Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1898-02-24
REAL ANO SHAM FRIENDS.
silVor Has Been Great Sufferer From
Those of the Latter Kind.

Silver Has been Great Sufferer From
Those of the Latter Kind.
The opponents of the Bland law in
1878 were waiting for international bi
metallism. Mr.. Cleveland mentioned
the prospect of it in his message in 1888
and again this year II was valuable
weapon in 1890, when the Sherman bill
was passed and the Brussels conference
was called in time to carry us over the
last presidential election. We are still
waiting, and those are waiting most pa
tiently who favor Il gold standard -
William ]. Bryan in House of Repre-
sentatives.
1t is unfortunate for the opponents Of
independent free coinage that all of our
presidents since the silver agitation be
gan have been gold monometallists III
the disguise Of international bjmetal-
lists. If the dealings Of the executive
branch of the government with the ma
jority of the people for 20 years had not
borne the aspect of prolonged conf
dence game, we probably never should
have had to force the present crisis.
President Cleveland has been by far
the worst offender. His entire admins
tration has been devoted to discrediting
the international bimetallism i'll which
he has professed to believe. When he
took office, he found the Brussels con-
ference hopefully awaiting his summons
TO reconvene He refused to give the
word and allowed that dignitled gather
ing to fade out of existence i'll humil-
iating way, that gave monomctallists an
opportunity for much gloating enjoy
ment. Later silver became SO strong III
Germany as TO force the reiChstag to
vote in favor of another conference.
Mr. Cleveland gave tins advance an icy
reception. Congress provided for accept
ing the German invitation, if one should
be received, and the presidents init
mates exultingly showed how the tech
nical wording of the resolution would
allow it to be evaded, how the dele
gates appointed by congress could be
deprived Of their credentials and th(
United States could remain unrepre
sented.
If Mr.. Cleveland had really desired
to carry out his professions Of regard fol
international bimetallism, he woulC
have exerted the diplomatic activity o
his administration in that direction in
stead of against it. He would have in
structed every representative he sen
abroad to sound the government t,
which he was accredited and SEQ how
far it would be willing to cooperate
with us. The Indian minis were CloseI
three months after he took office. Tha
could have been prevented. The fea
that tue United States would abandon
its support to silver was the chief caus
of the abolition of free coinage in India
Germany would willingly have entere
into AN engagement not to sell her re
manning stock of old silver coins, Fac
country could have been led to pledg
some assistance toward the restoratio
of the old bimetallic par even if ii di
not go to the length of free coinage, an
in the end the situation would hay
been found so effectively guarded at a
points that the United States could h"'
opened its minis without brighten
any but persons of abnormal nerves.
President Cleveland has missed hi
chance. He has lost the opportunity
secure enduring popularity for himsel
unity for his party, harmony anon
sections for his country, prosperity Il
its people and the settlement Of Ii
financial question by amicable agre
ment instead Of by tug of war. f
has bequeathed a hard and disagreeab
task to his successor, but he has mac
evident that the country needs a pres
dent whose wishes are in harmony vii
its own The American people have bee
very patient, but after 20 years of broke
promises they demand change Ne
York Journal.