Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-01-07
WALCOTT'S MISSION.
There is Little Chance of Its
Being Successful.
The Silver and Anti-SiIver Wings Of
the Republican Pa rty.
Democratic Members Are Also Looking for
Harmony in the Party.

Harmony in the Party.
Washington, Jan. 6.-(SpeciaD.-Th
visit Of Senator Wolcott of Colorado to
London for the purpose Of sounding the
English government concerning its will
ingness to participate in another interna-
tional monetary conference has attracted
a great deal of attention. Mr.. Wolcott goes
with quasi authority from tho president
elect and also as the representative of
committee of senators appointed to deal
with the subject of international bimetal-
lism. No better agent could have been
found. Mr.. Wolcott is popular in London
During former visits to that metropolis he
received q great deal of social attention
from big people. He is big, handsome,
witty, genial, genuine American and
yet a man of the world. have heard that
in London neither wealth nor rank nor
EVEN fame is an open sesame to high soci-
ety's doors, but that w.t. humor, adapta-
bility to the surroundings, power to please
and amuse are tho magic wands which
gain access to the charmed circle. If this
is true no one need wonder why Mr.. VOL
colt is q favorite in high London society.
Wolcott's Chances.
While in London year ago Mr. Wolcott
was taken up and made much of by the
international bimetallists and other i'm
portant people. His eloquent champion
ship Of tho silver cause had won their ad-
miration, and the bearing of the man
himself backed up their first impression.
In this way Mr. Wolcott was able to gain
status in London which few Americans
enjoy He may now be able to turn his
popularity there to good account His
heart is in the work. He is determined to
leave no stone unturned to bring about
another International monetary confer
ence with possibility of something being
done toward the rehabilitation Of silver as
one of the world s money metals. - 10y
It must be confessed at the outset, how
ever, that, SO far as the opinion of men
whose opinions are of value is concerned,
there is little or no likelihood of Mr.. VOL
colt being successful There is not the
slightest sign discoverable to those who
know English conditions and tendencies
very we'll Of any intention on the part of
the ruling elements Of that country to de-
part in the least from their traditional
policy of adhering rigidly to the gold
standard. There are bimctallists in Eng
land. as in every country. They are able,
earnest, influential men; they publish
many magazine and review articles; they
make speeches; they agitate continually
and theoretically. But they confront
stone wall of determination, stone wall
that seems to be as stolid and unmovable
as mountain.
Of Momentous Consequences.
There will be something pathetic in Mr.
Wolcott's failure on this daring mission,
if he is indeed to fail His political future
depends upon it. If he can get foothold
for international bimctallism-tbes slender
est sort of a thread to hang upon-it will
mean much to him. 1t will mean, per
haps, just the difference between political
and professional ruin and success in his
chosen home in the far west. During the
last campaign Mr.. Wolcott mado a daring
fight against overwhelming odds in his
state. Even those who do not stand with
him are compelled to admire the intrepid
ity-even the audaciousness-withw which
he made the fight for the gold standard
presidential ticket among the silver loving
people of Colorado Mr.. Wolcott does not
hope to secure re election to the senate.
: At the expiration of his present term, four
years hence, he counts upon nothing else
than defeat. And yet great changes in
public opinion may come within that
time. They will surely come if Mr.. VOL
colt can be the instrument by which an
other international monetary conference
shall be brought about. Even should that
conference result in nothing--even II it
should fail to advance the cause of silver o
single inch-thc effect would be favorable
upon the senator's political future
Let no one imagine that personal ambi-
tions are the only things that now play o
part in this international bimetallic effort
am ablo to tell something of what is 60
ing on behind the scenes. In the secrecy
of their cloakrooms the Republican leaders
of the senate and house are laying plans
for reuniting their party. They foresec al
ready that enactment of a new tariff law
is likely to place their party upon the de-
fensive in 1900. They will be subject to
attack all along the line and they are very
likely to find themselves confronted by q
harmonious and stealthy foe Unless they
can bring about some measure of reconcit
iation between the silver and ansisilveI
wings Of the Republican party their pros
poets in the next presidential struggle may
not be very bright There is hope among
them that International bimetallism, or al
least an effort to secure it, may prove te
be the talisi1han of peace. 't
- r.. rays ZOE dbTuOnys = ~ s-
Whether or not there is any substantial
basis fOf this hope remains to be seen. 81
far as.I ana concerted am utterly unabl:
to see what good it Isl going to do. Blu
the men WHO are engineering the move
msnt think they can see great possibilities
for itin 'thekaysof Satisfying tho friends
Of silver that tho Repuhlican'pArty is thei
friend and that II stryineiits best TO 40
complish. arevolution in ssilver's interest.
At the same time the Democratic leader
are playing u similar game thoughswitl
different tools They. too; are trying t.
harmonize their party for future action
They have . bester instrument at the pres
ept moment than the Republicans Th
Democratic spirit Of the 'hour as We catcl
there In Washington. is to unite in oppo
sition to- the Republican tariff policy
mske the Republicans responsible for tn
effort to brihgprosperityb acklto the coun
try and If they fail therein to pillor
them before the people The Democratic
party has won all It's successes in recon
years with just such tactics. Sc So
A great deal Of PROGRESS has been mad
with this part of the Democratic pfan A
En- tho ct,rrencv and the Troublesome Silye