PREFACE. In accordance with the expressed wish of friends and for convenient reference, I have selected for publication the following speeches and reports made by me on the finances and taxation of the Govern ment since 1859. Most of the topics mentioned are still debated in Congress and before the people. Many of the speeches were made on the passage of Acts of Congress now forming the body of existing laws relating to the issue of United States notes and coins, and the circulating notes of national banks. The few explanatory remarks are deemed necessary to enable the reader to better understand the subject under discussion, and no revision has been attempted except to correct verbal inaccuracies. If this work shall contribute in any way to throw light upon the important problem of securing a stable currency of paper money redeemable in coin, it will have accomplished its purpose. JOHN SHERMAN. |