The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1903-10-26

surplus revenues Of the government had
not been taken out of general circula ton,
/ there might not be SO much fear of a
| tight money market, But on the other
hand. IL there has not been the most ao-
soiute confidence in the soundness of our
currency, the disturbances in the mar
hcts for securities Of the past two years
would proD8 bly, nave spread very much
farther and doubtless ended in a serious
crisis with severe industrial and CONNER
cial depression.
Changes Suggested.
I'VE should make such a change IN the
collection and disbursement OF the ma
ti2nal revenues as viii prevent the with
dIa wal of vast sums OF money from bust
ness just when most needed. There is
nothinS 50 sacred about government
funds that they should not be handed
through the banks like other people
funds so they would produce the least
possible arrangement Of business. IT any
OF The great corporations should handle
It's IN IDS rs tho treasury Of the United
States does and lock up such vast
suM Of cash in its own vaults, legislation
would Immediately be demanded to stop
it, We should at once pass such legisia-
ton as is needed to have the treasury
stop it and let money and business alone
as much as possible. The less the gov
crnment has to do With business and
business with the government the better
for both
II am a thorough believer In currency
and agree with those who WISH to see
the greenbacks retired, the silver with
drawn down to the point which II IS
practically subsidiary coinage or cur
roncy. leaving nothing IN circulation but
gold as coin or certificates. and Il real
bank note circulation by gold reserves
with such regulations for issue and re
dcmption that il would be a matter OF
Indifference 10 the banks whether their
ar We're circulating as notes This is the
only true solution OF our currency mat
ters and I hope to see it some day ac-
complished. This. hOwever is thing
which can only be gradually done, ana
has little or no practical hCaring on the
present business situa ton. We have an
other very different system in force, ana
ii is with it we have to meet and cope
with our present problems. 1t has two
very great advantages. our people are
used to it and have had no experience
with any other. Only the veterans IN
business remember anything different Its
great advantage is, however, its absolute
safety and soundness
This is no time for any feeling or DIS
cussion between different sections of the
country classes of people, or lines OF
trade as TO who IS most to blame or who
can stand il best We arc all face to face
with the situation ana equally Interested.
IL Is no time Tor passion or excitement,
manic or fear, but for quiet. calm con
siGeration. courage and firm action based
on good judgment and conservatism Con
sidcring all The circumstances and me
pace ut which business has been gong
for the past few years, It is not so sur
prsing that there has been such de-
cline in the prices Of securities, but
IA her that the country has stood u All
50 we'll and that there has been no panic.
so little trouble with me BANKS ana SO
iew failures There could be no clearer
e.,,,.,,,cf ~, finu of the inherent strength or