New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-06-28
MIR. WHITNEY DESPONDENT.
LITTLE HOPE, HE SAYS, OF BEATING
FREE SILVER AT CHICAGO.

ITS ADOPTION IN THE CONVENTION WILL BREAK
UP THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY-APPARENTLY
THE SOUTH AND WEST HAVE PASSED
THE POINT OF DIsCUssIoN-THE
NATIONAL HONOR INVOLVED.
William C. Whitney late yesterday consented 10
give An interview on the political situation. He
had spent the day In his home, but there were re-
norts that he had made arrangements for con-
suItation with Senator Hill and other Demo-
cratic leaders In the evening. He talked despond-
emily OF the Democratic prospects, although he de-
clared he was going to Chicago to aid in most
determined fight against free silver.
The Tribune reporter talked with Mr.. whitney
in his home. at No West Fifty -seventh-st
How Is the campaign getting on?" asked the
reporter
like 1860 the truth must be told" Mr.. Whit
ney replied.
What are the chances of sound money in Chi
cago?"
UNLESS the situation changes and our South
ern and Western friends are disposed to reason
with US, no chance whatever"
What do you hear from the South and West?
Judging by the letters receive, there Is no ap-
parent disposition to discuss the matter at issue.
fear 1t has gone beyond that point
COULD DO NOTHING.
"Have you asked Senator's German and Brice to
attend the Convention as party duty?'
"No They have no reason to believe that they
could accomplish anything None of us have
'If a free-coinage candidate is nominated on
free-colnage platform. what will be the result!
.Practicallv II will disrupt the Democratic
party No power on earth can either coerce or
persuade sound money Democrats to forsake the
fundamental principle of Democracy. They 90
not regard this question as either factional, sec
tlonal or political. The maintenance or Natiohai
credit 10 a matter Of National honor The SARA
toga platform emphasizes this fact IL says thd'
the rigid maintenance Of the present goid
standard at the present time is essential 10 the
preservation Of our National credit, the redemp-
ton Of our public pledges and the keeping in
violate Of our country's honor That is New
York's position. 1t Is positive as words can
express And it cannot be changed.
COMPROMISE OUT OF THE QUESTION.
Then you do not look for a compromiseT'
"Compromise is impossible. Debasement OF the
currency would be more than monstrous IN ef-
feet 1t would be abandonment Of principle ii
would diegrace every citizen. 1t would not be
merely dishonest IT would be dishonorable. And
you cannot compromise question Of honor
What do expect to do In chicago!
"Do everything in our power to save the party
and protect the country. That is the plain duty
of every Democrat who goes to Chicago; ana IL
Is none the less the duty of those who stay at
home not to hamper the efforts OF those VINO go
And by those who etay at home | mean not
merely Democrats; mean to include every good
citizen regardless of politics or prejudices. The
crisis which has come upon us Is the most serious
menace to National prosperity and the welfare
OF the people since 1850 This is the time
when an men who love their country must stand
together to avert If possible, public disgrace and
the wreck of hundreds of thousands OF homes
throughout the entire country"
you do not despair of success. then?'
mo. We cannot yet tell whether the knowl-
edge Of the attitude OF Eastern Democrats VIII
affect the determination of the Southern ana
Western Democrats who have not known until
within the last week how strong the feeling
here is The vigorous expression or our posiuoh
may cause hesitation. especially among the rank
and file of the Democracy. who | cannot be-
,ieve want to drive all Eastern Democrats out
of the marty. know some of the leaders OF the
movement assume that attitude, but am not
vet convinced that the people are behino the".
And II not they will make their wishes kho"h
and felt.
rr,ppITy GOES HOME.