The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-06


tain the gold standard. The so-called silver
Republicans who remain in the Republican
party and contend that the Republican
party is friendly to silver will find no en-
couragement in the Presidents message
and it will strike all as one somewhat sing
ular that if the Republican party, as it is
claimed is in favor of international BIZ
metallism, the President makes no refer
ence to it."
VIEWS OF MR.. HIT.
Following some of the opinions ex-
pressed by members of Congress upon the
Presidents message:
Representative Hit, chairman of the
House committee on foreign affairs, said:
"The President has summarized and solved
in an able and felicitous manner many of
the questions in mems minds everywhere
touching the immense and rapidly succeed
ing recent events and the situation in which
the Nation finds itself. His simple propo-
sition to let the new possessions alone, un-
der just and firm governments by the mill
tary arm which conquered them, gives us
time for plenty of discussion OF all the
propositions for their permanent govern
ment. The problem of governing the Cubans
he deals with gently and hopefully, and
everybody will wish that his forecast of
stable government there will be realized
sooner than ever yet has happened to
Spanish-American population"
Representative Walker, chairman Of the
committee on banking and currency: II
am asked what think of the currency and
banking features of the Presidents mes
sage. 1 do not see that it has any such
features. l have not been able to detect
any. 1t contains only one recommendation
fo fIa that n q former
message to change the United States legal
tender notes into gold certificates, which
would have no effect on the banking and
currency situation but to add to the burden
of taxation, without in any degree favorably
affecting the general banking and currency
situation
Mr.. Grosvenor, of Ohio: THE message is
not along beaten paths. 1t is not en-
numbered with platitudes and is written in
a very attractive style. The contribution
to history in the elaborate recitation of the
events of the war are in good taste and
devoid of boasting vanity. The comment
upon the incidents of the war and the valor
of our men-naval and military--and the
fine work of all our seamen and artilcers,
will be found fully justified by the facts.
The ideas of the President on the question
of currency reform will meet the iuteln-
gent sanction of sound-money men of all
parties. The wide scope Of the message,
touching so many great questions, forbids
a detailed review in his brief interview.
The message, on the whole, is able and
eninently satisfactory, and I believe will
be generally indorsed at home and abroad"
General Wheeler (Dem.), Of Alabama: "It
is a clear and comprehensive resume of
events which transpired during an eventful
period of our country's history 1t Will be
referred to as one Of the noted state pa
pers."
Representative McMillin (Dem) of Ten
nessee; "On the most important question
confronting the Nation-what shall we do
with our newly acquired possessions? the
Presidents message reminds me of the
caption of the last chapter of Johnson
Raselas, the conclusion in which moth
ing is concluded
SILVER DOLLAR" BLAND.
Representative Bland Dem, MissourD
said: 1.-THE message, so far as the currency
question is concerned, is very BRIEF and
contains nothing new and nothing beyond
former recommendations. / might remark
that on the great leading issue, which is
and will be the paramount questionable free
coinage Of silver-the message Is ominously
SILENT but no proposition on the money
question can be considered without at the
same time considering this question"
Representative Cummings (Dem., New
York; 'It is a clear, concise statement of
facts, without speculation, suggestion or
recommendation. / have an idea that the
real message will be sent in hereafter"
Chairman Dingley, of the ways and means
committee, said. 1.-THE message is an excel
lent resume Of the important events of the
last year, with a clear presentation of the
existing situation and valuable suggestions
that will aid materially at the proper time
hereafter in solving the different problems
before us. 1t is to be noted that the Presi-
dent states that our revenue laws are work
ing well, with no suggestion of any needed
modification. The message, although
lengthy, is so valuable a recital of the his
tory making events of the last year that it
will be read with unusual interest"
Mr.. Richardson (Dem- Tennessee): 1.-THE
President makes most interesting and sat
isfactory review of the Spanish war, but it
is disappointing in that he failed to tell us
what we are to do with the new possessions.
1t is just as appropriate now as it will be
after the treaty of peace for him to tell us
what is to be the future Of the new terri
tory. 1t might help to get the treaty rati-
fed If he had solved the trouble 1t is in
teresting to note the fact that three-fourths
of the. message relates to foreign affairs
and less than one-fourth to home matters.
Banking and currency and all financial re-
form legislation, so properly promised in
1896, get no mention, and our condition in
respect to these matters is to be left un-
changed"
Mr.. Bingham (Rep., Pennsylvania): "a
brave, clear and comprehensive message.
Strong as the President is in the confidence
and esteem of the people, his message will
insure greater confidence. If possible, and
strengthen his recommendations to Congress
in carrying out a wise and Christian policy
in connection with the many obligations the
war has forced upon u.s."
Representative Bailey, OF Texas, the Dem
ocratic floor leader was called from the
House by the illness of his son, and asked
to be excused from expressing his views on
the message.
CUBANS SATISFIED.
G.