The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1895-05-23
SOME REASONS FOR CALLING THE
ILLINGES DEMOCRATIC CON
VENTION.
FIRST REASON OF ALL is TO
LAUNCH STEvENSON'S BOOM.
Then Build Bridge On Which the Dear
ly Beloved Populists and All Their
Crazy Following May Cross Over
and Join Hands With Their
Fellow Men.

Washington, May 19-The action of
those Illinois Democrats who will meet
under formal call in State convention to
pass upon the question of silver, appeals
more strongly to the appreciation of
the free coinage men than any other event
at present on the cards. The action is
unique in its way. 1t is considered a de-
monstration of unselfish friendship. The
object is to serve the cause of silver and
no other No political campaign is on in
the State. Local political leaders are not
engaged in any heated scramble for loca
office or for the control of local commit
tees. 1t is, in every routine sense, an off
year in the Sucker State. But the friends
of silver are afoot, and they are mastering
in ever county, with the one purpose of
making the approaching convention note.
worthy, both in point of attendance and
IN the stirring terms of its platform. Even
in Cook county, indeed, under the very
caves of the largest banking houses out
side of New York, the champions of free
coinage are waging the war with an open
energy not often exhibited in the advocacy
of public questions. The free coinage
men everywhere are naturally delighted,
and the claim is that the Illinois move
ment, because of this energy and unself-
dshness, is helping the silver cause materi-
ally in those Localities were campaigns are
organizing, and where State tickets are to
be elected this year.
IN MIR. STEVENSON'S INTEREST
This movement, however, was not con
Sldered unSeliSh at the outset. Several
explanations were offered of why, in an
off year, and with no local issues demand
ing attention, the Sucker Democracy
should thus put itself so in evidene. The
first suggestion was the launching of tn
Stevenson presidential boom. The fact
that Mr.. Stevenson is very popular at
home, and is we'll considered by free silver
Democrats all over the country, seemed
to encourage the idea that the movement
must be in his behalf His silver friends
it was thought, had decided thus to place
HIM squarely in the presidential race by
placing themselves squarely on free sill
yer platform. Mr. Stevenson himself said
nothing. He kept, as usual, serenely on
his way. lie was bound to know that
many eyes were turned toward him-the
eyes of the silver men in hope, and those
of the gold men in wonder to know what
he was going to do about it-but he made
no sign. He is still in the thoughts of
many people. He is at home, and doubt
less well informed of what both sides are
doing. That his own political fortunes
are more or less involved in the contest
Is generally conceded. This is regarded
as in the very nature of things. And not
only his fortunes but the fortunes of the
other Democratic leaders in Illinois as
we'll. The convention has been regularly
called, and its deliverance therefore viii
be regular and authoritative. 1t is the
Democracy of the State that will speak,
and the Democrats of the State, big and
little alike. will be committed by the plat
form adopted.