New-York tribune., 1898-01-29
TIE PRESIDENTS GREAT SPEECH.


The country always listens intently when the
President speaks, but President has rarely
been the centre and the cause of such demon
stration Of enthusiasm as was witnessed at the
Manufacturers dinner on Thursday evening
Currency reform may have been considered
dull subject by many persons heretofore. but it
is full Of intense life when II is identified by
the Chief Magistrate Of the United States with
the preservation Of the honor Of the Nation and
the personal honor of the millions whose delb
crate votes put the present Administration in
power There has been manifest disposition
on the part Of many private citizens whose own
views Of the monetary question are sound. and
of some nke-minded individuals in public life
10 avoid discussion, 10 et a difficult situation
alone. 10 wait IN hope without doing anything
10 bring the fulflment Of hope nearer. Upon
this policy OF acquescence in the neglect Of
solemn pledge President Mckinley squarey
turned his back last Thursday evening. In
strain Of animated eloquence he declared the
need of preserving the Nations faith unianted
forever and that declaration would have been
Impressive and valuable If he had said nothing
more. But he took a higher view Of his obliga
ton and made a full use Of his opportunity. ut
will not suffice" he exclaimed. for citizens
"of sound money That is not enough. The
peoples purpose must be given the vitality Of
public law Better an honest effort with fail
"ure than the avoiding OF so plain and conf
"mandlng a duty"
II every revelation Of American character
which history has recorded is not misleading
that Is declaration of the sort that vast
majority of the American people like TO hear
x.ssn
the Presidents financial views but there are
very few Of them who do not look with respect
and admiration upon a man Of courage, and with
aversion upon a coward The President mas set
mp standard to which those who share his
convictions may and ought TO rally. There is
no necessity for the adoption OF a domineerng
tone and temper. but there Is every reason for
a resolute advance along the path which the
people IN 1896 deliberately chose. Half heart
"edness never won battle. Nations and par
ties without abiding principles ana stern reso-
"ution to enforce them, even II It costs a con-
"tlnuous struggle 70 do so and temporary sac.
"rlfce. are never in the highest degree success
'ful leaders in the progress Of mankind For
Gus 10 attempt nothing in the face OF the preva
lent fallacies and the constant effort to spread
them is TO lose valuable ground already won.
"and practically TO weaken the forces Of sound
money for their battles Of the future"
Ia those firm and temperate words Of Presi-
dent Mckinley The line IS drawn between the
timd and evasye adherents Of great cause
and its real supporters He is everastingly
right IN declaring that Republicans and those
who served with them in the last campaign are
bound by the ST. Louis platform. II was not
all apology but a pledge which they offered.
II must re redeemed II possible At the least
an effort 70 redeem II must be made; and not
an effort which will be doomed 10 failure In
advance by confession OF Its hOpelessness but