Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-06-29
Mr.. HERBERT TALKS.
The Decline Of the Populist Move
ment in the South.
CONSERVATIVE DEMOCRACY DOMINANT.
Some Silver Arguments Refuted by
lndia's Action.
A G R1SIS IN LIT1CS

1t is from the south and west that is supposed
or for fat money. and in these localities the
populist movement has started and developed.
Last week The STAR published u very interest
ing review Of the situation from q western
standpoint in an interview with Secretary Nor
ton, who comes from tho storm center Of the
west.
Secretary Herbert is one Of the ablest and
best known men in public life from the south,
and represents the democracy OF Alabama,
where the populist agitation is most active in
the south and where the political heretics are
numerous. He is thoroughly familiar with tho
situation there and is wise in the council Of the
national party.
In an interview sought by representative Of
The STAR today Mr.. Herbert said that he
thought the populist movement was not now
making any progress in the country, and that
the teachings of those engaged in the agitation
would not have any influence in shaping the
policy Of the democratic party.
THE PoPULIsrs IN THE SOUTH.
I'm Alabama," he said, "there is still con.
siderable activity among the populists, growing
out Of local causes and local in its effect. The
populists in that section claim that they were
not given fair opportunity in the last two
democratic conventions; they were not salts
fed with the rulings, the organization of the
convention aud the like, and they are now
fighting that over again. Indeed large num-
ber Of those who oppose the regular organiza-
ton in Alabama do not claim to be populists.
but still claim to be democrats. This quarrel
causes considerable disturbance, but it is en-
tirely local. and in spite Of this added interest
the movement appears to be falling of in
Alabama, and in other parts of the south their
disintesration is more apparent"
do you think the demands Of the populists
and those representing that general idea will
strongly influence the policy and action of tho
democratic psrty?" was asked by TIE STAR
man.
''No; on the contrary" the Secretary re-
piled, ~ think that the element which has been
drawn off from the democratic party by the
populiss movement has left the party organi-
zation through the south much more strongly
in the control of the conservative element.
Those who advanced the untenable doctrines of
the populists on the money question have
formed themselves into third party. which DEM
ocrats have to recognize as antagonistic party.
They longer advocate their theories
IN the democratic councils, and as third party
they are not strong enough to be danger Gus.
That party organization which determines the
nominations Of democrats to Congress and
takes part in the making OF presidential
candidates and Presidents will be all the more
apt to adhere to sound democratic principles
and stand by sound financial policy. In
other words. the loss of those who have gone
into the third party places the democratic or
gauization more in harmony with the policy Of
the administration. 1t is to this organization
that our men in Congress will have to rely on
at home for their nomination and election
INDIA AND THE SILVER QUESTION.
"What do you think of the present situation
as to silver2''
II think that the stoppage Of the coinage Of
SILVER in India is the greatest blow that has been
given to the Sherman law and to the free coin
age of silver. The free coinage Of silver in
India has been pointed to as an object lesson
by the advocates of free coinage in this coun-
try. For ten years men in Congress have
drawn one lesson and another from India,
looking at it from different points of view
II has been urged upon the farmers that
India had m advantage over the United
states in higher price for wheat because the
currency in India was all silver, ignoring the
fact that, while they might get more for their
wheat in their own currency. the price in gold
was no greater and the commodities they
bought with the money they got for their wheat
had to be paid for on . gold basis, and still
further overlooking the loss through high ex-
change Another argument often repeated, still
in support Of free coinage in this country. but
the converse Of this, has been for years
that the reason for the heavy cost Of exchange
between India and England was that it was
kept up by England for the benefit of English
merchants, that they might sap the very life out
of India. Now the coinage of silver there is
voluntarily stopped, with the consent Of India,
and it tumbles over both these arguments-that
the silver currency was a benefit to the farmers
Vt India, and that the exchange was on system
for the benefit Of England"
''Do you think the silver question presents
serious danger to the democratic party ut this
time?''
II think We have reached crisis, and that
the party In power will be judged by the wisdom
they show in giving the nation q sound cur
rency."