New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-29
THE SILVER LEAGUE IN CAUCUS.

THE SILVER LEAGUE IN CAUCUS.
CUTLER THE LEADING sPIRIT-A NUMBER OF suG-
GEsTIvE INCIDENTs-A FULL REPORT OF HE
SECRET MEETING.
my TELEGRAPH TO TRIBUNEJ
w,su1xcroN. Ian. 2S.-The Silver League Tor
whatever the Congressional organization having tor
its object the repeal of the Resumption Act ana the
remonetization of silver may be caledl held another
caucus this afternoon after the Adjournment Vi TIC
Uouse Tie purpose of the meeting was 10 announce
the Executive and Finance Committees which nave
been selected by the chairman. In accordance
with the resolution of the previous caucus, and
TO consider the ways and means for tle
advancement of the cause for which the league is
laboring The only other important business trans
acted was the adoption of resolution directing the
Executive Committee to solicit subscriptions to
fund to pay for the distribution of documents and to
meet the government expenses of the league. Cen
era Butler headed the list with subscription OF $oo
announced amidst the applause of the caucus.
There were many significant suggestions, some idea
Of which may be gathered from the following de-
tailed and authentic report of the proceedings
Mr.. Bucbner, of Missouri, chairman of the Organi-
cation, reported that III members of the House OF
REPRESENTATIVES had subscribed TO the resolution ex-
planning the purposes of the organization, namely,
the repeal of the Resumption Act and the remone-
tization of silver He also announced the commit
fees the names of which have already been printed
Mr. Buckner also said that he had received several
communications from Massachusetts, showing that
public documents were needed there and that a
complete revolution i'll public sentiment might be
effected in Massachusetts,. He had also received
dispatch from The Boston Herald offering to give the
league one column and half for such matter as
they might desire to publish
General b. F. Butler interposed and said " The
Liant
and violent of the hard money papers in Massachu-
sets heretofore. am very glad to hear that there
is to be any change"
Chairman Buckner further said that he had writ
ten TO The indianapolis Sentinel and The Baltimore
Sun to know the prices they would ask for the pub
licatlon of speeches and documents friendly to the
league in their regular weekly issues. but had re-
ceived no replies
Mr. Bragg, of Wisconsin, said: " The Chicago Times
denounces us as unatics, but says that we display
more sense than either of the other parties, as we
know what we want and are determined to get 1t.
In that respect we differ from other organizations"
Mr. Springer, of Illinois, said that the object OF
the caucus was to consider the bill for the remonet
cation of silver and the repeal of the Resumption
Act Some of the State Legislatures are now IN SEES
sion in States where the Senators are
opposed to these measures. He recommended that
correspondence should be begun by the Executive
Committee to induce those Legislatures to pass reso-
buttons instructng their Senators 20 vote for these
bills He said that careful canvass of the Senate
showed that it is only barely possible that
there will be two-thirds for the Silver
Bill as il came from the House; it
was essential to have the votes of the Senators
referred TO; there were three Southern Senators
HILL Lamar and Butler, of South Carolina, who are
not in harmony with their States and who ought to
he instructed Mr. Springer said that he had heard
priyately that the Legislature of South Carolina
which is now in session is favorable to silver remone
tizaton, but that the Charleston delegates who are
the brains of the Assembly are under the influence
of the Cotton Exporting Exchange which is opposed
to silver
Mr. Gabriel Bonck, Of Wisconsin, desired public
documents for distribution, at reasonable price.
General Butler, of Massachusetts,, referred to the
fact that under the present law speeches Of Con-
eressmen can be sent as part of he Congressional
Record free and said that the public money could
not be better spent. He added that il would he
possible for silver men to have either memorials
speeches or resolutions which they desired
printed inserted report of the record as the vote
of to-day on the Matthews silver resolutions shows
that the silver men have two-thirds majority to
pend any rule that stands in their way And"
said General Butler, since we are TO have all the
money power to fight, VIC can suspend the rules to
print anything at any time"
AN ASSESSMENT OPPOSED.
Mr. Wright, of Pennsylvania. of the Finance Com
mittee, moved that the members Of the league be
assessed $50 each for expenses.
General b. f. Butler of Massachusetts, opposed
this. He said that the vote in the House to-day on
the Matthews resolution showed that there were
IS9 silver men; that there Were only III on the
rolls of the league and an assessment might brighten
away the rest; they ought all 10 be brought in
everyone should be invited to come without money
and without price.
Mr. Wright suggested that the members Of the
league might be invited to call upon the Finance
Committee and make subscriptions.l
General Butler suggested. amid much meTriment.
that thew might all of them forget it.
Judge Bright of Tennessee, protested against an
assessment Of any sum upon the members of the
league, and said that Congressman generally were
more interested in their offspring and fruit Of
their own brains namely, silver speeches than they
in the productions of anybody else. He had
already expended 800 himself in distributing his
own speeches. this session. and did not feel like pay
ing anything more.
Mr. Wright again interrupted, saying: " We must
have money anyhow in some way. | can't stand in
the breach as have done before" lie mildly re-
buked General Butler whom he called "a venerable
man." for opposing him. and suggested that there be
al assessment of So.
Mr.. Sparks of Illinois, suggested that everybody
should pay what he desired. i
Mr.. Springer thought that Senators Jones Z. !
Sharon and some Of the silver men might be eager
TO pay 800 EACH and it would be well TO prevent
them by an assessment OF 50.
Mr. Townshcnd, of Illinois, thought that the mat
ter should be left to the Finance Committee. of
which lac himself is member
The matter was finally settled by the adoption OF
ares0utlOn directing the Finance Committee 10 so