The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-11
hon. JOHN ", DANIEL,
A Pleasant Interview With Him al The
Times once.
HIS VIEWS ON CURRENT QUESTIONS.
Yho silver Problem Discussed-The Situa-
zion In New York Democratic Pros
poets in YirginiR-The Third Party.

Hon. John w. Daniel remained in the city
Yesterday until 430 p. NJ. when be left for
his home in Lynchburg. During the morn
inc be paid brief visit 70 The TINES edito-
rial rooms. where he kindly permitted him.
self 10 be the victim of an interview.
He began the conversation by thanking
Tar TINES for the interest il had shown in
him and tho expression it had indulged in
favorable % his reelection to the United
States Senate. There is only one subject"
said he. "on which We differ. and hope that
will not be a material difference between US"
Yes. Senator, We do differ somewhat on
the silver question. We cannot help from be-
Ieving that the free and unlimited coinage Of
Bland dollars must tend 10 send gold to a
ureuum. and consequently have the effect Of
retiring coin Of that metal from circulation
either By causing Ito be ehoarded or exported
from the country leaving US only with de-
preciated silver currency
That argument. to my mind, replied MI
Daniel "snswers itself. If gold should dis
appear from circulation as you fear, would 1t
not 10 the laws Of supply and demand, en-
hance the value of the silver dollar and make
il intrinsically equh 10 gold; But gold will
not leave tho country unless the balance OF
trade IS against US. and then It Will 20 any
how whether we have free coinage or not.
But the balance Of trade will be \ sOur favor
when the Mckinley bill was first passed il
gave shock TO our commerce, which for
time made a balance against US and did
cause gold to be exported IN considerable
quantities. but we are recovering from that
shock. and our gold Is already beginning TO
come back.
Il do not think. either, that in case Of the
free coinage Of silver the currency would be
contracted by gold being sent TO premium.
According 10 the estimates of those who have
made careful study OF the matter the worlds
annual production Of silver is only -lG2 OO0.-
900. Of which $4,000 900 are already used
for coinage and other purposes. This
will leave only about $40 O00 900 for additional
coinage. This small sum for the worlds uses
would certainly not cause plethora of silver
money l have made close study of the sub
iect and believe haYe n pretty clear under
Standing Of il. ! admit however that 10 Is a
problem which is not easily solved. Certainly
L is one which no man can be dogmatlc
about My opinions have been formed alter
careful thought and research and others who
differ with me are as much entitled to
theirs rs ! am 10 mine. | want 10 do what |
feel convinced is best for the country, and |
believe that the only real way to show
whether free coinage will be best OF not ID TO
give 1t a fair test"
What is the chance. in your opinion, Of
lN-AN+N"
Congress before the campaign of '92;"
There is, / think. very little chance OF
that Congress will pass free coinage bill
ID all probability. but il will be vetoed by the
President, and in that case it IS likely the
question will be an open one before the next
presidency is determined. The people Will
Dot be satisfied until they have Oeen given an
opportunity to prove whether or not free
coinage will be advantageous
What do YOU think of the Democratic
situation in New York;
Hill seems 10 have the control of affairs
there Just now. and should the factional fight
there between him and Cleveland divide the
delegation from that State 20 the nominating
convention ! expect II would send the party
out West for d candidate
Don't you think that would be advantage
Gus 20 the Democracy"
The Republican party got into power by
gong West. and have stayed IN power by
keeping IN the West. Now seems an auspcious
time for the Democrats 10 gam that section,
and the West and South are natural allies.
IL We could get a good strong Western man
on the ticket believe our chances for success
10 1872 would be very good indeed.
In your conversation with members Of
The state Democratic committee did You not
hnd them all greatly pleased with the Demo
cratic outlook in this State.'
es they all spoke confidently. l hope
they wl beware Of soverconhdence."
D. on nave travelled quite extensively over
the State. Have you not found the farmers
as a general thing opposed 10 "a third party"
Yes / am in full sympathy with the
Farmers Alliance and can appreciate their
wants. / have found. however that nearly
all Of them believe they can accomplish much
more within the Democratic party than by
abandoning IT, The Alliance mon, as a rule,
have no disposition TO form q new party
After some further conversation of desul-
tory nature on various subjects, the Senator
arose and stated that It was time for
him TO be preparing 90 catch the train. After
again comphmentDg 'rHE TIMES for its bold
and unhestating expression ofits convictions
be withdrew, and the very pleasant inter-
view ended.