Santa Fe daily New Mexican., 1896-07-02
CHICAGO The STORM CENTER
Gov. Altgeld Declares the Free Silver
Men Will Control Democratic
National Convention.
HILL WILL NOT Be CHOSEN CHAIRMAN
Whitney's Goldbug Contingent En-
Route-Senator Money Denounces
Arrogance of Gold Standard
Leaders.

Springfield, ILL.,, July 2.-Gov. Altgeld
returned from Chicago to-day. He ex-
poets to return to Chicago on Sunday and
remain until after the convention.
"The free silver men will have control
of the convention" he said, land it is, we
think, to our best interest to wind up
the business in one day. The single gold
standard men will, of course, fight for de-
lay. 1t s to their interest to spar for
wind, as along shore men would say.
They want different platform from the
straight 16 to l silver basis to a some
what muddled compromise. We're We to
let the convention remain in session for
several days they might do this. The
Wall street and Standard oil interests
have influence far reaching and powerful.
But the free silver mon will never permit
the small minority to dictate terms"
NOT A CANDIDATE FOR CHAIRMAN.
As to his position on the temporary or
permanent craftsmanship, the governor
said he did not want either. "It was what
might be called clever politics." he con-
tinued, "for the goldbug papers to boom
me for the honor. They knew it would tend
to arouse spirit of jealousy among the
Democracy. l think l can be Of more
service to the party on the floor. want
to see free silver ticket with a free sill
yer platform. For myself I want moth
ing"
Gov. Altgeld said he had no idea who
would be the temporary or permanent
chairman, but that both positions would
be filled by men acceptable to the free
silver Democrats
Regarding the presidential nominee, he
had no preference. It was, in his opin-
ion, too soon yet to fix upon man. The
chief object now was to see that the
rights of the majority we're not inter-
ferrod with by Wall street gold.
Hill Will Not he Temporary Chair.
man.
Chicago, July 2.-Senator David B.
Hill will not be temporary chairman of
the Democratic national convention. The
silver leaders almost unanimously declare
that the temporary organization must be
controlled by the mai jority OF the conven-
tion.
The suggestion of Gov. Altgeld that the
convention be made one day affair was
not received with much favor by the
leaders, who are here, or by the friends of
candidates.
Senator Blackburn said: "While I
don't suggest or approve of delay, must
say am utterly opposed to any gag law
or rushing. Let this convention be
marked by fairness. We have nothing to
lose or gain. Let us give everybody a
fair hearing, and act according to our
best Judgment. think the cause of sill
yer will be aided by such action.
"Hill would undoubtedly make an i'm
partial chairman, but he is allied with
the gold forces and it would be round
about way of procedure for Us to turn
over to minority of the convention its
organization. It is not supposed that
the majority are going to jeopardlze
their chances"
Blackburn was coy about saying any
thing regarding presidential candidates,
as his own constituency is booming him
for the place.
~ have heard" he said, "that Altgeld
has decided to assist Mr.. Bland, but it is
little early yet to talk of chances"