Evening star., 1895-07-16
IN Mr.. VESTS STATE
Silver Men Lining Up for a
Fight.
THEY ALREADY CLAIM 4 TRIUMPH
But Sound Money Men Seem to
Be Not Much Alarmed.
THE SENATOR'S PLANS


Missouri On two grounds:
First, the fact itself that a special con-
vention of the democracy of the state has
been called to consider the question of
free coinage. The proposition when first
brought forward some eight weeks ago
was rejected by the state central COM
mittee. Now 1t carries by a vote of 12
to 2.
Second, the early day fixed for the con-
vention, August 9. The sound money men
had suggested a late day in September.
The silver men saw in this, or thought
they saw, a purpose on the part of The
opposition to bring to bear on the ques-
ton in Missouri the influence of the re-
suits of the democratic conventions to be
held before them in several states where
the sound money men are boasting of con-
IL oil. The Missouri deliverance on the SUBJ
iect is to be made Independent of these,
and this, the silver men claim, is SO much
to the good for them.
Sound Money Men Encouraged.
On the other hand, the suggestion is
made that the sound money democrats in
Missouri are not as much afraid of an ex-
preston on the subject of silver now as
they were earlier in the agitation. So much
has been won in the past two months, they
survey the general situation with some
serenity. The convention when first pro-
posed would have been dangerous to the
sound money cause. The Illinois democrats
were on the eve of declaring for free COIN
age, and Kentucky seemed likely to do the
same thirg. If Missouri Joined this chorus
the volume of free silver sound would be
alarrlfngfy increased. But things did not
develop along the lines of promise. Free
coinage has made but one winning-the IL
linois winning-and that is now almost
forgotten. 1t is NOT understood, however.
that the sound money democrats Of Mis-
souri, now that trial of conclusions at
home has been ordered, purpose letting
matters go by default The purpose is to
put up stiff fight. and make the conven-
ton a very lively one.
Silver. 1T Is pointed out, starts with some
advantages In Missouri. The state is in
close touch, commercially and otherwise,
with the free silver states of both the west
and south, and her public men have always
advocated free coipage. 1t would be
strange indeed If the home OF Vest and
Cockrell Gov. Stone and Richard P. Bland
did not reflect their teachings on finance.
These men all approve of the convention
shape It's proce edinEs.
Mr.. Vests Plans.
Mr.. Vest, to the surprise of many has
sailed for Europe. This time. of all times,
the silver men suggest. should have mark
ed his presence at home. He has stood in
the forefront of the free silver line earn
estly battling for the silver cause, and now
when a rattling engagement is approach
ing-and one whose results may mean
much In his state-it is complained that he
puts of his armor and goes for a rest.
Moreover, his term as Senator will expire
in 1897 and it is understood he desires to
succeed himself. Many question whether
he is taking the right course to do that.
The absence of Mr.. Vest makes Gov.
Stone the silver leader for this fight. The
sound money men will be led by ex-Gov
Francis, a personal friend and confidential
adviser Of the President, and likely to COM
mand the administrations help to the full
est extent. On the one side. therefore, will
be the prestige and the patronage of the
state administration, welded by the COVER
nor in person, and on the other the prestige
and patronage of the national administra-
ton, welded by Mr., Francis, whose eyes
are never turned toward the White House
in vain. 1t is one of the prettiest fights of
the whole series up to date, and of all the
more interest for the fact that If Gov.
Stone wins 1t he will endeavor to make the
victory serve his purpose in his effort to be
elected to the Senate In Mr.. Vests place.