The herald., 1896-07-06

ton and in every way kept the con-
vention moving and free from confus-
ion. But as it seems practically settled
that Hill is to be selected by the ma
tiona1 committee, White cannot be con-
sidered as possibility for temporary
chairman. 1t is quite possible, however,
that he may be selected for permanent
chairman.
There are quite a number OF silver men
who are earnestly in favor Of Congress-
man Richardson of Tennessee for tenn
porary chairman. Mr.. Richardson has
frequently presided over the house Of
and was selected by
Speaker Crisp for chairman of the COM
mittee Of the whole during the long de-
bate on the Wilson tariff bill. He is q
good parliamentarian and would make
a good officer, provided his voice could
reach all parts Of the convention hall.
But those who are pushing his candi-
'dacy are met by others who are making
every effort to have Senator Harris Of
Tennessee temporary or permanent
chairman. OF course, If Mr.. Richardson
should be selected for temporary chair
man another Tennessee man could not
be made permanent chairman.
The silver men are considerably dis
turbed over the situation of affairs, and
scarcely know which way to turn to get
out of the dilemma. Ex-Congressman
Bryan of Nebraska has been generally
spoken of, but the fact that his dele
cation Is contested makes his election
as temporary chairman one of doubtful
expediency. Yet, 1t is quite possible the
convention may decide that 1t will make
no difference whether a man was a dele
gate or not in the selection Of tempo
rary presiding officer, because members
of the national committee hold that the
committee has the right to go out of the
convention for temporary officer.
The silver men say that between now
and the time the convention is called
to order the differences will be adjusted
and some man agreed upon for tempo
rary chairman.
A secret meeting Of leading silver men
was held at the Sherman house today.
The conference was devoted exclusive
ly to canvass Of the situation with ref
erence to the selection Of a temporary
presiding officer, and the majority Of
those present announced themselves as
favorable to the selection of Senator
White. It was understood, however, that
the action should be in no sense bind
ing as to Senator White. but that the
selection should be finally made by the
silver committee tomorrow, after being
passed upon at a previous meeting of
the steering committee.
The committee first agreed that the
candidate should be chosen from the
western states -la~~>isr h--.~~--.-.A A1>>
ssneraI belief that Senator Harris Of
Tennessee would be given the perma-
nent chairmanship. Three names were
considered. They were those of Sena-
tor White and of Messrs. Bryan of Oma-
ha and G. S. Thomas of Denver, who
were urged by their respective friends.
Objection was made to. the fact that
Mr.. Thomas halls from silver produc-
Ing state. The choice Of the meeting
was favorable to Mr.. White, but, recog-
nizing that the meeting was not full,
it was decided that opportunity should
be afforded for choice between the
three, with the recommendation in the or
der named. The conference was util-
lied for general discussion of the
probabilities as to the action Of the ma
tional committee with reference to the
selection of a temporary chairman.
The members Of the national commit
tee present supplied the information
they had at command. and the exchange
of information led to the conclusion
that the silver men would be able to
control the committee as to the selection
by securing the cooperation of few
members who, while they advocated
the gold standard, take the position
that the majority Of the convention
should be allowed to designate the
chairman.
The advisability Of accepting Senator
at some length, but the other PROPOSE
tion was unanimously accepted.
The members rof the national commit
tee held a second meeting to agree on
candidate for temporary chairman of
the convention, and decided to recon-
mend Senator John w. Daniel Of Vir-
ginia. Senator White Of California had
been previously selected by them, but
when a delegation called upon him to
confer about the matter, he said that
on account of other engagements it
would be impossible for him to serve
Senator Daniels name may be pre-
sented to the full committee by the
silver men. If the gold committeeman,
who are in the majority. insist upon pre-
senting the name Of Senator Hill or
some other gold man to the convention
the silver contingent will nominate DAN
iel. It is possible that Daniels name
will be brought before the convention
by minority report of the national
committee.
A STUBBORN FIGHT