The passage above highlights the irony that is implicit in a social life. While society pushes its members into conventions and conformity, it's risky behavior that correlates with success. The passage above acknowledges that Tom's misbehavior is linked to his heroism. His socially deviant behavior will either lead him to a death sentence or the presidency.
In the period of industrialization, it was easier to harvest crops so supply went up and demand stayed the same causing prices to drop. The "newly" freed slaves also started farming, increasing the supply.
They believe it would be solved by Currency reform.
