The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-04-23
THE SILVER AGITATION.
Nine Owners Determined and Hopeful
International Conference Talked or.


International Conference Talked OF.
WASHINGTON CRY. April 22.-It has been
ascertained from the members of congress
who attended the meeting of the national
silver committee last night that the inter-
est in and demand for silver legislation by
this congress shows no abatement. The
hope is expressed that some action might
yet be taken by congress on the Bland
bill or some other measure for the
full reconciliation of silver. The ques-
ton of an international monetary confer
ence was only incidentally mentioned,
As no confidence is felt among the free
coinage men in its outcome there was no
expression on the part of those present
that could be interpreted as favoring the
immediate forma ton of third party, as
suggested heretofore. A number have de-
ciared that they would not vote for pres
idential candidate who was against free
coinage. The bi-metallic league was the
topic of discussion, and there is general
impression that such a league could be
formed.
WASHINGTON CRY. April 22.--While it is
an open secret that the president is en-
deavoring to secure an international con-
ference on the silver question, the closest
reticence with regard to the whole subject
is maintained at the White House and
treasury department s. Dana Horton,
the confidential representative of this gov
eminent, spent year or more among the
financial offices of the governments of
Grent Britain, France, Prussia, Aus
tria and Italy for the purpose of
ascertaining their views on the sub
ject Of bi-metallic standard. He
made elaborate private reports as the
result of his mission. He is now in WASH
ington City and a frequent visitor to the
state and treasury departments. 1t is said
that the reports received from the differ
ent countries satisfied the president of the
advisability of an international confer
ence. He practically decided to take the
initiative in the matter. 1t is understood
he will soon send a special message to con-
gress transmitting the correspondence on
the subject.
The published reports that the president
had practically completed arrangements
looking to an international monetary con-
ference to be held early next summer, and
that invitations had been issued to foreign
governments to participate therein, are
not received with any display of enthusi-
asn by the silver senators. Senator Stew
art is outspoken in characterizing the
alleged plan as an electioneering device
and absolutely devoid of any honest pur-
pose to carry out the express declaration
OF congress, namely, the full remonetiza-
ton OF silver. Senator Teller does not see
how the conference can have any practical
results, in view of the insurmountable
limitation to be placed upon the confer
ence, according to the reports. 1t is quite
clear that none of the Republican silver
senators have been taken into the conf
dence OF the administration on this latest
alleged project One of them said:
He knew of some such plan in contemplation,
and that this government had already made
overtures to the governments Of European coun.
tries looking to a conference, but as he had been
Informed that before any definite propositions
would bs submitted TO the parties to the con.
ference the silver senators would first be con-
suited, he was surprised TO read that there had
already been practical agreement which abso-
lutely ncgatived the real purpose, and the re-
suit OF the conference would not he as il was In
tended by congress TO be, the restoration of
silver to its place as money metal This senator
limited that this administration. and not Great
Britain, a. reported, had really secured the al
legged limitation of the subject to be passed
upon by the conference to the consideration of
means TO secure the e61nrged use of silver az
money, aud had prevented consideration OF the
best means of securing the free coinage of silver
He held, and other silver senators entertained
the same belief, that the conference would come
90 nothing unless allowed 10 consider the free
coinage question.
The national silver committee this morn
ing decided 20 call national bi-metallic
convention in this city on May 26. A
formal call and address will be issued to-
morrow evening