The bill which I now introduce is more comprehensive in character. While embodying the original proposition of substituting bank-notes for greenbacks, it provides for the refunding and consolidation of the national debt in such a way as to make it easy to bear, while it brings the existing currency to a par with coin. In making this attempt I am moved by the desire to do something for the business interests of the country, which suffer inconceivably from the derangement of the currency. Whether at home or abroad, it is the same. At home values are uncertain; abroad commerce is disturbed and out of gear. Political Reconstruction is not enough; there must be Financial Reconstruction also. The peace which we covet must enter into our finances; the reconciliation which we long for must embrace the disordered business of the country. In any measure having this object there are two things which must not be forgotten: first, the preservation of the national credit; and, secondly, the reduction of existing taxation. Happily, there is a universal prevailing sentiment for the national credit, showing itself in a fixed determination that it shall be maintained at all hazards. Nobody can exaggerate the value of this determination, which is the corner-stone of Financial Reconstruction. On the reduction of taxation there is at present more difference of opinion; but I cannot doubt that here, too, there will be a speedy harmony. The country is uneasy under the heavy burden. Willingly, gladly, patriotically, it submitted to this burden while the Republic was in peril; but now there is a yearning for relief. War taxes should not be peace taxes; and so long as the present system continues, there is a constant and painful memento of war, while business halts in chains and life bends under the load. The national credit being safe, relief from the pressure of existing taxation is the first practical object in our finances. But so entirely natural and consistent is this object, that it harmonizes with all other proper objects, especially with the refunding of the national debt, and with specie payments. As the people feel easy in their affairs, they will be ready for the work of Reconstruction. Therefore do I say, as an essential stage in what we all desire, _Down with the taxes!_ The proper reduction of taxation involves two other things: first, the reduction of the present annual interest on the national debt, thus affording immense relief; and, secondly, the spread or extension of the national debt over succeeding generations, for whom, as well as for ourselves, it was incurred. The practical value of the first is apparent on the simple statement. The second may be less apparent, as it opens a question of policy, on both sides of which much has been already said.