Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-04-11
THE SILVER QUESTION.
1t Engrosses the Attention OF the Republic
can Caucus Called to Consider
Another Matter.

Another Matter.
by telegraph to the Dispatch.i
WARRINGTON, April 10.--The two days
notice secured full attendance for the
caucus of Republican representatives to-
night. The object of the call, as announced
by Representative Dingley, of Maine, who
presided. was the arrangement OF an order
of business for the remainder of the SEES
sion. but it soon transpired that the silver
problem was OF such engrossing interest rs
TO throw other matters into the back
ground. The subject was preached by
Chairman Conger, OF the Coinage Commit
tee, who recently reported the modified
Window bill.
THE MODIFIED WINDOW BILL.
He explained in detail the provisions of
the BILL noted the changes that had been
made in Secretary WINDOWS original plan
by the committee, and gave the reasons
for making them. He believed that the
measure was strong and calculated to meet
the public demand for more liberal sup
ply of money. 1t was highly expedient
that the Republicans should agree upon
some measure of this kind so as to present
united front when the subject came up
for discussion in the House. A represent
tative from one of the new western States
spoke of the necessity for speedy action
upon the subject of silver.
FOR FREE COINAGE.
He was for free coinage, and declared
that il could be established without danger
and with great benefit to this country and
the whole world. Representative Walker,
of Massachusetts,, member Of the Coinage
Committee, advised the Republicans to
support the committees bill. IL would
practically afford all of the advantages
IS "a, NO n
be so radical departure from the conser-
vative course as would q declared free
coinage bill.
A wELl-sPRING OF ORATORY.
1t had bv this time become evident that
well-spring of oratOry had opened that
threatened TO overflow the other objects
for which the caucus was called, SO rule
was adopted limiting speeches to tive min
utes each. But this did little good, rs the
members interested Goon adopted the IA
miliar device of getting a friend TO secure
recognition in order to yield his time.
THE SENATE PROPOSITION.
In the course of the debate the Senate
committee proposition to coin four and a
quarter millions of silver monthly was dis
cussed. and it was not without adherents,
who made point by declaring that coin
age to this amount would consume the
entire annual product OF tho American
mines. and must, therefore, satisfy any one
who wished free coinage in practice with
out reference 10 theory. One of the OBJ
jectIons made 20 the House committee bill
was that there was no inducement for any
one to sell silver TO the Treasury at the
market price. as he could more readily sell
il at the nearest market TO individuals. 10
this answer was made that the beneficial
effect would still obtain; that the price OF
l. 81 nj af vi
mum.
THE FEATURE or THE DEBATE.
The feature of the debate was the re-
markable strength of the free-coinage men,
and. M an eastern member expressed 1t,
the House is apparently restrained from
passing a free-cOinsge bill only from fear
of presidential veto.
NOTHING But SILVER.
The caucus lasted until If o'clock, and all
OF the time was consumed III the discus
sion of the silver question. Messrs. Nc.
Kinley and Cannon took a prominent part
in the debate. the former championing the
House committee bill and the latter show
ing a decided leaning toward a compromise
between the two views represented by the
House and Senate propositions.
TO ARRANGE A PLAN or ACTION.
| No attempt was made 10 take a direct
vote upon any proposition except one
which was adopted, providing for the APP
pointment of committee Of sixteen, q
include the Republican members of tn
/ Coinage Committee. which is 20 conside
the entire subject. consult with the he
publican Senate committee, and Cndeayo
to arrange definite project for the con
sideratl0n of tho caucus, which will NEE
again next Monday night.
THE COMMITTEE OF REPUBLICAN SENATORS.
WASHINGTON. April 1O.-The committee
Of Republican senators charged with tn
duty Of framing silver bill if possibl
that shall secure the united support OF
majority IN the Senate held another meet
ing tonight at tue residence Of Senate
Sherman. At a late hour they were stll
i'm sessjon. and the result of their delibera
tions. If one was reached, could not b.
learned. 1t was beloved that nothing def
mite was accomplished, and that at leas
one more meeting WIND necessary to en-
able the members to harmonic the differ
euce of opinion that exists among them.