Meaning: The quote "The last fight for the white metal is to be made here in this country and in this House, my friends" is attributed to Richard Bland, a prominent American politician. The quote likely refers to the debate and struggle over the use of silver as a monetary standard in the United States during the late 19th century. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is important to delve into the historical context and the political climate of the time.

During the late 19th century, there was a heated political and economic debate in the United States regarding the monetary standard. The country was in the midst of a transition from bimetallism, where both gold and silver were used as the basis for the monetary system, to the gold standard. This transition was a contentious issue that divided politicians, economists, and the public.

Richard Bland, a Democratic congressman from Missouri, was a prominent figure in this debate. He was a staunch advocate for the unlimited coinage of silver, a position known as "free silver," which would have expanded the money supply and benefited debtors, particularly farmers and laborers who were struggling financially. Bland's advocacy for silver aligns with the quote, suggesting that the battle for the white metal (silver) was a crucial one that needed to be fought within the country and in the halls of government, represented by "this House."

The phrase "this House" likely refers to the U.S. House of Representatives, where Bland served and where much of the debate over monetary policy took place. Bland's use of the term "my friends" indicates that he was addressing his colleagues and supporters, seeking to rally them in the fight for silver as a monetary standard.

The significance of the quote lies in its representation of the intense political and ideological conflict surrounding the monetary system in the late 19th century. The transition to the gold standard was favored by many conservative and business interests, while advocates for free silver, like Bland, sought to maintain the use of silver as a means of expanding the money supply and easing the financial burden on debtors.

The quote captures the urgency and determination of those who were fighting to preserve the role of silver in the country's monetary policy. It reflects the impassioned rhetoric and political maneuvering that characterized the debate over bimetallism and the gold standard during this period.

Ultimately, the battle over the monetary standard came to a head with the passage of the Gold Standard Act in 1900, effectively ending the era of bimetallism in the United States. However, the legacy of this debate and the advocates for free silver, like Richard Bland, continued to influence economic and political discourse for years to come.

In conclusion, Richard Bland's quote encapsulates the fervent struggle over the role of silver in the United States' monetary system during the late 19th century. It highlights the intensity of the debate and the determination of those who fought for the use of silver as a monetary standard, within the country and in the halls of government. The quote serves as a reminder of the historical significance of the battle over bimetallism and its lasting impact on American economic and political history.