Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-01-02
POLITICAL UNREST
Leaders Are Uncertain as to Their
Future Action.
PARTY DlSAFFECTION IN TEE SOUTH
PopuIists May Benefit or New
Party Be Formed.
FEELING OF SILVER MEN

There has probably never been a time in
the history Of Washington when the po-
litical leaders, especially those from the
west, northwest, south and southwest,
were so uncertain as to the future as
now. To all appearances the party lines
are as closely drawn as ever. but there Is
an undercurrent which tells more plainly
than anything else that REBELLION is brewing
in the ranks of the two old parties, and the
prediction has been made by great po-
ltical leader that evidences of it will be
seen at an early day. This had reference
to the party lines in the halls of Congress,
where there is likely to be less breaking
away from the ranks than elsewhere.
The other night a prominent Congress
man asked a Star reporter to call at his
room, es he desired to talk with him. In
the course OF long and interesting con-
versation he told many things of peculiar
import which he had gathered from con-
ferences in the halls of Congress. He Is
serving his third term as a Congressman,
and each time has been elected as demo-
crat. He expects to remain a democrat,
unless he catches the fever which seems
to be taking hold more freely than ever,
and the trend of his remarks caused
doubt as to his fealty to his party. By
tfat Is meant fealty under any and all
circumstances, no matter to what policy
the party becomes committed. He hrst
said that he was billed to make political
speech in his district at an early date, and
that he had no more idea what to say or do
than a pig. He wanted advice and debated
matters with the reporter with as much
earnestness as II he had met an opponent
on the stump. He is not the man to cater
to the wishes. Of his constituents, but he
appeared to be honestly in doubt and in as
much distress as q ship with all OF her
1n1 II
Surprising Revelations.
His revelations were surprising and even
sensational. He gave the names of numer-
Gus leaders of the two old parties who had
told him that they did not expect to remain
with the old ships which they had sailed
with so long, unless there were changes in
the commanders and in the planks OF the
vessels. He required to the Memphis silver
convention and told the whole history of
how it came about. Then he stated as
fact that there was distinct compact
among the leaders Of that convention that
they would desert the democratic party II
it failed to give silver the showing which
they demand. Il know what I am talking
about he said, earnestly. because the
men have told me so with their own lips.
They are not publicly proclaiming their in
tentions, preferring to remain in the party
with the hope that they will control it, in
stead of being controlled. 1t is not only
men stand ready to pull out from the old
slip II things do not suit them. Senator
Morgan and Speaker Crisp are about the
only two free silver men know who de-
clare they will stick to the party through
thick and thin.
Now that Is how it stands in democratic
ranks. In republican ranks it is the same
way, although there is not quite so much
ity vote the other day on the bond bill
shows to any student of politics that there
Is spirit Of independence and a disregard
of the party whip. The real meaning of
the action Of the minority is hidden. but
will crop out. I confess that diSliked the
democratic stand on the question and voted
with them simply because 1t looked to me
to have narrowed down to party fight.
Many others shared my views. After all
it was simply game on the political check
erboard. without patriotism in it.
What do the democratic silver leaders
propose to do when they desert their par
typ" he was asked
"Oh," he said, laughingly, they are in as
big 3 quandary as I am about my forth
tured no plans and do not expect to do SO
soon. They will let actions shape them
selves by events. 1t may, and probably
does. mean new party. l hardly think
pepulists.''
Talking of the disaffection in the south
toward the present democratic leaders and
the party, the Congressman said he did
not believe the republicans would profit by
1t. The populists would either be strength
ened or the support would go to the new
party. He did not know what the gold
standard men would do, as he was reckon
ing on the south being for free silver and
the national democratic convention oppos-
ing double standard.
Talking about the situation in the
SOUTH" the leader said. reminds me that
Just the other day Texas Congressman
told me that his state was likely to land
In the populist column next year. In Louis
lana there is lots Of personal feeling mixed
with the situation, and there is no telling
what that state will do next year. Miss!s-
sippi is thoroughly solid for free silver and
President. Arkansas is in the same fix,
with populistic tendencies. Missouri is not
going to stand a single standard. even If it
results in republicanism. Tennessee would
Alabama is rightfully populist. Florida may
stand by the party whether it is for gold
or not Georgia will be for free silver I'M
der the flag Of some party, Hoke Smith to
the contrary notwithstanding. South Caro-
lima will follow Ben Tillman, who is not q
populist, and is an advocate of a new party
Everybody knows how North Carolina
stands. Virginia will remain democratic,
and Maryland will vote for a republican.
Kentucky gives evidence Of doing the same
thing. Thus you see that the once solid
south is on the verge of dismcmberment
Besides their free silver views, the people
hate Cleveland and his administration. He
has done nothing to cement them He
him and bestowed his favors upon those of
his own choice"
They Won't Talk Generally.
The Congressman asked that his name be
not used, but said that IL verifcation of his
views was desired there was nothing to do
but talk with some Of the democratic silver
.k1kl t.