The record-union., 1897-12-07
COMMENT ON
The MESSAGE.
Democratic Senators kverSe to Ex-
pressing Any Opinion.
Leading Republicans Of the Upper Branch
Think II an Able Document.
Silverites Not in Favor of His Pol
The Message as Discussed by
Members of the Lower House of
C0nUTeSS.

Congress.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.-Democratic
Senators were generally averse TO ex-
pressing any opinion upon the message.
Senator Roach was an exception to the
rule IN this class. He called especial
attention TO the Presidents declaration
that the Government is pledged to
maintain gold redemption. This" he
said, is a mere assumption. we have
not single obligation which is not
explicitly redeemable in COIN the word
gold being mentioned in none OF
them
Senator White Cd of California,
member of the Finance Committee, was
disposed to take the message jocular-
ly. He said: The message is very
elaborate, though its conclusions are
somewhat yelled. l regret that can
not agree with the Presidents Ha-
waiian notions, and that he has failed
TO inform us what we ought TO do con-
cernina, Secretary Cages great curren-
cy reform plan. l am glad to observe
that he adopts the views l have ire
quently urged regarding Cuba, and eX-
ecutive Jurisdiction upon the subject
of oelligerency.'
Views by Republican Senators were
expressed as follow Z
Senator Allison-I do not take the
despairing view concerning our cur
rency which the President presents.
While there are some improvements
which 1 should like to see made, L
think we shall be able to get along If
Iac 81 q
and as the situation presents itself now,
it looks as if it might be impracticable
to secure legislation on the lines or the
Presidents recommendations. The rec
concentrations in regard to Cuba are
humare and considerate.
Senator Hale-The recommendation IN
regard to Cuba is in all respects adml-
rable, and one with which | am much
pleased. On the subject of the finances.
the President does not press for imme-
date action, and, aus for myself, L do
not believe that such would be possible
under the circumstances.
Senator Hoar-It struck me as wise,
com pact and carefully considered docu-
ment.
Senator Foraker-As a whole, the
message is an able document, but l do
not agree with the Presidents conclu-
sions on the subject of international
law as applied to Cuba.
Senator Chandler am especially
pleased with the Presidents evident in
tention to maintain a policy in the in
terex,t of international bimetallism.
Senator Hanna-It is a statesmanlike
and American paper, impressive and
w
the confidence the country has in the
President.
Senator Smith O)-While some of
the Presidents recommendations with
regard to the currency may be well
enough, it must be evident to him that
at the present time they are impossi-
Bile Of enactment. His reference to
bonds is painfully suggestive of the in
adequacy of the present tariff law,
and while his policy in regard to CUBA
seems moderate, l hardly think 1t Is
in line with the supposed policy of the
Republican policy.
Senator Allen (Pop)-I do not care
to enter upon a criticism of the Presl-
dents utterance, but will say that L
fail to agree with him on his principal
suggestions of policy.
Senator Teller {silver Ri do not
believe that any legislation will be
enacted authorizing the retention of
the greenbacks in the Treasury until
somebody is willing to pay gold for
them. The radical advocates of the
gold standard will not be willing to ac-
cent this suggestion. nor will the silver
men. so far as 1 am informed, favor
this disposition of the financial ques-
ton. 1t may be that the AdminiStra-
ton may be willing to go further to
meet the demands of the So-called cur
rency reformers, but judging from the
utterances of the Secretary of the
Treasury, he will not be willing to make
further concessions. I do not believe
that the suggestion for the retiring of
the greenbacks will meet the approval
of the people, as such a course would
inevitably result in great contraction
of the currency. Indeed, it looks to me
as if the suggestions of the President
would not be satisfactory to any great
number of people Of any party. The
President is certainly mistaken when he
saws the Government is obliged to re-
deem its obligations in gold. 1t has
been the policy of the Administration
to so redeem, but there is no compul-
sion on this point.
Senator Pettigrew (silver R.)-The
President proposes to retire the green
backs, ard in so doing he tries to dis
guise the method by which it is to be
accomplished 1t is plain that if the
Presidents plan is adopted. no more
greenbacks can be in circulation than
there is gold in the Treasury. Thus
the arecnbaclks virtually become gold
certificates, and will be Immediately re-
tired.
Representative Dolliver R.) of Iowa
said. The Presidents message is a
clear and conservative statement of the
national situation. AS TO the currency
question, the Presidents omission to
urge in detail the most radical re-
forms proposed by Secretary Gage in
dicatas that he will exercise a good deal
Of charity toward Congress if that body
should fail to get together on the
question
Repre sentative Hit (F) of Illinois.
Chairman of the Committee on Foreign
Affa-rs-The message shows that the
President has promptly and effectively
acted en- the Cuban question He has
pressed upon the attention of the Span
ish Government the injuries our bust
ness interest were suffering. the impris-