Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1893-08-09
GREAT BATTLE IS ON.
The Silver Question Laid
Before the Senate.
MAJORITY IN THE HOUSE.
Those Opposed to Repeal Dare Not
Fillibuster About It.

WAsHTNGTnN, Aug. 9-Every senator on
both sides OF the house was in his seat ana
attentively listened to the reading of
the presidents message. The anti silver
advocates were evidently ca ID with its
tone and the unmistakable language and
attitude Of the president on the prompt
and unconditional repeal Of the silver
purchasing clause Of the Sherman act.
The silverites, particularly Senators
Stewart and Teller, showed considerable
feeling at the presidents utterances In at
tributing all of the impending troubles TO
silver. Notice was at once given that the
opponents of repeal intended to open de-
bate as soon rs the morning business was
disposed Of. Senator Dolph of Oregon
leading of. The message, however, was
referred to the finance committee.
Various petitions for and against the re-
peal OF the Sherman act were presented In
the senate and referred to the finance
committee. As soon as the introduction
OF bills was in order, Mr.. Hill Of New
York introduced a bill to repeal certain
sections Of the Sherman act, and IL was
referred to the finance committee. That
was followed by two bills introduced by
Mr. Stewart Of Nevada, one to restore the
right of coinage, and one (Which he said
was to meet the existing troubles immedi-
ately) to supply deficiency In the cur
rency.
Bond Issus suggested.
The latter directs the secretary of the
treasury to isaue silver certificates for the
silver bullion now In the treasury in ex-
cess OF the amount necessary to redeem
outstanding certificates and also to issue
So, ,000, 900 OF per cent bonds. He made
a brief statement In explanation Of the
latter bill and expressed the hope that it
would be acted on without delay. Both
bills were referred to the finance commit
tee. Many other bills, financial and other
wise, were introduced and referred.
Senator Hill's resolution provides for
the repeal Of sections 1, 3 and 4 Of the
Sherman act and declares that this re-
peal Is not to be considered as an aban-
donment Of bimetallism, but that the
policy of the government shall be the
maintenance of gold and silver az the
standard Of money metal to the accom-
plishment Of which the government shall
be steadily and safely directed.
Opinions Of Copgressmen.
As a result of the exchange of views
tol the friends of the unconditional re-
peal of the purchasing clause Of the
Sherman act are a good deal more conf
dent now that they will carry their point.
A partial canvass has been made and the
friends of the repeal claim at least 30 ma
jority IL square vote can be had on that
naked proposition. The danger which
confronts those who are striving In this
direction Is that the silverites who are
under the lead of Bland, will not permit
"A square vote on that proposition.
The silverites claim to he powerful
enough to delay final action for good
many weeks. They will not consent to fix
any time. either, in which debate shall be
closed. They propose to discuss every
measure or proposition that may be offered
or brought before the house as long as
they please. On the OF her hand. the friends
of repeal express the opinion that the
sentiment Of the country Is 30 strongly In
favor Of prompt action that congressman
opposed to repeal will not dare to flibus-
ter against it.
Ants May Vote For Repeal.
Senators Teller and Stewart, who are
doing most of the talking on the small
side, express the belief that no bill for the
unconditional repeal OF the act Of 1890 can
be put through the senate In the next six
monthA There are some Democratic SEN
ators who are inclinei to these views.
There are not more than eight or ten, how
ever
There are some western senator's, like
Manderson of Nebraska and Casey of
Wyoming and others, who have been
counted upon as opposed to unconditional
repeal, who will vote in favor Of 1t rather
than defeat any action. THIS Is a time.
say these gentlemen, when one should rise
superior to politics end act for the best
interests Of the country.