Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-01-07
Significance of His Recent Free
Coinage Declaration.
EFFECT ON HIS SENATORIAL RACE
Considered a Challenge to the
Secretary Of the Treasury.
SILVER MEMS POSITION

The publicly declared purpose of Senator
Blackburn to make his for reelection
on free coinage platform is thought to
have wider significance than an appeal
merely to the voters of Kentucky. The
declaration surprised nobody. 1t was in
entire accord with Mr.. Blackburn's record
and a repetition of sentiments he had sew
eral times proclaimed to- his constituents.
He is recognized as having had large
share in shaping the views of the blue grass
people on the whole silver question, and
naturally. therefore, in entering a race,
which his own friends concede will be the
hottest of his career. he has chosen the is
sue from which he entertains the greatest
expectations.
Comment here relates to what effect Mr.
Blackburns deliverance is likely to have
the linahcial problem now pending in The
House. and, in one form or another, soon to
be presente to the Senate The plan is of
Mr. CarIisle's drafting, and it has the in
dorsement of the President. 1t is inter-
preted in many quarters as an er1ort 10
weaken the cause of silver by giving great
er elasticity to paper currency and lmproV-
ing banking facilities in the south and west
Meme of The several notifications suggest
ed by administration supporters leans in
the direction of silver, the confessed object
being by comprehensive legislation now TO
take the financial question out of current
political contention.
Position of Silver Men.
But the prominent silver men, republi-
cans as well as democrats. are opposed to
this. They insist that agitation shall not
cease until something substantial and per-
manent has been done for the white metal.
That this is MIR. Blackburns meaning is
generally accepted. He is recognized as
one of the leaders of the silver cause in the
Senate end would not, Ii is assured, COM
nit himself SO unequivocally at this time
h.. al NOT faal ha Ia
heartiest support of all the silver men.
The silver proposition seems to be, there
fore, that, come what may as the results
of the present discussion in Congress- the
fight for free coinage is to 90 on and enter
into the next na tional campaign.
viii this attitude of Mr.. Blackburn him
der action at this session of Congress on
the financial question on any of the lines
suggested in administration circles? In
considering this question some of the silver
men point out that the difficulty in the
administrations Path has always been in
the Senate. and they now believe that diff
ficulty has teen increased. Why, they ask,
should Mr.. Springer and his friends in the
House exert themselves to such an extent
when whatever they may succeed in doing
is certain to meet with defeat in the
Senate? The issue, they insist, is properly
defined by Mr.. Blackburn. 1t is not that of
a change in the volume or guarantee of
paper currency but whether not the
circulating medium shall carry silver mon
ey. Ii is here that the silver men take
their stand and there is probably no man
in the Senate upon whom they rely for
more aggressive and persistent assistance
than Mr.. Blackburn.
Eject ON His Senate Race.
The question is considered from still
another standpoint. What would be the
effect on Mr.. Blackburns deliverance. and
on his race for the Senate, If the Presi-
dent, failing to secure action by this Con-
gress, should call the new Congress to-
gether in special session. and that body
should enact financial legislation of
comprehensive character? The legislature
to select Mr.. Blackburn's successor will
not be chosen until November, and if Con-
gress before that time should deal with
the finances in way TO satisfy the bu5i-
ness interests where should Mr.. Blackburn
be left" The silver men can see no en-
barrassment to accrue to the Kentucky
Senator by reason of that or any other
possible state of the case.
No antagonistic action by a republican
Congress could, they claim operate 9TH
erwise than to strengthen him. Such ac-
tion would be in fulfillment of all of his
charges. which have been that the repub-
licans are opposed to silver. and that it is
only through the democracy that the re-
habilitation of the white metal may be ex-
pected.
Effect on Carlisle.
Looked a purely from local standpoint
there is some curiosity expressed as to
how Mr.. Blackburns platform is likely to
affect Secretary Carlisle. Both are recog-
EiZed leaders of the Kentucky democracy,
and Mr.. CariSle's name is seriously sug-
gested In connection with the next Ken
lucky senatorship. He is trying to discur-
age the movement. but his friends are
persistent There is large field of cam
didates. and too complex situation in
the end may, it is believed. call for man
who has kept aloof from the bitterness of
the struggle. But does rot Mr.. Backburn's
announcement of mis- platform operate as
a challenge to Mr.. Carlisle to try conclu-
sions with him the silver question
among 1.-The old folks at hCme?' Mr.. Car
Isle has announced his intention of par
ticipating in the kentucky campaign. and
holding high federal office. and Being the
financial adviser of the President, can he
go on the stump a home without discuss
ing national questions, and the financial
question the first of alp Mr.. Blackburn
ct that time will he demanding the free
coinage of silver. and pledging himself. in
case of reelection. to vote for such a
measure What will Mr.. Carlsle's message
to the people be?
Mr. Blackhurn's most active opponent
for the seuatorship will he Gov. Brown.
who also is friend of silver. But Gov.
Brown has not been in national politics
for some years. and his precise financial
views are rot as yet generally known. He,