The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-12-15
THE SILVER QUESTION.
Opposition to Repeal Of the Sherman
Law-Skirmishing In Congress-.


Law-Skirmishing In Congress.
CHICAGO, Dec. 1.-THE executive committee
of the American Bi-Metsllic League today
adopted a resolution protesting against
the repeal of the act OF July, 1890,
stating that it would leave our none
tary system just as 1t was under the
demonetizing act of 1878. and deprive bi-met-
allism OF all the advantages gained in twenty
years of earnest effort. Any change in the ex-
listing law, unless in furtherance OF free coinage,
is unequiyocally opposed.
WASHINGTON CITY, Dec. 1.-THE treasury de-
par,ment today purchased 800 coo ounces OF sill
yer at So IS cents.
The silver and ansi-silver men in the
house are engaged in light ekirmish-
ing in anticipation OF the failure OF
the BRUSSELS international conference
from which the members say they expect moth
ing. Each side is now endeavoring TO learn
something OF the purposes and views OF the
other side Talks with free silver men
and avowed opponents OF the p-es-
ent Sherman law show that 1t is
believed to be unlikely that anything will be
done at this session, either in the way OF the
repeal of the Sherman law or the enactment of
more radical silver legislation. This morn
ing the house coinage committee held a meeting
to have regular day set for the considera-
ton OF Williams bill to repeal the Sherman
law. Williams, its author, was not present and
the bill went over. Then there was some very
informal and general discussion over
the silver question. and a proposition was
put forward in rather indefinite shape
that an opportunity be given in the house for a
vote on the repeal OF the sherman law. The
free coinage men are not unwilling that this
be done, but in order to preserve
their present parliamentary advantage it
was suggested that the method by which to
accomplish this was to take up the Bland bill.
which at the last session was finally displaced
by few 'dilatory motions, after the
speaker found it necessary to cast
the deciding vote on the bill. Bland and
Pierce, the leaders Of the free silver
section OF the Democrats in the house, ex-
pressed a willingness to give the other side an
opportunity to offer Williams and other
bills as amendments to the Bland bill pro-
vided that, on their part, the aati-silver men
would agree to let the house come to a
vote on the question OF the free coinage of silver
and other propositions more favorable TO
the extended use of silver currency than the
present law. Tracey and Taylor, OF Illinois,
without committing themselves, were inclined to
this view. The committee adjourned without
action, however 1t is thought that if the
committee was to agree unanimously upon
some recommendation to the house the
support OF the rules committee could
be obtained to a resolution making the
silver bill a special order, but nothing in the
past history of the committee warrants the con-
clus;on that il will be able to act tremendously
and as unit in consideration of silver legisls-
ton in the house.
BRUSSELS, Dec. 14-Iti is considered probable
that the international monetary conference will
not adjourn without date, but will adjourn until
next spring, or perhaps for q few weeks. The
bi-metallisss from India and elsewhere are de-
cidedly aroused over what they regard as the
dupiicity OF the other side. 1t is claimed that
Great Britain is using Germany and Aus.
tria to accomplish purposes that England
does not dare openly urge for fear of offending
India as well as the British bi-metailst senti-
ment. The special committee of the conference
has been discussing the bi-metallist proposals
OF sir William Houldsworth, Of the British del
eGation, and one OF the Belgian delegates, Al
lard.
Tirard has been summoned to France to ac-
cept the Office OF minister of finance in the place
OF Rouvier, resigned, and this has interrupted
the discussion of the delegates.
Fovilie has made a proposal for the issue OF
warrants on deposits of silver.