The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1896-02-05
Their Proceedings in Washington
Full Report.

Knowing the interest taken by the
Peoples Party in the proceedings Of our
possible allies, the free silver men, we
print the following report of their action
at Washington during their conference.
We are indebted to Gen. James B. Weav-
er for a copy Of the Evening Star of that
city, from which we quote:
When the silver conference reassen-
bled this morning it was with a some
what smaller attendance than yesterday.
Some Of the delegates had come long dis
tances to be present and had been abb
sent from their homes some time. They
could not spare more time, and left
Wednesday night and Yesterday morn
ing None Of the leaders, however, were
absent.
There was no business before the con-
ference when it reassembled, none of the
committees having reported. The COM
mttee on resolutions spent the morning
hours in completing its document. Cen.
Warner was the leader in the prepara-
tion of the paper. The other members
Of the committee practically left every
thing to him. The chief object of the
committee was to prepare a statement to
the country which would enthuse the
silver men aTsd rally them around the
new party Witn the ona-idea pian.
The committee itself was unanimous in
preparing the report along the silver
lines altogether. 4 perpleEing question,
sprung by Delegate Wharton Barker,
editor Of the American was that of the
tariff. He wanted some protection or
high tariff ideas put in the platform,
declaring his belief that with this addi-
ton to the silver idea it would catch
the East. The committee was far from
agreeing with Mr.. Barker The members
took the ground that silver is the dis
case from which the country is suffering
and that the trouble must first be cured,
the tariff and other questions TO follow.
In opening the conference Chairman
Warner stated that an agent OF the rail
roads was present to receive signed Ger
tificates from the secretary as TO dele
gates, 50 as to give them reduced rates.
Chairman Warner stated that the sec
retary had received letters and kilograms
from nearly one hundred men who had
been invited, but could not attend. All
these letters. he said, voiced the same
sentiment-that the silver men should
get together now and continue together
urt.l the election. Applause followed
this.
Chairman Warner called J. F. Devine
mittee on resolutions IN goItting ready
its report.
There was demand for the reading of
the letters ana kilograms. but this was
not complied with. It is limited that
some of the letters are from prominent
Democrats ard Republicans, among them
members Of the national committees,
pledging themselves to go with the new
party at the proper time. There is
really something gleeful In the manner
in which the silver men hint at the Sc
cret backing they are getting.
Speeches we're called for. Delegate
Anson Woolco5t. Of Indiana, was the first
speaker He was followed by 0. c.
Sabin. associate editor of the Silver
knight of this city. Mr.. Sabin asserted
that the peoples party voted for Hardin
in Kentucky and that he was knitted by
20 900 traitorous gold-bug Democrats.
(Appiause) Mr. Sabin proceeded to make
a hot speech denouncing the Democratic
party as rotten to the core" Mr.. Kieth
of North Carolina was the next speaker.
He is a Democrat, he said, but is first
silver man.
Gen. Field Of Virginia defended the
Populists from the charge made last
night by ex-COngressman Hatch that
they defeated Hardin in Kentucky.
Ex-Congressuan Hatch was called for
and replied to the speech Of Gen. Field.
He defended his speech Of last night, and
ELECTED great enthusiasm when he again
vehemently declared himself for silver
above party He hoped to see the Demo-
cratic national convention come out for
silver, but did not expect it. Il have
been a silver man for 16 years and ex-
pect to continue one"
The Populi5t visitors were somewhat
excited at what Mr. Hatch had said, and
demanded to be heard. Senator Butler
sad that the Populi5ts had not supported
Hardin because he stood Oh a gold plat
form.
4 colloquy occurred between Mr. Hatch
and Senator Butler. The latter asked
Mr. Hatch If he would have accepted
nomination on the platform put out by
the Kentucky Democrats.
NO, ! would no." fiercely answered
Mr.. Hatch.
Senator Butler said that if Hardin had
denounced the platform the Populists
would have supported him.
A delegate from Indiana criticised
both Hatch and Butler for bringing up
the matter of their respective parties at
this juncture. There should be no such
picking of flaws. If it continued there
would be no such thing as union.
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