The record-union., 1897-07-17

Of the time of the minority report,
yielded five minutes to Crist of Mis-
souri,, who, in a humorous way, sup
ported the majority report.
Craig of California then spoke in op-
position to the majority report, and
asked the silver men not to embarrass
the congress with it.
Thompson and Brown Of Nebraska
and F'leehardy of Kansas made short
speeches for the majority report.
T. M. Patterson of Colorado spoke for
free coinage, and said it was a child Of
the Trans Mississippi Congress; that
the matter had been considered at
every session since its organization,
and that if it was a fit subject ten
years ago it was fit subject to-day
7. L. Ford of California closed the
argument in opposition to considering
the silver question, and was warmly
applauded throughout.
w. J. Bryan then called Craig of CAL
ifornia to the chair temporarily, and
made an eloquent speech in favor of
the majority report. AS he stepped
upon the platform he was greeted with
tremendous applause. Mr.. Bryan said
in part:
Ladies and Gentlemen: While this
question will apparently turn upon the
form of a resolution we need not ignore
the thing that has been so plainly mani
tested this morning. When We come to
decide what the Congress should do we
have got to understand what will be
the effect of what it does do. The ac-
tinn nf thic will hp
cussed by our friends who are delegates
only, but it will be discussed by enemies
of free coinage all over this country. I
call attention to the fact that the gen.
tleman from Minnesota pointed to the
action taken at Denver as evidence that
the silver sentiment was dying out.
What can we do if we refuse to consider
silver? They will say that we discussed
Hawaii. and the people will say that
the annexation of Hawaii is not nearly
so important as the emancipation of
this country from the Lombard street
magnates. Shall we tell them it is not a
political question? They will refer to
the passage of a resolution on the sub
ject of Cuban independence. The finan-
cial independence of the United States
is of more Importance to these seventy
millions of people than the political in
dependence of Cuba. / tell you that
the gold standard has killed more peo-
pie in the United States than Spain kills
in Cuba.
My friends have suggested that we
ought not to make it hard for the peo-
pie of California to come to this conven-
ton. I have just passed through Cali
fornia, and if I can judge of the senti-
nlent there, when we declare for the free
coinage of silver we will receive the ap-
proval of more than half the people
who live in California. (Applause)
"They ask US if we will offend the
commercial interests of San Francisco
Los Angeles or Portland. No, but we
say to tthe commercial interests, when
they destroy the prosperity of the hills
and valleys they will arouse themselves
and Wrest them from the greed and
aVarice of the financial barons.
"I am glad to indorse the effort that
the Administration is putting forth in
favor of International bimetallism
(Applause) L believe bimetallism is,
good, and if it is good, tits good no mat
ter who brings it. While the gentleman
cast $4,000 votes for the gold standard,
yet thirteen and a half million citizens
declared that bimetallism was better
than the gold standard.
when l desert bimetallism you can
brand me with disgrace, but if every
member of this convention deserted it
you cannot disgrace me; I will fight for
it still. (Applause) LIDO not want you
| TO misunderstood me- My advocacy of
bimetallism is not because l think more
of the people who live in the mountains
and mining States than L do of the peo-
PIE who live on the plains"
At the conclusion of Mr.. Bryan's
speech Richardson of Nebraska Of
fered a resolution indorsing the single
gold standard and pledging the congress
tc work for the correction of financial
evils.
1t was put to a vote and lost-only
five votes being recorded in its favor all
coming from the Missouri delegation
The pending question then was upon
the adoption of the minority report.
After considerable delay and confusion
the roll of States was called, resulting
S334 yeas to 24A noes.
The roll of States was then called on
the majority report, and it was adopted
by vote of 244 Clio to As 40 The
result was greeted with enthusiasm.
President Bryan called Mr.. Craig, the
new President, to the chair, and after
the latter had made short address. the
convention adjourned until o'clock to-
morrow morning.