Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-02-21
HOUSE COMMITTEE REPORT
Adversely 10 the Fres coinsss Bill on
voto 8 to Z.

| WAsHIsGroN, Feb. 2O.-The Houss
coinage committe. by vote Of to 4, hsi
decided to report the Senate free coinage
bill adversely. with the recommendation
that il do not pass.
The four in minority we're Carter, Bar
tire. Bland and Williams.
Two compromises were proposed in the
coinage committee BY Carter.
| The first was for the free coinage OF
American product and second for the pur-
| chase of ten millions Of silver for three
| months and six months thereafter.
Both propositions were defeated, not
getting as much support as unlimited fses
coinsge.
The sdver.e report on the Senate free
| coinage bill will be msds by Wickham,
chairman Of the committee, either late
today or tomorrow.
The four members in tho minority were
the old free coinage contingent Of the
committee; Carter Of Montana, and Bsrtine
Of Nevada are Republicans and Bland Of
Missouri and Williams Of Illinois,
Democrats.
The eight members of the committee who
compose the majority are Wickhsm. Ohio,
chairman. ard Walker, Massachusetts,,
Comstock. Minnesota, Knapp, New York,
Lsyler. Illinois, all Republicans; Tracey.
New York, Wilcox, Connecticut, vaux,
Pennsyivanis, Democrats.
Knapp, OF New York was not actually
present, but bad given Wslker a written
proxy authorizing the latter to represent
bin and bis vote was cast sgAinst the bill
according to his wishes.
Before the House Coinage Committee.
Corgressman-eIeet Simpson of Kansas,
Representing the Farmers' Alliance, before
the House coinage committee today said
the farmers of this country demanded and
would insist on more money. He sdvo.
Gated free coinsge ss one mesns to this end
also sub-treasury scheme and the issuance
Of paper money a. ths other methods
whereby more money could be put into cir.
cuistiou.
+, r. Bacon, representing the chamber
of commerce and the Merchants Associa.
ton Of Boston, presented an argument
agsins the passage OF the free coinsge bill.
John ]. Knox OF New Yorh, formerly
comptroller of currency, made . statement
in reference TO the passage of the silver
act in 1876. He said that it was charged
publicly in this country and in England that
the parties whs framed the act aud those
prominent in its passage through Congress
were guilty OF passing the set by secret
methods without giving the people Of the
United States or their representatives. in
Congress knowledge of what the bill con-
ssinea or What its effect would be. He vas
an offcs. in the treasury department at that
time. aod everything done in con-
nscticn with the act was ~ open - day
light. He read from the departmental
reports, prior 10 the framing Of
the bill, discussions On the silver question.
The bill was then framed, he eaid, and sent
to sii essay and mint officers and everyone
especially interested in the subject with
the request that they communicate their
views by marginal notes on the copies
sent them. Among those to whom copies
Of the bill we're sent were President Bar
ncfd of Columbia college and Prof.
Tsuseis. He resd from the Congressional
proee edings in support Of his assertion that
nothing was dene secretly in connection
| With the passase Of the bill. Senator
Stewart of Nevada made an argument in
favor Of free coinage. The committee
closed the heasings ard soon Afterwards
began the consideration Of the Senate free
| coinage bill in secret session.