Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-04-06
DEMOCRATS FOR FREE SILVER.

Gov. Altgeld of Illinois Says They Are
Largely I'm Favor of 1t.
In an interview at Chicago yesterday
Governor Altgeid intimated that the demo-
cratic party of Illinois will probably de-
clare for free silver at the state convention
to DO held June 5.
Il believe" said the governor, that
four-fifths Of the democrats and republic
cans of the state are at the present time In
favor of free silver. 1 mean by this that
If the sentiment Of the voters could be
obtained without any political colorlng. 1t
would show belief in free silver"
do you think that with this feeling pre-
vailing the democrats will put free silver
plank in their platform adopted at the
state convention ne was asked.
We'll. now. 1 can't say as to that. be-
cause there is no telling what may take
place between now and the time for
holding the convention. I will not attempt
to make prediction. but l will say that
the feeling in both parties is in favor of
is unit for it. The enthusiasm extends
up as far as the central portion, and l
believe that the sentiment in that district
alone is strong enough to coDtrol the pol
Icy of the entire state in the convention"
The Chicago Tinres-Herald prints today
the Views of 1853 Of the 2O4 members of
the Illinois legislature on the silver ques-
ticn. Seventy-three favor unconditional
it: fourteen favor coinage by internal
agreement, and thirteen want coinage Of
the American product only: twenty-five
are non-commfttal. OF sixty-seven demo-
are for FREQ coinage, and only four against
1t.
Morrison is the favorite democratic can
didate for President.
Mr.. Hesing PrOtests.
In an Interview on the subject of the call
for state convention to consider the silver
question. Postmaster Washington Hesing
said he considered it a most unfortunate
and fatal step. This outspoken attempt to
commit the democratic party to free COIN
age. he said, can have only one efrect-to
draw from that party thousands of voters
especially the Germans. He knows, he
says, that the Germans are almost unani-
mGuSly In favor of honest money, and for
the maintenance of the parity of all money
issued by the government. They know
well that free coinage would necessarily
mean the destruction of the parity of the
metals, and would drive all the gold either
out of the country or into stockings.
ANY declaration of principle" said Mr.
Hesing. which repudiates the national
platform of 1892, the state platform of
1894. and Is in opposition to the deter
by President Cleveland In behalf of the
parity of these metals, must inevitably
lead to permanent and irrevocable split
within the democracy, and drive from its
honest money. 1t might be better put by
stating that it would drive free coinage
advocates out of the democratic party, and
nean the formation of a free coinage
party. Both would mean about the same
the absolute destruction of the democratic
party. as such, and the REIMBURSEMENT of
any and all claim as one of the two great
parties of the country-as one of the two
parties destined to govern
Three weeks ago { had a consultation
with President Cleveland on this subject
His views are well known. He expressed
to me the hope that the beginning of the
movement for honest money would be
made in this city, for he said he felt that
Chicago. with its push. enterprise and en-
thusiasm, could give impetus to the move
ment such as could nowhere else be found
Such a movement should be started"