The Wasp — 1891 — page 442: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features a portrait of **Hon. William Mutchler**, a Pennsylvania congressman, accompanying his article arguing *against* free silver coinage. The illustration is labeled "Our Gallery of American Statesmen" with the sarcastic subheading asking if Congress should authorize free silver coinage. Mutchler argues that unlimited silver coinage would devalue currency, harm farmers and working people despite claims otherwise, and destabilize the economy. He contends that silver producers and speculators—not common people—would benefit. The piece reflects the 1890s debate between "free silver" advocates (who wanted unlimited silver-backed currency) and gold-standard defenders like Mutchler, who believed this monetary policy would cause economic disaster.