The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-02-20
THE FINANCIAL OUTLOOK.
Probable Eject OF an international


Probable Eject of an Internationsl
Conference.
The public appreciation OF the selec-
ton OF Mr.. Gage for secretary OF the
treasury must give qualification to Maj.
Mckinley. 1t is so general and hearty
that Mr.. Gage himself may also regard
il as a high compliment. Rarely have
leading journals of both parties so gen
orally expressed satisfaction at the
choice of a man for this peculiarly
difficult position. 1t is true that the
union of sound money" democrats with
republicans in tie direct or indirect
support of Maj. Mckinley renders 1t
natural that sound fnancier OF high
standing, great ex perience and eminent
~ qualified to represent the views OF
both parties so far as they agree should
be equally gratifying to both. Pos
sibly there is an especial note of re
joicing in the utterances of free traders
because they imagine that Mr.. Gage
may lean toward their wishes regarding
the tariff. But they may profitably note
his own frank statement that il will
belong to the president himself to
mark out the policy of his administra-
ton. There is nothing to indicate that
Mr.. Gage will find it difficult to accept
that policy heartily, and without re-
serve.
Many journals express especial sat
isfaction because the selection of Mr.
Gage removes all possible doubt re-
garding the maintenance of the gold
standard. This it would il there were
doubt, but there is something not at
all creditable in the course of some
journals which have persistently ex-
pressed doubts on that subject, and
imagine that, for the sake of carry
ing through protective measure, the
president would be willing to make
large concessions to silver men. The
doubts were more discreditable to them
than insulting to Maj. Mckinley, whose
unequivocaf statements have left moth
ing to be desired on that subject. He
was equally pledged by his party and
by his own continually repeated dec
larations during the campaign to carry
the other, sacrificing or sighting
neither. and he has been as certain
to maintain the gold standard as to
protect home industry to the full ex-
tent of his power rs president. There
has not been at any time n decent ex-
crsc for doubt regarding his purpose
on either subject.
The passing OF provision for APP
pointment of delegates to an interna-
tional bimctallic conference is in en-
tire harmony with the principles and
to which Maj. Mckinley and
his party are pledged. Men who brush
aside every objection to that end with
the cheap assertion that nothing can
possibly be accomplished by such a
conference, and that no concert of ac-
ton with other nations would be in
The least beneficial IL it could be eff
fected, are simply giving voice TO their
own prejudiccs. Whether anything can
be effected has get TO be ascertaiued.
One thing is certain. that the United
States alone has been the sufficient bar
'ier to cay serious consideration of the
subject so long as it has been trying |
10 lift the value of silver all alone and
TO open its minis 10 free
coinage OF that metal. Now that it
has been settled by the people that
the United States will take no step in
that direction until ths other great
nations are prepared to bear their part,
the question goes before them on an
entirely new footing. What they may
oe disposed to do, if anything. can only |
De ascertained by sober and careful in |
luiry. having behind it the declared |
policy of the United States to main |
ain the gold standard. If nothing can
De accomplished the people of this coun-
ny will know that the responsibility |
'ests not with their government, and,
the circumstances be wholly |
evil for other countries or not, this |
will be in position 10 maintain \
is own prosperity.-N. y. Tribune.