Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-22
BY the Northwestern Free Silver Re-
publicanS as Their Candi-
date for 1892
ATA LATE SECRET CONFERENCE.
Leading Senators of the Party in Solemn
COnclavs Agree to Be Revenged on
President Harrison
FOR KILLING OFF FREE COINAGE.
Blaine Not to B, Let Into the Scheme Bsclus, BE Might
Possibly Spoil It
.srEc1AL TELEGRAM TO rHE prsrArcH., f,


WASHINGTON, March PA curious
story is current in this city, and is sent to
the Mail and Express simply as a matter OF
news. The story is to the effect that con-
ference of Northwestern Republican Sena-
tors was held here this week. Grave ques-
tions of importance were explained to the
majority in attendance by committee OF
two, appointed at similar conference held
by Republican Senators at a prominent
hotel In New York City about the middle of
last week. The subject discussed at both
meetings was: "What will be best for the
West and Northwest in the CAM
paign of 1892" The States represented
at these conferences were Kansas, Nevada,
Wisconsin, Minnesota, NORTH and South
Dakota, Michigan, Colorado, Nebraska, but
not Idaho.
Just about the ides of March the follow
ing Republican Senators met in New York
City: Plumb, Kansas; Teller, Colorado;
Pettigrew, South Dakota; Stewart, Nevada;
Washburn, Minnesota, and Spooner, Wis
consin. With them was also Alexander
Mackenzie, the well-known Republican
leader, of North Dakota. Senator Nc
MILAN, of Michigan, was there by proxy,
having given his views to one OF the Sena-
tors present
Not Encouraging for Harrison.
Tne subject discussed was: "What had
fhe present administration done for the
portiou of the United States represented,
that is the Northwest, and will il be ad-
sisable for the Republican party to renomi-
mate President Harrison?" Each Senator
gave his views on the subject, and, as the
majority present were free coinage or silver
men, the sum total was not very encouraging
for Mr.. Harrison.
The result OF the meeting was, finally,
that Senator Plumb and Alexander Mac
kenzie should proceed to Washington and
call a conference of absent Northwestern
Senators and explain to them the situation
as arrived at oy the New York meeting and
then decide. The Senators, however, let
Mr.. Plumb know what they thought was
best to be done.
Hence the second conference took place
here this week, and there were present Sen
ators Plumb, Kansas; Paddock, Nebraska
HansbrOugh, North Dakota; Davis, Mime
sofa, and Alexander Mackenzie. Idaho
had been LETT out of both conferences. The
committee told what the New York confer
ence had done, or rather what it had dis
cussed, and again the ground was gone over
by the new members.
Blaine Is Decided On.
Finally it was decided that the conference
thought it best ior the gool of the Repuh-
1ican party in the Northwest and West to
60 10 work and try to secure the nomination
of James G. Blaine by the National Repub-
lican Convention as the Republican candi-
date for President in 1892. The conference
was unanimously of tbe opinion that to con-
suit or hint TO Mr.. Blaine of the project
meant its death, for one and all of its men,
bers acknowledge and confessed that they
knew and believed Blaine was sincere in his
discrimination not to be a candidate, but to
Go all he could for the denomination of
Harrison in 1892.
Yet, while they believed this, they deter
mined TO go to work without his knowledge
or consent and to do all they could to bring
about the desired result in 1892. The
whole matter has been kept such secret
that of course there is no gossip about it,
but when one looks over the list of the
majority of Senators attending the confer
ences one cannot help but be impressed with
she idea that it is a scheme of the free silver
men to retaliate on the President for his ac-
tion in killing the silver bill last Congress.
Still there were good friends of President
Harrison present, and if they have gone into
the agreement then it is surprising. 1t is
only Just and fair to Mr.. Blaine TO say, as
the Senators themselves confess, that he
knows nothing whatever about the meet
ings or their results. II he did he would not
be long in protesting, for Blaine is sincere in
his desire to see President Harrison renom-
mated and reelected.
There have been great many Northwest
ern politicians in Washington for the last
two weeks and numerous conferences have
been held hy the minor lights. The news of
the greater conference is just beginning TO
be known TO these strangers, and it is put
ting it mildly 10 say it is causing surprise.