The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-07-02

indicated, these members will present
a minority report. naming the choice OF
the silver men for presiding officer,
whereupon the controversy will be
brought TO An issue upon the floor Of the
convention. II was generally conceded
that under the presidents. there could
be no interference with the national
committee I'm preparing the temporary
roll OF the convention. This decision
Will leave TO the national committee the
duty OF passing upon the prima facie
facts In the contests. The silver men
also discussed the advisability of abro-
eating the two-thirds rule IN accordance
with the recommendations of the Illinois
delegation. No formal action was
taken, but the preponderance Of senti-
ment was so strongly against a change
that II was made practically certain
that 1t will not be attempted. This is
due TO the fact that IL is considered that
such a course Will be unnecessary. Sew
eral members presented figures to show
that the change Will not be necessary.
These figures.on the face Of the returns
received, place the silver strength at
J9S. as against 1872 gold delegates, but
the assurances received lead to the
conclusion that the silver vote will
reach Gil. and II is confidently believed
that the display OF so much strength
will bring the few other votes necessary
10 give the required two-thirds. These
figures are independent of contests. The
states which are counted upon to yield
the increase are Maine, Maryland,
Michigan and Florida
How Eckels Views It.
Comptroller Eclsels OF the treasury
department says that he expects Mr..
Whitney and others OF the anti-silver
wing Of the party to arrive here tomor-
row. Mr.. Eckels thinks that after that
time the complexion OF sentiment will
change somewhat, and that the silver
people will not have such complete COM
mand OF the situation as they now ap-
pear to have.
While Mr.. Whitney Is regarded as
the lee6er OF the gold forces, they ex-
pect TO be able to muster formidable
array OF distinguished men, who will
assist him in his efforts to prevent the
partys throwing itself entirely upon the
white metal side of the controversy. In
addition to Mr. Whitney, Senators Hill
and Murphy, Charles Tracey and Gov
ernor Flower. Frederick r. Coudert and
ex-Postmaster General Bissell are ex-
pected from New York. as are Don M.
Dickinson of Michigan, Governor Rus
sell, j. Z. Russell and Josiah Quincy
from Massachusetts,, Senator Jewett Of
New Jersey. Senator Villas OF Wisconsin,
Senator Gray OF Delaware and many
others. including large delegations of
business men and influential politicians
from indianapolis. Baltimore, Pittsburg.
st. Louis. Cincinnati and other cities.
1t is understood that 80 influential men
are coming from Indianapolis alone,
and that Iowa will send a large dele
cation. The Illinois gold Democrats
will also be present in force.
II cannot but believe" said Mr.. Eckels,
after giving this list, that these men
Will exert an influence upon the con-
vention. They are all men who have
participated In national affairs, and all
well known Democrats. They will ap-
peal TO the convention In the interest Of
the business stability OF the country,
and also for the preservation of the
party's integrity. Even the silver lead
ers must listen. II they are Democrats,
when 1t Is pointed out to them that the
adoption of free silver declaration
means the certain defeat of the party
at the polls. IL will be shown to them,
as 1t can be clearly shown, that in this
event, they will not only lose every east
ern state. but that they are also sure to
lose all the southern states, such as
Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia
and Kentucky. where the Republicans
have an organization which is not bound
up with the Populists.
'"rhey must also listen to appeals TO
their reason against the overturning of
Ilatx to
to be done In the matter of the sbroga-
ton OF the two-thirds rule. No DEM
ocrat can regard such innovations as
this, and such as the frequent consulta-
ton with the st. Louis boilers. with
e1uanimity. and such proceedings will
81. only encourage the independent move
ment, which is soon to follow them, II
they are coupled with a free coinage
declaration in the platform"
Asked II the gold men would bolt the
convention in case of a positive pro-
.nouncement for free silver, Mr. Eckels
expressed the opinion that there would
be no open bolt. but" he said. there
would be detection at the polls, which
IL would be impossible to prevent. The
rank and file of the party cannot be
made to stand up for the party name, if
the party convention insists upon over
turning all Democratic precedents,"
Mr.. Eckels thought the gold men
would hold out fer declaration for the
gold standard. He did not see how q
question such as the financial question
could be compromised The gold forces
will have their main public headquarters
at the Palmer House. Mr. Harrity will
possibly locate at the auditorium annex.
The Palmer House quarters will be
opened tomorrow.
soyereign's Say.
. Grand Master Sovereign OF the Knights
OF Labor is mingling with the DEM
ocratic politicians at the Palmer House.
he denied that his visit has any polit-
icai Significance, but he talks freely I'm
regard TO the situation. He is pro-
nouncedly opposed to the gold standard,
and says that II the Democrats nomi-
nate a man who Is acceptable on the
financial question, he win have his sup
port He considers Senator Teller the
most available and acceptable candi-
date but saws that IL the Democro ia ra-