The Indianapolis journal., 1896-11-24

Various Matters That Attract Public
Notice to 1t.
Boston Trans cript.


The capitalscity of the Hoosier State has
held a conspicuous place in the movements
of the last six months. Ii was there that the
horest-money Democrats of the country
formulated that ringing protest against the
betrayal and debauchery of the party
hich were the outcome OF the Chicago
. convention. and the work there accom-
plished. small though its direct acknowl-
edgment may have been in actual votes,
vas a potent influence in saving the coun-
it. A couple of Weeks ago the National
Farmers Congress was held in that city.
and the closing days Of the present week
have been made very interesting and in
structive by the meetings and discussions
of the Liberal Congress of Religions, whose
scope and purpose We're 3eser,6sd he Is IN tnese o,t
growth of the Parliament of Religions
which was such significant feature or the
worlds fair at Chicago three years ago.
and which has been growing in comprehen-
siveness and influence ever since.
The movement. however, which prom
ises to bring Indianapolis more prominently
into notice at this time than anything else
which has originated or been accomplished
there, is that which was brought TO a head
so far as possible. without cooperation py
other cities by her Board of Trade a few
DAYS ago. The preamble and resolutions
there adopted emphasized the de ermlna-
ton shown by the people in the last elec-
ton to have a sound currency. and called
attention to reforms that are necessary IN
the existing systems. 1t was therefore pro-
posed to call upon the boards OF trade or
the leading cities of the North, Middle ana
Southwestern States to each send Iour DEL
egates to a preliminary conference TO be
slider the advisability o. calling larger
conference to discuss the proprlety OF
creating a non-partiSan commission, 10
which should be assigned the duty or FOR
mulating plan for the reform OF the cur
rency. -
The value of starting out to consider
currency questions upon a business and
nonpartisan basis has been previously
a commission might decide upon, as OF
most practical merit would have any bind
ing force upon Congress. 1t Is not deSir-
able that it should have any. Legislation
by commission is not always satisfactory
and not strictly in accordance with our
theories of government. The people select
their representatives and upon them rests
the responsibility and the duty or deciding
in what way the Nation shall be served.
But there can be no gainsaying the help
that could be given the regularly appointed
servants of the people, by close and care
full study of conditions and needs by
those who are in closest touch with the
forces of business, understand where Its
sensitive nerves lie and know by practical
exp4fience what the chief obstacles are.
The whole country should be well repre-
sented in this preliminary work. 1t might
be easier to reach conclusions by select
ing sections, but they would not possess
as much value. Even If no definite results
should be arrived at, the comprehensive
Fsweep of business opinion. conflicting
though 1t might be on many essential
points would help to eliminate the nones-
sentials and relieve the underlying issues
of much of the confusion that now at
taches to them. The public have shown
not only a willingness. but an eagerness to
\ pursue their studies of economic and finan-
cia questions and we are incned to think
proposed by the Indianapolis Board OF
Trade is a good one.