Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1896-06-27
VIM. G. WHITNEY SAYS HE is NOT 4
PRESIDENTIAL POSSIBILITY.
Thinks Every Man Should Adhere
Closely to His Party When
1t Is in Danger.

which he defines the political situation
and makes his position clear as regards
his decision to ren!ain in this country,
instead Of going to Europe, and concludes
by saying that he is not 4 presidential
possibility; that he would not run If
nominated and would not serve if elect
ed"
The text of the statement is as follows:
Il find it necessary to make public
statement embodying my views on the
situation, to correct misconceptions and
save time now occupied in answering
questions. Far too much Importance has
been attached to my decision to go 10
Chicago.
Il have been practically out Of politics
for four years, and there are now many
eastern democrats who can do much
more than / can for the party | shall
not assume any position of leadership.
My decision to stay was simply based on
the duty of every person who believes in
the party and for its principles, to stay
by and lend his aid and take his chances
when the great crisis is upon the party
Fundamental differences of principle ex'
list inside the party, marked almost by
sectionalism.
whether the party meets in convention
now, as in 1850, with issues and differences
| that are for the moment irreconcilable
| For the past Is years the leaders OF
public opinion in the south and west
have been advocating as the great rem
| edy for existing ills the free coinage o
! silver at 10 to l. with or without the co
| operation of other nations.
1T has come to be believed in by thes
men quite generally and conscientiously
+ A large majority of the delegates to tn
! coming democratic convention have beer
| elected by the people for the purpose o
| Incorporating that doctrine into the plat
| form of the democratic party.
Our people, on the other hand, en-
! tirely disagree with these views, and be
lieve. almost universally that it viii
bring general ruin to the business and
prosperity of the country. 1t is deemed
new doctrine when proposed to be
incorporated into the platform of the ma
tional democracy. 1t is true that in no
previous platform of the party can 1t
specifically be found. Consequently no
party obligations heretofore assumed
obige them to subscribe to it. Under
these circumstances If the results of the
democratic convention should be to es-
tablish an issue of their campaign. the
free coinage of silver at Il ratio of l6 to
|. Independent Of other nations, in the
intensity of feeling likely to arise, it is
to be seriously apprehended that a dis
ruption of the party might occur. Ger
tainly no substantial following could be
secured for the doctrine among eastern
democrats. They might not vote the re-
publican ticket for other reasons, belleV-
ing that the republican party stands Tor
other issues that are detrimental 20
the country, but the democrats in the
east would not, in my opinion, vote for
it.
This movement for free coinage pur-
ports to have for it's object the establish
'ment and maintenance of gold and silver
as the money of the country upon equal
terms with each other and at a parity
of purchasing power. If. by the pro-
posed measure, that object could be se-
cured there would be no substantial dis
agreement in the party. Every national
democratic platform that has heretofore
spoken upon the subject has declared
for both gold and silver money 1t is
our traditional policy. But the mainten-
ent time Is not a question of desire, it
is a question of ability. The commercial
value of silver has declined greatly in the
markets of the world.
whatever the causes are and whoever
is to blame, the fact is that silver has
declined and free coinage now at 16 to
is the same as our offering for all the
silver in the world about twice what it is
selling for in the market. International
exchanges have to be paid in gold. and it
would seem plain that if we, under these
conditions, open our minis to the free
coinage of silver and gold a: ratio of
comparative value which is largely at va