_Question._ What is cash?
_Answer._ Cash may be described as comfort in the concrete.
_Q._ Is it not sometimes called "the root of all evil"?
_A._ Yes, by those who do not possess it.
_Q._ Is it possible to live without cash?
_A._ Certainly--upon credit.
_Q._ Can you tell me what is credit?
_A._ Credit is the motive power which induces persons who have cash, to
part with some of it to those who have it not.
_Q._ Can you give me an instance of credit?
_A._ Certainly. A young man who is able to live at the rate of a thousand
a-year, with an income not exceeding nothing a month, is a case of credit.
_Q._ Would it be right to describe such a transaction "as much to his
credit"?
_A._ It would be more precise to say, "much by his credit;" although the
former phrase would be accepted by a large class of the community as
absolutely accurate.
_Q._ What is bimetallism?
_A._ Bimetallism is a subject that is frequently discussed by amateur
financiers, after a good dinner, on the near approach of the coffee.
_Q._ Can you give me your impression of the theory of bimetallism?
_A._ My impression of bimetallism is the advisability of obtaining silver,
if you cannot get gold.
_Q._ What is the best way of securing gold?
_A._ The safest way is to borrow it.
_Q._ Can money be obtained in any other way?
_A._ In the olden time it was gathered on Hounslow Heath and other deserted
spots, by mounted horsemen wearing masks and carrying pistols.
_Q._ What is the modern way of securing funds, on the same principles, but
with smaller risk?
_A._ By promoting Companies and other expedients known to the members of
the Stock Exchange.
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