The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-11-24
LYMAN J. GAGE.

The welfare Of every member Of the
mighty group which constitutes our
lational life. 1t touches the humble
md dependent more closely than 1t
Soes the strong and powerful, although
j its final determination the far reach
hE destinies of all are involved.
For years its injurious shadow has
depressed industry and enterprise.
Thanks to the wise instincts of our
people, and to their declaratory voice
Uttered In November last, assurances
have come to lit doubts. to Danish
fears, to brace hope. and to lend cour-
we.
5 This happy reaction in enterprise
pow witnessed-the stimulation to in
1ustry-which has followed this new
assurance. Is oonflrmatory evidence
4 the blighting influence of that fierce
propaganda for Tree silver and semi
liquidation that met its Just rebuke
rom the freeman's ballot in 1896.
Il believe that the shape and destiny
Il our national life, as 1t may be affect
"a by financial legislation. is to be de-
Nrmined within the next four years.
Ehe forces and energies which found
Notorious expression in the last elec-
,3bh are as significant now as they were
|hsn. Are we intelligent and courage
fus enough to take the artion their
present warrant justi1es. aud secure
NE future against the dangers which
have been for the present overcome?
TT Is said that under present condi-
uons n Is Impossible that obstruction
bsts can hinder and defeat the popular
will; that agitation on so delicate
juh1ect us the money standard is dis
}urblng; that we have the best of guar
antees that for four years the present
Natus will be maintained; that the re-
Sival OF business will be best assured
BY tho policy Of inaotion. Covered In
Dnc sentence all this is summed up in
he much abused maxim, Let we'll
enough alone Ths maxim well ap-
Piled 10 indsed u wise one, but the Wis
tom Of 1t Hes In the application Of 1t.
when ultra conservatism applies 1t
10 justify condition which is bad
srough' instead Of well enough 1t is
Ataliy raisa ppi.ed. That the condition
II cur currency ana banking system
- OGu 6lvuBH is Gel lilSu " Wy luE
deliberate Judgment of the great body
II economic students and by general
fenscEsus Of opinion among business
men.
at certainly is not well enough with
, banking system utterly inelastic and
torrespendlngly irresponsive to the do
jneelic requirements of trade and in
1ustry to which. in Its proper relation,
The banking system should be the
faithful ana efficient handmalden.
ut Is not well enough with the ma
nenal treasury awkwardly performing
In Office which Is entirely foreign to
its proper function. 1t is not we'll
Anough, 1t is absolutely bad, when the
result Is public treasury so expanded
In it's demand liabilities in a time of
profound peace as to threaten its SOL
Fency IN case of war.
'"The establishment OF our currency
and banking system upon more secure
foundations is the one thing lacking to
the things which make for q perma-
'Aent concition of reasonable prosperity.
In securing this the pioneer in the west,
the laborer in the mines, the toiler In
the field, the mechanic in his shop. the
merchant and the banker, are all,
whether they know 1t or not. each IN
his degree alike interested.
| AT Il cost too contemplate for seri-
bns consideration, ths debatable con-
aition Of our currency and banking
System may be put upon clearly safe,
II not theoretically scientific founda-
kions. This may be secured without
my necessary contraction of the cir
sulatlng medium Of exchange and with
no danger Of an undue expansion, and,
best Of ALL this desirable end may carry
In Its eff.ct potential relief to those dis