Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1908-05-21
THE UNITED
4 SIXTIES
; TREASURY
BUILDING. .


for his accumulation of gold is out
stripping that of any other nation OF
the world. And not only is he Croe'
sus modernized, but he is like unto
Midas whose touch transmitted every
thing to gold. And strange as 1t may
seem he cannot get rid Of the gold
which is pouring into his Golfers. the
people of the nation refuse to take II,
saying: Keep the heavy, yellow
metal. Give us In exchange your
note, stating that 1t is worth the
amount of gold coin which we have
deposited with you." Being an ac-
commodating old gentleman, Uncle
Sam gracefully complies with their
request.
With this result: There is on de-
post In the United States treasury,
sub-treasuries, minis and assay ofiices
more gold than ever before In the MIS-
tory of the country. 1t represents the
most valuable stock Of the yellow
metal that the world has ever seen or
perhaps dreamed Of 1t reaches the
tremendous total of $1,02O,373,471. II
the coins were laid upon each other
they would make shiny monument
40 miles in height. If their rims
were placed SO as to touch each other
they would cross and recross the
United States five times. They weigh
almost 100000 pounds. Every ounce
of the metal has been the cause OF
hardship, most of it death. Every
ounce of 1t has produced joy, some
times mad intoxication. 1t has In
spired greed, lust, envy and murder.
II has created romance. To-day 1t Is
the symbol of prosperity of the wealth.
lest nation the world has ever seen.
It takes the breath away. that
thought Of $1,000,O00,000 in gold.
Think what could be done with 1t!
The national debt of the United States
could be wiped out, If the gold could
be used for any such purpose, and
there would remain comfortable
balance. It would provide 100 battle
ships of the Dreadnaught type, fully
equipped for service. 1t would sup
port the navy for ten years. the army
for a similar period. The United
States could refrain from drawing a
cent of revenue for one year, and yet
the gold in its vaults and in the In
stitutions 1t controls would be sum-
cient to meet Its tremendous expendi'
lures.
OF course, all this gold does not be-
long to the government. Gold certifi-
Gates are in circulation against coin
valued at $3.50, oil. 1863. That is to say.
every person who has one OF these
certificates is entitled to step up to
the counter of Uncle Sans paying Of
nee and say: "Give me the equivalent
of this in gold" The demand would
have to be complied with instantly
Then $50, 100000 constitutes what Is
known as the gold reserve. 1t is
maintained by law for the redemption
of greenbacks. To the credit of the
government also is an additional $40
3s5.1sO, for which gold certificates
have been issued. Finally, there Is
coin valued at ss4,O6s,412 lying in the
cash boxes Of the United States treas.
ury and sub-treasuries ready to be paid
ont whenever a call is made.
The people. however. do not want
mid ON the Pacific slope II Is still
the fashion to use the yellow metal,
lint in the effete west, as in the more
effete east, It is not wanted. 1t Is
heavy, bulky, and inconyenient 1t ex'
.oaes the holder to robbery and per
haps death. Therefore, as soon as a
miner obtains q pound OF gold or any
one else gets hold Of the metal his
flrst art Is to take Il to an-assay once
TO determine Its purity and then 70
turn It into one Of the government