The reason we are discussing this obscure person in American history is the fact that he currently holds a place of interest for me in two current categories. The first category being Presidential elections because, let's face it folks....they are THE current topic of conversation. The second category where Richard P. Bland holds my interest is in the category of numismatics and American currency.
He gained the nickname "Silver Dick" (which personally I think the latter part of that nickname should be applied to a lot more of our elected officials) for his support of the silver miners in the mid 19th century. Bland co-authored a bill (which was vetoed by President Hayes and then overrode by congress) forcing the US government to purchase 12 million ounces of US silver from domestic miners per year. This silver was then coined into Morgan dollars which became known as Bland dollars. These coins mostly circulated in the West and South but the majority found their way into the treasury vaults to sit until The Great Redemption of 1962-63.
The government was in financial crisis in the mid to late part of the 1800's and there was much debate over how to solve the problem. Bland believed strongly in a bimetallic (the use of silver and gold as a monetary standard) currency. He campaigned for this belief for over 25 years. He strongly supported the common man and having tried his own hand at mining was a strong advocate for miners.
Bland was the front runner in the Presidential election until Bryan gave his famous "Golden Cross" speech. After the speech, Bryan became the democratic front-runner but the American people feared Bryan and his ideals might have induced another financial panic so they elected McKinley. Bland continued to serve his country in the capacity of Congressman until he passed away in 1899 at the age of sixty three.
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