Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 August 1896 — Why This Favoritism? [ARTICLE]

Why This Favoritism?

Silvor can be -profitably produced In tllis country at CO cents.an ounce. It is now selling hero for a fraction over 69 cents. The mine owners ask, and the Chicago convention is ready to agree, that the government shall make their product worth $1.29 for coinage purposes. Why this favoritism? If the government —which means the taxpayers—is to doublo the value of silver bullion, why may it not logically be asked to double the value of wheat, com, cotton und potatoes by making an "unlimited” market for them ut a fictitious price? The silver product of this country is relatively of minor importance. Its real value in 1895 was about $32,000,000. The copper product was worth $38,000, - 000, pig iron $105,000,000 and soft coal $115,000,000. Why should these products be sold at commercial rates und silver bo doubled in money vuluo by act of congress? The silver craze is, at bottom, the most unjust, paternalism and the \worst bunko game ever attempted in this country.—New .York World.