The record-union., 1896-07-04

declared that he did not propose to be
bound in his political conduct by the
doctrines of the Populist party, and if
the Democratic party saw fit to adopt
a platform and name a candidate who
vas pledged to the cardinal principles
OF that party, he, for one, did not pro-
pose to support it.
This outspoken statement from SO
prominent a Democrat was seized at
once by others less known in the party S
ccunsels as a declaration of a bolt, and
some one asked Senacor Hill what he
had to say on the subject. The Senator
took the edge off the remark of his dis
tinguished colleague by simply saying
it had always been his plan in political
campaigns not ITO borrow trouble and
not to cross a bridge until he reached
it. This rather non commfttal answer
was taken as an intimation that the
Senator was not prepared to say that
he would bolt.
From other sections came the positive
declaration that the integrity of the
party and the honor of its representa-
tives demanded that the minority of the
party give the people an opportunity
voting the Democratic ticket.
There is mo denying the fact that the
outcropping of a desire to bolt was man.
ifest, but to what extent it may develop
is Tonight a matter for conjecture only.
The leaders will not admit that a pos
sible bolt exists even in embryo, but
they do state that the gold men are in
tensely in earnest, and have by no
means given up the fight. One of the
most prominent men at this conference
after 1t was over stated that the anti
silver men had not undereStimated the
strength of the silver element, but hoped
they would still listen to reason and the
arguments that the gold standard men
would advance.
But those wordy proceedings finally
came to an end, and the conferees be-
fore adjourning decided some matters
that may develop important results,
although they are of routine charac-
ter. 1t was arranged that what is
known as the ''clubroom'' of the Pal
mer House should be maintained as
permanent headquarters for the gold
people to meet those who might desire
to call. 1t was also agreed that those
who attended the conference should as
senlble every night at the Auditorium
at 8 O'Clock for secret sessions to de-
termine future proceedings. An ex-
ception to this rule will be made to-
morrow because of the gold mass
meeting to be held at the Auditorium
.Theater. Instead, to-morrow's confer
ence will be held at II a. m.
AS soon as all the gold delegates ar
rive a caucus will be held, where the
plans of Whitney and his supporters
will be matured. To-night's confer
ence did not get down to any figures.
1t was more in the form of prelim-
mary talk. All those present tonight
say this, but will not make any pre-
dictfonS.
The most prominent Democratic lead
ers present were: New York-Senator
HILL Ex-Governor Flower ex-Lieuten-
ant-Governor w. F. Sheehan, Hon.
John r. Fellows, ex-Mayor Hugh
Grant, William c. Whitney, William
c. Baldnnan, Chairman Hinkley of the
State Committee and James ]. Martin;
Indiana-Ex Congressman Bynum, ia
cob Manzies, John T. Dye, Green
Smith; Delaware-Senator Gray; Ore
gon-Acting National Committeeman
Holman; Michigan Ex-Postmaster
General Dickinson; Pennsylvania
Chairman Harrity of the National
Committee, Charles E. Ingersoll, John
P. Reed; Missouri-Ex-Gover Fran
els, General j. c. Prather; Wisconsin,
F.. c. Wall, General Bragg; Massachu-
setts-W. E. Russell, Ex-Governor John
e. Russell; Unconstitutional Com
mitteeman Smalley; West Virginia