New-York tribune., 1896-09-03
CANDIDATES.
THE FIRST DAYS WORK.
(BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRrBrNE.l

lbf TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
Indianapolis. Sept "A refreshing atmos.
phere Of businesSkc common sense refreshing
in contrast to the forced and altogether un-
healthy hothouse enthusiasm Of the Bryan-Alt-
geld-Tllman gathering in Chicago distinguished
the initial meeting in this city to-day Of the
National Convention representing the Sound
Money Democracy the country In point OF
numbers. in the dignifed bearing Of delegates
ana audience. in the quality and character Of the
speeches made, and in the discriminating out
bu-sts of enthusiasm and other manifestations
OF approval by which the proceedings We're fire.
qIently interrupted the Convention surpassed
anything th"t even the most sanguine promoters
Of the Increment could have had any reason to
anticipate.
Instead Of provincial. even sectional spirit
pervading the gathering. the proceedings from
beginning to end were distinctly marked by mod
eration broadness and liberaty There was
less rant and more logic less nvectiye and more
argument in all the speeches made than is usual
ly heard on occasions of this kind Earnestness
OF purpose and due sense of responsibilities
assumed were easily recognized in all that was
SAID and done II a speaker Stopped over oc-
casionally, it was not due to malice but to the
excitement Of the moment There was no appeal
to the passions and prejudices Of the ignorant
and base, no attempt to befuddle issues by the
discussion of irrelevant questions, no disposi-
ton TO gain by oratorical trckery what reason
and experience would reject. 1t was a meeting
Of men who knew what they were there for. and
who were determined to get what they wanted in
the shortest order possible
THE FINANCIAL PLANK.
Within the last twentv-four hours the pro-
gramme of the Convention has assumed propor-
IT.
diction Of an adjournment by tomorrow night.
The platform alone furnishes at the hour OF
writing possible obstacle 10 the execution Of
the plans outlined by the leaders of the nove-
ment From an elaborate discussion of the
whole financial question. including free coinage
National bank issues and the retirement Of
greenbacKs, which the Massachusetts, delega-
ton offers as the main supporting plank of the
platform. to r more or less radical reassertion
of the inc )me tax principle. insisted upon by
certain delegates from the South and the Far
West. all sorts of schemes and suggestions have
been submitted to the Committee on Resolutions.
The makeup of that committee leaves somewhat
in doubt the question as to what will be the
final outcome of its abors. If mere numbers
were 10 determine the issue little less than a
meaningless straddle on the money question
might be looked for. There are on the commit
termination of purpose. who justify the expecta-
ton that the financial plank will be reasonably
sound. In some quarters. indeed. the predic-
ton is freely made that the declaration Of the
platform on the financial question will not only
lie one in favor Of a single gold standard, but
will distinctly assert international bimetallism
to be an ''irdescent dream" This Is probably
an altogether too sanguine view Of the situation,
and one scarcely warranted by conditions known
to exist the truth being that pressure from the
Middle Western States. which are conceded TO
control the entire proceedings of this Conven-
ton is likely to force from the committee some
declaration in favor of the existing gold stan
dard." coupled with promise in so many words
that SILVER shall be taken care Of
AN INcOME-TAX DEMAND
An income-tax plank is not likely to form one
Of the features of the platform. 1t will II adopt
ed ignore the imposition of a moderate burden
on corporate wealth. as recommended by Mr..
Cleveland and be more universal in character
and strictly in line with the decisions Of the Su-
prame Court. In other words, 1t will be dec
laration in favor OF = direct tax apportioned
among the different States according to popula-
ton. The disposition to adopt such a plank is
not widely dffuse1 it IS true. but is being urged
with vigor by States whose delegations possess
will require some courage and frmness to ignore.
Welded TO FREE TRADE
A free-trade plank, uncompromislng Ian
guage can make it. is sure to be adopted. OF
that not the slightest doubt exists 1t is being
urged il is said, with OF stinacy and enthusiasm
by the friends of the President, who insist upon
IT, not only n the light OF vndication OF Mr..
Cleveland but regard II the only issue after
the financial one shall have been disposed Of
around which the Democracy of the future can
rally
The labors indeed. of the men who
gagged in this de 'perate task of getting the old
Democracy-the Democracy OF Jefferson. Jack
son and Tilden-upon its legs once more and
prevent its total absorption by the sinister and
forbidding forces controlling the Atgeld-Till-
man coalition are directed toward one object In
addition to that of corapassing the defeat OK
BRYAN and this object Is to so shape the conduce
OF the present convention to make its proceed
ings means not only OF connecting the future
with the past. but a solid and. lasting foundation
as well for the rearing OF party structure upon
the ruins left after the "debauch Of 1896"
DR. EvERETTS ANCIENT FAITH
This purpose was made plain by every speaker
to-day from Dr. Everett. who. as compara-
lively recent convert. talked rather glibly 1t
was thought OF our ancient faith" our
ancient principles" and "our ancient creed" to
Chairman Caffrey. who stirred the enthusiasm
OF his audience by predicting OF the party that
ITS ashes will live In their wonted fires" and
ton. too long for quotation here. but i'm