The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-12-20
Stewart vigorously Attacks the
Elections Bill.
MORE REPUBLICANS WITH HIM.
Good Reason for Believing That the
Measure Will Be Withdrawn.
Silver Men Determined to Have Free
Coinage They Refuse to BE Bound
By Caucus-Stanford Explains Plan
for Initiating Argentine Financiers.

WASHINGTON CRY, Dec. 19.-I Special. f.
1t has devolyed upon Pacinc coast seua-
tor to create the biggest stir Of this session
of congress, and il came Unexpectedly,
though there had been enough premonito-
ry rumbling of discomfort To warn the
other senators of the impending storm.
When Senator Stewart, of Nevada, arose
today to speak on the federal elections bill
not more than two other senators on the
floor suspected that he would take the
ground of opposition. 1t was remarka-
bic speech, and created no end of sensa-
ton. OF course the Democrats were
pleased, but the expressions from the Re-
publican side were not entirely those of
disapproval, and if toiay's indications
count for anything the Lodge bill is
doomed, and It's discussion will not be
continued much longer. If any one
thought the action of the last caucus upon
the elections and financial bill was bind
ing upon the Republicans that thought
was dispelled by Stewart s speech.
The great surprise was that Stewart was
the hrst open dissenter. 1t was unex-
pected. as it was thought that he was
entirely engrossed in the silver problem.
Now that the Lrst step has been taken,
there is no doubt that many will follow in
Nevada's footsteps.
Senator'S Washburn, Cameron, Teller
and Paddock have privately expressed
themselves as against the bill, and Quay,
Pettigrew and ingalls, are believed to be
against many provisions of the measure
and may vote against it, though such
radical departure from the usual party
rules on the part of Ingalls, and Quay is
not looked for. At any rate, the dis
senters form a nucleus that grows daily,
and the promoters of the bill may with
draw it at any time, to save defeat when
the vote is taken. Republicans concede a
heavy blow to the administration.
Senator Stewart was asked tonight if
the speech was made under promise of
backing from the other senators. He
answered:
81 told no one of my intention to speak or the
nature of my remarks. did not want any one
to commit himself in any way, aud the speech
was made on my own responsibility and ex-
pressed my own convictions, and those of no
one else
''Were you prompted to make the speech in the
hope of creating diversion In favor of silver
legislation by shelving the elections bill?"
''Not bit Of it. had no such object in view.
You may say that the silver fight is progressing
tavoraby, and that 1t is no longer necessary to
have recourse to parliamentary tactics of any
sort i tell you that these ,pposed TO silver had
better stand from under, for they will be buried
under wsu of public obloquy that will COM
pletely hide them from sight. John Sherman
and the rest OF the gold bugs can do what they
please, but we refuse to accept any more OF the
mono-metal soothing syrup or any other nos
trum that serves to put us to sleep, until the OBJ
iee,s OF the New York bankers are accomplished.
In short, we refuse to be chloroforTned."
"What will be accomplished in the way OF sill
yer legislation this session.
"If the Republicans who are fighting us can
not see far enough ahead to come into the right
camp they win have the satisfaction of seeing
their enemies take advantage of their blindness
and stubbornness. II free coinage Is not given
TO the people at this session it will be at the
next, and that by so large majority that bill
will be passed over any veto the president may
choose to put on it, if he chooses. The people
want free coinage,and we must give it TO them"
When asked about the binding rules of
the recent caucus, Senator Stewart said:
You will never see the day when | viii bind
myself on financial measures. Why should
sell my birthrighte | am here to represent the
people who sent me, and when find myself un-
able 10 do that will leave the canital. No. sir:
no caucus rule can force me to be false to my
own principles.