Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-04-09
The Question, ewhat's tho Matter
With StevdAson2" Discussed.
ONCE TEE HoPs OF SILVER MEN
His Present altitude Of Inaction
Forced on Him.
NAY DEVELOP AT CHICAGO

When democrats Of the old school get
together and indulge in discussion of the
Chicago convention and the silver question,
an inquiry, often prcpounded, is whats the
matter with Stevenson" And nobody seems
to be able-at least nobody undertakes-to
answer it by authority.
Once the Silver Mems Hone.
Tie Vice President was at one time the
hope Of the silver wing of his party. The
southern men. particularly, kept a stead
fast eye on him. They seemed to feel that
he would come to the front for this years
nomination, ard the key in which they
sang his praises showed how very happy
the prospect OF an opportunity to support
him for the presidency made them. They
described him as an ideal democrat, who
believed In the money of the people, in the
rights Of the people. and in the old-fashion-
ed principles Of party discipline and re-
wards. They liked his prompt response to
all invitations to take the stump for his
party and the sturdy appeals he made to
the people for democratic votes
Are Puzzled Now.
But these men are puzzled now. They
have abated none Of their admiration of
the man, none of their belief in his democ-
racy. He is still in their eyes a true man
all through. and they still consider that in
such circumstances as they are hoping for
he would candidate meet all their de-
sires. He Is regarded as much more of a
national quantity than ex-Gov. Boies and
much more acceptable on many accounts
than Senator Tillman. But, for some cause.
he does not appear to be in the running.
His name does not appear in the general
speculation of the day. The democrats of
his own state even are not discussing him.
Col Morrison has the home field all to
himself.
The Questions Explained.
This explains the question, whats the
natter with Stevenson" Nobody, of
course. propounds the inquiry to Mr.. Ste
version himself If he is giving any thought
to the Chicago convention 1t does not ap-
pear. either from his conversation or de-
meanor. 1t is remarked Of him that he
keeps the even tenor of his way about as
successfully as any man in his position
ever did. He is prompt in the discharge of
all his duties, and he participates freely in
the conversations of the cloak rooms at the
Capitol; but there Is no mark about any
thing he does or says that would indicate
the candidate, or even the man secretly
cherishing hopes.
His Attitude Forced ON Him.
Talk on this subject proceeds, of course
rather freely. and there is getting to be a
good deal of it. ME Stevenson's attitude
is explained by some as being forced upon
him. He is not, it Is true, a member OF
the administration. rrbut is officially con-
nected with it, and therefore at a disad-
vantage at this time. 1t is not believed
that he has changed his financial views In
the slightest. or that he sympathizes at al
with what has beeh' done, and still con-
tinues in progress, toward committing the
democracy to the gold standard. But hav.
ing been elected on the ticket with Mr.
Cleveland, he considers that 1t would be
improper for him to enter into a contest
against the President, and especially fol-
the purpose of advancing his own personal
fortunes. - r.
lay show Up Strong Mt Chicago.
Those who take this view of the matter
do not expect Mr.. Stevenson to change his
attitude at all. The conditions which have
imposed silence on him up to this time
will, of course, continue. But need his 81
lence and inactivity, his friends ask, coun,
against him at Chicago? If the silver mer
appear there in numbers sufficient to con
troll the convention, and flushed with power
look about them for some man who moi
only represents their financial opinions bu1
as candidate would make the ticket popu
lar with the rank and file of the party
will Mr.. Stevenson be likely to escape ap
praisement? His friends think not They
will expect him in such circumstances t.
show up strong among the availables.