The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-11-22
REFORM IN THE CURRENCY.
The Outlook For Legislation on the
subject Bright.

Washington, Nov 2l.-The outlook for
currency legislation this winter is more
hopeful. This feeling Is shared, not only
by the members of the monetary COM
mission, who are now preparing an ex-
haustive and carefully considered report
on the subject of banking and currency
reform, but by friends of the reform gem
orally
Several weeks ago, before public atten-
ton had been directed to the commits
sion's work through the publication of the
views of eminent financiers, political econ
omlstS and others there was a strong be-
lief that this subject, Notwithstanding its
importance, would be overslaughed by the
discussions on the annexation of Hawaii.
the Cuban insurrection and other matters
of more popular and sensational interest.
Later information shows that public men
who, In published interviews at that time,
dismissed the subject with a curt declaTa-
tlon that nothing is likely to be done this
winter" now believe that congress will
carefully consider the question; that the
House is likely to pass some measure of
reform, and that the outlook In the Sen
ate is by no means hopeless.
This last conclusion is based on the fact
that the great majority of republicans,
other than those who are known to en-
tertaln ultra free silver views, and who
supported Mr.. Bryan for the presidency
last year, as well as certain sound money
democrats. will lend the weight of their
influence to the passage of such a meas
ure. There are abundant reasons for be-
lieving that President Mckinley, who
fully appreciates its Importance, Will in
his annual message point out the neces-
sity for such legislation. Secretary Gage
is deeply interested in the subject, as was
Ii. vl.H, ,l.
maturely made public few weeks ago,
and the recent utterances of Vice Presi-
dent Hobart at the Paterson Board of
Trade dinner, show that he, too, may
also be counted among the supporters Of
monetary reform. On that occasion the
Vice President said:
'The people demand currency reform In
this country and that at once. 1 believe
that the representatives will pass a cur
rency law that will meet the temper, the
tone the requirements of the people of
the United States. l know not how IL Will
be evolved, but l believe such bill win
be passed to harmonize the existing finan-
cial difficulties"
Those who know Mr.. Hobart do not be-
lieve that he would have made this em-
phatic statement had he not been famil-
lar with the purpose of the President and
the disposition of Speaker Reed The CO.
operation of these gentlemen is vitally
necessary to the success OF lne measure.
Without their cooperation it would be inn
possible to pass any measure of relief,
however simple The difficulty, however,
Is not In the House, and those who feel
that no legislation will be enacted are
frequently quoted as saying that such
bill may pass that body but that fur
ther progress viii be blocked In the Sem
ate On this point the Vice President also
had something TO say. 1t was this:
when ! was inducted into office, said
a few words which are just as true now
as they were then. on March 4, last,
said to the Senate that Legislative expe-
ditlon was the hope of the country. AN
the interests of good government and the
advancement of a better and higher con-
dition of things call for prompt and posi-
tive legislation at your hands. To OBJ
struct the regular course of wise and
provident legislative action, after the full
est and freest discussion, is neither con-
sIstent with true senatorial courtesy.
conducive to the welfare of the people,
nor in compliance with their just expec-
tation'"
This Ia interesting as showing how the
presiding officer of the Senate feels with
reference to flibustering and as indicat-
ing how far he might use his personal
influence to bring the currency measure
to a vote II an effort were made by its
opponents to talk 1t to death