The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-01-06

ator Pritchard), viii supost, during his
entire term of service as Senator, all
financial reforms contemplated by the
populst movement.
That he win vote for al international
agreement for free coinage of silver 1G
to /; that he will vote whenever the OPP
portunity presents itself for the free
coinage Of silver 16 to 3y Independent
action.
That he will cooperate. with the Pop
ulist party in its measures for financial
reform to the extent of having free silver
10 to / by independent action, and the
abolition of the National banking sys-
tenn, unless that law shal: be so amended
as to admit the equality Of the farmer at
the bank door, and accept from him as
security, land and staple; crops. This, in
substance, means the original idea of the
sub-treasury, which Senator Vance was
instructed to support, Gnd which Con-
gresham Skinner was the originator.
Congressman Skinner. says that his
present position is not Influenced by the
hope of future promotion, that be is
ready at all times to show his allegiance
to financial reform, andfin lieu of trying
to be the successor of Senator Butler
four years from date lie would be very
glad to continue his support of Senator
Butler so long as Butler remains in the
middle-of-the-road trying to take care of
the best interests Of the Populist party
Skinner says he has the kindeSt feeling
toward Senator Butleri that he has got
an individuality that must be preserved
He thinks that he is rs Big as Butler NOR
ally, intellectually or any otherwise
His natural inclinations, he says are to
be friendly to Mr.. Buffer, but if Butler
wants TO break the peace and test the
populist following, whether they shall
follow Skinner or Butter in a matter Of
party policy, he (SkinnGT) is brave enough
to meet the issue. Skinner viii take
the side that the good faith and the
good character Of the Populist movement
should assure the reelection of Senator
Pmtchard, since Skinner holds in his pos
session the written obligation Of Pritch
ard to support not only free silver 16 to l.,
but the financial reforms contemplated by
the POpulist movement.
SENATOR PRITCHARD'S LETTER.
This letter is addressed to Col. Skinner
and was written on December 10th, 1896.
1t is carefully written, more carefully
worded and evidently: intended for the
use to which it is beiag put. 1t begins
with expressions of personal regard and
thanks for Col. SINNERS support Of the
writer for the United States Senate.
Then it wades deeper end deeper into the
financial question, as indicated above,
ending by saying that its author will at
all times and under all circumstances
work and vote for the free and unlimited
coinage of silver in the ratio of 10 to /,
unless the bill pcoviding therefor
is attached as rider to some other
bill, such as a tariff bill or other impor-
tant remedial legislation, in order to de-
feat the measure.
The document is not longz-only two
pages OF closely written letter paper.
What effect will this letter have on the
Republicans, asked two prominent Re
publicans last night.
None" said one of them The party
is solid for Pritchard;3'
The other said it had dampened the
ardor of many of his friends and that
there were two or three Republican
members of the Legislature who would
not vote for him.
CONG FRESHMAN FQWLER'S VIEWS
Speaking of the Senatorial fight Con
blcHsnLkLu- G0FAN5s VI bhS LAlA0 0AS-
trict said:
Il consider the tive parties now even
SO far as offices are concerned. All
trades heretofore entered into between
the Populists and Republicans have been
consummated. If the Republicans are
conceded the Senator it will be free
gift ON the part of the Populists. In the
absence of further trade the Populists
are under no obligations, either moral or
political to support 4 Republican for
Senator"