cause is so great, and l know so well the
hospitality and kindness of the people OF
Chicago, that my personal inclination is
strongly in favor of accepting your fat
tering invitation, but my judgment and
my estimate of the proprieties of my
official place oblige me to forego the en-
joyment of participating in the occasion
you contemplate.
mark the beginning of an earnest and
aggressive effort to disseminate among
the people safe and prudent financial
ideas. Nothing more important can en-
gage the attention of patriotic citizens,
because nothing is 80 vital to the welfare
OF our fellow countrymen and to the
strength, prosperity and honor of our
nation. The situation confronting us de-
mands that those who appreciate the i'm
portance of this subject and those who
ought to be the first to see impending o
danger, should no longer remain indif-
ferent or over-confident If the sound
money sentiment abroad in the land is to
must be crystallized and combined and
made Immediately active.
1t is dangerous to overlook the fact that
vast number of our people with scant
opportunity thus far to examine the
question in all its aspects, nevertheless
have been ignominiously depressed with
suggestions which, in this time of mis-
fortune and depression, find willing lis
teners prepared to give credence to any
scheme which is plausibly presented as
remedy for their unfortunate condition.
What IS now needed more than any
thing else is plain and simple presenta-
lion Of the argument in favor of sound
money. In other words, it is time for the
American people to reason together as
mem DerS of a great nation to promise
them a continuance of protection and
safety only so long as its solvency is un-
suspected and its honor fulfilled and the
soundness OF its money unquestioned.
These things are ill-exchanged for the
illustrations of a debased currency and
groundless hope OF advantages to be
gained by disregard of our financial
credit and commercial standing among
the nations OF the world.
Ii our people were isolated from all
others, and if the question of currency
could be treated without regard TO our
relations to other countries, its character
would be matter Of comparatively little
importance. If the American people
were only concerned in the maintenance
of their precious life among themselves
they might return to the old days OF bar
ter, and in this primitive manner ac-
quire from each other the materials to
supply the wants of their existence But
II American civilization were satisfied
with this, 1t would undoubtedly fail in
its high and noble mission.
In these restless days the farmer is
empted by the assurance that though our
~, 1-k..,
uncertain, such situation improves the
price of products. Let US remind him
That he must buy as well as sell; that his
dreams of plenty are shaded by the GER
tainty that if the price of things he has to
sell Is nomlnaLy enhanced, the cost OF
things he must buy will not remain
stationary; that the best prices which
cheap money prociaims are unsubstantial
and elusive, and even If they were real
and paIpable he must necessarily be left
tar behind IN the race for their enjoyment.
II ought not to be difficult TO convince
the Wage-earner that it would reach him
last of all. In an unhealthy stimulation
of prices, an increase instead OF all the
needs OF his home must belong to his
portion, while he is at the same time
vexed with vanishing visions of increased
wages and an easier lot. The pages of
history and experience are full OF this
lesson. An insidious attempt is made to
OF safe and sound currency by the in
sinuation, 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 purposes
are willing TO sacrifice the interests OF
those outside their circle.
believe that capital and wealth,
through combination and other means,
sometimes gain an undue advantage:
and it must be conceded that the mainte-
nance of a sound currency may in a
sense be invested with greater or less
importance than individuals according
TO their condition and circumstances. Ii
is, however, only difference in degree.
since 1t is utterly impossible that anyone
In our broad land, rich or Door, whatever
may be his occupation, or whether dwell
ing in q center OF finance and commerce.
or in remote corner of our domain ca n
be really benefited by financial scheme,
not alike beneficial to all our people. nor
that any should be excluded from the
common and universal interest safe char
Rcter and stable value of the CURRENCY of
the country. Ia our relation to this ques-
tion we are all IN the business, to buy
and sell. For all we have to do with
financial operations, we all earn money
and spend il.
We cannot escape our Independence.
Merchants and dealers are in each
neighborhood. and each has its shops and
manufacturers. Wherever the wants of
man exist business and finance in some
degree are found, related in one direc-
tlon TO those whose wants thew suDplv
and in another to the more extensive
business ana finance 10 which they are
tributaries. A ductuation in price at
the seaboard is known the same
day or the hour in the remotest
hamlet. The discredit or depreciation in
financial centers of any form Of money
from the hands of the people is signal of
immediate loss everywhere. Ifreckless
discomfort and wild experiments should
sweep our currency from its safe sup
port, the most defenseiess OF all who
suffer in the time of distress and national
discredit would be the poor, as thew
reckon the loss in their scanty support.
and labor, the working man, as he sees
the money he has received for his toll
shrink and shrivel in his hand when he
tenders IL for the necessaries to supply
his humble home.
Disguise IT as you may, the line OF
battle is drawn between the forces of sale
currency and those of silver monometal-
lism. will not believe that if our people
are afforded an intelligent opportunity
for sober second thought, they will
sanction schemes that, however cloaked,
mean disaster and confusion, nor thai
they Will consent, by undermining the
foundation OF safe currency, TO endanger
the benehcient character and purposes OF
their Government. Yours very truly,
GROVER CLEyELAND.
Iron and Steel Workers.