The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1896-08-31
THE GOLD DEMOCRATS.
Gossip Anent the Coming Conven-
tion at indianapolis.
WATTERSON AND Villas LEAD

In the Contest for Nomination as the Pres
idential Candidate, While Buckner and
Herbert Arc Mentioned for the Second
Place on the Ticket.
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 31.-On Wednesday
the gold Democrats are to assemble here
TO repudiate the action Of the Democracy
at Chicago and launch a new party in the
troubled sea of politi but as yet Indian
apolis displays but few Of the outward
manifestations Of an approaching national
convention. The hotel corridors, which
usually swarm and seattle with politicians
and guests on the eve Of national con-
vention, are barren and deserted. A few
of the managers are on tho ground and the
advance guard of the newspaper men is
already here, but the delegates have not
yet begun to put in an appearance. In the
nature of things, however, this would be
the case, as there Is no division as to the
purpose of the convention and no scram.
bic after tho nominations. The managers
express themselves us more than satisfied
with the enthusiasm which they say has
been developed in the country, and they
expect delegations from forty-two states
and territories to be present
When the movement was originally
started there seemed to be division of
sentiment as to whether a ticket should BIZ
placed in the field. The Chicago ticket
and platform they regarded as Democratic
heresy, and their primary object was to
accomplish the defeat Of Bryan and Sewall,
The triumph Of their old time political adj
yersaries would be their triumph, mas.
much as 1t would give them, in the event
of Bryan's defeat, an opportunity to reor.
ganize the party on what they regarded as
its true lines. AS the movement grew,
however, and obtained what was consid-
cred at least as the tacit approval of the
administration, the feeling that ticket
should be placed in the field for the gold
Democrats to rally around grew stronger,
and 1t is accepted as foregone conclusion
the standard bearers will be named.
The coming convention has no parallel
in the political history of the United States,
unless it be in the nomination Of O'Con-
nor, of New York, by the Democrats who
In 1879 refused to follow the Democrats
into the liberal Republican movement
which nominated Greedy 1t differs, how
Is considered vital one, and one upon
fare Of the country depends,
The managers therefore, purpose to lay
the foundation here for the reorganization
of the party in the future. They have
practically decided upon the adoption as
their emblem for the ballots the head of
Jefferson, and they expect to frame
platform which besides repudiating the
Chicago platform and nominees will
clearly enunciate and reiterate Democratic
doctrine as set forth in former platforms.
The prevailing sentiment favors a par
ticularly strong plank in favor of tariff
for revenue only.
Quite q number Of states have instructed
Wisconsin for Bragg, Nebraska and
Michigan for Villas, Missouri for Broad
head, and Others for favorite sons, but the
gossip here so far seems largely confined
to Senator Villas and Henry Watterson.
The latter, from his far off sojourn in
Switzerland, has cabled his willingness to
accept and make the fight if named.
Senator Villas somehow is regarded as
the administration candidate, and it is |
said that General Bragg, for whom the
Wisconsin delegation is instructed, would
willingly step out of the way. What war
rant there is for the assertion that Villas is
the administrations candidate does not
appear here. He has announced his in
tention of retiring from the senate at the
end of his present term, and could, it is
said, afford to make the sacrifice from a
personal standpoint.
1t Is conceded on all hands that If Mr..
Cleveland would accept the nomination it
would be rendered him unanimously.
Mr.. Bynum said today that he would I'M
questionably be the strongest man; that
his popularity even among the silver Dem
ocrats was very great, but that Mr. Cleve-
land had given no word. Although il Is
generally understood that the president is
in full sympathy with the convention and
its purposes, nothing has yet been received
from him. The arrival of Secretary Nor
ton, who will probably be the only meIn-
Der of his official family here and Of
Comptroller Eckels is therefore looked for
ward to anxiously. 1t is not regarded as
improbable that some sort of utterance
will come from the president before tho
meets or while it is in session.
Should Villas or almost any one exec pt
Watterson be nominated for president it
Is thought that Simon Bolivar Ruckner,
of kentucky, will be nominated for vice
president on the theory that his nominal
ton would greatly strengthen the gold
Democrats in Kentucky. Heis very pop
ular, and 1t is thought the nomination
will count for much in the blue grass state
where the gold Democrats are very active.
The name of Secretary Herbert is also
being mentioned In connection with Sec
md place ON the ticket. This Is said to be
The result Of Mr.. Herbert's announcement
If his opposition to the Chicago ticket and
to his efforts in Alabama to overcome the
silver sentiment. The secretary is at
present in Europe
How many states will the ticket nomi-
1ated here carry2" was question put to
Mr.. Bynum today by the Associated Press
Exporter.
-Four" replied Mr.. Bynum, FLORIDA,
Alabama, Texas and Kentucky"
How about louisiana"
Louisiana" he replied, will 60 for
Ex-Governor Flower, of New York. has
his acceptance of the post of
temporary chairman, and it is practically
lecided that Senator Caffrey of Louisi-
ma, will DO permanent chairman Of the
convention.
Spanish Government Endorses weyIer.