Meaning: The quote you provided is from Richard Bland, a prominent American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives. The quote reflects Bland's stance on the issue of silver demonetization, a contentious topic in late 19th-century American politics. To fully understand the quote and its historical context, it's important to delve into the circumstances surrounding the demonetization of silver, as well as Richard Bland's role in advocating for silver as a monetary standard.

During the late 19th century, the United States was engaged in a heated debate over the monetary standard. At the heart of this debate was the question of whether the country should adhere to the gold standard, the silver standard, or a bimetallic standard that allowed for the circulation of both gold and silver coins as legal tender. This issue held significant economic and political implications, as it affected the value of currency, debt repayment, and overall economic stability.

Richard Bland was a staunch advocate for the use of silver as a monetary standard. He believed that demonetizing silver would have detrimental effects on the economy, particularly for the citizens who relied on silver as a basis for their financial transactions. In the quote you provided, Bland expresses his concern that repealing the law related to silver without providing an alternative would effectively amount to the demonetization of silver. He emphasizes that such a move would be perceived as a significant blow to the value and status of silver within the country.

Bland's concerns about the demonetization of silver were deeply rooted in the economic realities of the time. Silver had long been an integral part of the American monetary system, and its demonetization would have far-reaching consequences. It would not only impact the livelihoods of those involved in silver mining and production but also lead to widespread economic uncertainty and potential devaluation of currency.

Furthermore, Bland's quote sheds light on the political dynamics of the era. The debate over the monetary standard was a deeply divisive issue that pitted different interest groups and political factions against each other. Bland's strong stance in favor of silver reflected the broader ideological and partisan divides that characterized the late 19th-century political landscape. His words encapsulate the sense of urgency and conviction with which he and other proponents of silver mobilized to defend its place in the monetary system.

In conclusion, Richard Bland's quote encapsulates the fervent debate surrounding the demonetization of silver in late 19th-century America. It reflects his unwavering commitment to preserving silver as a vital component of the country's monetary system and his recognition of the far-reaching implications of any legislative action related to silver. The quote serves as a reminder of the complex intersection of economics and politics during this pivotal period in American history.