The morning call., 1893-08-10
MR.. BLANO'S CAUCUS.
Free-Coinage Men Willing to Accept
Larger Ratio.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9.-The hall of the
House was closed shortly before y
o'clock, ard the friends of free silver
began caucus. The attendance was
small. Up to 1890 o'clock not more than
fifty members had made an appearance
The doorkeepers were instructed to notify
each who applied for admission that the
meeting Fas confined to "free-coinage"
members.
Before the caucus met Bland said the
purpose for which it had been called was
to organize the silver forces and appoint
committees to prepare generally for the
struggle before them.
The discussion developed the fact that
there we're present some who were not
tied to the 16 to / ratio. A motion WAS
made looking to the preparation of bill
by which the Sherman law should be re-
pealed and the free coinage of silver at a
ratio with gold to be agreed upon provided
for. The discussion developed that a ratio
of 20 to l would be acceptable to those who
felt the old ratio should be changed.
1:30 o'clock no conclusion had been
reached.
II was noticeable that the attempt to
parties was failure. for but one Repub-
lican member - Bowers of California -
Joined in the deliberations of the silver
men. Culberson of Texas acted as chair
man Of the caucus which is the first of its
kind held in the House for several years.
The caucus adjourned at 2:45, after hav-
Ing adopted the following resolutions:
"Resoired, We will support bill re-
pealng the purchasing clause of the Sher-
man act, and concurrently providing for
the free and unlimited coinage of silver
with full legal tender quality. on such a
ratio as will provide and maintain parity
between gold and silver. Be it further
"ReSolUed, That committee of seven be
appointed by the chairman OF this confer
ence to draft and introduce such bill and
take proper steps to secure the full and
free discussion and consideration ther eof
and vote Of the House upon the bill and
all proper amendments.
The committee provided for in the reso-
luton is named as follows: Bland. Sibley.
BOatner, Lane, Bankhead, Bryan and Bal
ley.
By vote Of caucus, Judge Culberson.
chairman of the caucus, was added to the
committee.
The only Republican present was Repre-
sentative Bowers of California, and the
Popullsts were renresented by Jerry Simp-
son and KEN of Nebraska. Speeches were
MADE by Messrs. Culberson of Texas, Bland,
Hatch and Heard of Missouri, Craig and
Bailey OF Texas. Simpson of Kansas, Oates
and Bankhead of Alabama, Bryan of Ne
braska. Sibley Of Pennsylvania. Boatner
and Blanchard of Louisiana, and others.
all in support of the object for which the
caucus had been called.
Besides the action reported, a motion by
Bland was adopted authorizing the an
pointment Of committee of "whips. 4"
one from each State, whose duty II shall
be to canvass the House. discover each
members standing upon the proposed bill
and see that every friend of the measure
is In his seat and ready 10 vote when the
time comes.
Bland stated after caucus that 1t had
been IN every respect satisfactory to the
lflehds of free silver coinage.
10 suggestion that some silver men did
not attend the caucus for the reason that
they did not want thereby TO seem to
separate themselves from their respective
iespoHueu. IL Is HoI eA-
pecteo much aid or comfort is to be de-
rived from those who have not the cour-
age OF their convictions. There will be
many sea ps taken by the people before
this hight is over" continued the apostle of
silver. There are men here representing
free-silver constituencies who are panic
stricken and ready to yield to the clamor
against silver. The people are not so
affected; they will look upon the matter
nspasson when 1t is ended and ask
theiI Represen ntatives, What allied Won %
The people do not consider the attack upon