Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1891-04-24
State Treasurer Stephens of Mis-
souri,. Calls On EX-PreSident
Grover Cleveland
TO Get a More Thorough Expression
OF His Views on the
Silver Question.
He Says the Republicans Want to
Make the Silver Question a
Leading Issue in '92.
Grover Explains Further

piAACo IN lOlloNluS. OUduo 1ltttSultI
Stephens, of Missouri, called on express
ident Grover Cleveland to-day, with let
ters of introduction from Gov. Francis
and other leading Missouri democrats.
The object of the visit was to secure from
ex-President Cleveland a more thorough
expression OF his views on the silver
question than the latter has yet made to
the public; also for his reason for having
written his silver letter to the Reform
club. The ex-president received Stephens
very cordially. Tho treasurer explained
that the Missouri democrats were now
opposed to Cleveland's nomination. on
account of his silver letter and asked him
why he w ote that letter. Il was we'll
aware" said the eX-president, that the
republican party is very DESTROYS of MAX
ing the silver question one of the leading
issues OF the campaign of 1892, and the
question should be taken up at once. 1t
should be thoroughly discussed, SO that
the people can be educated up to it.. In
this way, it may be settled before 1892,
and we will be
ENDANGERED BY A DIVIDED PARTY.
Besides, [ was daily in receipt of hum
dreds of letters from democrats in all
parts of the country asking that l give
expression regarding free coinage. I
felt that these friends were entitled to
know how l stood on the question, and
SO l. took the first favorable opportunity
to give my views, Since l did so | have
received large mail from all over the
country thanking me for having done So.
My correspondents say the party had a
right to know my views, and that l
would not have acted in good faith if I
had kept them secret. If [ have caused
thorough discussion of the subject
among democrats they must admit that l
have acted wisely.' "But now that letter
has been written, Missouri democrats"
said Stephens, would like to know in
case you are elected in 1892, and a demo-
cratic congress should pass
FREE COINAGE BILL.
would you veto it, no matter how great
a majority of your party favored the
measure?' IF | should be elected pres
ident in 1892" answered the ex.presi-
dent, 'such d bill would not reach me
until 1894, as congress would not meet
until December. 1893, so that this is a
bridge which ! better not attempt to
cross until we come to it. What would
be bad for this country at the present
time might be a benefit then. The
amount of the present per capita should
be increased, but changes should be
made gradually. When tue law was
passed providing for coinage for
S2,0OO,OOO per month, | feared the
result, for [ thought 1t would prove. an
injury robustness interests OF the coun-
try for some time at least. However.
the law proved a benefit, for, contrary to
my opinion, the country was
FAD FOR a CHANGE.
! When the present law providing for
; $4,5OO,COO per month was passed, |
thought the measure too radical, and 1t
might have the effect of driving gold out
Of the country, but in this | was mis-.
taken, and both those opposed as well as
those II favor OF free coinage, believe the
present a wise one, in so far that the
country has been benefited by it. With
the rapid strides the country is making
it is impossible to say what financial
measure we may be ready for i'll 1894
In forming my views upon the subject ]
did not. alone consider the interests OF
any one section of this CT country. | have
been unable to see how free coinage
could fail to be
AN INJURY TO EVERY SECTION
of this country, believing it would drive
gold out of circulation. AS we are in {
great measure dependent upon European
markets for our products, we are
obliged to take them into consideration,
When I have suggested a monetary con
ference of the representatives of Other
governments with orr own which would
agree upon a new standard of value b,
suggestions that have been scotfed at by
Europeans. 1 am pelighted that people
are now engaged in such thoughtful
consideration of this question and tina
by 1892 they will have decided whethe
or Tot we are ready to
HANDLE L THE silver
Of the world" Stephens gave an accoun
Of his visit to the eX-president shortly af
ter leaving Cleveland. ssHe tookrrno notes
but he thinks he thoroughly memories
what Cleveland said. a representative 0
the Associated Press called at Cleveland
office this afternoon to ascer
tain whether the interview, as givel
above, was accurate. Cleveland said h
had not talked with anyone on the silve
question for publication. He had NO
read the Telegram's article and could no
therefore say whether the statement
credited to him were ali accurate expires
sion of his views or not.
They Were Begging for Is.
BUFFALO,, n. Y, April 22.-Tw
strangers, apparently farmers, have bee:
here several weeks, soliciting money t
help distressed farmers of North Dakota
The mayor grew suspicious and has re
ceived word from the governor of Nort]
Dakota, saying strangers were not au
thorized to collect money.
Strikers Return to Work.
CHICAGO, April 21.-Many of til
striking graders at the Worlds Fai
grounds became tired of idlenes, and thi
afternoon when a squad of police az
peared to clear the park, they returne
to work. The strike is about over