The Washington times., 1901-10-06

lion dollars worth of coal-uearly four
times as much value in coal as in the
precious metal. We may move on
stem to pig iron, and here we find a
value Of two hundred and sixty million
dollars minus a very small traction
more than three times as much value
in iron as in gold. Even in copper, we
have nearly twenty million dollars
more value than in gold. The latter
metal actually stands fourth on the
list of minerals in point of value.
When we come to utility. though, the
difference is vastly greater than the fig
ures given above indicate. Without the
coal the manufacturing industry of the
country would be brought almost to a
standstill, for nothing in the way of a
substitute has as yet been developed
beyond the stage of infancy. The value
stated for iron is merely that of the
crude metal. When converted into the
finished products of manufacture, its
value is many fold greater-how many
it would be difficult to say, but prob
ably ten. perhaps twenty. and possibly
more. Iron is, in fact, the basic ma
terial of manufacture, for the very
tools used in other lines are generally
made of that metal, converted into
steel Fhe value of copper is also great
ly augmented by the process of manu-
facture. That of gold is likewise con-
siderably enhanced when it is convert
ed into delicate works of art. These,
however, are, as a rule, more ornamen-
tai than useful. If utility alone were
to be considered, some other metal could
generally be substituted for gold with
positive advantage.
The chief use of gold is for money
purposes, and this it is that fixes its
money value. An ounce of gold is
worth twenty dollars and sixty seven
cents merely because the law provides
that twentythree and twenty-five one
hundredths grains of pure gold shall be
put into dollar; from which it fol-
lows mathematically that an ounce Of
four hundred and eighty grains will
make twenty dollars and sixty-seven
cents and small fraction. If the dollar
were made heavier or lighter the money
value cf an ounce of the metal would
change correspondingly. 1t is. more
over. the money use of the metal that
gives rise to so exaggerated a notion
as 10 its aggregate value.
But neither in total value nor general
utility does gold approach either coal
or iron. Shut off the product of these
two minerals, and the wheels of indus
trial progress would very nearly come
to dead stop. Shut off the supply OF
gold and destroy the stock on hand,
and the world would stop using jewelry
and plate, governments would devise
something else as a monetary medium,
and as soon as the adjustment was
smade, men would go on with their busi-
ness very much as they did before.
The War Department has given out
some interesting information about the
Island of Samar and it's inhabitants. per-
haps in furtherance of an idea that the
country ought to understand the fierce
and implacable nature of the islanders. in
view of somewhat severe measures which
are contemplated against them. These
measures cannot be too severe. The treach-
erous killing and burning of forty-odd
American officers and enlisted men calls
for an object lesson that will be remem-
pelago as long as it shall remain above
water.
Count Tolstoy is a living example that
freedom of speech has gained ground
even in Russia. In recent article he de-
clared that Russias compact with France
must have for its object either war or
the menace of war, and that it was exert
ing a most pernicious influence upon both
countries; that 1t is causing France to
sacrifice her traditions of freedom and
humanity that she may affect to be united
in sentiments and intentions with the
most despodc retrograde and cruel Gov
ernment in Europe. And yet Count Toll
stoy not only lives. but lives In Russia.
The declarations of the Massachusetts
Republican platform on the subjects of
reciprocity. finance, labor, and general
trade with foreign countries. consist
chiefly of rhetoric. 1t is declared that
reciprocity is consistent with adequate
protection. and support is pledged to all
''sound ncasuras to give certainty and
permanence to the gold standard, TO pro-
vide flexible currency, to increase the
employment of labor. and promote the
effective competition of our producers and
manufacturers with their rivals abroad.
Under such generalities the Massachu-
sets Republican can support almoss any
thing
The Kentucky Trotting Horse Breeders
Association has invited Sir Thomas Lip
ton to come and pick a bunch of blue
grass with them and see how much like
mint it is. The invitation is all right,
but if Sir Thomas is to go anywhere in
this country outside of New York he will
naturally feel that its Capital has the
first call upon him. He would be most
heartily welcomed in Washington by
everybody from the President to the
newsboys. He already knows. or ought
to, that he is a national favorite
PERSONAL.
Abram S. Hewitt was the recipient yes
terday of a gold medal. which was pre-
sented to him by the Chamber of Com
merce in recognition of his services in
the work of obtaining rapid transit fer
New York City.
Prof Dewar, of Cambridge. who lique-
fled hydrogen, has been elected President
of the British Association for the Ad-
vancement of Science for next year.
The Rev. DR.. Walter Ford, who was
elected chief of police of Smyrna, Del,
last March. has been requested by the
city council to hand in his resignation to
the council, as 1t is thought he does not
use Il :, force and other means in his
power Of suppressing disorder.
Sir Joseph c. Dimsdale. who will become