The herald., 1896-04-27
Russell of Massachusetts Talks
of Nomination
HE LIKES THE COMPLIMENT
But Most Positively Declines to Be a
Candidate
Iowa Republicans Had Q Howling Match and
Call It . Conventlon-No Arrests
Were rade
Associated Press Special Wire.


signed statement by ex-GOv. w. e. Rus
sell Of Massachusetts in response to
question upon one Of its staff corre-
spondents:
II am greatly surprised to hear that
the action of the Massachusetts, con-
vention has attracted any special atten-
ton outside the state. While greatly
appreciated the compliment Of an en-
dorsement by my state, am not seek
ing the nomination nor am desirous of
being the candidate. nor do wish any
movement made in any state in my in
terest.
ION the contrary, have already ear
nestly requested that no such move
ment be made in any other state by
all important that when the Chicago
convention meets it's delegates should
be absolutely free to deliberate and act,
clear of all instructions or pledges of
even expressed preferences-at least, so
far as I am concerned. 1 don't know
that any movement personal to me is
contemplated. If 1t is, I request and
insist that it should not be made.
'It seems to me that our party should
send it's strongest men to Chicago and
leave it to their good judgment. in view
Of the situation as 1t then appears, to
determine what is best to be done.
"The important thing now is to make
an absolutely sound position on the
money question without evasion or COM
promise. I believe this is of vital con-
sequence to the party for it's present and
it's future.
"I am firmly Of the opinion, as have
recently said, that our national plat
form ought explicitly and emphatically
to oppose the free coinage of silver or its
compulsory purchase, or any compro-
mise legislation in that direction, and it
ought to endorse and commend the ad-
ministration of President Cleveland for
it's resolute work in maintaining our
present gold standard and in preserv-
ing the credit of the nation.
II think it would be neither right nor
wise to attempt to avoid or straddle
this question by any ambiguous or
meaningless declaration. The time has
passed for that. The issue must be
met and fought out"
A Boston special to the World, in
which the ex-governor Is interviewed at
length, supplements the above state
sat says: In the no'rSA of fh'S t. ''''' NJ he
''The position of president is one of
tremendous responsibility. It involves
so many things, requires so much Of
man who would fill it. doubt, yes, 1
doubt very much, IL I would care to
take up the load were it thrust upon
me-"
II believe that a president should go
Into office unfettered. Therefore, hold
firmly that could never even be a can
d1date on platf IN that was not in
ACCORDANCE with my own principles. I
would never consent to straddle on
hnance or any other public question. I
should not go into office bound by ham,
per1ng declarations, restricted in the
power Of veto, helpless in authority"
would you accept a nomination upon
a platform of your beliefs?"
Il don't know. I should hesitate very
seriously. But this is too far ahead. I
tell you In all earnestness again that
Iirst, the Democratic party must settle
those financial questions that are dis
turbing the country. I don't care
Wnat other men may be doing about
seeking nomination, but of this one
tnlng am positive no one shall go
to the convention pledged to me and
unmindful of what is best for the party
and the country
A HOwLING MATCH
OMAHA, Neb, April ga special To
the Bee from Waterloo. Ia. says: The
gold standard people won a victory in
Boies nome county yesterday. They
outnumber the silver Boies men three to
two. The convention was characterized
Dy the widest scenes. In the outset the
cleveland men captured the convention
Just as the organization was perfected
chairman Scott of the central commit
tee entered the hall, ignored the pro-
Ceeolngs and called another convention.
IhuS the two conventions proceeded in
the same hall, simultaneously, each
howilng the other down. The disturb
ance continued for more than an hour.
The Cleveland men then summoned
snerlH law, and Marshal Klingman was
brought on the scene by the white metal
men. No arrests were made. Each con-
Ventlon adopted resolutions on tbe
money question, the difference being as
great as possible
THE COLD WATERITES
PITTSBURG, April 26.-The Prohi-
p1tlon national convention to be held
mere tne latter part of next month will
pc the largest ever held by that party
This will be the eighth national conven-
ton, the first having been held in 1872
That year only four or five states were
represented. This year representation
has been received from every state in
tn Union. and in nearly every instance
the full quota of delegates will be pres
ent. There are number of state con-
ventions yet to be held, but sufficient is
known about them to warrant the as
sertion that they will be fully repre-
sented. The railroads have made a low
rate and the convention is expected to
attract from 10000 to $1,000 strangers
MICHIGAN SILvERITES.
DETROIT, Mich. April 2e.-It ap-
pears a foregone conclusion that Mich
igan Democratic conventions to be held
next week will declare for free silver
and elect free-silver delegates at large
to the national convention. Walter
Meade, acting secretary of the state
committee. tonight gave to the Asso-
ciated Press the following general re-
suits of the county conventions thus far
held:
OF the eighty-five counties, fifty have
thus far elected delegates to the state
713 have been elected. OF
these 1858 are instructed for free silver
and 124 for gold; 221 are uninstructed.
IDAHO'S MEETING
SALT LAKE, Utah. April 26.-The
Democratic state central committee of
Idaho has decided to hold the state con-
vention at Pocatello on June 16, to elect
delegates to the Chicago convention.
STATE POLITICS
SAN FRANCISCO, April 28.-The
Chronicle tomorrow morning will print
with a number of leading
Republicans of the state relative to the