Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-04-14

Washington, April 13.-The naming
OF three commissioners by President
Mckinley, under the act of the last
Congress TO promote bimetallism, was
the subject of considerable discussion
about the Capitol to-day. Almost with
out exception the selections were COM
mended. Senators, regardless of party,
were pleased with the selection of ex-
Vice President Stevenson. 1t appears
that this selection was the Presidents
own, no one appearing to urge his ap-
pointment. The President desired a
Democrat who stood high in his party
and who was an earnest silver man.
He sent for Mr.. Stevenson, and after
talking the subject over with him, de-
cided to make him a member of the
commission. President Mckinley de-
sired that the subject of international
bimetalism should be lifted above party
politics and that the men selected
should be those who would work in
harmony toward bringing about an
agreement. 1t was also believed by the
President that the name of Mr.. Steven
son would give the commission great
weight abroad.
Opposition to the scheme for interna-
tional bi-metallism has developed from
an unexpected source. Moreton Frewen.
England. who has given a great deal
of attention to the subject and who has
visited this country several times In the
inerest of silver, is now opposing an
international agreement, and declares
that the mony question is one which
one nation must settle for itself. Mr..
Frewen will oppose any agreement and
use his influence against the new COM
mission when it goes abroad.
Senator WalcOtt said that there ap-
pears to be a mistaken impression that
the commission is appointed with the
purpose in view OF having it represent
the United States at a conference only.
While the commission might be utilized
in that way if a conference should be
held. its first work is TO be of a purely
diplomatic character, looking entirely
to securing European cooperation.
The commission expects TO leave this
country about the middle of May and
Immediately upon their arrival in Eu-
rope will set themselves to that task.
Whether there shall be a conference
at all will depend upon how the ad-
yances of the commissioners are receiv-
ed by the principal powers. The appoint
ments inspired little comment among
the members of the House who were at
the Capitol to-day. Chairman Dingley,
of the Ways and Means Committee.
said that the appointees were all good
men. This verdict was endorsed by all
of the Republicans.
BLOOMINGTON. Ills. April 1S.-Ex-
Vice President Stevenson said to-day
when questioned about his appointment
on the commission for the promotion OF
an international agreement:
"I appreciate the compliment paid 20
me by the President. and will cheerfully
render what assistance / can to accom-
plish the object of the commission.
'I am a bimetallist. I regard the res
toration of silver TO its proper money
function as the supreme question in our
own country and throughout the world
The Importance of the question cannot be
overstated. In this country. the increase
in the volume of business is beyond COM
putaton. In the light Of these facts the
rehabilitation of silver is a prime neces-
sity Should its demonetzation become
the settled policy. the evil days upon
which we have fallen but dimly fore
shadow consequences yet TO come.
"As to the possibility Of success of this
commission, It IS known that the trend
of public sentiment in European countries,
as well as in our own. is undoubtedly Ia
vorable to bimetallism.
Many Of the publiclsts of England and
Germany are in earnest accord with oui
government upon this question. Should
public sentiment in those countries justify,
an international conference would un.
doubtedly be called and action taken tina.