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1、第 1 页 加菲尔德总统就职演说(4)1 特征码 gCWazRLGZKuWnQZcnisQ By the experience of mercial nations in all ages it has been found that gold and silver afford the only safe foundation for a monetary system. Confusion has recently been created by variations in the relative value of the two metals, but I confidently be
2、lieve that arrangements can be made between the leading mercial nations which will secure the general use of both metals. Congress should provide that the pulsory coinage of silver now required by law may not disturb our monetary system by driving either metal out of circulation. If possible, such a
3、n adjustment should be made that the purchasing power of every coined dollar will be exactly equal to its debt-paying power in all the markets of the world. The chief duty of the National Government in connection with the currency of the country is to coin money and declare its value. Grave doubts h
4、ave been entertained whether Congress is authorized by the 第 2 页 Constitution to make any form of paper money legal tender. The present issue of United States notes has been sustained by the necessities of war; but such paper should depend for its value and currency upon its convenience in use and i
5、ts prompt redemption in coin at the will of the holder, and not upon its pulsory circulation. These notes are not money, but promises to pay money. If the holders demand it, the promise should be kept. The refunding of the national debt at a lower rate of interest should be acplished without pelling
6、 the withdrawal of the national-bank notes, and thus disturbing the business of the country. I venture to refer to the position I have occupied on financial questions during a long service in Congress, and to say that time and experience have strengthened the opinions I have so often expressed on th
7、ese subjects. The finances of the Government shall suffer no detriment which it may be possible for my Administration to prevent. The interests of agriculture deserve more attention 第 3 页 from the Government than th hey have yet received. The farms of the United States afford homes and employment fo
8、r more than one-half our people, and furnish much the largest part of all our exports. As the Government lights our coasts for the protection of mariners and the benefit of merce, so it should give to the tillers of the soil the best lights of practical science and experience. Our manufacturers are
9、rapidly making us industrially independent, and are opening to capital and labor new and profitable fields of employment. Their steady and healthy growth should still be matured. Our facilities for transportation should be promoted by the continued improvement of our harbors and great interior waterways and by the increase of our tonnage on the ocean. 第 4 页