Evening star., 1895-06-15
SOUTHERN SENATORS
If Sound Money Prevails in the
Democratic Ranks
THERE WILL Be 4 SHAKE UP
The Probable New Leaders in the
Several States.
CONTESTS
Re WILL Be l. SHAKE UP
CONTESTS

The fight in the south over silver has
gone far enough to develop the new demo-
cratic leadership for that section in case
the cause of sound money ultimately wins
within the party's ranks. In nearly every
state below Mason and DiXon's line some
man has lately arisen to challenge the old
attitude of the party on the financial ques-
ton, and to insist that there should be
right-about-face by the democracy as to
free coinage.
In every case, too, it is the leadership of
a democratic Senator that is disputed, and
this, If sound money wins in the south,
will bring about a decided change at an
early day in the personnel of the demo-
cratic membership of the Senate.
Blackburn or Carlisle.
In Kentucky Mr.. Blackburn is leading
the silverites, and, it is conceded, will not
succeed himself if silver loses. Either Mr..
Carisle-and probably him-or some other
democrat holding to his financial views,
will come to the Senate in Mr.. BlackburnS
place.
In Tennessee Mr. Bate is among the sill
yer leaders, while Congressman Patterson
is at the head of the sound money men.
Mr.. Bates commission as Senator does not
expire until 1899, but If between now and
then the Tennessee democracy changes
advocacy of sound money Mr.. Patterson
will be strong man in the next senatorial
race. The fact that he lives at Memphis.
which IS the home also of Senator Harris.
might initiate against him. But his lead
ership of the sound money cause in the
state could not be disputed.
The commission of Mr.. Jones of Arkansas
will expire in March, 1897. He is one of
the most pronounced of the Tree coinage
men. Should it be possible at that time
for sound money democrat to defeat Mr.
Jones for reelection Clifton H. Breckenridge
will probably be the candidate of that side.
Mr.. George of Mississippi, who will serve
until March, 1899. has announced that he
will not offer for reelection. He favors
free silver. Congressman CatchinSs favors
sound money, and is thought to have his
eyes fixed on the Senate. The man the free
coinage contingent is likely to put forward
for the George seat is Congressman Allen
contest between CatchinSs and Allen
would be interesting.
Gov. Oates Possibility.
Alabama will elect a successor to Mr..
Pugh ayear from next winter. Mr.. Pugh,
who Is an ardent silver man, Will be q
candidate to succeed himself. If silver
loses ground in the state before the time
for the election Gov. Oates and Congress
man Clarke are both likely to Offer for
the Senate. Both are in sympathy with the
administrati tion's attitude toward silver.
The contest in Georgia will probably be
the most Interesting of all. Gen. Gordons s
term expires in March, 1897, and he will re-
turn to private life Ex-Speaker Crisp
stands very high with the silver men, while
Secretary Smith, of course, is recognized as
at the head of the sound money democrats
In the state. Both. it is thought, will be in
the race Mr. Smith with the assistance of
the administration. and Mr. Crisp with the
backing of the friends of silver he has
made during his service in the House.
Either would keep up the prestige of
Georgia in the Senate
A successor to Mr.. Blanchard will qualify
in March, 1897. Mr. Blanchard, as Senator,
the House he voted and trained with the
free coinage men. There Is q strong sound
money sentiment in the ranks of the
Louisiana democracy, and this is manifest
ing itself. But silver has its friends there
also. Mr.. Blanchard will be candidate to
succeed himself. and if he comes out
squarely for free coinage Congressman
Price will probably be put forward by the
sound money side.
Mr.. Mills will serve until 1899 His pres
ent attitude on silver is not very clearly de-
fined. If he comes out against free coinage
movement for his retirement will be
headed by ex-senator Reagan. The silver
men are claiming great strength in Texas.
Florida All Silver.
In Florida, silver. as yet, rules the road.
Senators Call and Pasco are both prominent
free coinage advocates. The administra-
ton, however, may yet find a champion
there.
But all of this is predicated on the belief
of the sound money democrats that a
change of money policy is on the cards in
the south If the old policy survives the
old leadership will be likely also to survive.