The Van Buren press., 1897-07-31
Mekinley's Message on the Currency
Commission.

COMMISSION.
WASHINGTON. D. c., July "a
President Mckinley sent the following
special message to congress this after
noon
To the Congress OF the United States
In my message converting the congress
In extraordinary session, l called atten-
ton to a single subject-that of pro-
viding revenue adequate to meet the
reasonable and proper expenses of the
government. 1t seemed to be the most
pressing subject for settlement then.
A bill to provide the necessary revenues
for the government has already passed
the house of representatives and the
senate awaits executive action.
Another question of importance is
that of the establishment Of our
currency and banking system on
better basis. which | commented upon
in my inaugural address in the follow
ing words;
"Our financial system needs
revision our money is all good, but its
value must not further be threatened.
1t should all be put on an enduring
basis, not subject to easy attack nor
instability nor dispute.
THE forms of our paper money
offer, in my judgment, constant
embarrassment TO the government and
imperil safe balance in the treasury.
Nothing was settled more clearly at
the late national election than the
determination upon 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
nowhere questioned. No loss can
occur 70 its holders. Il is the system
which should be simpli1ed and
strengthened. keeping our money Just
as good as Il is now with less expense
To the government and the people.
The sentiment q TIE country Is
strongly in favor Of early action By
congress il this direction. . revise cur
currency laws and r=Z5ve them troZ
partisan eoatentlaa- ! 1o-4als assn
bly, Of business zen. with Delegates
from twenty nin= states and territories.
was held al indianapolis II Jz1uxrE q
this year. The financial sIt1afs01
commanded their earnest attention and
after a two days session the convention
recommended to congress the appoint
ment of monetary commission.
| commend this report to the CON
sideration of congress. The authors of
the report recommend commission
Ito 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
special session. 1t ought not be post
poned till the regular session.
therefore urge and recommend that
a special commission be created, non
partisan in its character, to be composed
Of we'll informed citizens of different
parties, who will command the con
fidence of congress, and because of
their special fitness for the work, whose
duty it shall be to make recommend
ations of whatever changes in our
present banking and currency laws may
be found necessary and expedient, and
to report their conclusions ON or before
the LIST dap of November next, in order
that the same may be transmitted by
me to congress for its consideration at
the first regular session. 1t is TO be
hoped that the report will be so com
prehensive and sound as to receive 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 charged with public
legislation and to greatly assist in the
establishment of an improved system of
finance. VIM. MCKINLEY.
Executive Mansion, July "a, 1897.
The president S message was read in
both houses. In the senate it was
referred to the finance committee. The
house adopted the Stone resolution,
embracing the president S recommend
ations, by a vote of 1874 to SO, but the
senate action defers the matter until
the next session of congress.
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