Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-07-13
Bimetallie League May Be First in
the Field
With CANDIDATE And PLATFORM
Talk of Jones of Nevada to Head
the Ticket.
THE SIBLEY SUGGESTION

The latest news from the Bimetallic
League is that 1t intends to be first n the
field with a presidential ticket and with a
national platform. The precise time fol-
the taking of this action IS yet to be deter
mined. 1t may be as early as next winter.
1t may not be until next spring. But, in
any event, some time before the two old
parties meet and declare themselves the
league, with its champions up and its col
ors flying, will be ready to do business.
A Change of Plan.
This works a change of program. 1t like
wise more fully explains the Sibley move
Dent of last spring. The putting forward
of Mr.. Sibley at that time was merely In
the nature of suggestion. 1t was not,
could not have been formal omination.
II was the work only of 4 committee. Mr..
Sibley's friends express satisfaction with
the way the suggestion has been received,
and some of them think it is not likely that
he may be formally and regularly nomi-
mated as the free silver candidate for Pres
ident. But the regular and proper sense
of things Is to be taken, and whether Mr..
Sibley or some other free silver man is
chosen to carry the banner, the leagues
invitation will be for all friends Of silver,
regardless of past affiliations, to fall in
and follow him.
The purpose at one time was to wait
until the old parties had acted. There was
talk of probable bolt from each of them,
and the boilers we're to be conferred with
beth as to a platform and a ticket. West
ern republicans ard southern democrats
were to be consulted, and a winning COM
bination. if possible, formed out of the
league members proper and the seceders
from the old organizations. But this plan
has been rejected. 1t would delay matters
too long 1t would make it impossible for
the free silver men to set entirely ready
before August of the presidential year.
and that would be too late. Three months
time would not be sufficient. The present
Plan, therefore, calls for earlier action,
the old parties, dissatisfied with the old
essociations, may find camp already
organized to receive them. 1t is even ex-
Pected to encourage bolt from the old
Parties, by stffening the necks and backs
Of the silver men participating in the re-
publican and the democratic national con-
ventioEs. The sound money men in those
conventions will, 1t is predicted, drive a
Merciiess bargain. or attempt to do SO, and
the silver mea will go out the more readily
for realizing that there Is place already
provided where they . may lay their
anxious Eeads.
Jones as Candidate.
Upon whom is this league nomina ton
likely to be bestowed? Mr.. Sibley's name
has, the silver men say, in an informal
canvass OF SEVERAL months, awakened no
enthusiasm. The demand seems to be for
man of more national force, and Senator
Jones of Nevada is mentioned. He is in
position to take the nomination, and, pre-
sumably. If it is pressed upon him, he will.
He is accounted populist at present, but
like his colleague, Mr.. Stewart, he Is first
of all for silver. He ranks with Mr.. Teller
and is the only western man who does
as an all-roand debater On the silver side,
and his long service in the Senate has given
him an International reputation. He and
Mr. Teller are in full agreement on the sill
yer question. and his prestige as a repre-
sentative of silver would probably be as
great as that of the Colorado Senator IL he
were not silver mine owner. This fact
arms his opponents with the charge that
there is an element of seishness in his
advocacy of the white metal Mr. Teller
escapes this by being poor man, and
speaking only for his people. Personally,
Mr.. Jones is most highly esteemed by pub
lie men in general, and is recognized as
being as capable an organizer as he is a
debater.
Meanwhile, the Bimetallic League is COM
planning that no reply has been received
to Its polite challenge, issued to the New
York gold men for a joint debate on the
finances,