During the first 50 years of our history, silver
was not named among our products. We bought
and imported -what we coined. A silver mine in
our own territory would then have been regarded
a great national blessing, During these later
years we have been successful in discovering rich
mines in our own territory and have increased our
output until we produce over half, 57 per cent., of all
that is mined in the world. We have piled it up in
our vaults and have become the largest owner of
silver bullion. It is confidently asserted that we
cannot remonetize this without a conference and an
agreement among commercial nations.
There are some considerations that should dis-
pel this error, and can scarcely fail to do so, when
they have thoughtful attention.
No monetary conference has been held in the
interests of silver or of the people. We have asked
for such a conference three times and have received
no attention. It is well understood that a monetary
conference to consider this question with reference
to the welfare of the people, whether their best
interests require the use of gold or silver or both,
cannot be gathered. Every conference held has
been dominated by financial houses that sought
their own profit, and the increased importance of
their own gold. A majority of those composing the
Brussels conference were bimetallists. Six of the



122 THKSE HARD TIMES.
twelve English delegates were bimetallists, yet the
gold basis supporters broke it up without favorable
action.
