The record-union., 1897-01-02
In tho Interest Of International BIZ
metallism.
Will Interview Leading Bimetallists
of England, and Should the Subject
Receive Favorable Consideration
Will Then Visit Other Countries
Says the New Administration
Heartily Fav0rs the Plan.

NEW YORK, Jan. 1.-United States
Senator Wolcott of Colorado, who re-
Gently visited Major Mckinley and con-
ferred with him relative to an interna-
tioal bimetallic conference. is stopping
at the Hotel Waldorf, previous to
sailing for London tomorrow. His mis-
sion abroad is for the purpose of sound
ing English bimetallists, as to the ex-
pediency of an International conference,
and it is understood that the Colorado
Senator has the sanction of the Presi-
dent-elect for his negotiations. He will
not discuss that feature of the trip.
ct is fact he said, that l ann 60
ing abroad for a month or so, and
equally true that 1 expect to confer
with a number of European bimetal-
lists. I am not prepared to say what
the result may be, though I ann conf
dent that good may be accomplished.
'I am going to Europe with the full
knowledge and consent of Major NC
Kinley" said Senator Wolcott.
TT is not true that l am commits
stoned to act as the representative
of the administration. The official
authority I acknowledge is derived
from the Republican Senatorial Caucus
Committee, whose envoy l am. Inc
Republican Senators who desire to keep
the ST. Louis platform want to know
first what the feeling is abroad with
regard to international bimetalliSm, and
they have requested me to find out and
report to them. So little is known here
about the news and plans of the gem
tlemen in London and on the continent
who are known to be bimetalliStS that
the committee thought it best that
should have personal conferences with
as many of them as possible. / am not
sanguine of success. When l come
back 1 shall know more about the pros
pect for an International agreement"
What is the attitude of the admin
istration concerning the bringing about
of an international agreement"
THE administration is committed to
international bimetallism by the ST.
Louis platform said the Senator. $50
far as I know there is not Repub-
lican in Congress and few out of it
who are not in favor of bimetallism. The
platform is plain on that question:
You include Major Mckinley, of
course?'
yes; 1 believe Major Mckinley is
lhOiOuSAiy LII col iSSl Li Ills ocSllS "
carry out every pledge of the Republic
can platform, including the one on in
ternational bimetallism. The country
wants international bimetalism Nine
tenths of the people are in favor it.
The Democrats in Congress will sup
port it,
Senator Wolcott was questioned as to
the probable attitude of the gold DEM
ocrats, but declined to discuss this
phase of the question. Speaking of
prospective legislation by the present
Congress to promote international BIZ
metallism he said:
"A bill is being prepared by the Sem
ate Caucus Committee which will in
due course come before the caucus for
discussion, amendment and approval
before it is introduced in the Senate. 1t
is the wish of the committee to give
President Mckinley the opportunity to
call conference himself or act con-
Jointly with the executive officers OF
Europe as may appear most expedient.
He will be authorized to appoint five
commissioners to an international mon
etary conference whenever it may be
called, and an appropriation will be
made sufficient to pay the salaries Of
these commissioners and Whatever
share of the expenses of the conference
may be due from the United States"
When interrogated as to the stand
that would be taken ON such a bill by
the Populist Senators and their Demo. |
cratic and Republican colleagues who
favor Independent free coinage by the
United States, Senator Wolcott ex-
pressed the belief, based upon express
sionS which had come to his knowledge
that none of them would make serious
opposition to dt and that most of them
would vote for it.
They have no confidence in interna |
tional bimetallism," said he. AT the |
same time they would be willing to take
bimetallism if it came
that way, and I think they would he |
willing to let us make the attempt es- !
pecially if they think no results win
come from 1T
Senator Wolcott will go first to Lon.
don, and will be governed by the knowI- |
edge secured there as to his 1novements
on the continent. He will RETURN IN |
fepruary and submit the results of his
Investigations to the Senate Caueus
Committee at once