The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-06-15

speculation, the financial question has
almost entirely monopolized the atten-
ton of the party men. This question
Is still claiming the greater share of
consideration, and will continue to hold
its place in the front rank OF speculation
and deliberation until IL is finally set
tied by the convention itself.
Two problems present themselves. The
first is how much to do for silver. tho
second how little to do for gold. Around
these questions range the speculation
and the interest OF all.
Three lines of policy will be presented
10 the committee on resolutions upon
meeting the different shades of opinion
OF the delegates. These are: First, to
declare in explicit terms for the gold
standard. Second. to take a positive
stand for the free coinage OF silver at
the ratio Of 16 to /, independent of the
course OF all other nations. Third, to
practically declare for gold and against
any further recognition to silver than
the present laws give, except upon in
ternational agreement, but without men
tioning IN terms the gold standard. and
with few words Of encouragement to
the friends OF silver.
-he contest will be principally between
the advocates of the first and second
propositions and, as IL now appears,
the outcome will be a compromise be-
tween these, which means. Of course,
that the platform will be almost all that
the gold people will demand.
The extreme gold forces will be led
by the New York and Massachusetts,
delegations, seconded strongly by other
eastern and Mississippi valley delegates.
The advocates of an extreme declaration
for silver are confined TO delegations
from the intermountain states. with
GONE support from the Pacific coast, and
possibly few scattering delegates from
other sections. The silver representa-
ton committee will be large, but not
sufficient 10 obtain more than a respect
ldi hearing. They are expected TO an
nounce that no compromise whatever
will be acceptable to them, and thus
practically eliminate themselves from
the work of preparing the platform.
With this feature OF the silver question
removed from the deliberations OF the
committee, il is not believed that the
deliberations will be greatly prolonged.
One important question remaining un-
settled is that Of the selection OF vice
presidential candidate. Next to the
financial plank, the filling of this place
on the ticket has engaged the greatest
share OF speculative attention during
the week, but apparently. Opinion has
rot been so well crystallized on this sub
ject as upon others. The names OF many
candidates have been suggested, includ-
ing those of Hobart of New Jersey, Nor
~. Il.
and Hawley of Connecticut, Hastings ot
Pennsylvania, III. c. Evans Of Tennessee,
M. II, DeYoung of California and ID. II.
Brown of Rhode Island.
distinctive portion OF the gossip was
a tendency among the supporters of Nc
Kinley to throw the nomination for tho
vice presidency to some man who might
be selected by the opposition. This turn
In the talk had the effect of the increas-
ing to some extent the movement in the
interest Of Mr.. Dingley OF Maine, be-
cause of his close relationship with Mr..
Reed.
The attitude of Mr.. Platt is believed
10 preclude the possibility of his having
a controlling influence in throwing of
the nomination TO New York, even IL he
should have any desire TO figure In that
capacity. Senator Allison's supporters
being western men, as is Governor Me-
Kinley western man. the inadvisasility
OF giving the second place TO one of his
supporters In case of the nomination Of
Mckinley is generally urged.
The agitators of the Dingley move
ment recall in his interest the fact that
he is McKinley's Republican successor
as chairman OF the committee OF ways
and means. and urge that aside from
being from the extreme east and a
staunch supporter of Mr.. Reed, his own
qualities are such as 10 make n 4
strong possibility for second place.
Mr.. Hobart's candidacy was also some
what improved by the announcement
that n large number of the New York
delegates were zealously supporting
him.
The Reed boom was yesterday given
the first impetus that II has had during
the ante-convention days. The arrival
OF the Maine and Massachusetts, delega-
tlons. with glittering badges and waving
banners, gave the first real appearance
OF Reeds candidacy that has been seen.
Senator Lodge. who Is to place Reed in
nomlua tion, has become the recognized
leader OF the Reed forces. and since his
arrival he has been trying TO gather the
scattered Reed forces. and retrieve the
losfes that have occurred in the past few
days.
NJ. Lodge has visited several Of ths
anti Nc l<inlcy leaders. calling upon
Plat. Quay and members OF the Iowa
delegation. Chairman Littleield OF the
Maine delegation, who viii probably
second Reeds nomination, has been
working for-,he big speaker. ifc has
had tho Reed headquarters formally
opened and last night the deleEation had
meeting. In which steps were taken
toward presenting the candidacy OF
Reed with al possible spirit.
The Massachusetts, delegation held a
meeting, and n count OF the delegates
shows that Reed was a favorltc. Scna-
tor Lodge announced after the meeting
That there were 80 solid delegates
scheduled. The delegations from Maine
Il