Evening star., 1895-06-15
VOORHEES, AND SILVER
Absence of the Indiana Senator From Mem
phis Commented On.
1t is Thought He is Not Feeling COM
Portable on One or Two
Points.

The presence of Senator Turpie at the
Memphis silver meeting as the representa-
tive OF the Indiana democracy invites atten-
ton to Senator Voorhees, and some wonder
is expressed at his absence from the meet
ing. The two men have been in close agree
ment on the money question but Mr. Yoor-
hees, both at home and elsewhere, has al
ways been the more in evidence as a silver
champion. For some years, indeed, he
stood next in prominence to Judge Thurman
among the democratic leaders in the mid
die states advocating free coinage There
was some criticism of Mr. Voorhees, at the
special session of the last Congress for
the stand he took on the proposition to re-
peal the purchasing clause of the Sherman
act, but he stoutly insisted that his sup
port or the President in that matter did
not commit him to the Presidents anti
silver policy. He declared himself still 10
pe Irlend OF silver, and as anxious 20
cooperate with those seeking 10 reha bili-
tate the white metal as money. 1t Is this
declaration, now recalled, that occasions
the comment just alluded to. Why was not
SO good an opportunity improved to show
MS continued devotion to me old cause?
One Explanation offered.
One explanation offered is that as chair
man Of the Senate finance committee MIR.
Voorhees, feels that active partisanship on
his part on the subject would not be
proper at this time. 1t is expected that he
Will give place to republican as soon
as. the Senate meets again, but this is by
no means certain. The republicans have
not majority of that body, and can only
reorganize 1t by making deal of some
kind with the popuiists. This step they
profess reluctance to take Some of
their strongest men advise against it, their
arguments being that the party ought not
to make itself responsible for legislation
W
troll by its own votes. So 1t is within the
possibilities for Mr.. Voorhees, to be left
for the present where he is, unless he
should choose to cut the knot of such a
situation by resigning. But however this
may turn out Mr.. VOORHEES, is in position
which, 1t is said, he regards as semi
Judicial; his party is seriously divided on
the question which the finance committee
clearing up of the situation in general
he will not undertake to influence it in
any way or manner.
Not Feeling Comfortable.
1t Is the belief in many quarters that
Mr.. Voorhees, is not feeling comfortable
at all about matters as they now stand,
and his relation to them. He was until two
years ago the most extreme man on the
subject of free coinage to be found out
side of the silver producing section. He
had denounced the demonetization act of
1913 without measure, and had repeatedly
advocated free coinage by this country
without regard to any international ar
rangement. whatever. And so, when he
succeeded Mr.. Sherman as chairman of the
Senate finance committee. the silver men
were lifted into state of jubilation. They
could see the white metal winning in the
Senate at every point when the finance
committee under Mr.. Voorhees, lead could
inf1uer ce the situation. But his action in
the matter of the repeal of the purchasing
clause of the Sherman act disappointed
them, and ever since they have kept aloof
from him.
Troubled About Gov. Matthew'S.
Another point said to be giving Mr.. Voo--
hees much concern is the pronounced atti-
tude In favor of silver that Gov. Matthews
has assumed. The governor is the leader
of the young democracy of Indiana, and as
pires to a seat in the Senate. Mr.. VOORHEES,
regards him as a rival, and as the man IN
will have to beat If the next Indiana legis-
lature should, by a happy stroke of for
tune. be democratic on joint ballot. The
present outlook, however, is against the
probability that any democrat will succeed
Mr.. Voorhees, in the Senate. The republi-
cans are in the ascendency, and believe
that they will be able to hold the state.