Evening star., 1897-04-13
THE COMMISSIONS WORK
Senator Wolcott Speaks Of Its Nature and
Erst Duty.
The ARPslntments Generally Conn
mended at the Capitol-OPpositisn
From an Unexpected Quarter.

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 today. Almost without excep-
tion, the selections were conmended. Sen
ators, regardless OF, party, were pleased
with the selection of ex-Vice President
Stevenson. 1t appears that this selection
was the Presidents own, no one appear
ing to urge his appointment The Presi-
dent desired a democrat. who stood high in
his party and who was an earnest silver
man. He sent for Mr.. Stevenson, and, af-
ter talking the subject over with him, de-
cided to make him a member of the COM
mission. President Mckinley desired that
the subject of International bimetallism
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.
Stevenson would give the commission great
weight abroad.
Among the earnest advocates of the Sc
lection of Mr.. Paine were Senators Hoar,
Allison and Chandler. all !of whom talked
with the President on the subject. and
recommended him as a man who would
materially aid the cause of bimetalrsm
1t has been generally conceded for some
time past that Senator Wolcott would be
one Of the commissioners, as his hardest
work since the election has been in the di-
rection of bringing about an International
agreement. Senator Wolcott is very hope
full of success. He looks forward to hard
work. but says from what he learned while
abroad last year he is most sanguine of
results. Senator Woleott believes that in
the selection Of the commission, and es-
pecially in naming Mr.. Stevenson a silver
man and one who supported Mr. Bryan,
PRESIDENT Mckinley has convinced every
pody tnat he Is an earnest bimetallist. BIZ
metallism at home and abroad. he says.
will be promoted by this selection.
Unexpected Opppsition. -.-
Opposition to the scheme for interna-
tional bimetallism has developed from an
unexpected source. Moetnm Frewen of
England. who has given great deal of
attention to the subject. and who has
visited this country several times In the
interest of silver, is now opposing an in
ternational agreement. aHd declares that
the money question is one which each ma
tlon must settle for .itzeA. Mr.. Frewen
VIII oppose any agreemerk and use his
influence against the new commission
When 1t goes abroad.
Senator Wolcott said today that geld
standard countries would oppose any FUR
ther depreciation of silver and that efforts
were now being made to prevent any fur
5ner 1aif OF SILVER In India: also. that the
demand for gold by japan IN establishing
a gold standard would .cause q drain uf
gold from Europe. which would be resist
Cd by gold countries IN asths-~ hi nitcd
states: Senator Woicott sAntsetpates little
exposition to. bimet tafltsrns What opposi-
sition there Is. Mr:c Woleott says, comes
frcn the German bankers of New York
who are already fighting bimetallism and
whose opposition the commission will meet
when 1t goes to Europe
senator Wolcott further said that there
appears to be mistaken impression that
Tie commission Is appointed with the pur-
pose In view Of having 1t represent the
onlled states at conference only. While
the commission might be utilized in that
way II conference should be held its
nrst work is to be of purely diplomatic
character. looking entirely to securing Eu-
ropean cooperation. The commission cx-
Ole OF May and Immediately upon their ar
rival in Europe will set themselves to that
task. Whether there shall be a confer
ehce at all will depend upon how the ad-
sa''ces OF the commissioners are received
ny the principal powers.
All Pnrtte. skcptical.
Neither the repub,icans, democrats. pop-
ulists nor silver republicans appear to
nave any faith in the accomplishment of
international bimetallism through the an
pciltment of the commission which was
announced by the President last night.
Senators of all parties whose opinions nm
eJ ene supJect were sought today smiled in
creouioGsiy and dismissed the subject wi,h
I..e statement that they would be very
gao II something could be done, but that
tnelr nope was not strong. There was a
general reluctance to discuss the matter
Tor publication. A few Senators exnresssd
their opinions freely but always with The
UNDERSTANDING that they should not he
quotec. The general impression seemed to
ps mat nothing whatever could be accom-