The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-07-24
CURRENCY MESSAGE.
The President Asks Congress
to Appoint a Commission.

Washington, July 24.-The president
this afternoon sent the following mes
sage to congress:
To the Congress of the United States:
In my message convening congress in
extraordinary session, I called attention
to single subject-that of providing
revenue adequate to meet the reaSOna-
BILE and proper expenses of the govern
nent. 1t seemed to be the most press
ing subject for settlement then. A bill
to provide the necessary revenues for
the government has already passed the
house of representatives and the senate
and awaits executive action.
Another question of Importance is
that of the establishment of our cur
rency and banking system on better
basis, which commented upon In. my
inaugural address in the following
words:
'Our financial system needs a revis-
ion; our money is all good, but its val
ue must not be further threa tened. 1t
should all be put on an endura BILE basis,
not subject to easy attack, nor sta bility
nor dispute.
The forms of our paper money offer
in my Judgment a constant embarrass-
ment to the government and imperils
safe balance in the treasury
Nothing was settled more clearly at
the late national election than the de-
termination on the part Of the people to
keep their currency stable in value and
equal to the most advanced nations of
the world.
The soundness of our currency is no
where questioned. No loss can occur to
its holders. 1t is the system which
should be simplified and strengthened,
keeping our money just as good as it is
now, with less expense to the govern
ment and the people.
The sentiment of the country is
strongly in favor of early action by
congress in this direction to revise our
currency laws and remove them from
partisan contention. A notable as
sembly of business men with delegates
from 29 states and territories was had
at indianapolis in January of this year.
The financial situation commanded
their earnest attention, and after two
days session, the convention recon-
mended to congress the appointment of
a monetary commission.
commend this report to the consider
alton of congress. The authors of the
report recommend a commission to
make thorough investigation of the
monetary affairs and needs of this
country in all relations and aspects and
to make proper suggestions as to any
evils found to exist and the remedies
therefor.
This subject should have been called
to the attention of congress at the spe-
cia1 session 1t ought not to be post
pOned till the regular session.
l therefore urge and recommend that
a special commission be crea ted, nom
partisan in its character, to be cOmpOS-
ed of well informed citizens of different
parties, who will command the conf
dence of congress and the cause of their
special fitness for the work, whose duty
it shall be to make recommendations of
whatever changes in our present bank
ing and currency laws may be found
necessary and expedient, and to report
their conclusions on or before the 1st
day of November next, in order that
the same may be transmitted by me to
| congress for its consideration at its first
regular session.
1t is to be hoped that the report will
be so comprehensive and sound as to re-
ceive the support of all parties and the
favorable action of congress. At all
events such a report cannot fail to be
of value to the executive branch of the
government, as well as to those charg-
ed with the public legislation and to
greatly assist in the esta blishment of
an improved system of finance.
| (Signed) VIM. MCKINLEY.
T. Tr11x-