The Philipsburg mail. [volume] (Philipsburg, Mont.) 1887-current, 1897-08-27
CARTER AND SILVER.
What the Montana Senator Has to Say
About the White Metal

What the Montana Senator Has to Say
About the White Metal.
Senator Thomas H. Carter, when
asked for his views on the Wolcott
mission said: Senator Ed Wolcott aud
his associates in the administration
from the start have most vigorously
stated that they have found the
French government willing and an
xious to earnestly cooperate with the
commission in bringing about interna-
tional bimetallisin on a safe, substan-
tial aud enduring basis - in other
words, to return to the monetary con-
ditions existing prior to 1878. It may
be that in dealing with the matter Of
ratio, 1915 instead of 16 to may be
insisted upon by cur associates. This
change from the coinage system of orr
own country would be to our advaL-
tage, while the adoption Of 16 to |
ratio would be decidedly to the dis
advantage of France, as all money Of
that country has heretofore been coined
on the ratio of 151s to t. We should lie
be in money by recoinlng it at l5le 10
/ while France would lose money ly
racoining at 16 to 1. The French ann
bassador in London is cooperating with
Senator Wolcott and his associates
for the purpose of securing the most
liberal cooperation on the part OF Great
Britain, and assurances are encourage
ing as to the opening Of the Indian
mints and possibly an increased use
of silver as part Of the reserve Of the
Bank of England. Our envOys arc
prosecuting their work Ill most judi
cious manner 1t is worthy of note
that the effort now being made is be-
ing conducted in wise. prudent and
diplomatic way, whereas conferences
heretofore called have been without
previous understanding, and resulted
in an open debate in conference be-
fore the whole world. each country
contending for it's own particular
views, and ministering to the popular
prejudice or feeling in the country rep
resented. I am informed that when
the commissioners understand defin-
| itely what England will do they con-
template visiting Germany for the pur-
pose of ascertaining what that govern
ment will contribute toward faci)itat-
ing the very sagacious movement
where ambassador White has been in
structed to cooperate with our ENJOYS
and the French ambassador to that
country. It seems reasonable to sup
pose that Germany will agree to keep
all her present silver in circulation and
will likewise in the future coin at
least all of the German product,
amounting to over 12,O0o, 900 ounces
per annum.
"After ascertaining what these large
countries of Europe, especially those
which were members of the Latin
union, together with the Russian gov
ernment, will do, it is understood
that our ENJOYS and the French govern
ment will consider whether or not the
situation is sufficiently promising to
Justify the restoration OF free coinage.
and if so, what the terms and methods
of reaching that end should be. OF
course a report will be made by the
envoys to our government, and the
French plan will be submitted to the
French chambers. All of this work
takes time. but no one can doubt that
when a conclusion is reached, upon
the broad and intelligent basis suggest
ed, it will have the element of perman-
ency, achieved without violence to
any interest and to the satisfaction
of all. The president is most earnest
in his cooperation and intensely de-
sirous to bring about solution of
this coinage question at the earliest
practical date upon solid, substantial
and permauent basis, l may be over
sanouine, but l feel inclined to predict
that within two years we shall see the
restoration of silver to free coinage at
substantially the old ratio, which of
course means return of tue market
value of silver to its old price of 81 2a
per ounce. in international as well as
home trade. The extreme gold men
in all parties are insufficient in NUN.
bers and influence to prevent the sue.
cess of the movement, if the frienGs
of silver will patiently and cordially
support the administration in the hon
est effort now being so intelligently
| m ada