The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-12-11
MANY OLD BILLS REAPPEAR.
Western Republicans Working a Free Silver
Coinage Dodge.
The VIRGINIA REFUND BILL AGAIN.
senator Daniel Introduces IL in tho Senate
Representatives Elect Meredith
Senate Proceedings.

In the Senate to-day the session was devoted
slmost entirely to the introduction OF bills,
mainly bv Western senators. The bills H.
tr,duced we're nearly alllold ones many Of
tben measures that have appeared and re-
appeared for years. Senator Daniel intro
3uced the bill 70 refund 70 tho
States of virginia and Maryland the
r,onov advanced Iy these States TO the
Ca,ersl Government for the construction Of
~ nublic buildings at Washington when the
national capital was permanently located
bere This bill is one oi the most ancient OF
tbe r,easlre which regularly comes before
CDnrress. IL has been fayoraby reported
dirers times. sometimes IN tho House and
o.,r ,n the Senate. but It's friends have
rever been able % get favorable action
bv both houses IN the same Congress.
Since its first Introduction many years ago
tie hil has encountered strong opposition IN
aach succeeding Congress. The basis Of this
-nnosition has always been that the States Of
Virginia and Maryland really donated the
-.rev This contention has been made de-
sn.te the fact that the original acts of the
state legislatures use the word advance as
rlally indicating q loan.
Tie Virginia Legislature passed an
act donating the States claim % the
Mount Vernon avenue enterprise, provided
tre promoters Of that enterprise could obtain
No money from Congress. and would use IN
,he construction of a boulevard between
Mount Vernon and Washington.
Senator Daniel also relntrOduced the bill
obich was before the last Congress providing
f0r the erection Of public building at New
port News.
As the House has adjourned for several
davs Messrs Epes and Jones have gone
home. Dr. lawson VIII remain here, as his
family are with him.
MEMBER-EIRCT MEREDITH.
Some Of the friends Of Captain Meredith.
who has iust been elected % Congress from
the Eighth Virginia district 20 succeed the
late General Lee. think be may get his Gre
dentiuls in time e. be sworn IN when the
House meets SATURDAY. IL he does not he
will have 90 wait until next Wednesday as
the House will adjourn from Saturday until
that day.
The Republicans who believe in and advo- |
cate free silver coinage are stirring 20 get |
ahead of the Democrats ln advancing legisla- |
ton in that direction. Senators Plumb and |
Stewart introduced bills to-day providing for |
absolute free coinage, and they do not |
hesitate TO express the opinion that |
they viii be able 10 get measure |
Of this character through the Senate. They |
farther count very confidently upon Its pass !
ing the House Representative Bland, of Mis- |
sOurl of silver dollar fame. estimates that a /
large majority 0I Tie present House favor free |
coinage. ie Is apparently confident that |
q silver bill will pass the House and agrees /
with Messrs Plumb and Stewart that II will /
60 through the Senate. IL this calculation |
these gentlemen may be mistaken. They |
base their calculation as to the Senate. Tor
instance. upon the vote Of that body Oh free
silver 10 tie last Congress. But the situa-
ton Is now somewhat different. Then
nearly all of the Democrats of the Senate
voted for free silver. They were in the
minority and were therefore not responsible
for legislation. Besides they knew that the
President was openly committed 10 q veto OF
@ free coinage BIZ and they hoped 20 embar-
Tass him by aiding IL the passage of such
measure.
WILL BE MOEE CAUTIOUS.
Now the Democrats will be much more
cautious and conservative IN handling the
question. They fully realize the wide di-
vergence OF opinion In the party as TO the
policy of such legislation, and the general de-
SIRE OF the Dem rats Is 10 avoid forcing or
a.ltatlIg any dl,tAcung issue on the eve of
presidential election.
There ale Democrats IN both houses of Con-
-Iess Who, while believing in the policy of
free silver agree that wisdom admonishes
ilat the issue he held ln allegiance until after
tle national election next year They are not
wiling TO alenlte our friends IN New urk |
ana the East for the sake IF passing bill
when cannot become q law 50 long as
HARRISON is President The passage of
silver bill through the Senate and House
would bo void OF any result except to create
more schlsm in the Democratic than In the
hepuolcan party. and Republicans who are
fastening such legislation fully understand
that iact. This very disposition -
Ie.egate the silver question 10 the
ieaf for the present Is one of the
iniuences which adds 10 the strength OF ex-
President Cleveland. Some Of the strongest
bmetalAsts IN Congress admit Lat they
could trust him If again elected President
70 deal wisely and patrotically with the ques-
ton.
in connection with silver there is q rumor
ih-t Bland, o. Missouri will not lie placed
upon the Coinage Committee. OF course
nobody yet knows the Speakers purpose
"lih regard 10 this committee but Mr.. Bland
.uo ms friends are feeling sOme~ hat anxious.
according o. rumor il Is the purpose OF the
Speaker 20 constitute the majority of the
c committee Of men who favor silver but who
WI proceed very deliberately and cautiously
ID o1erng legislation on the subject.