The Wilmington daily Republican., 1895-08-15
THE SILVER DEMOCRATS
Little Business Transacted at the
First Days Session.
VIRGINIA LEADS IN DELEGATES
The Conference Not . Mass Convention,
and Only Those who Had Received In
vitations Are Permitted to Take Part I'm
tho Deliberations.


and Only Those who Had Received In
vitations Are Permitted to Take Part In
tho Deliberations.
WASHINGTON, Aug 15,-The first ses-
sion Of the conference Of silver Democrats
at the Metropolitan hotel showed larger
attendance of sympathizers than had been
counted upon. The leaders Of the move
ment were anxious to correct the impress
sion that 10 wns intended the meeting
should be mass convention. They ap-
peared to think this Idea had been scat
tered broadcast by the gold men, with the
view Of making 10 appear that the meet
ing had been a failure. There were con
sequently numerous requests that the
newspapers should make IL clear that il
nevor intended the gathering should b,
more than a conference among leaders OF
the silver sentiment in tho Democratic
party.
Tho meeting was called to order by Scr
ator Harris, who moved that Senate
Jones be called to the chair as temporar.
chairman, which motion carried unanl
mously. George NJ. Lecrone, Of Illinoi
was chosen secretary.
The meeting began behind closed doc
with Instructions to the doorkeepers. e.
admit only those who had been invited,
much to the regret Of many who had ex-
pected 10 participate. Whom the roll was
called representatives answered from
twenty two states but names were given
TO the secretary from only nineteen. Vir-
glnia headed the list with 10 delegates,
while Illinois and Missouri reported IA
each. Other states represented were;
Alabama, 4; Ohio, 1; Georgia, 2; Indiana,
4; Delaware, l; Maryland, 81; Kentucky,
1; Mississippi, 1; North Dakota, 1; West
Virginia, .; Arkansas, 8; Colorado, s.;
South Carolina, 1; North Carolina, 81
Florida, 4; Tennessee, 4.
Senator Jones made brief speech on
taking the chair, oonfnng himself to
fhnnking tho conference for tho honor
and expressing the hope that the proceed
ings would be harmonious and productive
Of good results.
Senator Daniel offered resolution pro-
viding for the appointment by the chair
OF committee to prepare q program and
resolutions, which was carried. After the
appointment Of this committee the con.
ference adjourned for two hours.
At 4 O'Clock the committee on program
and platform reported through Senator
Daniel that it was unable to report where
upon the conference dooided to adjourn
until today.
1t is generally understood among the
delegates that the important work Of the
conference is being done by the commit
tee. When Senator Daniel reported &c
the full conference the committee had moi
authorized the draft Of platform, and
none of the members was able to say
when the report would be completed. The
proceedings of the committee developed
seme difference Of opinion as to the lint
Of policy to be recommended, but thes'
!. were not of sufficiently radical nature
20 cause apprehension Of serious delay.
The committee proceedings indicated
Ahat the report will recommend the issu
nnce Of an address to the Democratic partl
of the country urging In very strong term
ahe maintenance Of the silver cause in thu
Democratic ranks and also outline plaI
for the organisation for the silver force
ln the party, with a view to the selection
= hf delegates to the next national conven
eioa This plan will probably embrac
the appointment OF central committee
with member from each state and terri
cory, who shall in turn select membe
from every county, the latter to have tn
power to appoint member for every vot
ing precinct in his county. The plan in
pludes provision for national headquaI
tsrs, probably In Washington.