The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-03-04

Washington, March 3-The silver Re
publicans a"ailed themselves Yesterday
OF the only opportunity they will have
before the assembling of the next Con-
gress to further define their attitude Of
opposition to their former political asso.
ciates. and to warn the latter that the
question of currency is one TO which
they will be forced to give their atten.
ton.
The discussion of the international
monetary conference BILL which had been
returned TO the Senate with an amend
ment, would otherwise have been brief
and embarrassing. AS it was. Senator'S
Dubois, Cannon, Teller, Mantle and
Stewart severely criticised the regular
Republicans for their pretended inter.
est in silver, and predicted that all their
plans of legislation to relieve present
conditions will prove failures.
The speeches were significant of the
unalteiable determination of the silver
Republicans to have nothing more TO do
with the political organization to which
they formerly belonged. LIN the case of
Senator Dubois, who retires from the
Senate, it might he said that his threats
of continued opposition are lacking in
force, but the others will remain to ham
per the Republicans in the execution of
their plans.
The speech of Senator Cannon was
heard attentiveiv by II well filled Senate.
Mr.. Cannon has spoken rarely since his
entrance into the Senate, hut his speech
in the st. Louis convention before the
silver men withdrew from that body had
shown his colleagues what ne was capa-
bic of. His speech yesterday was protest
against the Republicans continuing to
masquerade as advocates of himetnliSn
when their whole policy, he alleged has
been of IA character to make an internn.
tional agreement impossible.
Senator Chandler alone of the regular
Republicans appeared TO enjoy the de
bate, especially when the silver Republi-
can orators were most emphatic in pre-
dieting the absolute failure of the next
administration. y friendship exists he
tween the Senator from New Hampshire
and the silver men, which brings them
very close together. Senator Chandler
TO day acted as master of ceremonies III
starting the discussion of the conference
bill, anu withdrew his request for Il vote
upon the House amendment. even though
the vote had been taken in order that
the silver men might make their speeches
The closing hours of the session. how
ever, have developed some very reinuk-
able personal alliances in the Senate,
which lave rather astonished the crowd
Last night, after Senator Tillman had
successfully outraged the Senate's sense
of propriety by speech so violent that
he withheld ii from the Record to-day in
order, 1t is supposed. to tone it down, he
became the earnest advocate of the
various propositions advanced by Sen;i.
tors Hale and Chandler, and, sittin. be-
side the latter, aided him in his contcn-
ton
Another curious combination was
found to exist between senator Stewart
and Senator Elkins because both opposed
certain proposed items of expenditure
The Nevada Senator busted himself hunt
ing up references to help Mr.. Elkins in
the preparation of his speech Senators
Sherman, Morgan and Mills. being in an.
parent accord upon the Cuban question,
mold frequent conferences and appear to
be the best friends, while Senator Ali.
son and Senator German have been work
ing Together like members OF the same
political party To get the appropriation
bills through.
The most remarkable indication Of II
strange friendship, which the galleries
have witnessed, however, was when Scna.
tor Brice walked across the Senate cham
her this morning and, taking Il seat be
side Senator Butler, of North Carolina,
entered into II long and confidential con
versaton with the Populst leader.
These instances OF the manner in which
common interests at once break down
all party feeling III the Senate was one of
the interesting features Of o-days pro-
ceedings.
When The Senate is within few hours
of the close of Il session all past differ.
cnces are forgotten. and Republicans and
Democrats combine for and against
special appropriations in manner that
suggests the entire oblitcration OF party
lines.
..rhe Deestrick Sknle,, win We rcnnntrd