New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-07-08
MAKING THE PLATFORM.
A VIGOROUS FIGHT IN THE RESOLUTIONS
COMMITTEE.
MP MpERM6rr THREATENS TO BOLT AND is
ATTACKED BY SENATOR wHITE--sENAToR
JONES. OF ARKANSAS CHAIRMAN
TILE MATTER REFERRED TO

THE MATTER REFERRED ~
COMMITTEE.
Chicago, July 7.-Athough there vas ONE oo-
lection TO the hour fixed for the assembling OF
the Committee Resolutions-9 O'Clock az the
Palmer House--it was some time after that hour
before the committee was called to order The
crowd gathered about the committee room ana
made life burden to Assistant Sergean'-at-
Aims Noise of Kansas. by their persistent de-
mands to see members Of the National Commit
tee, whom they imagined to be occupying the
apartment, as they had done yesterday. He was
successful. however, in maintaining the privacy
Of the body.
When the Committee on Resolutions met
Senator Stephen NJ White. of California, was
chosen chairman by reclamation. He was called
to the door an instant after and met the COM
mittees representing the Committee on Perma-
nent Organization who Informed MIN OF MS
selection as permanent chairman OF the Conven-
ton. He went back into the committee-room
and announced the necessity of their making
change in the craftsmanship. Thereupon Sena-
tor ]. X Jones' Of Arkansas. chairman of the
silver steering committee. and the man most
generally spoken OF as the chairman of the next
National Committee, was chosen to succeed Mr..
White.
The committee began the active work, for 1t
was organized through a motion by Mr.. Thomas.
of Colorado that q subcommittee OF nine be ap-
pointed with Senator Jones' of Arkansas. as its
chairman, to construct platform and report to
the full committee tomorrow morning at u
o'clock Mr.. McDermott. Of New-Jersey. offered
an amendment which provided that this sub
committee be authorized TO prepare the entire
platform. with the exception OF the ilnanciai
plank, and that that be disposed OF by the 1ull
committee Mr.. McDermott Is a sound-money
man. and in a short burt aggressive speech de-
clared that he did not want the financial plank
constructed by any subcommittee, for the rea-
son that existing conditions demanded as much
publicity as possible In the discussion or imam
cial questions He was vigorous in his protest
against what he knew would be the acuoh VI
the committee. and intimated that the Demo
Gratis Of New-Jersey and the East coud n tnr, VI
would not support free-siver coinage platform.
Mr.. McDermotts speech was construed ty 'he
silver men Of the committee as threat .hat ne
would bolt the silver nominee ana acu snn,ol
energetic fashion. Among other Things, MI.
White said that he for one would never care TO
go into National Convention whose hnal ea M,
he intended to repudlate. HE has. sara Mr.
White. referring to Mr.. McDernott. rover
learned that the Constitution of his country
made silver equa! with gold and the money OF
the land Is he astonished that the Constitution
shall be upheld? II he believes II Is necessary
to the perpetuation Of Democracy that ne must
lie down to the tyrannical power OF gold' ;et him
CO."
In some portions OF his argument Senator
White was especially severe In his condemnation
of what was construed to be MIR. AcDermotts
threat and his high-pitched voice was at times
plainly heard echOing through the halls above
the noise and confusion OF the crowd
Further remarks were maze by MT: Harrison;
of Connecticut, in favor Of the amendment. and
by Mr. Jones, of New-Mexico on the other SIDE
The debate gave promise Of continuing ndefi-
nitely and Of causing some feeling. Mr.. Reagan
IN a
cussion by moving the previous question on the
motion to appoint a subcommittee.
Does the previous question extend 10 the
committees of the Convention quietly asked
senator Villas Of the chairman Of the commit
tee with III disguised astonishment.
Yes" said Senator Jones. and, as he maze
member OF the committee familiar with parlia-
mentary procedure. The ruling OF the Chair
was finai and. by a vote OF 80 yeas to IA nays
the previous question was pun. ime ono ,n ~
tended was then carried by a viva voce vote
The subcommittee consists OF the following:
Senator Jones, OF Arkansas. chairman Senators
CockreIl, Of Missouri: George. Of Mississippi
Gray, OF Delaware; Hill. Of New-York, and TILL
man. OF South Carolina: Mr.. Russell, OF Massa-
chusetts; Mr. WOrthngton OF Illinois. and Mr.
owens. OF Indian Territory. Senator Villas. OF
Wisconsin, was first named. but withdrew and
suggested the substitution Of Mr.. Russell This
committee WAS instructed 10 report to the ful
committee tomorrow morning at . o'clock and
after some further discussion. at il o'clock the
full committee adjourned and the subcommittee
went into executive session.
A GREAT VARIETY OF PLANKs.
The desire Of the committee to shut off pro-
tracted debate was made manifest when mo-
ton was made to allow any member desiring to
submit platform plank, hve minutes In which
to discuss the plank. IT will be promptly voted
down. members being requested informally to
leave their proposed planks with the chairman
This resulted In unloading upon the table large
variety of planks. chief among them being con-
tributions on the financial. tariff and Cuban
questions A delegation representing the Ma
tional Woman's Suffrage Association requested
permission to be heard. but the sup-commt,e S
declined TO hear any one on any subject anu
gave strict orders to its sergeant-at.arms that
Ire proceedings must not be interrupted.
Just before the committee went Into executive