His friend, the banker, however, advised against this course, which he characterized as not only dishonest, but vulgar, and as subjecting the perpetrator of the act to serious penalties. "Honesty" said the banker, "is the best policy." "But," he continued, "I can suggest a plan by which you may accomplish the same end without running counter to law, or the views of society. Why not join our propaganda in advocacy of 'honest money.' Gold is decreasing in quantity, and as the world has been ransacked for it in vain, it is likely to continue decreasing. If we can strike down the twin metal, silver, and devolve the entire money function on gold, it will double the purchasing power of money. Then the foreclosure of your mortgage will be sure to take your neighbor's farm, and probably leave him in your debt besides. Instead of being punished for this, you will receive the plaudits of the 'best society' for the _finesse_ you have displayed and the firm stand you have taken in favor of honest money, and you will take high rank among 'the wisest and most conservative of our financiers.' If your neighbor makes any objection to your action, you may be able to secure his incarceration as a lunatic, but if not, he will come to be regarded in the community as a dishonest 'crank' who wishes to pay his debts in a depreciated money; for it is the constant and assiduous care of our guild to teach that only the dearest money, that which is the most difficult for the laborer, the farmer, and the mechanic to get, is honest money, and the dearer it is the more honest it is." ALL MONEY SHOULD BE LEGAL TENDER. To be of the fullest service to civilization whatever medium is used to do the work of money should have full money power; that is to say, it should be a legal tender. It is not sufficient that it will satisfy the demands of the Government for taxes. Whatever is given out by the Government in payment for services rendered (and there is no other way by which payments can be made from the Treasury) should carry with it to him who has rendered the service and receives the payment, the absolute assurance that in any need, or in any contingency, it will serve him as money. There is no other means by which society can be saved from the effects of panics and monetary crises.