The record-union., 1897-07-28

BOSTON, July 21.-The dinner OF
Boston business men to Secretary Gage
at the Tuilleries this afternoon was at
tended by about $50 of the leading men
sn the professional and commercial life
in the city. An informal reception was
held preceding the dinner, which oc-
CURED at 2:45 o'clock. Among those
present were: VIM. c. Lowering. who
presided, Governor Wolcott Mayor
Quincy, Hon Charles S. Hamlin, ex-
Assistant Secretary of Treasury; t.
Jefferson Collidge, ex-United States
ambassador to France; Hon. ]. R. Lee
son, VIM. B. Rice, Jr., and many others.
On being introduced Secretary Gage,
after alluding happily to incidents in
Boston's early history, continued:
But we cannot live in the history of
the past. The present is making its own
history, less bloody, perhaps not so full
of dramatic elements, but equally influ-
ential, it may be, upon future desti-
nies. We have met here in a period
araught with its own interests. OPP
posing forces met in November last and
contended bitterly over the most vital
of economic questions. While the issue
was pending the profitable arts of in
y
and commerce declined to the narrowest
limits, and in a breathless suspense
those who could comprehend the deep
Import of the issue waited for its de-
Termination.
THAT issue is now decided. The bal
Dot, magic exponent of the popular will,
Has recorded its imperative voice for
honest money and for liberty regulated
by law. It 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 power to make secure
the fruits Of victory or who, by failing to
comprehend their high responsibility,
may let slip the advantages so hardly
won.
"Upon'the possible doubts involved In
this question men of enterprise still hes
itate and, the columns of industry march
slowly, with ranks not get completely
sdilled. Is there room for doubt in so
plain a proposition? There ought to be
none. There would be none except
for the working of that principle of
human nature which coaxes us to ease
after effOrt-which induces US to con-
template rather than act.
Light as the duty of our Government
seems to be, do not yourselves supinely
rest upon the conclusion that it will GER
tainly be performed. When it rains
the roof is not mended because it rains;
when it is fair the roof does not leak,
and the indolent man forgets it's weak
ness. We have passed through a weari
some storm. The loss and cost Of it has
been enormous, but to-day the skies are
fair and the breeze of prosperity brings
comfort and restoration. Shall we not
De permitted to rest and enjoy it? No.
THAT would be foolish to wait
for, if not to invite further disaster in
the future. The administrative branch
of the Government will not sleep nor rest
inactive. Its influence has been and will
be for prompt and judicious action. The
evidence of this fact is fresh at hand
dn the message just now submitted to
Congress by the President.
Now what is it that ought to be done
TO give security and protection to the
future? To this there are many answers
and to every answer many objections.
I'VE have indeed a delicate and difficult
gravated by the fact that ignorance,
prejudice and passion enter into COM
1licate and vex the situation. This is
one of the penalties which popular Gov
ernment must pay in return for its null
hilarious and eminent benefits. With
fbese drawbacks we can, nevertheless,
teYith patience find our way.
"Thet accommodation of the President
HOr a commission was admirable in this
that it suggested a way by which a body
tDf we'll trained and thoughtful men
could be provided to consider, at leisure,
without distraction from other pressing
fhemes, the important subject of cur
Srency and banking reform. 1t at the
ssame time opened a forum to which
could be admitted every contributive
suggestion from all classes and condi-
lions of man. And if there is anything
dear to an Americans heart, it is the
privilege of having his say. Give him
Hlis say in court; let his argument be
feard, and then if the jury is against
9lim, he rests satisfied. To these Incl
dental moral advantages may be added
7he reasonable expectation that the
commission would have been able TO