The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1896-06-25


the United States, and our money,
whtiurr coin or paper, at the present
standnrd d-'tho standard of the most
enlightened nations of the world.
The following description OF Senator
Teller's farewell to his party is pathetic
and Interesting
One Of the crucial moments of the
convention was at hand. The chair
man announced that he would recog-
niZe to move a substitute for the ma
Jority report, the gentleman from
Colorado, MIR. Teller. The name of
Teller set the westernites wild. In
little scattering squads, the handfuls
OF delegates who had been getting
under the banners Of Colorado, Utah,
Nevada, California and Montana, and
some of those of Tennessee and other
Western and Southern States wore on
their feet waving hats, flags, umbrel-
las, fans and handkerchiefs and shrick-
| ing like madmen. The fire spread to
they seemed to be almost unanimously
cheering.
For two or three minutes, the uproar
continued. Finally the western dole
gates, secessionists, they perhaps
might soon be CALLED, tired of their
work and sank back into their seats.
Then there fell over the house q deep,
profound calm, for history was to be
made. The political allegiance of hall
Il dozon States hung on the moment,
and while the assembly recognized it,
the people listened to a man, while the
clerks proceeded to read the substi-
tute platform, rs follows:
We, the undersigned members Of
Init hnf,
unable to agree with that portion OF
the majority report which treats Of
the subjects of coinage and finance,
respectfully submit the following para
graph as asubstitute therefor: "The
Republican party favors the use OF
both gold and silver as equal standard
money and pledges It's power to secure
the free, unrestricted and independent
coinage OF gold and liver at its mints
at the ratio Of l6 parts of silver to | of
gold"
Senator Teller, as he stood on this
platfo.'m to make his final protest to
tne Republican party against the
adoption of the gold standard policy,
was a striking figure. Tall, gaunt,
he wore the old-fashioned frock coat
OF the old time statesmen. His face
is deep furrowed with lines OF thought,
and no one W no boheld him as he sur
rendered all his old associates for a
ueep conviction on q single topic,
doubted his honesty of purpose. His
face Is thin, his eye grey and his
forehead high. He was evidently
deeply aroused by the emotions that
stirred him and his gestures at times
were almost fierce, but his general
t0no was one OF sadpess and regret.
tie was given most respectful hear
n ~ hn dol. l>,,t
this sympathy there was no demon
stration on the floor in the early part
OF his address.
The galleries, however, were at this
time very dccorous and when he as
serted the powers OF the United States
to control their own affairs without in
tcrference from Europe in the matter
OF finance, many OF the delegates dis
played enthusiasm. He spoke in the
clear ringing tones which have so often
echoed through the chamber of the
United States Senate. 1t was not until
the close OF his speech that he became
rcvicw of his long service in the party
visibly affected him. AS he reached
the step he WAS about to take he drew
himself up to a greater and final effort
and spoke with an carnestneSs that i'm
pressed all. Aftor he said, 81 must
sever my connection with the political
party which makes tho gold plank one
of the principle articles Of its faith"
the Senator paused and swept his eyes
around the hall.
For an instant the full significance
of his expression failed to make itself
felt, then it sunk ONE, and the gal
lcrlcs rose with another yell, and min.
glcd with the yell was fusladc Of
hissos. A moment later he said that
If under such circumstances he re-
manned in the party he would be un-
faithful to his trust. There were en-
thusiastic cries of "Nom from the
delegates in the Eastern and Southern
States. There was deep feeling, almost
pathos in the Senator'S voice and those
nearest could detect the glimmer of
tears as he said there were heartburn
ings and grief in the sacrifice which
hc and his colleagues were to make
for their cOnsCicnces.