Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-02-19

HenSAtlOn Ill COHpTe6s SeCOHt pHiy W
that created by his famous tariff reform
message. To-day, as in December, 1887,
he surprised most OF the men in Con
gress. But now, as then, the Demo-
cratic managers knew what was coming,
and had done all that they could to pre-
vent it, using similar arguments both
times. When ii was known here several
days ago that Cleveland was about to
write letter on the silver question the
Democratic managers, knowing very
we'll that in spite of Vests limitations
of q change of mind, Cleveland
stood just where he stood when
he wrote the anti-free coinage letter to
the Democrats in Congress before he
was inaugurated, wrote TO him and en-
deavored to get him not to write any
letter, but keep silence on the subject
altogether. They knew very well that
he would not write an ambiguous letter,
so they begged him not to write any
letter at all on the subject. Their theory
was that, as Watterson said, Cleveland
was the choice Of the Democrats for
President, and that nothing could pre-
vent his nomination and election but his
opposition to free coinage. If they could
only get this out of the way, they
thought, there would be no doubt about
the outcome in 1892.
CLEVELAND WOULD SPEAK OUT.
They had things in training for get
ting out of the House coinage committee
tomorrow substitute bill limiting free
coinage to American silver, which they
thought could be put through, and
which they thought would dispose of
the matter whether Harrison signed
or vetoed it. Then the way would be
clear for Cleveland, who would have
nothing to do but to keep still But now,
as in 1887, this is just the thing which
Cleveland could not and would not do.
He must speak out, and he must say what
he thought Now, as then, most of the
politicians think that he has made q
fatal mistake. They agree that his letter,
by stiffening up the anti-frec coinage
men, will probably prevent any legisln-
ton at this session on the silver ques-
ton, and this, they say makes the silver
question the most prominent one next
session and next year. This they think
will either prevent Cleveland's nomina-
ton or defeat him if he is nominated.
This was to-day the opinion expressed
by majority of beth sides, On the
other hand, a minority of the Democrats
and a minorityof Republicans Xprcsscd
the belief that Cleveland candor, sim
cerity and courage, as shown in the let
ter, would so strengthen him in the
popular affection that, regardless Of the
silver question, he would have greater
following than ever and would now be
inevitably renominated and reelected,
solidifying the Democratic party on the
silver question as he did on the tariff
question.
Some of the leaders tGorman, Car
isle and Mills, for examplel absolutely
refused to say anything for publication.
Vest. who was said to have letter
from Cleveland Of opposite tenor, would
say nothing,
w. G. p. Breckenridge said; "Cleve.
land will be nominated and elected in
1892
Roswell P. Flower said; "Cleyeland
has the courage Of his convictions"
Bynum said sCleycland never
lodges"
Vaux said; "Cleyeland is a great man
He will be nominated and elected il
1902 as sure as hell is hot.
Mutchler Of Pennsylvania, said "Ilij
expressions will meet with approval il
Pennsylvania, New York and through
out the east II may not iniure hi
political prospects. The silver question
may not be an issue in the campaign 81
49, II may be out Of the way. Witt
tariff as the issue, as il should be ant
undoubtedly will be, his opinions o.
silver ought not to hurt him in til
south and west
Bland (of dollar fancy said every
one must see that Mr.. Cleveland ha
made mistake. This is the first tim
that we have heard from this patriot
reform club. Free elections and FIRE
coinage 60 hand-in-hand, and no MAJ
can be elected on a Democratic plat
form who is not in sympathy with thu
movement Mr.. Cleveland letter make
his candidacy for the Presidency rilicr
lous. He will have no following we,
of the Allegheny mountains"
Mr.. Kerr of Pennsylvania said th5
the letter might strengthen Mr.. Clevt
land in New York and Pennsylvania
but that the impression seems to be TIL,
it would hurt him in the south and Ii
west. The full effect Of the letter, /
thought, could not be forcsecn ut tn
time,
WHAT REPUBLICANS SAY.
Wilson tRepublican) of kentucll,
thinks that the letter puts Mr., CleYelar
and President Harrison in the san
boat. He asked Dalzell, Pennsylvant
Republican member, if he was fl
Cleveland or Harrison. Dalzell said
was for Cleveland. He asked Dickinso
Democratic member from kentuek
the same question, and Dickinson I
piled that he Was for Cleveland,
Congressman Darlington said; at
a good thing. Mr. Cleveland shows tn
he has the COURAGE of his convictions
has raised Cleveland in MY estimate
lis not going to iniure his President
chances. 1t will make him solid
Pennsylvania, throughout New Eli
land, in New jersey and New A0l
With these states behind him he need r
be anxious about the south and ives
MIR. CLEFEL.1 ND'S I+IEH.S
He Writes TO the Reform Club Meeti
Protesting Against Free Coinage
Silver.
NEW YORK, Feb. 1l.-About 700 p,
pie tonight attended an anti-silycr hi
meeting at Cooper Union, under
auspices Of the Reform Club, oyerwhi
its president, f. Ellery Anderson, r
sided. Ringing resolutions Of prot
against free coinage were adopted.
When the president announced a
Ter from eX-Prcsidcnt Cleveland Iii
was deafening shout Of applause.
wrote as follows:
M. SIG MSpIs0S AyEYrE, Feb 10, i
Il EHFy indtrSon--EfY DEAR sin
have this afternoon received your note
yiting me to attend tomorrow cyeninl
meeting called for the purpose Of voic
the opposition Of the business men of
city u die free coinage Of silver in