The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-05-31
TRIMMER NI'KINIEY,

Tie New York Times makes the fol-
lowing comments upon what would proba-
by be McKinley's course if he were
President and were confronted with the
problems with which Mr.. Cleveland has
had TO deal:
If Mr. Mckinley should be elected.
what would be his course. If. during his
term of Office the President should have
10 deal with the problem presented by
depleted gOld-rescrye fund? What would
lie do H. while holding the office Of Presi-
dent. ne should see the gold reserve drain
ed almost 10 the bottom by exports, and
should perceive that only by a prompt
replenishment OF it could a suspension
OF gold payments be prevented?
Everybody knows what Mr.. Cleveland
has done when 70 was apparent that the
complete exhaustion OF the gold reserve
was impending. is il not c1ncei"able
and even probable that II Mr.. Mckinley
should become President. ne would be
required IN the course Of his term 10
deal with conditions like those which
have tested the courage and intelligence
Of the President now in office, his regard
for public interests Of the highest import
ance. and his adhesion TO the principles
OF sound and honest finance?
What would Mr.. Mckinley do? Does
not his public record Indicate clearly
that he would not protect the reserve
and redemption fund as IL has been lro-
tected bv Nir. Cleveland, II lie should be
confronted by similar coniironsF Jhe
man who denounced Mr.. Clevela I'D for
having "dishonorcd silver" and who, two
years ago, assailed more than 10 repre-
eentatives of his own party for having
"stricken down silver" 10y repca'ms tie
eilver-purchase act, and who says ne
wants "the double standard, would
scarcely be inclined. II ne were president
n seems TO us. TO defend and replenish
n dwindling reserve fund ty purchasing
or borrowing gold with bonds.
These suggestions by the Times are en-
tirely natural. in view OF McKinley's rec
ord. and the persistent and contemplate
manner IN which he continues his re-
fusal 70 declare where he stands uoon
financial questions. This is what makes
us think IT impossible that the Republican
Convention will make him the nominee
OF the Republican party for the high
office OF President. II is positively terri
fying 70 think OF Mckinley trifing with
the nations credit by hesitating and
vacillating when the gold reserve was
running low. The moment the public
saw irresolutlon in his conduct, a run
upon the Treasury gold would be started
similar TO that which takes place when
bank depositors get alarmed about bank,
and although ne should ultimately resolve
n protect the reserve. il woald al be
drawn out, and the Government would
be protested before the run could be
stopped. There has been no uneasincss
whatever during Mr.. Cleyeland's admin
fstratlon about the reserve. because. how
ever low it went. the world knew per-
fectly well that II would oe protected by
the promptCst and most decisive measures
when the necessity arose. But that con-
ndence would be entirely wanting II Nc
Kinlcy we're President. For this r,a-
son. and for others We cannot believe
that the Republican Convention viii omi-
nate him, and in behalf Of upright. hor-
orable. open. manly conduct. We hope
most sincerely that It will no.. 4 tsim-
mer and a man who IS not willing 10
express his opinion apon the most i'm
portant questions Of the day. is in our
opinion. a most desplcable character. End
we most earnestly hope We SHAH never
see such an one President of the United
States.