Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-23


the views OF the government and the en-
voys had determined 70 ascertain the views
of the French, British ana German govern
ments on the question OF reaching an In
ternational bimetaIlic agreement. They
had been TO France. where they had
reached a complete and satisfactory un-
derstanding with the French Government,
and the ENJOYS would have the co-opera-
tion in this matter OF the French Ambas-
sador In London
The Senator then explained that the
success of the mission depended upon
the attitude Of Great Britain. and he
requested Great Britain TO agree TO open
the English mints. as its contribution to
the attempt to restore himetallism, with
France and the United States co-operat-
ling together in an attempt 10 that end.
The Marquis OF Salisbury asked II
France was ready to reopen her mints to
free coinage, and Senator Wolcott re-
piled yes" The Premier thereupon
incurred at what ratio France would
omen her mints. Senator Wolcott said
at Is 1-2 TO /. adding that the united
States Government had accepted THIS
ratio.
Senator Wolcott then presented the fol-
lowing list of contributions, among
others. he suggested Great Britain
might make:
First. The opening of the Indian mints,
and an order making the sovereign iegai
tender in India. 49,,
Second. Placing one fifth Of the bullion
in the issue department Oh tne Bank Oh
England in silver.
Third. Raising the legal-tender Limit of
silver to fl0 and issuing 20-shlling notes,
based on, silver, which should be legal
tender, and the retirement OF the 10
shilling gold pieces, and tine s,ysr sqDsitu'ioh
Fourth. An agreement TO coin annually
so much silver, the amount to pe left
open.
Fifth. The opening of the English mints
to the coinage OF rupees and the coinage
of British dollars. which should be full
tender In the Straits settlements and
other silver-standard Colonies. and legal
tender in the United Kingdom TO the
limit of silver legal tender.
Sixth. Colonial action, and the coinage
Of silver in Egypt.
Seventh. Something having the general
scope of the Huskisson plan.
The meeting then closed, and IL was
understood by the parties that the ap-
sence of the French Ambassador, baron
De Courcel. from the proceedings, should
be regarded as informal, and q second
conference was held on the 18th, at which,
I'm addition to those already mentioned
the fTcHCn AUlDdSSduOT anu Ni. btOhANy
the counsellor OF the French embassy,
were Sresent.
FRANCES POSITION.
The French Ambassador was there in
vited to declare the position of the French
Government. and he said France was
ready to reopen her mints TO the coinage
of silver, IL the commercial nations should
agree. and he advocated at great length
the ratio of Is IL to l; but, he explained,
France would not consent to the reopen
ing of the mnts OF India alone as being
sufficient guarantee for the French TO re-
open her mints for the free coinage OF sill
yer.
Sir Michael Hicks-Beach then an
nounced that Great Britain would not
agree to open the English mints TO the
unlimited coinage of silver, and that
whatever views he and his colleagues
might separately hold regarding bimetal-
lism. he could say they were united on
this point.
Baron De Courcel said as a personal
suggestion. that among other contribu-
tions. he thought Great Britain should
open the Indian mints. and also agree 10
purchase annually n0000000 sterling OF
silver for series of years.
Senator Wolcott accepted the proposal
that the British Government should make
this purchase, with proper safeguards and
provisions as to the place and manner or
its use.
Since this conference the British Gov
ernment has been considering the pro-
posals, and has made the reply handed
to United States Ambassador Hay yester-
day, and cabled exclusively to the Asso-
ciated Press. The reply OF the Govern
ment of India. upon which Lord Salisbury
bases his decision, is a long document
giving an emphatic negative to the pro-
posal to reopen the Indian mints.
The correspondence concludes with Lord
Salisbury's dispatch to Ambassador Hay.
the contents Of which have already been
cabled by the Associated Press.