The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-04-23
A SILVER CRAZE IN ALABAMA.
THE SOUND MONEY MEN BEATEN ~
THE CONVENTION.

Inc DtAtkaNtN 10 AnAEAku
TO Vote as n Unit-The Vote on the
Adoption of the I6 TO L Platform
343 Ayes TO I6I Nays-President
CIeveIand's Administration In
dOrsed. Except as 20 Its Financial
Policy.
Montgomery. Ala. April 22--The demo-
cratic state convention assembled al l1
O'Clock this morning. The committee on
platform was ready as soon as the con-
vention was called 10 order Gen Pettus'
the chairman, took the stand and read the
following. I'VE, the democrats Of the state
Of Alabama, in convention assembled. de-
clare our continued faith in the old time
honored principles OF the democratic par
~. and. among these principles are the
following:
"First-The free and unlimited coinage
of silver and gold at the ratio of 16 to /, as
the standard Of money OF this country;
without any discrimination against either
metal and without the consent Of foreign
nations. as the United States coined silver
and gold before the republican party OBJ
aained control of the government and
changed the coinage laws of the country
for the benefit of a class and to the injury
of great mass of the people.
"Second-The unconstitutional penalty
of ten per centum on each issue of state
bank notes by any state or national bank
ought to be repealed.
1T is our purpose to maintain a gov
eminent in this state, fair and just 10 all
under control of the white men OF Ala
bama.
be maintained untarnished. Our system OF
Izblic education should be improved ana
extended, so far as the state has the aDll-
ity without oppressive taxation.
I've are in favor of honest and fair cleo
tions and we recommend that laws be
enacted under which primary elections
and other party proceedings Tor the Sc
lection of candidates may be conducted.
I'VE cordially invite all good citizens or
this state, and especially all democrats
who strayed from the party, to unite with
us in an earnest and determined effort TO
maintain good government in the state OF
Let us preserve the dignity and credit
and peace. and, if possible, the prosperity
of our own state"
Mr. Russell, from the minority Of the
committee, submitted the following: Re
solved. That we. the democrats OF Ala
hama, in convention assembled, declare
our unalterable trust and confidence in
the faithful democratic party of the ma
ton, the party of the people; and We
heartily commend the wise, courageous
and patriotic administration of our demo-
cratic President. He has enforced law
ana OIuEI at nOutr ne mas DIOAttAtu
American citizens abroad he has MAIN
tained the honor and dignity Of the repuD-
lie in its relations with foreign powers by
a firm insistence upon their respect for
the doctrines laid down by Monroe as the
foundation stone Of American policy. We
believe that Grover Cleveland eXempli-
hes the best type of American patriotism
and MANHOOD, and that he has and win
hold permanent place in the affection
of democrats along with Thomas Jeffer-
son and Andrew Jackson.
Flaaa
mend that.
Whereas. There are differences of opin-
ion among democrats upon the question
whether the United States should alone
undertake the free and unlimited coinage
of silver at the ratio of l6 to ], which diff
erences cannot be reconcied in advance of
an authoritative declaration upon the sub
5ect by the approaching democratic ma
fional convention, and
"Wherets, 1t is indispensable to the unity
ana success Of the democratic party in the
state of Alabama that its position upon
this important national question, shall be
IN accord ana harmony with the national
democratic platform, therefore, be IL
Resolved by the democracy Of the state
of Alabama in convention assembled That
we refer to the national democratic con-
vention the determination of the party's
position on the silver question. pledging
the democracy of the state TO abide and
support the policy and nominees which
the national convention may declare and
set forth"
The substitute was tabled by vote Of
S31 ayes to 173 nays.
The resolutions as reported by the ma
1ority of the committee, were then adopted
by vote of S4S ayes and 16l nays.
Gen. Pettus then offered the following
additional resolutions for the majority of
the committee on resolutions: One in
dorsing the state administration of Gov
Oates; one requesting senator's and repre-
sentatives to use their efforts to secure
the cession of all public lands in the state
for school purposes; one commencing
President Cleveland and his administra-
for NfaAfn @w.ns
Monroe doctrine and readiness to defend
the same in the controversy over the
Venezuelan dispute with England
I'VE further commend Mr.. Cleveland
for his generous appointment of our
southern men in his cabinet and to va
rious positions within his appointing pow
I'VE find much to approve in the pres
ent administration. but its financial policy
we do not approve"
Mr.. Roquemore. from the minority of
the committee, reported the following as
a substitute for the unit rule portion of
the majority report: Resolved, that a
vote shall be taken in this convention
upon the question as to whether the ma
uonal democratic convention shall adopt
a free silver platform of 16 TO l, and the
delegates to the national convention shall
be instructed to voice the sentiments of
this convention in the ratio of such
vote"
This resolution was tabled by the same
vote that tabled the other minority sub
stitute and the resolutions of the major
ity were adopted.
There was immense cheering on the part
of the free silverites when they secured
their platform and instructions.
Nominations for governor were then
made, the names of Joseph F. Johnson and
Richard II. Clarke being presented John
ston receiving 1856 and Clarke 14S. Both APP
peared before the convention and made
speeches which were heartily cheered.
The other nominations are: G.. w. Ellis
treasurer; j. X. Jackson, secretary OF
state; W. S. White, auditor; j. o. Turner
superintendent of education; w. c. Fits
attorney general; J. F. Culver, commits
sioner of agriculture.
For electors at large-S. W. John and
w. A. Sanford.
For delegates at large from the state Il
the national conventional II. Keller. A
O. Lane, j. H. Bankhead and j. B. Knox.
The districts all elected free silver mer
except the First and Sixth, but as they ar,
bound by instructions they will have Il
vote with the majority.
The convention adjourned sine die