Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1895-05-01
Senator Fduikners Tie,rs.

Senator Faulkner, who has been known
friend Of silver, bat is not willing to
acrifce the credit aud standing OF the coun-
~ for the sake of the Western mine owners
md the political moonshiue chaseEs. is heart
ly opposed to the proposition which some
Il the West Virginia Democrats are consid
ring He was in Washington for u short
ime yesterday aud was seen by a represen-
aiive OF the sun. When asked about the
'roposed silver convention in his State. he
mid: Yes. have seen sug ,estnn by
nme Of the Democratic press IN West Vir.
mia favorable to a convention of the Dem
cracy of the State. with view to express
ng the eminent 1T our party on the silver
question. My position on this subject has
'een fully stated upon the floor Of the SEN
te aud clearly indicated by my vote. when.
yer the question has arisen. | have always
believed that the greatest crime committed
Turing the last twenty years was the demon
lization Of silver at time when there was
10 possible excuse for it, even by its advo.
ates. | always supported the free and un-
United coinage of silver until its demoneti-
,,tion in India. Since then have no, been
'il-li,d that this government would adopt
Iwise policy by throwing its mnts open to
iree and unlimited coinage Of silver at ra-
10 of l6 to l or any other ratio, for am
me of those who believe we shall never de-
part from the ratio Of l6 to should silver
ne restored to its former position. voted
asl session in favor Of coming the American
product. Even TO this extent | had some
doubts as to the wisdom OF the policy. but
n the pro.traled condition of prices | was
willing to experiment TO that degree.
"rhe world needs larger circulation of
metallic money. aud this fact is being ap-
preciated by those who control the financial
af,irs of Europe Perhaps before Congress
reassembles that sentiment will have crys-
talized sufficiently to induce the assemblage
pf an international conference organized to
rs.establ-h silver in its former position
You can see from this statement that have
always been n friend Of the white metal
not u silver monometaist. but an honest BIZ
metali>i, for the reason that we need both
gold aud silver as the basis of our circulating
medium, and in my judgment the elemina-
tion of either would be equally disastrous.
Under these circumstances, in an or year
when no practical result can flow from the
declaration of a convention except 10 widen
the breach and to disorganize the party, !
could not approve Of tho policy some are
urging who favor convention for this pur-
pose. When the people act through a del
rgaied convention il should be from n high
motive Of public interest aud 10 carry into
practical eliec; public policy. Such could
not be the case in convention called during
the present year. IL could not bind or con-
troll tbe action OF the conventions 10 be held
next year for the purpose Of sending dele
gates to the next national Democratic con-
vcntion II would be chll's play.
"When that convention is called it will
be fitting and proper that the sentiment Of
the people Of West Virginia shall then be
expressed 10y the appointment Of its dele.
yates to represent it. To do 80 prior TO that
time would be but chiIds play, injure the
cause sought 20 be advanced and throw for
a year longer another disorganizipg element
into the rank. OF the party. Realizing that
whatever is done on this line in the interest
of the great ml-s Of the people must be ac-
complisbed through the agency of the DEM
ucAatic organization, and believing that this
organic llion il more in touch with the in
terest. OF the great masses than any other, !
shall not hesitate TO express my sentiments
on this or any other pablic question at the
proper time and do what can 10 carry out
The views believe will promote the interest
ot .he whole people. But as Democrat /
will expect to yield to the aggregate wisdom
Of the representatives. o! our great organiza.
ton, whom have no doubt will next year
clearly and unequiyocaly give expression
in It's platform to the party policy that
should control on this subject. Until that
time and that declaration is made let u, as
Democrats, trust to the common honesty
aud common patriotism which has in the
past and will in the future direct the policy
Of our party"