Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1896-07-04

But more significant than all is the
following from John K. Cowen, ole of
the receivers of the B. & O., as report
ed in the Baltimore Sun:
Free silver would not merely be
dishonest, but dishonorable. The
flag of dishonesty can never lead
Democratic forces to victory.
Reputation is a tenet of the free
silver men. Ex-Governor Boies, of
Iowa, leading free-silver candidate
for the presidential nomination, prac-
tically suggests the enactment of laws
to suspend the payment of debts as a
means to check the panic that would
result from a free-silver victory in
November.
Mere success oe the free silver ell
ement even before single law could
be enacted would precipitate panic
with which the one of 1898 would not
be comparable. The treasury gold
reserve would be wiped out in a week,
and the government could not issue
bonds fast enough to stem the disas-
trous influences which would be set
in motion.
''Just now there is a fair outlook
for prosperity, but investors are hold
ing off, awaiting the settlement of
the money question. The free-silver
agitation is checking the natural and
healthy development of business.
This effect will be continued to be
felt until the campaign is over.
I'm this fight against dishonest
money there are arrayed three infu-
eutial classes, who are pecunia1ly
concerned in upholding integrity and
good faith. There is, first, the quiet
and thrifty savings bank depositor,
who is laying aside portion of his
earnings. In Maryland such deposi-
tors number about 1850 with
over $45. 900, 900 to their credit in
savings banks. The wage-earner is
the second and holders of insurance
policies, including all members of
beneficial organizations, compose the
third.
These classes are intelligent.
They discuss public questions and
respond quickly when their interests
are endangered.
THE savings bank depositor will
understand that his little pile, laid
aside for rainy day, is to be handed
over to him with just one-half of the
purchasing value it possessed.
Where he deposited a Ioo-cent dollar
he is to be returned a 5o-cent dollar.
"Free-silver men say that such a
standard means high prices for pro-
ducts. The wage Garner is, therefore,
promised that what he has to purchase
will cost more. He is also told that
his earnings will increase. Every
wage-earner knows how hard it is to
secure an increase in his wages.
"As to such an increase take. for
example, the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad. All OF its obligations
must be paid in gold. 1t would be
compelled to make its collections in
silver. The doubling of transporta-
ton charges is out of the question
and instead of being able to increase
the salaries of its IS, 900 employees the
property would be plunged deeper
into bankruptcy.
Behind the vested interests in
railroad companies and other large
employers are thousands of wage
earners. There are a million men
alone employed in the steam railroad
service of the country. The obliga-
tons OF these corporations must be
met in gold. In this fight capital
lists and wagearners have a common
interest. A thorough and earnest
discussion of the question will be
made, and these two classes will be
united in defense of the national hon.
or and their own interests.
The prudent man, who insures
his life for the protection of his fami-