Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1896-12-03
FOR BETTER MONEY
Commercial Bodies Confer About
the Ills Of Our Currency System
4 CONVENTION TO MEET JANUARY 5.
Nr. Wilson Makes an Address and Says He
Believes Congress viii Welcome All
Intelligent Aid on the subject
The Resolutions Adopted.

INDIANAPoLIs, Ind, Dec Fifty.
two men, representing the boards OF
trade and commercial bodies OF ~ cities
in the central west, met yesterday aft
ernoon in the Century club rooms at
the Denison and issued call for ma
tional convention OF the commercial
bodies OF the country to meet in this
city January 3, 1897. for the purpose Of
taking action toward securing from
congress remedy for the ills attend
ing the present currency and banking
system. The meeting was non-parti-
san in It's character. The cities repre-
sented atthe meeting we're Cincinnati,
Chicago, Columbus, O., Grand Rapids,
indianapolis, Louisville, Milwaukee,
Minneapolis. st.. Louis, st Paul and
Toledo A telegram was received from
Kansas City saying that delegates had
been appointed from there, but would
probably not arrive in time to take
part in the conference.
1t was 2:iO when the roll call was or
dered and J. C. Adams, OF this city,
president OF the board OF trade, took
the chair A permanent organization
was effected by the election Of ex-Gov
Stanard, Of Missouri, as chairman, and
Secretary Smith. OF the Indianapolis
board Of trade, as secretary. W. h. IL.
Miller, ex-attorney-general of the
United States, was then introduced,
and after referring to the country's
financial condition, said: l''The remedy
for this condition Of things is mainly
with the states The national govern
ment can by legislation, deal with the
subject only within very narrow limits
What kind of legislation is required,
whether penal or civil, or both, and
what change of direction, II any, Is
needed in the court In the nature OF
prescription rather than diagnosis, and
hence not within my province. Ono
thing, however, Is clear. This remedy
must be furnished or consequences not
70 be thought Of with complacency are
not remote. You, gentlemen, In your
several localities, can help to naugu-
rate this most necessary movement"
John R. Wilson, OF this city, who
was secretary Of the national demo
cratic party, was then introduced and
made the principal address Of the day
II was an able paper and was warnly
applauded Mr.. Wilson outlined the
origin OF the movement, discussed the,
need OF currency reform, and why the
commercial classes should take the
lend, stated why the movement was in
the right direction, and then coming
To the reason why congress should well
come such aid, said: 1--WE believe con-
gfess will welcome all intelligent aid
In dealing with the reform Of the cur
rency. 1t Is unfortunate, but true,
that our national congress each year
exhibits an increasing inability to
legislate efficiently concerning such
matters. This Is not due SO
much to the want OF talent In Its men,
bership but rather to the enormous
and constantly increasing mass OF rou-
tine business. prevalence Of party spirit
and domination OF party methods,
which in legislation consume time In
maneuverng to obtain advantage for
The next campaign, together with the
mode Of committee action
under a set OF rules which no one
seems to be able to reform" In con-
clusion, Mr.. Wilson outlined the oppo-
sition the commission would meet with,
stated that reform Of the currency
would not necessarily prevent all com
mercial crises, and suggested what
should be the character and compost.
ton of the commission.
Mr. Smaley, OF st. Paul. then intro
duced resolution calling conference
Of representatives Of commercial bodies
4, al oit,.s ~ ,ra. OK ooo nhoh;tor.s
:" va $3.50 v" -'''ou
To meet in indianapolis. This brought
forth considerable discussion as to the
representation, and the chair finally
appointed committee OF five to pre-
pare proposition. The committee re.
ported the following:
Resolved, That 1t Is the sense Of this confer