The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-29


morning. The chairman informed the cons
ference that Hugh II. Hanna, of this city,
chairman of the Monetary Commission OK
ecutive committee. would speak of the work
in which he had been engaged for the last
year. Mr. Hanna was loudly applauded.
He said that it was not his purpose to
make a speech, but to relate in a conversa-
tional way the story of the currency reform
movement
THE Republican party" he began,
'sprang from the head of the people full
grown in brain and muscle. 1t was the IN
suppressible of principle of right and JUS
tice manifest for action. The services of
the party have always been constructive.
1t is the only party of action. From it
only can we hope for progressive life as
nation and people. When the parties are
lined up to do battle in a national cam
paign always think of the Indiana Repub-
in the line-always in the thickest of the
fight. always think they send the braveSt
men to lead a charge.
In 1896 the Indiana Republicans in con-
vention bodily stood for sound money, when
neighboring States lodged, halted and
straddled. The courage of the fight ng Hoo
sier had more influence to stiffen the spinal
columns of the committee on resolutions III
the st. Louis convention than the express
sion of any other state platform. The Re
publican party went before the people with
two great issues, the tariff and sound mon
ey. The tariff has been. dealt with after
OF anticipated importationS the wisdom OF
the law will be apparent.
Il am a protectionist from principle and
fish stable prosperity. The money question
must be faced wisely deliberately and
ourageouSly. We are pledged to maintain
all of our money to parity with gold The
simple expression of sentiment in conven-
ton will not accomplish this. We need no
plain We must enact into law the dec
laTation of our integrity. Again l turn to
Indiana for brave men to lead the fight.
The rank and file of Indiana will stand by
the honest courage of their leaders. The
merchant, the farmer, the manufactures
every man who works for his bread-will
recognize the friendly stretched out
to save from depression, idleness and wreck.
The time for action is during the present
session of Congress- Courage now will de-
feat the attack to be made in the fall cleo
tions. Thirty congressman were elected by
small majorites. The loss of thirty con-
powerless, and the dangers menacing us in
1900 will exceed those of 1896.
Indiana has been foremost in aggressive
action for currency reform. 1t was the
logical center from which the movement
should emanate. If the Indiana delegation
will bravely stand as the neuclus around
which the vote in the House is to grow the
influence for strength will be very great.
There is no reason why we should be
reaches out in benefit to the greatest num-
Der is the method that should be chosen as
a foundation. Individuality of opinion for
preference in details can and should be sup
pressed for the sake of harmony in vital
features.
1.-THE chances for rational, comprehensive
monty believe. Only gradual changes are
possible, but the people expect steps to be
taken and are earnestly seeking for light.
Continuing, Mr. Hanna related the history
of the movement from November. 1896,
when. Immediately after the election, the
governors of the Indianapolis Board of
Trade invited representatives of other COM
mercial bodies in the cities of the central
West to attend a conference held Dec. l,
1896 The call was well received, and for
met and discussed the advisability of call
ing general conference. 1t was unanim-
ouSly decided to call a general conference.
In January the conference was held. Some
three hundred delegates came to Indianapo-
lis. AS a result the conference formulated
a declaration of principles and the chair
man appointed committee with instruc-
tons to go to Washington, and, if possible,
get the President to take action looking to
the appointment Of commission to take
up currency reform. Mr. Hanna recalled
how the President received the idea with
great favor sent message to Congress,
failed in the Senate. Thereupon the COM
mittee itself appointed commission of
eleven men.
"They were chosen" said Mr.. Hanna,
''for their eminence, integrity and ability,
with the special thought in mind that they
should serve the ,people--the whole people.
They have served most faithfully and UNI
tiringly for three months without compen-
sation and at personal and business sacrt-
fees: plan. has been completed within
the last few days, and it will be published
next Monday morning. 1t will take until
then to distribute it through the Associated
Press and other press organizations to some
1000 newspapers throughout the country.
The plan, in my opinion, will appeal to you
as a rational measure, worthy of your sup
port. / appeal to you for your attention to
this plan for currency reform. If there is
any better plan or better way, no one will
be more willing than to follow it.
1T is of Importance that the bankers and
moneyed institutions should get closer to the
people There is an unmstakable feeling of
a war between them. While there is no
real reason for it, while differences are
imaginary it is as much of a bar to pros
perity and content as If it were real We
will never root the principle of Populism
out of the people until their needs are met
fairly and justly The wants of the small
must be met. In my own experience
have come in contact with the small bor
rowers in banking, and | believe that the
small borrowers can be built up for prompt
ness and reliability as well or better than
the great borrowers. 1t is not my hope
that there will be any particular recognition
of the subject this afternoon, but it is my
desire that the people may be assured that
action will be taken. ] believe that the
people expect the Republican party to be
courageous in action. The farmer calls to
the party and depends upon it as much as
the manufacturer. We have to recognize
the farmer as courageous in dealing with
these vital and essential subjects We ask
how is the farmer on the money question,
because we know the farmer as we'll as the
business man considers these things and
has strong convictions when he votes"
Mr. Hanna thanked the conference for the
attention with which he had been honored.
His remarks were frequently interrupted by
applause. 1t was renewed as he retired.
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