The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-02-01
DANGER IN ATTEMPTING TOO MUCH.

There is sometimes as much danger in
too much reform as in too little. This
should be kept in mind by the gentlemen
who are so anxious to undertake to legis-
late in favor of the retirement of the
green backs and the substitution of ma
tionsI bank notes. For this proposition
on it's merits there is much to be said.
But it seems to US that it is exceedingly
unwise to press it now. The vote in the
Senate on the Teller resolution showed
that the permanency of the existing gold
standard is still threatened. that the free
silver forces are active and belligefent.
and that in all probability the question
which formed the chief issue OF the cam
paign of 1896 will be the leading one in
the contest of 1900. Such being the case,
it would be exceedingly dnwise
to undertake any legislation that
would tend TO introduce discord into
the anti-silver forces. AS long as the
basis of our currency is threatened atten-
| ton should be concentrated upon it to
protect it and make it secure. When that
| is safe will be time enough to make
changes in the superstructure. All those
who are in favor of maintaining the ex-
listing gold standard are not in favor of
the retirement of the greenbacks, and
the substitution of national bank notes.
Right here in New England where the
sentiment in favor of the gold standard
is overwhelming we question very muc b
if even majority would favor the retire
ment of the greenbacks. The projection
of this question, therefore, into the arena
of discussion would serve to divide the
gold forces. and the debate might become SO
hot as to entirely obscure the Fundamental
question of the basis Of our currency, and
betray men into unwittingly voting with
those who are plotting TO substitute for
the rock of gold recommendation the shift
ing sands of silver recommendation. 1t is
offered in some quarters Us Il reason for
retiring the greenbaoks that it is neces'
sary to protect he gold standard. Ii such
were the case 1t would be a convincing
argument for that policy. 1t is not only
not necessary. but in view of the discord
it would introduce into the ranks of the
supporters of the present standard, II
might constitute a positive danger to the
that standard. A silver majority in the
Senate and House and silver President
in the White House could open the minis
to the free coinage of silver just as easily
if the greenbacks had been retired as il
they had not. The retirement of the
areentacks and the substitution of ma
tional bank notes will interpose no insu
perable obstacIe-indeed no obstacle at al
to the free coinage of silver. On the con
trary by enabling the free silver advocates
to take advantage of the antipathy which
exists to monopolies it might, and prob
ably would, assist them. AS things looE
now, all the strength of the gold stand
ard supporters will be needed when the
next struggle comes to protect that stand
ard from the assaults Of the free silver
men. If that is lost all lost. 1t Would
seem, therefore, the height of folly to i'm
peril that strength by controversies ovel
comparatively unimportant details of the
currency superstrueture. The reforms
suggested in the currency are many OF
them desirable but few, if any, Of them
are vital, and rather than risk quarre
in the ranks Of the gold standard support
ers which might imperil the existence Of
that standard it would be wise and pru
dent to let such of them as are not abso-
lutely vital go until conditions are more
propitious.