The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-04-29
But Threatens to Lead Ii Away Again
fl the National Convention Does
Not Indorse Silver.
SITUATION AT SPRINGFIELD
LIVELY TIMES PROBABLE IN THE
REPUBLICAN CONVENTION TO-DAY.
Slender Truce Between Cullom's Sup
pOrters and Mckinley's boomers
A Split I'm Alabama.

colt, Of Colorado, has written letter de-
fining his position IN regard to the st. Louis
convention. The Senator's position Is rad
ically different from the position of his COL
league, Senator Teller, Senator Wolcott
indicates his intention Of remaining with the
Republican party whatever action 1t may
take on the currency question. His letter Is
addressed to Irving w. Howbert chairman
of the Republican State committee Of Colo
rado," and is as follows:
MY Dear Sir-During the past few weeks
have received many letters from Colorado
friends the subject of the coming Re-
publican national convention, many OF them
asking me desired to go as delegate.
To avoid any possible misconception as to
my position, / write this letter TO you as
chairman of the Republican State central
as a delegate and have carefully avoided
the slightest indication to anybody of any
sort OF wish to be present at the convention
in that capacity. l have, however, an opn-
ion on the subject of our representation at
the convention which ii seems proper that
should express to you.
meets in Colorado May IA, 1t may decline to
be represented at st. Louis or 1t may select
delegates If the latter. the duty of the dele
convention, make the best fight possible
for bimetallism In the committee on resolu-
tionS and the floor of the convention IL
there shall be opportunity for discussion be-
fore the whole convention. and after having
insisted by every proper method upon the
duty of the convention TO declare in favor
Of the restoration of silver as measure OF
value equally with gold, to accept the will
of the majority of the convention and en-
deavor to secure the nomination Of the can
didate most friendly to Western interests.
There is no sacrifice would not make TO
secure the demonstration OF silver, not be.
cause Colorado is producer of silver but
because, In my opinion. prosperity VIII never
return to US until bimetallism at the former
ratio Is re-established and because the ap-
preciating value of gold and the shrinkage
of values which necessarily follow this ap-
probation, must bring only disaster and
poverty and suffering to all the people or
this country who are not lenders of money.
To secure the unlimited coinage OF silver
l would count party ties as nothing. Al
this moment, however, the situation which
confronts us is this: Both OF the two great
parties are apparently opposed to free coin
age by the United States. The Populist
means to secure more currency as step
ping stone to unlimited paper money and
ciaiistic and paternalistic doctrines which
are dangerous in tendency and which would
be. If adopted, destructive to free institu-
tions. 1 know of no fourth party yet en-
titled to our confidence and support al
though the wisdom Of leaders whose char
acter and abilities we trust may find some
common ground upon which bimetallism un-
tainted with Populism may stand.
Under these circumstances and condi-
tions therefore, / desire TO be counted as
Republican, proud Of the traditions or my
party, glorying In its achievements, and still
hopeful that the great party which has here
tofore stood for the masses against the
classes may on this great economic ques-
tion yet range itself on the side OF human
ity and of civilization.
'If either one of the two great parties
shall declare in favor of the unlimited COIN
age OF silver at our mints existing political
conditions in Colorado will undergo sweep
ing change and in this letter / speak only
of the situation as 1t is to-day.
There Is in my opinion one event which
might involve our country in worse
disaster than gold monometallism, and
only one, and that would be
the triumph of Populism. Colorado
the duty of every good citizen to stand up
and fight in the open against repetition
of that ruinous experiment.
zone thing further: Our representation is
small at the best. To have the slightest
be practically unanimous in sentiment and
expression. The occasion is not one where
personal ambitions or desire for patronage
should influence selection. j have no doubt
that the Republicans OF Colorado will select
delegates to the national convention who are
a common and harmonious purpose, and de-
ssous only of securing the greatest consld-
Grafton for the interests of our Common
.Tt has seemed to me fitting and proper
that the members of that party whose COM
ing of the State convention my views as to
our duty In respect to the national conven-
tion at ST. Louis This is no time for diff
| ferences among our own people. 1 have
| faith and. confidence that the way will be
made clear for good citizens in Colorado 70
| cast their ballots this fall without sacrific-
ing their honor or their convictions.