world annually is about 165 millions, and of this the United States produces annnally about 35 millions. Now unless the balance of trade is increased largely, how may we expect to pay this 200 millions in gold annually?"
"The selling of more bonds in England will get us gold with which to pay it," replied the eminent financier.
"But does not that increase the annual interest to be paid?" asked Coin.
"Yes," said Mr. Gage, reluctantly.
"And where will it end?" continued Coin.
"I don't know," hesitatingly replied Mr. Gage, and with bewilderment in his face he resumed his seat.
Coin now addressed himself to the audience, that showed evident signs of pleasure and satisfaction with the dialogue that had just taken place.
"We have put our heads in the mouth of the English lion, and the question now is how to get it out. I don't like Mr. Gage's plan. [Applause.]
"His plan consists in putting our heads farther in. [Applause.]
"It is the same plan the bankers have adopted for the government to get gold. [Applause.] It will all end, if the present policy is continued, in England owning us body and soul. She is making a peaceable conquest of the United States. What she failed to do with shot and shell in the eighteenth century, she is doing with the gold standard in the nineteenth century. [Applause.] The conservative monied interest furnished the tory friends of England then, and it furnishes her friends now. [Applause.] The business men of New York City passed strong resolutions against the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and they are passing strong resolutions against an American policy now." [Applause.]
