Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1896-07-10
WHITE MB1RL PLATFORM
To stand on IL silver ilank-Bryam
Prime Fnvoritc.

CiAC AAVob UllC lllSlOIy vi ulS
democratic party. it being an array of
the democrats of the south and west
against those of the extreme east.
The convention divided on the finan-
cial question and the relative strength
of the two factions was measured in
the struggle for the organization. The
gold wing which had ii majority in the
national committee selected Senator
Hill for temporary chairman, thinking
his popularity might possibly carry
him through. The silver man offered
to the convention minority report,
presenting the name of Senator Dan
iels of Virginia and upon these candi-
dates the convention was divided.
The minority report was adopted by u
vote of 554 to $40. In the committee
Hill had % votes to 23, Louisiana not
voting. Bryan, who was the choice Of
the silverites for temporary chairman
was not eligible as the national
committee decided to seat the gold del
egates from all states where there were
contests.
The convention was called to order
at O'clock by Mr.. Harrity of Pennsyl-
vania, chairman of the national COM
mittee, who asked that all present.
about $4,000. should arise and stand
while prayer was offered by Rev. Err
nest NJ. Stires, rector of Grace Episco-
pal church, Chicago.
After the temporary organization the
convention adjourned and at it's con-
vening Wednesday afternoon the COM
mittee on credentials submitted its re-
port, reversing the action of the ma
tional committee seating the gold dele
gates from Nebraska and Michigan.
The gold delegates from South Dakota
were seated.
The report of the committee on
permanent organization was pre-
sented to the convention and proved a
surprise. Instead of the veteran Isham
q. Harris, who was conceded to be- the
probable choice, Senator Stephen NJ.
White of California was substituted.
The only reason mentioned informally
for the change was that the members
thought it unadvisable to have both
presiding officers from southern states.
Senator White had been the ac-
claimed chairman of the committee
on platform, but upon being made per-
manent chairman of the convention,
resigned in favor of Senator Jones of
Arkansas. The others of the commit
tee were: Senators Cockrell, George.
Gray, Hill and Tillman. Russell of
Massachusetts. Worthing of Illinois
and Owen of Indian territory.
The platform committee declared
that the money question is the para
mount issue at this time That the act
of 1873 demonitizing silver, without the
knowledge orapproval of the American
people. has resulted in the apprecia-
tion of gold and corresponding fall
in the prices of commodities produced
by the people: a heavy increase in the
burden of taxation and of all debts.
public and private; the enriching of
the money lending class at home and
abroad. prostration of industry and
impoverishment of the people.
We are unalterably opposed to the
single gold standard. Gold monomet.
alism is a British policy and its adop-
tion has brought other nations into
financial servitude to London. 1t is
not only un-American, but anti -Ameri-
can and it can be fastened on the
United States only by the selling OF
that indominitable spirit and love OF
liberty which proclaimed our politica
independence in 1776 and won it i'll the
war of the revolution.
We demand the immediate restora
tion of the free and unlimited coinage
of both gold and silver at the present
legal ratio of 16 to l., without waiting
for the aid or consent of any other na
tion. We demand that the STANDARD
silver dollar shall be full Illegal tender
equally with gold. for all debts. publ,
and private, and we favor such legisla
ton as will prevent the denomination
of any kind of legal tender money b,
private contract.
We are opposed to the policy ant
practice of surrendering to the holder.
of the obligations of the United State.
the option reserved by law to the gov
ernment of redeeming such obligation.
in either silver or gold coin.
We are opposed to the issuing of in
terest-bearing bonds of the United
States in time of peace, and condemn
the trafhcking with the banking syn
dicates, which, in exchange for bond.
and at an enormous profit to them
selves, supply the treasury with golc
to maintain the policy of gold mono
metallism.
Congress alone has the power to coin