The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-07-28
G0ge {cO|dS The Sen0fe
For Its Failure to Pass the Cur
rency Bill.

BOSION, Mass, July N-Lyman
Gage, secretary of the treasury, was
the guest of the business men of Bos-
ton at dinner in the Tuileries this
afternoon. Money was talked almost
exclusively and a number of gold
Democrats were among those who con-
tributed to the symposium. Mr.. Cages
reception was very enthusiastic one
and his address was eagerly listened
to. The passage of the tariff bill was
touched upon as incidental to what
was called the greatest problem now
confronting the country.
Secretary Gage held a reception be-
fore the banquet. Congressman Will
liam G. Levering, of Massachusetts,,
presided at the feast, briefly stating
why Boston business men felt SO keen
an interest in the national financial
affairs. L. Jefferson Coolidge gave the
welcome to Secretary Gage with a
tribute to the latter's position in finan-
-cial circles. Secretary Gage was then
introduced. He said:
we are met here in a period fraught with
great interests. Opposing forces met in No
vember last and contended bitterly over the
most vital of economic questions. While the
issue was pending the profitable arts of in
dustry came to nearly standstill. Trade
and commerce declined to the narroWeSt limits
and, in breathless suspense, those who could
comprehend the deep import of the issue wait
ed for it's determination. That issue is now
decided. The ballot, magic exponent OF the
popular will, has recorded its imperative voice
for honest money and for liberty regulated by
law. 1t now remains to be seen whether from
that decision there is to be any successful
appeal 1t is this that gives interest, anxious
interest, to the prospective action of those
who, clothed with legislative and executive
functions, have it in their own power to make
secure the fruits of victory, or who by fall
ing to comprehend their higher responsibility,
may let slip the advantages so hardly won.
Upon the possible doubts sinvolved in this
question, men of enterprise still hesitate and
the columns Of industry march slowly with
ranks not yet completely filed. Is there room
for doubt in so plain a Propositions? There
ought to be none. There would be none, ex-
cept for the working of that principle OF hu-
man nature which coaxes US to ease after ef-
fort-which induces us to contemplate rather
than act-that spirit of inactivity which on
more than one occasion kept the armies OF
the Union from annihilating the enemy, and
on another occasion so paralyzed the Confed-
crate columns as to turn them back from
the easy capture of our capital. Logical as
the duty of the government seems to be- do
not yourselves supinely rest upon the con-
clusiou that it will certainly be performed.
When it rains the roof is not mended be-
cause it rains; when 1t is fair the roof does
not leak and the indolent man forgets Its
weakness.
We have passed through a wearisome storm.
The loss and cost of it has been enormous,
but today the skies are fair the breeze of
prosperity brings comfort and restoration.
Shall we not be permitted to rest and enjoy
it? No. That would be to foolishly wait for,
if not to invite, further disaster in the future.
The final answer, however, must depend upon
the urgency or the Indifference Of the people.
The administrative branch of the govern
ment will not sleep nor rest inactive. Its in
f1uence has been and will be for prompt and
judicious action. The evidence of this fact
is fresh at hand In the message just now SUB
mitted to congress. by the president. But the
administration cannot make laws. 1t can only
execute them after they are made. 1t is then
to the legislative body that your thoughtful
attention should be given IL you desire finan-
will not consciously antagonize your we'll con-
sidered desires, but they must be informed
demand.
And now what is 1t that ought to be done
to give security and protection to the future?
10 this there are many answers, and to
every answer many objections. We have in
deed delicate and difficult problem to solve,
the difficulty being aggravated by the fact
that Ignorance from prejudice and passion
enter In to complicate and ;vex the solution.
This is one of the penalties which popular
government must pay in return for its multi
farlous and eminent benefits. With these
tience, find our way. The Recommendation of
the president for commission was admira-
bic In this, that 1t suggested way by which
a body of well trained and thoughtful men
could be provided to consider at leisure, with
out distraction from other pressing themes,
the important subject of currency and bank
ing reforms. 1t. at the same time, opened
forum to which could be admitted every con-
tributive suggestions from all classes and
conditions of men. And if there is anything
dear to an American heart it is the privilege
OF having his own say. Give him his say in
court let his argument be heard and then
If the jury is against him he rests satisfied
TO these incidental moral advantages may be
added the reasonable expectation that the
most valuable information, and finally to for