Evening star., 1896-10-22
MORRISON'S ACTION
His Reputation Of Altgeld and Free
Silver a Surprise.
SIGNIFICANCE OF HIS COURSE
Chairman Butler on the Change
From Silver to the Tariff.
MR.. ATsON's LETTER

The action of Col. Morrison in repudiat-
ing Altgeld and free silver was great
surprise to the democrats. They were not
expecting to receive q shot from that quar-
ter, and 1t may cost them votes where they
least can spare any. Morrison, like ex-Sen-
ator Camden Of West Virginia. intended at
first to swallow all done in the name Of the
democratic party, but the course the CAM
paign has taken rendered it too much for
him to stand. He has said repeatedly since
Bryan's nomination that he intended to
stand with the party. He said that just
before he left Washington for Illinois.
The same thing happened in the case of
ex-senator Camden. Woen it was reported
that Camden was going to bolt the demo-
cratic party he promptly denied it AMI
declared that he intended 20 support
Bryan. He even went to the trouble to
make this declaration to the democratic
committee. After the campaign aad set
tied into its present shape however, ne
democratic ticket.
Republicans feel that these cases are
significant as showing that men who for
the sake of party regularity were ready to
swallow free silver and to overlook the
vagaries Of the Chicago platform find
1t impossible to remain with their party
after being convinced that the most OBJ
jectionable features Of The platform are
given ulOSC conspicuous Endorsement Dy
the candidate and his followers
They reason that this indicates that dis
satisfied democrats, instead of drifting back
into the party. are being convinced more
and more as the campaign progresses thai
it is their duty to aid in the defeat OF
Bryan.
Shifting to the Tariff.
Senator Butler. speaking of the alleged
order Of the republican national committee
fn thn Hor
silver to the tariff question for the rest OF
the campaign. said to Star reporter this
morning: THE republicans know that they
are whipped on the money question and it
IS desperate hope that they may accom-
plish something by turning to the tariff.
Mark Hanna has always had more faith in
the tarin as an issue, and he never wanted
the campaign fought out over the money
question. He was afraid of the single gold
standard, but the men who are putting up
the money for him would have nothing
short of 1t. Now he has been whipped on
ize 1t. They have yielded to him. therefore,
and consented that at the eleventh hour a
shift shall be made to the tariff
Bryan to Carry California.
Secretary Edgerton of the populist ma
tional committee has received a letter from
the chairman of the state committee OF
California stating that Bryan will carry
California by 5OUO, and that he will carry
the entire Pacific coast.
MIR. WatsOn's Letter.
There is still no information as to the
whereabouts of the Watson letter. 1t Is
not likely that this letter will find Its way
into print unless Watson himself gives /,
out 1t is evident that the conference ir
Georgia has not yet resulted in the tanning
of the Georgia candidate. Senator Butler
and all the Bryan people are still KEEP
guessing as to what he may do. Watson
has not yet been satisfied and there is liable
to be a bad hareup any day.