Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-07-24
THE WHITNEY IDEA
It is Being Discussed by Politicians Of
Both Parties.
The REPUBLICAN, CONTENTION
What Senator Proctor Says in Re-
gard to Vermont.
MR.. PICKLER'S POSITION

At both political headquarters in this
city the earnest attention Of politicians
was attracted today to the interview with
William C. Whitney. which will be found
in another column. 1t was the unanimous
sentiment that Mr.. Whitney's interview
was Of great Importance, and that it Is
likely to occupy the attention of the lead
ers IN both parties
The same Interpretation was put upon
the interview by all who discussed 1t.
whether republican or democrat. and that
was that Mr.. Whitney has made plea to
the republicans to render 1t possible for the
gold democrats of the east and north to
come into the republican camp this fall for
the purpose Of voting for the gold standard
and aiding in killing free silver. 1t was
agreed that the interview virtually amount
ed to Mr.. Whitneys asking the republicans
to modify their attitude upon public ques-
tions, presumably the tariff issue, to a
point which it would be possible for the
democrats to accept.
By some democrats 1t was taken to mean
that Mr.. Whitney believes the conserVa-
tive men of his party in the east are al
| ready in the frame of mind to take SOME
| what advanced position upon the tariff
question over their western colleagues with
free trade inclinations. In proof of this as
sertion they cite the fight which was made
in the Senate on the Wilson bill by the
eastern democratic Senators, holding out
as they did for higher rates Of duty in GER
| tain cases than the House proposed 1t is
claimed that the eastern democrats are
ready to go still further in the direction
Of higher tariff duties in order to be able
to take position upon the financial ques-
ton if the republicans will but show a
spirit Of friendliness and abate in some
degree their adherence to the extreme
views they are supposed to entertain upon
the tariff. 1t Is explained that the demo-
Gratis can not. even for the sake Of sound
money, go the whole length of the proposed
republican tariff program. but II the repub-
iicans are willing to moderate their plans
common ground be found upon which the
eastern democrats can assemble with
them.
The Republican Contention.
In political circles here, from the express
sions already current upon this subject, it
Is evident that Mr.. Whitney's appeal does
| not meet with favor in republican circles
at first blush. The keynote of this feeling
was sounded by distinguished republican
when in conversation with Star reporter
today he said: THE trouble is here; we
consider the protective tariff as the very
bedrock of prosperity in this country 1t
is this principle Mr.. Whitney asks us to
compromise
SOHtluulnS the argument IL was held that
MIR. Whitney was In a measure inconsistent
in his demands. He starts out upon the
basis that the highest patriotic duty of the
average American citizen now is to stand
firm for the gold standard and all 1t Is
claimed to represent. Yet, the people whom
Mr.. Whitney represents, instead of laying
aside all scruples and attaching themselves
to the duty they point out, demand that
the republicans shall first recede from 10y
atty to one of the cardinal principles of
their party in order to hold out a helping
hand to assist the gold democrats to per-
form the duty they themselves realize de-
wolves upon them.
OF course, it is realized at this time when
there is prospect Of the democratic ticket
getting the populistic support and a pos
sible proportion Of republican free silver
VOTE that the accession of this gold demo-
crat strength to the republican ranks would
be welcome, but there is strong indisposi-
ton at the moment among many republi-
cans to gain it by the sacrifice of any tariff
principles.
1t Is said to be certain. however, that
Mr.. Whitney's appeal will be considered
by the republican leaders. Coming from
the man it does, 1t must be given weight,
and one of the possibilities Of the near
future is conference over the matter
between influential men Of the two par
ties.
Senator Proctor on Vermont.
Senator Proctor Of Vermont was in the
city for few hours today, making a hur-
acting some business between trains. He
was seen by a Star reporter and asked as
to the alleged spread of the free silver
sentiment among the working classes of
New England.
1.-The people Of my section are more in
terested in starting the mills to work than
the mints," replied Senator Proctor. 1.-The
question of employment is paramount to
the silver question with them"
What will be the result of the election
in your state?' he was asked.
1--WE will vote in September and Vermont
not look for any disaffection among our
people toward republican doctrine
At Democratic Headquarters.
A letter was received at democratic con-
gressional headquarters today from a citi-
zen Of Rutland. VT, asking for free silver
literature. He stated he had organized a
Bryan and Sewall club in that town and
that the membership already included cne
hundred men formerly republicans The
mail of Secretary Lawrence Gardner con-
tinues to be bulky with communications
from New York, New Jersey and New Eng
land, asking for Information upon the sub
ject of free silver. There is great demand
also, for Bryan'S speeches.
Secretary Gardner left the city today for
a visit to New York. 1t is understood he
will give his attention to the organization
Of democratic clubs In New York city.
Tdmlnany IS taxing nOlQ IN earnest OF the
work of the campaign, 1t Is said, and Bry-
an and Sewall clubs arc being rapidly
formed.
Chairman Faulkner of the democratic
congressional committee is at his home in
Martinsburg. w. Va, and will not return
before next Monday. Chairman Babcock
of the republican congressional committee
left last night for Wisconsin. His ncmi-
mating convention Is approaching, and it is
said the A. F.. AS and the free silver re-
publicans are making an interesting siMla-
ton for him to confront. Mr.. Rabcock's s
friends, however, are confident that he will
be renominated.
What Representative Picker Says.
Representative Pickler Of South Dakota
is In the city today, and was caller at re-
republican congressional headquarters. Mr..
Pickler Is in a somewhat embarrassing po-
sition In his state by reason Of being q sill
yer man, yet ardently and sincerely sup
porting the straightout republican ticket
1t will be remembered that Senator Petit
grew Of his state bofted the st. Louis con-
vention and walked out with Senator Teller
and that party.
II do not think many republicans in my
state will follow Pettigrew," said Mr.. Pick
Ter to Star reporter today, "and for this
reason: While we are silver men, we are