The Silver question in the United States is not yet
settled, but it approaches settlement. The Senate passed the Silver Bill, with amendments looking to free coinage ; but the House of Representatives threw out these, and a conference between the Houses must now arrange a compromise. As President Harrison is unalterably opposed to free coinage, it is believed that the plan adopted will be to purchase £900,000 of silver a month, and issue certificates redeemable either in gold or silver, at the Treasury's option. That will not content the silver men, who see clearly that American silver cannot be distinguished from imported silver; but they will accept the Bill, and try another agitation later on. The President, it is known, will sign this Bill, which at worst, he thinks, can only involve a certain loss of money. The Western Members, it is believed, dare not go home without a Silver Law of some kind, or the whole question would be hung up again, the silver men, who are much disappointed, hoping that the constituencies will ultimately compel the experiment of free coinage.
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