382 THE QUESTIONS OF THE DAY. 



does not tend to the settlement of questions so that they will 

 stay settled. Mankind learns daily, and in the end the truth 

 will prevail. 



I have not included, in the discussion, any opinions as to 

 the acts of other nations in case of our adoption of free 

 coinage. Some insist that other nations will be forced to 

 follow our example in remonetizing silver; others insist as 

 strongly that our fiscal affairs will be permanently sepa- 

 rated from other commercial nations. As a matter of fact, 

 neither party knows what would happen. All nations will be 

 guided by the opinion of the ruling majority for the time being 

 as to their interests. These opinions are liable to change with 

 the march of events. Of course, should other nations remon- 

 etize silver, its value would tend to rise, and prices to corre- 

 spondingly fall. 



From all the foregoing, with a study of the tables which 

 appear in the appendix, and of such official documents and 

 standard works upon economics as are available, the reader 

 must form his own judgment. In so doing one of the first 

 things to do is to form an opinion as to the facts in which 

 the two arguments do not agree. Especially, does the variation 

 of prices which has occurred indicate appreciation of money 

 or reduction of costs? If both, what is the relative influence 

 of each? An intelligent, independent opinion on this point 

 involves a careful study of conditions surrounding the student, 

 and a patient study of detailed data collected by economists. 

 The matter can not be further elucidated here. It would 

 require a volume. A definite opinion on this point should be 

 conclusive as to the equities of the case. 



It is, however, necessary to caution the student against 

 placing much reliance on the deliverances of the political 

 press, or controversial pamphlets or books. Least of all 

 should we be influenced by the utterances of political orators. 

 The first object of a political paper or speaker is to uphold its 

 party and elect its candidates. Economic discussion at such 

 times is always superficial. Things which make for the 

 support of tlie view which is favored are magnified; those 

 which make for opposing views are belittled or suppressed. 



