Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-23
MEETING OF SILVER MEN.
They Will Await the Action of the Republican and Democratic Conventions Before
 Acting Themselves.

Washington, Jan. 22.-Nearly 100 of the most prominent silver men of the coun- try met in Washington today to arrange for holding a national silver convention to put ticket in the field for the coming presidential campaign, this action to be contingent upon the failure of both the old political parties to recognize the white metal by nominating candidates unequivocally pledged to its rehabilita- tion on a basis of 16 to 1. The gathering is the result of conference held in Chicago several weeks ago by the presi- dents of the American Bimetallic league, the National Bimetallic union and the national silver committee, at which it was agreed to consolidate under the title of the American Bimetallic union, with A. J. Warner as president. At the meet ing today, which Is being held behind closed doors and with an intention to prevent any premature announcement of its proceedings, it is expected to ratify the constitution and make a deal with the populists by which both organiza- tions will have their convention in the same place at the same time.
 Gen. J. B. Weaver of Iowa, Judge Field of Virginia, Senator Marion Butler of North Carolina, T. M. Pattison of Col orado, Judge Bell of Colorado, c. M. Wardall of California, J. M. Turner of Georgia and E. c. Brown of Massachu- setts constitute special committee to meet the silver men. They say that they will take no part in the conference, but merely carry out the instructions of their national committee. General Weave was promptly made chairman of the meeting. Senator Marion Butler of North Carolina introduced MT. Warton Barker of Philadelphia, who said that China was the greatest commercial rival of the United States. Senator Stewart of Nevada occupied front seat in the meeting and several members of con gress were in attendance. General War ner said before the meeting that a pro- visional committee representing all the states would be appointed and date the latter part of July would be set for convention, and not until then would 1t be decided whether to put ticket in the field and what name the party would take. Everything depended upon the ao- ton of the republican and democratic conventions.
 The secret meeting resulted in the ap- pointment of committees on resolutions and organization. The committees are as follows:
 On resolutions-John P Jones of Ne vada. chairman; H. F. Barlne, Nevada; MT. Lauringer, Pennsylvania; Joseph Sheldon Connecticut; J. L. McLaurin, South Carolina; General Warner Ohio.
 On organization-Mr. Stevenson, Color ado; J. N. Johnson, Virginia; J. c. Col Her, District of Columbia, and P. J. Nc Intosh, Utah.
 The committee on resolutions has about completed it's report and will fur nish 1t to the convention tomorrow.
 It was definitely decided that con- vention should be held. and 1t is under stood that the committee on organiza- tions will recommend that St. Louis be the place for holding 1t on date about ten days after the assembling of the democratic forces in Chicago on July z. This will make the silver convention take n1acQ ahOnt the time the populist convention in St. Louis. To- nights session was public, and was de- voted to addresses on the silver ques- tion by General Weaver of Iowa, Senator Marion Butler, ExCongressman Barline and others. General Weaver received great applause when he predicted that the silver question would make the west