New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-07-13
AGITATION THAT rs NOT TIMELY.

Is there any reason in reviving currency agl-
tation and stimulating the destructive silver
men and all the monetary Quacks and cranks
into pernicious activity by declaration that
the monetary system which has served for
many years will not answer any longer and
must now be changed In order to save the coun-
try from disaster? There are some men who
think so. They seem unable to remember four
teen years Of prosperity under this same sys-
ten, years in which the Nations progress In
wealth and development Of industry were I'M
rivalled by any other nation known to human
history thus far. Kindly sympathy plying
recollection Of better days. when these men
were coolerheaded and more practical, may
warrant the most gentle reference to their hal
fluctuations; but Is there any good reason for
putting the Nation into false position and stir
ring up all the crauks to do all the mischief
they can?
The Government stands on a solid footing so
long as it maintains, with the last Republican
platform. on which President Mckinley was
elected that the existing currency has been
made and shall be kept every dollar as good
as gold" that 1.-The existing gold standard must
be preserved" and that "all our silver and
paper currency must be maintained at parity
with gold" This is an intelligent declaration
dcusly strengthened in weight with the peo-
pie by the fact that the election Of Repub-
lean President and Congress without any
change of currency laws whatever has COM
pietey removed all monetary apprehension.
Panlcs have vanished like bats Of the night;
boards Of gold have been unlocked: enterprise
and capital have prepared for the utmost vigor
after n tariff for protection and for revenue
has been provided. and men in practical bust
ness are no longer frettlng themselves about a
possibility Of impairment or debasement of the
currency This state of things having been
reached by the Republican declaration and
pledge. followed by Republican victory. what
occasion is there for new declaration that the
currency is not sound and safe and that the
system needs an elaborate OyeihaullnS and re-
building?
The worst Of II is that I'm one branch Of Con-
cless. beyond q peradventure, those who advo-
cate a revolutionary and destructive policy OF
free silver coinage have clear majority. 1t is
evident to all that the healthy financial condi-
tons which have resulted from Republican
n,cdpes and success have much improved the
minds Of some Senator's. who are willing to pass
a Republican tariff and to give fair trial TO the
Republican belief that sufficient tariff for pro-
lection and for revenue will without further leg
isation remove difficulties and anx.etles about
money. No one can tell how far these Sen
ators may be Influenced by the practical results
of the tariff about TO be passed. But. II forced to
vote or speak now In anticipation OF all those
n Sul,s these Senator's can only reiterate tiici'
idea that frcesilver coinage is the sole sufficient
panacca, and thus commit themselves anew to
efforts which are dangerous TO the public pros
perity. Is it the right time 10 force the none
tary question upon them, when nothing practi-