The herald., 1893-08-12
Gold versus Silver as the
Measure of Value.
The Fight for Free Coinage
Now Fairly Begun.
Anti-Free Coinage Men Assume the
Aggressive.
Bourks Cochran l. Lsads the Admiuistra-
tion Forces-Congrsss Assembled
in Extra 6ession-The Presi-
dents Message Today.

By the Associated Press.
WASHINGTON, Aug. For the first
time in many years the anti-free coin
age men are the agg'e essive element in
/ the house of representatives. Since the
demonetizston OF silver in 1873 the sil-
yer men have been the aggressive ele-
ment In every congress, and have yearly
demanded that an atonement be Of
fered for the crime OF 1873" and that
silver be restored to its place as a. money
metal. The militant spirit OF the free
coinage element is still to the front, but
there has suddenly appeared an equally
aggressive spirit among the hitherto
conservative anti.free coinage men who
have suddenly assumed the aggressive
and demanded that the purchasing
clause OF the Sherman act be repealed,
and that it be done uncondi tionolly and
at once. The leader OF this element is
a man who never follows, but elways
leads-Hon. Bourke Cochran OF New
York. He has been known for many
yearD as high chieftain of Tammany,
as one of the greatest orators OF the
day but now he appears in new role.
the popularity recognized champion of
the presidents financial policy in the
halls of congress. 1t is the element
that has Cockrsn at it's head that today
hoists the black flag and declares no
quarter to the advocates OF free coinage.
The immediate and unconditional re-
peal of the Sherman act, without refer
ence to committee, is the policy of
Cochran, and he today conferred with
the silver men to induce them to agree
upon plan whereby the issue will be
fought out in the halls Of congress with
out awaiting the appointment OF COM
mittees.
According to Bland no agreement
upon the subject OF silver debate in the
house is probable just yet. He said
this evening to reporter OF the Asso-
ciated Press that Cochran and himself
had been talking about the matter, but
no authorized proposition had been
made and no conclnsion reached.
Il told Cochran that / would consult
with those interested with me in regard
to the question, but have not yet been
able to do so," said Bland.
"What were the terms OF the propo.
sition Cochran made?"
"There has been nothing definite pro-
posed as yet. Cockrsn asked if we
would consider proposition looking to
an agreement under which the silver
question will be discussed at onco, aud
told him we would lieten to him."
"What condition OF limitation gov
erning the situation will be acceptable
to the silver men?"
1--WE do not want to unduly delay ac-
tion in the premises" responded Bland,
"but we must have an opportunity to
offer, discuHs and vote upon amendments
which we shall offer to the bill to repeal
the Sherman law. Tile must be grant
ed, or there can be, in my opinion, no
agreement, regarding the matter"
Thefposition Of Bland is accepted by
the anti silver men 40 an indication that
the free silver people viii stu bbornly con-
test every stage of the repeal and yield
nothing that is not wreeted by force of
superior strength on successive roll calls,
if, indeed, tine repeating men have
the numerical strength to successfully
force the issue to determination.
In statement to the press tonight
Cock an explained that his proposition
to Bland related rather to measures
than to time.
"The whole question:" he said, sis
exhausted in three propositions: First,
to repeal the silver purchase act uncop-
ditionally: second, to repeal the silver
purchase law and revive the Bland act
OF 1878; third, to repeal the silver pur-
chase law and provide for the free coin.
age of silver. My suggestion is that
these be offered to the house in turn
and debated as fast as they are de-
feated, If they should be defeated. Let
ever ybody talk that wants to, and on
these three propositions everybody can
be heard"
"What limit of time do you propose p"
81 shall make none not entirely agree
able to Bland. But what want, and,
if you please, the anti-silver men want,
is that the country may know that this
house will 60 right to work on the cub
ject at once, and come to vote some
time. The main thing to be desired is
that the country may be assured of
action.''
Representative Bynum, who is credited
with being an associate of Cochran in
the effort to bring about an agreement.
said, when asked about the matter:
Il should consider it q rather unpar-
liamentary proceeding to enter upon de-
OPto IN 6uVance OF tue luli organization
OF the house Still it might be done by
resolving the house into committee of
the whole upon the state of the union
and utilizing the time until committees
are appointed and ready to work. l am
in favor Of the repeal of the Sherman
law"
1t is improb sbie that at the caucus
which the Republicans have called for
tomorrow morning, they will take up
and discuss the question of party policy.
The caucus is called for the purpose Of
determining who shall be chosen as the
representatives Of the minority on the
clerical and working forces OF the senate.
Concerning the policy of the party q
prominent senator on the floor and in
caucus, and who has heretofore been Q
stslwart partisan. said this evening that
the Republicans were anxiously await
ing the suggestiuns of the president.
"The Republicans" said be, "sre too
patriotic to attempt to prevent anything
that is for the good of the country and
il there 10 any measure that the Demo-
Gratis can possibly agree upon that will
restore the confidence of the people We,
as party. win support IT,"