The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-18
AN OVATION TO NIX. CLEVELAND.

AN OVATION TO MIR. CLEVELAND.
AT n banquet Of tho Boston Bank Off
GERS Association In Boston, on Thursday
night last, POSTMASTER Alfonso +. Weeks
claimed for the bankers Of the country
much OF the credit OF McKinley's election,
and he lauded Mr.. Cleveland for his
work in behalf OF the single standard.
His reference TO Mr.. Mckinley was re-
ceiyed in silence. but mis- mention Of
Cleveland was received with the widest
outburst OF applause. This is a singular
testimonial TO the difference in the i'm
pressions made upon the minds Of men
by earnest. persistent devotion to those
everlasting principles upon which all
social order must rest, and the impression
made by a coquetry with them that leaves
men In doubt as to whether an individual
Is really their friend or Indifferent to
them.
When Mr.. Cleveland left the Presiden-
tial chair. he was the most unpopular
President the country ever had. IL his
popularity was TO be judged OF by the
utterances OF those who are bent upon
setting this country adrift upon the high
seas that are without landmarks or
lighthouses. But that class is always
without anchoring ground. They are
blown towards one quarter to-day. and
when the wind changes. they are blown
fev, L. e.. rl.r.
no fixed convictions TO which they cling
in all weathers, but they are always
ready to change from one scheme that
promises fruitful rewards without labor,
to any other that will give them rest.
easy and abundance for the mere asking
for them.
These people never have shaped the
opinion that finally controls in any coun-
try. and they are not going TO shape what
will control in this. The still waters run
deepest. and Mr.. Clevelands course dur
ing his second term as President appealed
TO the men who understand that nothing
is TO be had in this life that is worth
having except by labor and that the way
TO increase what is worth having so that
as many Of the people may share It as
possible. is to go on with labor and turn
a deaf ear 10 every argument or project
that would interfere in the smallest de-
gree with every man retaining and en-
joying whatever he has once acquired.
1t was this class that heard Mr.. McKin-
ley's name in silerce. but burst into vo-
ciferous applause when Mr. Cleveland's
name was mentioned.
1t was a body of bankers who gave
this applause. 1t Is true. and the class
we have been discoursing Of make their
principal stock in trade the denunciation
OF bankers.
I'VE do not pretend to say there IS any
more charity or philanthropy in bankers
than in any other class, but. upon the
other hand. it is simply silly to say that
there is any less. Men are very much the
same in whatever class you find them.
some being good and some being bad. in
all the walks of life, with the average
opinion, there is as much, and perhaps
more, intelligent. appreciative and correct
understanding Of the fundamental prin-
ciples upon which social order must rest,
amongst bankers as amongst any other
class whatever. Their business makes
them understand pre-eminently, FOR in
stance, that there can be no solid pro-
gress amongst a people without q fixed
standard Of value that enables every
citizen to know with precision what he is
contracting about when he enters into
negotiation OF any sort. The applause
which these bankers gave Mr.. Cleveland.
therefore is the advance echo Of what
will be the universal chorus Of the Ameri-
can people when party passion cools. and
the frothy demagogues that now lash
the minds Of the ignorant into fury, have
passed OF the stage. and the sober, COM
mon sense OF the American people has
again asserted itself and taken possession
Of the Legislature and executive depart
ments Of this Government.
There was a great deal in Mr.. Cleve-
lands course as President which we did
not like-which even excited our intensest
disgust-but his answering and fearless
resolve that this country's standard Of
value should not be tempered with or
lowered in the smallest degree while he
held the reins Of power. commanded our
most enthusiastic admiration, and will
make his place in the history Of this ma
ton one OF the most honored that has
fallen TO the lot OF any President the
country has ever had
Is THIS CHRISTIAN NATION?
on Sunday following the inaueuration