In a speech before the Merchants’ Club of Boston, in February, 1885, Mr. Knox alluded to the subjects of civil service reform and the coinage of silver in the following trenchant language: “The platforms of both parties in the late campaign contained nothing but platitudes upon the silver question, which should have been the burning issue. The candidate of the Republicans seemed to avoid the issue in his letter of acceptance, rather than to express the sentiments of the best men in his party. The candidate of the Democrats said nothing. Yet I am told by good authority that Governor Cleveland is earnest in his desire to stop the coinage, and that nothing would please him more than to have a clause inserted in an appropriation bill which would repeal the law which was passed in the interest of silver miners when the whole production is not equal, according to Edward Atkinson, who is an authority upon such subjects, to the production of eggs by the hens of this country! If Governor Cleveland has the bottom and pluck to carry out these two reforms, his administration will be one of the most memorable in the annals of the country. It will elevate not only every branch of the civil service, but will greatly improve the character of the representatives sent to Congress from every State of the Union, and will serve to lift the depression which now burdens every industrial interest. It will require some intellect to work out these reforms. But it will require more bottom than brains, and if he has the grit to stand by his pledges, he will have the united support of all intelligent, upright, and honest men everywhere without distinction of party.” Mr. Knox has written a valuable book, which is justly popular, entitled “United States Notes.” It is published by the Scribners, and republished in London, and is a history of the various issues of paper money by the Government, and is said by George Bancroft to be “a clear, thorough, able, accurate and impartial work on United States Notes.” THE COINAGE ACT OF 1873.