The San Francisco call., 1897-12-07
CONGRESSMEN TALK
ON THE MESSAGE

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.-Senators were
generally averse to expressing any opin-
ion upon the message.
Senator Roach was an exception to the
rule among Demoorts. He called
especial attention to the Presidents
declaration that the Government l.
pledged 10 maintain gold redemptio
This" he said, sis a mere assumption.
We have not single obligation which is
not explicitly receemabe in COM the
word gold being mentioned in none of
them"
Senator White (D.) of California, mem
ber Of the Finance Committee, was dis
posed TO take the message jOcularly. lie
said, The message is very elaborate,
though its conclusions are somewhat
veiIed. regret that / cannot agree with
the Presidents Hawaiian notions and
that he has failed 10 inform US what We
ought to do concerning Secretary Cages
great currency reform Han. l am glad to
obs erve that ne adopts the views have
frequently urged regarding Cuba and eX-
ecutive jurisdiction upon the subject of
belligerency."
Views by Republican Senators were ex-
pressed as follows:
Senator Allison-I do not take the de-
spairing view concerning our currency
which the President presents While
there are some improvements which
would like 10 see made, l think we shall
be able to get along II We 10 not get any
currency legislation, and as the situation
presents itself now, 1t looks as If 1t might
be mpracucable to secure Legislation Oh
the lines of the Presidents recommends a.
tions. The recommend in regard
TO Cuba ara hum ne and considerate.
Senator Hale-The recommendation in
regard to Cuba is in all respects admira Bile
and one with which / am much pleased
On the subject of the finances the Presi-
dent does not press for immediate action, B.,
and. as for myself, l do not believe that
such would be possible under the circum-
stances.
Senator Hoar-It struck me as a wise.
compact and carefully considered docu-
ment.
Senator Foraker-As a whole the mes
sage is an able document, but do not
agree with the Presidents conclusions on
the subject of International law as applied
TO Cubh.
Senator Chandler Il an especially
pleased with the Presiuent's evident in
tention to main :ain policy in the inter.
est of international bimetallism.
Senator Hanna-lt is a statesmanllke
yincing, and one which will confirm the
confidence the country has IN the Presl-
dent.
Senator Smith Cd. while some of the
Pre1ide..t's commentators with regard
| TO the currency may be well enough ii
| must be evident 10 him that at the pres
| ent time they are i'm possible of enactment.
His reference 10 bonds is painfully sugge =
i've OF the inadequacy of the prese mt tariff
! law, and while his policy In regard 10
| Cuba seems moderate / hardly think il is
in line with the supposed policy of the
| Republican rarty.
| Senator Allen (Pop.)-I do not care to
! enter upon criticism of the Presidents
| utterances, but / Will say that | fail to
agree with him on his three principal sug-
| gestions of policy.
Senator Teller (Si. R. Il do not believe
| that any legislation will be enacted au-
| thor zing the retention OF the green backs
in the treasury until somebody is willing
| to pay gold for them. The ra iical advo-
! Gates Of the gold standard will not be will
| ing 10 accept this suggestion, nor will the
| silver men, so lar Is | am informed, favor
this disposition OF :he financial question.
| Ii may be that the administration may be
willing TO go on further 10 meet the de-
mands OF the so-called currency refoTm m
ers. But. judging from the utterances OF
/ the Secretary OF the Treasury. ne will be
| willing To make further concessions. do
| not believe that the suggestion for the
tying up of the green backs will meet the
approval OF the people, as such a course
would inevitably result in great con rae
tion of the currency. Indeed, it looks 10
| me il the suggestions of the President
would not be satisfactory TO any great
mum ber of people of anyLpa The
| President is certainly mistaken when he
says the Government il Obliged TO redeem
its Obligations in gold 1t has been The
policy of the administration TO so redeem,
| but there is no compu sion on this oint
Senator Peitigrew (Sii R)-The Pres
dent proposes to retire the greenbacks. and
| in doing so he tries to disguise the IN tn cd
| by which it is TO be omplished. 1t is
plain that if the Presidents D an is
adopted, no more greenbacks can be in
circulation than there is goli In the treas
ury. Thus the greenbacks virtually be-