The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-30
How 1t Is Viewed by Currency Re-
formers and Those Opposed to
Financial Legislation.
AN EASY MATTER TO REMEDY
MEASURE MAY BE CHANGED To
MEET MIA. DAwEs's OBJECTIONS.
Adoption of the Gold Standard tbe
ey Men-Praise for Dir. Heath.

Special TO the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON. Nov. 29.-Mr. IT. TT
Hanna, of Indianapolis, had an interview
with the President to-day and left for
Boston on an evening train. He viii be in
indianapolis the last OF the week Before
leaving the city Mr.. Hanna reiterated his
conviction that the Fifty-sixth Congress-
would be called in extra session in Marcia
next year and that monetary legislation
would be enacted at that session.
Through its premature publication in
Philadelphia paper the annual report OK
Controller Dawes has become public prop-
erty in Washington and his attack on the
national bank feature of the McCleary bill
is being widely discussed. His assault on
the bill is against that feature only and 1t
can safely be assumed that the measure
will be amended to meet the objections
urged by the controller. When the issue or
asset" bank notes was first proposed tho
fear was general that such notes would nor
be backed by sufficient security TO satisfy
the public and make them acceptable fore
general circulation. 1t is claimed that tho
investigation into the subject by Controller
Dawes and his actuaries proves that In
point of fact the notes would be Oversee
cured If the plan proposed in the McCeary
bill were adopted and that the surplus se-
itors. BY striking out the provision OF n.
first lien the bank assets, which -SefiS
bill gives to note holders, the obiectioa
raised by Mr.. Dawes falls to the ground
Opponents of currency reform and the
general run of Iukeworm Republicans, who
would like to see the question shelved, ara
pleased at the attack which Controller
Dawes makes against the proposition to
issue asset" or uncovered national bank
notes. They pretend to believe that the
controller has delivered a knockout blow,
and that he has put currency reform into ita
coffin. Instead of that he has merely
pointed out possible defect in one fea-
ture of the bill, which defect can be cureds
and the bill thereby made all the stronger.
Primarily, currency reformers ask that q
declaration for the gold standard be writ
ten into the law of the land. That done,
the enactment of law providing for the
gradual retirement of the greenback and
the substitution of a sound banking curren-
cy follows in logical sequence. The Presi-
dent and the trainers of the bills whict
have met the approval of the monetary COM
mission and many members Of Congress
are not in entire accord as to the best meth
cd of retiring the greenbacks. but all agree
that they should be retired without unnec-
essary disturbance, and without embarrass-
ing the commerce, manufacturer and gener-
al business of the country. There being subs
stantial agreement upon the main issues.
the question settles down to one or agree.
ment upon details. That is the situations
as it stands at this moment In Washington.
Those who are in the confidence of the
executive are convinced that If he could be
certain that Congress would leave him free
TO formulate a plan for the government and
regulation of Porto Rico, Cuba, Hawaii and
the Philippines, he would not hesitate to cali
a special session of Congress early nexk
March, Their efforts will, therefore, be di~
rected to putting his mind at rest on that
point, and of giving him insurance against
congressional interference until he has had
time and opportunity to perfect plan for
the management of our new possessions.
They believe this will be an easy matter.
The washington Star editoriaIly compli1
ments Col. Perry S. Heath, first assistant
postmaster general, on his administration oa
that responsible office The editorial cons
cludes with this paragraph: "A great boom
has been extended pensioners in the order
directing postofices to cash pension checks
at par. OF all Mr. Heath's recommendations
none will meet with more earnest supports
than that which recommends classificas
tion of the postoffice clerks along with the
carriers. These clerks deserve the protec@
ton which the civil service affords 1t ID
in the management of the rural free de-
livery that Mr.. Heath has most fully dem-
onstrated his ability. lie inaugurated ana
extended that system until to-day its ramih-
cations are all over the United States"