The herald., 1897-04-14
Lifted High Above Party
Politics
BIMETALLISTS ARE PLEASED
WITH THE COMMISSIONERS AP-
POINTED
William Jennings Bryan Talks Re-
garding the Condition of the
Campaign for Silver
Associated Press Special Wire.

Associated Press Special Wire.
WASHINGTON. April 1S.-The nam-
ing of three commissioners by President
Mckinley under the act of the last con-
gress to promote bimetallism was the
subject of considerable discussion about
the capitol today. Almost without eWep-
ton the appointments were commended.
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 appointment The
president desired DenIocrat vino stoou
high in his party and who was an earn
| est silver man. He sent for Mr.. Steven~
! son, and, after talking the subject over
with HIM, decided to make him mem-
ber of the commission. President Nc
| Kinley desired that the subject OF IN
ternational bimetallism should be lift
ed 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 greg
weight abroad.
Among the earliest advocates of the Sc
lection of Mr.. Payne were Senators Hoar,
Allison and Chandler, all of whom talked
with the president on the subject and
recommended him as a man who would
aid materially the cause of bimetallism.
| 1t has been generally conceded for some
time past that Senator Wolcott would be
one of the commissioners, as his hard
| work since the election has been in the
direction of bringing about an interna-
tional agreement. Senator Wolcott is
very hopeful of success. He looks for
ward to hard work, but says from what
he learned while abroad last year he
is most sanguine of the results. Senator
! Wolcott believes that the selection of the
commission, especially in naming Mr..
| Stevenson, a silver man, and who sup
ported Mr.. Bryan, President Mckinley
has convinced everybodyV1at he is an
earnest bimetallist. Bimetallism at home
and abroad, he says, will be promoted
| by this selection.
Opposition to the scheme for interna-
tional bimetallism has developed from
an unexpected source. Morton Frewen
of England, who has given great deal
of attention to the subject and who has
visited this country several times in the
interests of silver, is now opposing an
international agreement, and declares
| the money question is one which each
nation must settle for itself. Mr.. Frewen
will oppose any agreement and use his
influence against the new commission
when it goes abroad.
Senator Wolcott said today that the
silver standard countries would oppose
| fttrf = 90 Ill =
| efforts were now being made to prevent
any further fall of silver in India; also
that the demand for gold by Japan in
establishing a gold standard would
cause drain of gold from Europe which
would be resisted by gold countries. In
the United States Senator Wolcott an
ticipates but little opposition to biz
metallism. What opposition there is,
Mr.. Wolcott says, comes from the Ger
man bankers of New York, who are al
ready fighting bimetallism and whoss
opposition the commission will meet
when it goes to Europe. Senator Wolcott
further said that there appears to be q
mistaken impression that the commits
sion is appointed with the purpose in
view of having it represent the United
States at a conference only.
| While the commission might be util.
lied in that way, if conference should
be held, its first work is to be of pure
ly diplomatic character. looking entire-
ly to securing European cooperation
The commission expects to leave this
country about the middle OF May, and
upon its arrival in Europe the members
will set themselves to that task. Wheth-
er there shall be conference at all will
| depend upon how the advances of the
commissioners are received by the prin-
cipal powers.
| The appointments inspired little COM
ment among the members Of the house
who were at the capitol today. Chair
man Dingley of the ways and means
! committee said that the appointees were
all good men. This verdict was indorsed
! by all of the representatives. but the
Republican members were averse to
making any predictions as to the prob
! ability of success with the European
powers. 1t was suggested that the Eu-
ropean antagonism to protective tar
| iff policy on the part of the United
States made the present time an unfa-
vorable one for the United States to take
the initiative in a movement to secure
bimetallism by international agree
ment.
ADLAI ACCEPTS.
BLOOMINGTON, H.. April 13.--Ex-
Vice President Stevenson said today.
when questioned about his appointment
on the commission for the promotion OF
an international agreement: Il appre-
ciate the compliment paid to me by tho
president, and will cheerfully render
what assistance can to accomplish the
| object Of the commission.
Il am bimetallist. regard the roe-
| 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
| b. overstated. In this country tho ~