The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-01

a Democrat. There are three parties il
this country
Mr. Rawlins questioned a statement Of
Mr.. Aldrich that all the Democratic Sen
ators had voted for an amendment to re-
peal the 10 percent tax On the circulation
of State banks and asked him to repeat it
y say" replied MIR. Aidrich, that we
have Democratic party solidly in favor
of taking the tax off State banks and
holding open the doors to wildcat cur
rency. And another branch of the party,
or another party which is in alliance with
the Democratic party supporting the same
candidate and supporting the same policy.
is opposing the issue of the money by any
banks, or under any circumstances.
am quite willing to let them reconcile
these positions. but ! submit that they
should reconcile them before they turn
over to any banks any part of their power
to issue money.
Mr.. Fairbanks remarked that the vote
alluded to by Mr. Aldrch repeating the
10 per cent tax on State banks was en-
tireiy consistent with the policy and prin-
ciples OF the Democratic party as set out
in the national Democratic platform OF
1892
Questions by Mr.. Bacon.
During the discussion of this subject
MIR. Aldrich declared that the position
taken by the United States and by the Re
publican party is that there is no BIZ
metallsm possible except by the concur
rent action of the leading commercial ma
tious of the world. and at ratio that
will maintain fixity of values.
Mr.. Bacon-Shall / understand from
that statement that the Senator. or the
Conference Committee, thought it desira-
Bile that We should have bimetallism?
Mr.. Aldrich-I have said hundred times
that il bimetallism could be obtained un-
der the conditions OF the act of 1897, and OF
section II of this bill. 1 do think it de-
sirable.
Mr. Bacon-Does the Senator think it de-
sirable. from the fact that he thinks the
gold standard is not desirable if we can
have binetallism?
Mr. Aldrch-I think it is eminently de-
sirable that the United, States should say
TO the nations of the world We are on
gold standard and we intend to remain
solidly on a gold standard until you are
ready TO join US in such an agreement as
Will fix the relative value of the two
metals That is the. position of the Repu0-
iican party and so far as | know, of every
member OF it,
Mr. Bacoa-Then the Senator does not
think that the gold standard is the best
standard for this country?
Mr. Aldrich-The Senator must have
qualifications if he wants my Judgment
instead Of his own.
Mr. Racon-RegafdIes of qualifications
and conditions. does the Senator consider
that the gold standard is the best standard
that car oe adopted
Mr. hldsich--In the absence of any inter
nation,l agreement. l say that the gold
standard is the best standard. Let me
ask the Senator question: lis he in favor
of a silver Standard
Mr. Bacen-I am not | have stated re-
peatedIy that l was in favor of the free
coinage OF silver because / thought that
with free coinage of silver parity could
be maintained.
Mr. Aldrich-That is a question of juds-
ment.
The dialogue between the two Senator'S
was further prolonged, but with the same
general expression of views on either side.
The conference report finally went over
without acriJr