The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-12-03
nRYAx AND THE CURRENCY.

S~-~
Tnoss alarmed" municipalities who are de-
luxtnx Mr.. Wilson with letters protesting
AGAINST the appointment OF Mr.. Bryan to the
secrstary OF state portfolio are wasting their
dine and that part OF the postage they do not
III Nr. Wilson pay. The president-elect has
proSably made up his mind by this time
vhether he intends 70 offer Mr.. Bryan place
ID his cabinet, and In all probability mr..
srvan has decided whether he will accept or
not In our opinion he will not Doubtless
the only effect the letters have upon Mr..
Wilson ia to cause him amusement.
II IL easy to imagine the tone OF some OF
tAess letters from rsbid anti-Bryanites. whose
prefudices make them believe that the coun'
~ would 70 to the demnition bow-wows with
IN speed should the Nebraskan be given the
secrstaryship. It 10 easy to guess what dire
calamities are foretold. No one but the
writer's believe their prophecies II. indeed
fhey believe them themselves. but they serve
the purpose OF unburdening the mind OF the
writer's and should food, FIRE and drought fol-
~ the appointment OF the gentleman from
Nebraska they will enjoy the satisfaction OF
saying II told you so.''
9Teat success nor great failure, in our opin-
fon He lis not an executive and could do
more good on the outside than AZ part OF
me government. but should Mr.. Wilson de-
eide that. he needs him In his official family
he should make the appointment and will.
He, more than anyone else knows whether
or mot he needs him.
But while we can LOOK with equanimity
upor Mr. Bryan as secretary of state. and
would rejoice to see him receive almost any
recognition OF his services to Democracy and
tAe people that he might desire. II he desire
any In the form OF Office, Democratic headers
should not allow their regard for his many
statssmaniike qualities or recognition OF his
great work for progressive Democracy to lead
them into giving too attentive ear to his
suggestions as to the new currency bill to
b. introduced into the extra session OF con-
gress Should he desire to appear before the
banking and currency committee his views
should be given respectful consideration. but
Il ID 10 be hoped that he will not be allowed
ID hare his way in the matter Mr.. Bryan's
Views on the subject have been proven fall
iiteiess By history, and what can be- learned
OF his present plan does not indicate that
ne has changed materially in his ideas on the
subject Hia reported plan for the abolition
Of I'll bank currency and the issue Of fiat
Money snancks Of greenbackism. repudiated by
eAe country after bitter lessons well-learned
II his plan ID correctly understood 1t is much
IKE that OF Colonel Roosevelt's, 30 far az
the latter has any plan. and should the lat
tsr's followers join with Mr.. organs the
danger the passage OF a currency bill with
government issue OF notes as the main fea-
turs cannot be lightly disregarded.
TAs virginion believes. however. that the
banking ana currency committee will draw MP
bill which win make for vast improvement
ii the system now In operation. 1t believes
that such bill will be passed. 1t has no
fear OF Mr. Bryan. He Is entitled to his views
aud has q right to express them. We believe
he viii fail in his efforts to mould the measure
according to his views. and believe the
party will be none the worse for his part in
tie fight. The Democratic party has only to
fudge Tor itself what Is the right course. and
70 follow It conscientiously. In some In
stances Mr.. Bryan will agree. and in some
ID viii disagree His influence will be great
ana should be. but he should, and we believe
10 wfll fail in his efforts to have his money
views embodied into law.