Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-07-01
1T WAS AM|skNAcT
What is Said About the Presidents
Proclamation.
EXPRESSIONS FROM CONGRESSMAN.
Some Think the Extra Session Will
Be a Long One.
CABINET OFFICERS DUMB.


Both the political and the financial stua-
lions were given an unexpected turn by the
call OF President Cleveland for an extra ses-
sion OF Congress to meet on Monday, August
Z. The announcement came as a great
surprise to every one, and at such short
notice little speculation was being lndulged in
today as to what the outcome would be. That
the financial question would be the first matter
to receive attention was generally conceded. but
there was a conspicuous diversity Of opinion as
to how the difficulty would be met. There is as
yet absolutely no plan ofprocedure, and every
thing that is said is to q certain extent guess
work.
The secrecy that was maintained about the
contemplated action was unusual The cabinet
officers were undoubtedly warned to be par
ticularly careful, and, until the info rms-
ton was finally given out from the White
House, no one was aware Of the importance
OF the cabinet meeting. Though Mr.. Cleve-
land and his cabinet have been in consultation
regarding the extra session to be called at q
day earlier than the 1st Of September, it
was maintained by all OF them, even until
yesterday morning, that the President
was steadfast in his determination to wait until
the date announced in his former proclama-
tion. The only inkling that something had
been done was the unwilingness Of the cabinet
after the meeting to answer any question
which referred to an extra session, while be-
fore they expressed themselves as Of the opin-
ion that none would be called.
CABINET OFFICERS WON'T TALK.
The sudden departure Of the President
and the announcement that most Of the men,
bers of his cabinet would follow his example
in few days were remarked upon. There
was evidently understanding among
them that no one should express himself for
publication on the subject. Last night every
member OF the cabinet who remained in the
city seen, but each refused to talk on
this subject. This morning this same con-
dition existed Only Secretaries Carlisle.
Morton, Herbert and Attorney General Olney
were left in Washington. Secretary Carlisle
leaves on Tuesday for Chicago, to be gone mt
leas. two weeks. and Mr.. Olney expects to get
away about the middle Of the week. These four
were seen again today, but retained their
former silence.
sHlFTING THE RESPONSIBILITY.
While it was generally understood that the
President would nor call Congress together
unless he was assured that the purchase clause
in the Sherman law would be repealed, it is not
thought today that the action Of the
President based on such assurances
If Mr.. Cleveland could not be convinced by
Thursday night that a majority Of both houses
were in favor Of the repeal such additional in
formation co,.id not have been given to him
before the cabinet meeting yesterday which
would change his views. 1t can hardly
be denied that it was the demand that came
from every section Of the country for congress
sional action to relieve the depressed cOndi-
ton Of finances that finally actuated the Presi-
dent. 1t Is said that the responsibility has now
been shifted from the shoulders of the Presi-
dent to those OF Congress, and now the direct
representatives OF the people must carry out
their dictates.
How long the session will last is one that is
exciting considerable interest. Upon this as
upon all the other details of the coming session,
there is a great difference of opinion. The
Congressman have had time to get together
and come TO some understanding and cOnse-
quently the opinions given are wide apart.
ACTING SECRETARY SIMS.
Acting Secretary Sims Of the Interior De-
PARTNER mt said There can be doubt, Of course,
of the wisdom of the Presidents action Even
the silver men brer;he freer when they see his
firm hand on the throttle and contemplate the
wreck of their hopes for higher priced silverwhich
has recently occurred. The people have con-
nuence hat congress Will meet the emergency
with repeal of the Sherman law.
I'm the south during the past six months
there has been quite revolution In public
sentiment touching the free coinage of silver,
and think that our Congressman will give ex-
preston to this change by following the
RESIDENTS lead. L do not doubt that
the financial situation will be improved some
what by the mere expectation Of the repeal Of
the Sherman law and that public confidence
shall again find firm footing when it shall be
swept from the statute books"
What legislation do you think will take the
place OF the Sherman law?"
"Well, it is hard to say what is best. How
ever 1t will be safe to follow the pledges of the
democratic party made at Chicago year ago."
CHIEF CLERK HOWARD.
Major Howard, chief clerk of the Post Office
Department, Is a practical banker and his in
terest in banks has caused him to feel a lively
concern In the present and impending financial
situation.
Il think the calling of the extra session will
have an immediate beneficial effect upon busi-
ness, ," he said today. 1.-The whole country is
alive to the necessity of the repeal Of the Sher-
man silver act, and l believe that even the
silver men themselves, realizing the situation,
will lay aside their prejudices and vote for re-
peal It's this good prospect Of repeal that
will restore confidence throughout the country
and improve business
REPRESENTATIVE MEREDITH.
Congressman Meredith of Virginia said: II
think the calling of the extra session of Con-
gress will restore confidence in business and
financial circles and that the situation will i'm
prove. The repeal of the Sherman act, how
ever, ought to be accompanied by the repeal Of
the 10 per cent tax on state banks at the same
time
REPRESENTATIVE O'FERRALL
Congressman O'Ferrall of Virginia said: 81
voted against the passage Of the Sherman act,
believing it was wrong, and l will be glad
to see 1t repealed. What will follow the
repeal of the Sherman act, Of course, cannot
be foretold at this time, but we may rest as
sured that some sound financial policy will be
adopted. l think that tine prospect of an extra
session of Congress. promising the abolishment