In his biography in the Congressional Directory (written by
himself) and in the numerous biographies and sketches which have
been published with such frequency (Mr. Lodge has a weakness for
seeing himself in print) curiously enough no mention can be found
either of the Force Bill or the attempt to coerce England with a
silver club. One can only explain this reticence by excessive
modesty.
Two years later Mr. Lodge deserted his silver allies and was as
enthusiastic in support of the gold standard as he had previously
been zealous for the purification of the civil service. A Boston
paper said that he "was made to realize, by the influences brought
to bear upon him, that he must advocate the gold standard or else
provoke the active hostility of the prominent business men of this
State." That perhaps is as infamous as anything ever written. That
any influences, even those "of the prominent business men of
Massachusetts," could cause Mr. Lodge to swerve from his
convictions no one will believe. He must have had convictions when
he sought to drive England to a silver standard, he must have been
convinced that it was for the good of the United States as well as
the whole world, he must have satisfied himself, for Mr. Lodge
never permits his emotions to control his intelligence, that his
action was wise and patriotic. But although Mr.
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