Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-10-20
SILVER COMPROMISE.
Trying to Come to an Agreement as
to q Date
WHEN SILVER PURCHASES SHALL STOP.
Democrats Embarrassed by the At
titude of the Administration.
AN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

The day started in the Senate with the
idea that a settlement of the question which
had been embarrassing them for many
weeks was imminent
Until late last night the Senators consti-
tuting committee on compromise were at
work to bring about an agreement between
a majority OF the Senate and the admins
tration on the proposition given in The Star
yesterday. The understanding of the situ-
alton this morning is that nearly sixty
Senators have agreed to vote for a compro-
mise on the basis Of unconditional repeal
to take effect at a future date. The two
dates. either one Of which would be sure of
a good. safe majority. were the lst of July,
IS and the LIST Of January. 80. Repeal to
take effect on either of these dates. it was
agreed. could be got through the Senate
without difficulty. 1t was the desire of the
democrats, however. to have an agreement
with the administration, SO as to have
harmonious action and to avoid. as far as
possible. the appearance Of repudiating the
administration.
The Administration's Views.
To bring about this agreement the con-
ferences were directed last night. At the
close the administration insisted that ap-
proval would be given to no plan which
contemplated a delay Of the operation of
repeal beyond the limits of the year 1894.
The administration took a stand in favor
Of repeal to take effect July /. 1894. but
insisted that there will be no agreement to
a date later than the last of that year.
they went into executive session on motion
Of Mr.. Voorhees,. This move was not on
account OF any pressing necessity of dis
posing OF any executive business now pend
ing. but was understood to be for the pur-
pose Of avoiding the irritating discussion
OF the silver question pending the set
tlement Of the question by compromise.
which was regarded as imminent They
were expecting to hear from the cabinet
meeting on the subject today. and the
executive session was continued with the
view Of avoiding the subject in the Senate
until some word from the White House
could be had. The impression was that,
while refusal on the part Of Mr.. Cleve-
land to yield anything might postpone the
compromise for a day or two, it would not
prevent 1t altogether.
Embarrassing to the Democrats.
The situation Is especially embarrassing
to the democrats on this account. They
want TO preserve a respectful attitude to-
wards the administration. IL possible. but
at the same time they are threatened with
the danger that IL they delay a compro-
mise too long the republicans will make
terms with the silver men and themselves
bring in a proposition for the settlement
of the differences. which will carry. and for
which the republicans will get the credit.
II the Quay proposition for the repeal to
take effect on the lst of January. '96, Is
generally supported by the republicans tho
democrats can hardly expect the silver men
to agree to any compromise with the ma
jority party which is less favorable to sill
yer than that
1t is regarded as not improbable that
the matter OF a compromise will be first
taken up in the executive session and that
they will have their fight before the doors
are opened. At present it Is understood
that the nomination of Mr.. Preston for
director Of the mint is under consideration.
Some Of the silver men are opposing con-
firmation, but 1t is believed that he will
be confirmed, though possibly not today.