Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-08-16
TALK WITH Mr.. AYERS
THE ex-ATroRNev-eENeHAl ON VA
RlouS QUESTIONS OF INTEREST.
The Third Party--Mr. Cleveland and His
Silver vtews-rhe Next Governor
Debt observation-disclosures.

Ex-Attorney General II. "A. Ayers. Of
Scott county, member of the Democratic
|Executive Committee from the Ninth dis
trict, was at the Exchange Hotel last eve
ming. In talk with q DISPATCH reporter
be said that he was only in the city for o
few hours on his return from Philadelphia.
MIR. Ayers, in referring to the third
party movement. said that he did not ap-
prehend any difficulty this year from the
attempt to form third party; that so far
as his observation extended there was no
organized effort in that direction anywhere.
and AS the wisest leaders of the Farmers
Alliance discouraged any attempt of that
KIND It could be safely assumed that there
would be 10 third partg in the fight this
year.
Whcl asked in regard TO the election
OK senator, Mr.. Ayers said that be be-
lieved Major Daniel wSuld be easily his
own successor; that the Democrats of the
state were justly proud of his course. and
would continue him for another term
where his experience and increased inhu-
ence would greatly enhance his oppor-
tunitles to benefit the State.
TIMES 1T WILL BE CLEVELAND.
When asked who he thought would be
the nominee of the party for President,
Mr.. Ayers said Cleveland; that he was in
his opinion the most available candidate
by long odds; that many politicians OPP
posed Mr.. Cleveland without Just cause.
Many OF them had been disappointed in
his appointments and disagreed with him
as to many of his public acts. MIR. Ayers
added that he himself did not approve of
much MIR. Cleveland had done, but thatthe
people of all parties had passed upon mis-
administration, and the verdict was that it
had been able. honest, and clean ana TINS
covered a multitude of criticism. He
(Mr. Ayers) said that he had seen
enough to know that the Democrats of
Virginia wanted Cleveland, and would not
be switched of to some one else by the
politicians.
HILLS PROSPECT.
When asked about Hills prospect Mr..
Ayers said that Hill, IN his opinion, had no
mated or New York ignored and western
man taken. II would be Cleveland or
western man sure.
cLEyELASD'g SILVER VIEWS.
But what about Mr.. Cleveland's views
on the silver question? asked the re-
porter.
Biz OlcftlhUuS Views Oh tuO ellNeE
question:" replied Mr. Ayres, ARE not in
perfect accord with those of many Demo-
Gratis. but be has the support of many OF
the 'wisest men of the party. Mr.. Glove
land would approve any reasonable silver
bill that Congress would pass"
Tho prevalent idea that free COIN
age Of silver would be q panacea
for all our financial ills is o myth.
The very condition of affairs which
has existed for the last few months
show tins conclusively. With tho Irea--
good, flush times. Now with all the money
paid out and in the hands of the people
(but not oirculatlng) We have q severe
stringency and depression. 1t is not so
much the lack OF money as the lack of
confidence that causes the trouble. 1t
does not matter to me how much money
you have; If you will not buy something
from nae or loan me upon my pro-
perty it does me no good. We want
return of confidence and then the money
will begin to flow in its usual channels
and business will revive. Cleveland can
be depended upon to do just what will be
for the best interest Of the whole people
conscientIously and fairly and no never
went far wrong. They can trust him and
they know 1t"
AM NOaliNLL run OofEhNOh-
When the subject of the next guberna-
torlal contest was broacned. the ex-Attor-
ney-General said that it was too early to
say who would probably BIO the nominee
for Governor, that the Southwest would
have a candidate, and he supposed there
would be several from other portions of
the State. And you need not be sur
prised," he added, "if the successful man
is farmer"
IHB DEBT SETTLEMENT.
When asked about the public debt, Mr..
Ayers replied that the people wanted it
settled. but they would greatly deprecate
its being made political football again.
The people would be willing to settle upon
any basis which would bring the payment
of the interest and reasonable sinking
fund within the revenues derived from the
present rate of taxation. Whilst this was
the feeling now, however, he doubted very
much If the present negotiations failed
on account OF the disposition shown
to press the State farther than she can
safely 60 whether the opportunity to
settle on as favorable terms as now would
ever occur again to the bondholders.
Every effort made by the bondholders TO
coerce the State has lesseDed the value OF
their securities.
WILL NEvER GET ANY BETTER.
1.-THE matter will never get any better"
continued bIr. Ayers, but will steadily
grow worse unless settlement is arrived
at"
Mr.. Ayers said that ne favored a settle
ment OF tho debt upon fair basis and
thought that in matters of minor detail
there should be mutual concession, but
that the committee had as well recognize
at once that the substantial basis Of settle
ment had been settled by the people and
their representatives would not be war
ranted in materially departing therefrom.
SOUTHWEST BooMs.
When asked in regard to the booms in
the Southwest, Mr.. Ayers said that they
were decidedly off just now, and he did
not believe there would be much revival
in wildcat speculation in town lots; that
there were towns which by reason OF the
favorable conditions under which they
were established and surrounded would
revive and continue to grow and prosper;
that others would go very slow. The
mineral development was going steadily
forward during even this period OF depres-
sion, and the revival of business which
will be sure TO come when the vast crops
are marketed will see all solid enterprises
and investments steadily improve and en-
nance in value. THE crops" concluded
Mr.. Ayers, are the finest we have had for
years and the farmers are all pleased"
Mr.. Ayers left for his homo on the 11:3O
train last night.