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Silver question Books
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Willis George Emerson
Emerson on Sound Money A Speech, 1896
"Emerson on Sound Money" by Willis George Emerson is a political speech delivered in the late 19th century. This work primarily discusses economic issues surrounding the concept of "sound money," contrasting the ideas of the Republican Party with those advocating for free silver, particularly those promoted by William Jennings Bryan and "Coin" Harvey. The speech reflects the political climate of the 1890s, a period marked by debates over monetary policy as the nation grappled with financial instability and the consequences of the Civil War. The content of the speech is centered around the importance of maintaining a gold standard to ensure financial stability and economic prosperity. Emerson criticizes the free silver movement, arguing that it undermines the nation’s financial integrity and risks plunging the economy into chaos. He uses historical references and economic data to support his claims, emphasizing that the Republican Party's principles of protectionism, sound currency, and regulated silver coinage are essential for the nation's welfare. Throughout the speech, Emerson appeals to patriotism and the need for reasoned judgment among voters while expressing strong opposition to policies he views as detrimental to American values and prosperity.
John W. (John Wesley) Bookwalter
If Not Silver, What?
"If Not Silver, What?" by John W. Bookwalter is a treatise on monetary policy, particularly focusing on the controversial topic of bimetallism, written in the late 19th century. The work articulates Bookwalter's strong advocacy for the reinstatement of silver as a standard of currency alongside gold, arguing that the demonetization of silver has had detrimental effects on farmers and the economy as a whole. The author leverages his personal interests and experiences as a landowner and manufacturer to present a case for monetary reform that emphasizes the stability and equality of value between two metals. The beginning of the work establishes Bookwalter's intent to engage with a wide audience, particularly the working producers, urging them to contemplate the implications of the monetary system on their livelihoods. He references historical speeches and economic principles to bolster his argument that a bimetallic standard can provide a more stable and just economic environment. Bookwalter discusses issues such as the perception of silver's value, the burden of debt, and the impacts of fluctuating currency on agricultural and industrial prosperity. Ultimately, he encourages an open dialogue about monetary systems and their real-world effects on people, particularly those tied to agricultural production.
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