The San Francisco call., 1896-06-17

hOulu D6 increased anu SIlll oAio SS-
rious injury would be inflicted upon the la
borers, the farmers, the merchants and all
those whose welfare depends upon whole
some commerce; a change from the present
standard to the low silver standard wouIo
cut down the recompense OF LABOR
reduce the value of the savings IN SAVINGS
Danks and building and loan assoclaIoiis'
salaries and incomes would shrink, pensions
would be cut in two the 5enefciaries OF lie
insurance would suffer; in short, the injury
would be so universal and far-reachlng that
radical Congress can be contemplated only
with the gravest apprehension
sound currency is one OF the essentlal III
struments In developing our commerce. IL is
the purpose of the Republican party not only
10 develop our domestic trade, but 10 extend
, our commerce into the uttermost parts Oh tne
earth. We should not begin our contest for
commercial supremacy by destroying our cur
rency standard. All the leading powers with
which we must compete suspended the free coin
age of silver when the increased production OF
silver forced the commercial rauo ABOVE Ine
coinage ratio to gold. Shall we ignore tnelf
ripened experience? Shall we attempt what
they have found utterly impossible? Shall 1t
be said that our standard is below theirs? You
cannot build prosperity upon debased or
| fuctuating currency; as well undertake 10
build upon the changing sands OF the sea-
sound currency defrauds no one. 1t is
good alike in the hands OF the empioye ana
employer; the laborer and the capltallss. up
on faith In its worth its stability, we go 1or-
ward planning for the future. me capltaIlsG
erects his factories acquires his materials,
employs his artisans, mechanics and laDorers
He is confident that his bargain VIII not De
swept away by fluctuations in the currency.
The laborer knows that the money earned by
his toll is as honest as his labor and that 1T is
OF unquestioned purchasing power. de ike
wise knows that it requires as mucn laDor 10
earn a poor dollar as a good one and he also
knows that if poor money IS abroad 1t surely
finds its way into his pocket.
We protest against lowering our standard OF
commercial honor. We stand against the
Democratic attempt to degrade our currency
to the low level of Mexico, China, India and
Japan. The present high standard of our
currency, our honor and our flag will be
sacredly protected and preserved by the Repub-
lican party.
There are many and important questions re-
quiring the enlightened and patriotic judg-
ment of the Republican party. A pan-Ameri-
can and commercial alliance was conceived by
James G. Blaine, and the highest motives of
self-interest require us to accomplish what ne
had so well begun. The Monroe doctrine must
be firmly upheld and the powers OF the earth
made to respect this great, but unwr1tteD law.
There can be no further territorial aggrand-
izement by foreign governments on the west
ern hemisphere
Our devotion to the pensioners of the Nation
was never more emphatic or necessary than
now. The Republican party believes in the
development of our navy and merchant marine
until we establish our undisputed supremacy
upon the high seas.
The struggle for Cuban liberty enlists the
ardent sympathy of the Republican rarty-a
party which has given to liberty its fullest
meaning on this continent. We wish to see
new Republic, born on Cuban soil, greet the
new century whose dawn is already purpling
the East
My friends, the campaign OF 1896 is upon US.
The great questions for debate in the august
forum of the United States are free trade and
free silver against protective tariff and sound
money. As we regard our homes and our
honor and our happiness and prosperity and
the future power and majesty OF the Republic,
let us dedicate ourselves TO the restoration OF
protective tariff which shall be genuinely
American and to the maintenance of an hon
est standard of value with which 10 measure
/ the exchanges of the people.
! A distinguished Republican has said that the
supreme desire of the American people is for
ian honest currency and a chance to earn it
| by honest toll"
Long before he had finished his lengthy
address, Mr.. Fairbanks voice, IN the effort
TO accomplish the.impossble task of reach
ing every part OF the immense auditorium,
became painfully distressed; still, most of
his points were taken up by those nearest
to him, and those at a distance waved
their fans in unison with the applause of
those in front. His reference to the inn
possibility of compelling 50-cent silver
dollars to circulate in unlimited mum bers
on parity with gold, was greeted with a
loud burst of applause, while Senator
Teller smiled sardonically and one of the
Western delegates in the rear emitted a
dismal owl call His reference to Blaine
produced a genuine demonstration, the
convention rising and cheering repeat
edly.
When Cuba was referred to flags were
waved and there was considerable hand
clapping. This applause was redoubled in
recognition when his closing sentences
declared that the fight OF 1896 was between
free trade and free silver against honest
money and protection.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Fairbanks
speech Mr.. Carter produced the appoint
ments of the secretary, assistant Sec
retaries, sergeant alarms, official STEM
ographers and other officials and the per-
sons so named were declared duly ap-
pointed.
w. Lamb, delegate from Virginia, offered
a resolution, which was agreed to, that
until permanent organization is effected
the convention will be governed by the
rules of the last Republican convention.
Mr.. Lamb also offered another resolu-
ton which was'adopted, ordering that the
roll of States and Territories be now called
and that the chairman of each delegation
announce the names OF the persons selected
to serve on the several committees, as fol-
lows:
First-On permanent organization. Sec
ond-On rules and order of business.
Third-On credentials. Fourth-On reso-
lutions. Also that all resolutions in re-
spect to the platform shall be referred to
the convention without debate.
The States were then called for their Sc
lection of delegates as mem bers OF the
several committees. When the name of
Senator Teller was announced as mem
Der of the committee on resolutions from