Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-04-11
MARYLAND BANKERS ASSOCIATION

Those who doubt MIR. Harritys decla-
National Convention will nominate
sound-money candidate for President Of
the United States. and place him upon a
sound-money platform, might have been
convinced that he has at least some good
reasons for his opinion, If they had at
tended the meeting of the Maryland
Bankers Association. held in Baltimore
on Thursday last The demonstration
on that occasion was notable one. and
indicates that in. Maryland at least the
sound-money men are in a majority.
Comptroller Eckels was present, and
participated in the proceedings OF the
convention. though he IS an Iilinoisan.
He made the declaration that sill
yer metal has passed from the world
OF commerce, as a standard OF values,
and all laws possible of enactment in the
world cannot reinstate 1t. This declara-
ton was received by the convention with
storms OF applause But Mr.. Whitney
and Mr.. Belmont and numerous other
statesmen hold that silver can be re-
stored to it's place in the financial world
BY international agreement. In this
opinion all the silverites concur. Mr..
Belmont says that international agree
ment Is the essence of bimetallsm. The
world cannot do without either silver or
gold 1t needs both. The one is too
bulky, and the other lacks bulk enough
L. at.
What can a man do with even one hum
dred silver dollars? On the other hand.
what use could he make of gold single.
dollars? Mr.. Eckels is simply mistaken
He has allowed his zeal to get the bet
ter OF him. Both OF the precious metals
can, by proper legislation. be restored
to their former high standing. At least,
1t would do no harm to try the expert
ment The people demand and expect
their public servants TO find remedy
which now obtains.
The Maryland convention consisted of
delegates from almost every bank Of any
size in the State, and its members were
full OF enthusiasts and zeal. They unan-
imously adopted the following resolution:
Resolved, That we are unalterably
opposed to the free coinage of silver. and
10 every debasefnent of our currency, in
whatsoever form 1t may be presented;
that we firmly and honestly believe that
the true interests of our country win be
best served by its rigid adherence TO the
gold-standard of value, the continuance
OF which will not only preserve its finan-
cial integrity and the future welfare OF
its citizens from the wage-earner TO the
capitalist, but viii insure. through the
prompt restoration OF confidence. that
rapid development OF its resources which
will eventually place It first among the
nations OF the earth"
That resolution provides for continued
agitation of the silver question: II Con-
gress could quiet the clamor for free
silver by passing law such as the
Maryland bankers favor, II would be
well for that body 10 proceed at once to
enact such law. But this is just what
Congress cannot do. The single-standard
men cannot shut the mouths Of the free
coinage men.
But, to return to Chairman Harrity's
declaration. that the Democratic Ma
t.onat Convention will nominate sound
money map upon sound-money plat
form. we will say that the prediction
IS more likely to come true than Senator
Harris's prediction that the silverites
( viii sweep the country.
we must not omit to say that Mr.. c. C.
Horner. chairman OF the Committee on
the Baltimore Plan for National Cur,
feilcy System, which plan was adopted
by the bankers two years ago. was pres
ent on Thursday, and delivered short
address. Baltimore has a high reputa-
ton as regards her financial theories
Let US all from seeming evil endeavor
10 educe good-tbat is. let us all try
10 study out good banking system.