Having considered the possible momentous absorption of the precious metals by the Asiatics, it may be well to consider what Europe itself is likely soon to do in the same line.  England, France, and Germany are the three most substantial and commercial nations of Europe, and their experience may be taken as an index.  We find that these three use on an average $16.40 per capita of gold.  To give the same to the rest of Europe, including Russia and Turkey, will require, in addition to their present stock, $3,780,000,000 in gold, or nearly as much as the entire world’s present stock of gold coin.

If the example of France and the Netherlands—­two of the soundest and most conservative nations in the world—­be similarly taken as an index to the probable use of silver, it appears that these two nations average $12.50 per capita.  To supply the rest of Europe to the same extent will require an addition of $3,563,000,000 to her present stock of silver, or about three-fourths as much as the present coined silver of the world.  In view of these facts, is not the real question, not whether there is gold enough, but whether there is both gold and silver enough for the future monetary requirements of the world?  Does it not seem that the nations are soon to be confronted with this dilemma:  that the product of the precious metals must be greatly increased—­and is that possible?—­or that for the want of gold and silver there must be a serious check to the progress of civilization?