New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-11-16
JONES STILL HAS HOPE
HE SAYS THAT FREE SILVER Is NOT a
DEAD ISSUE - HIS REFERENCE TO
MR.. CROKER. AND THE LAT
TIERS PLANS.

Senator James X Jones, OF Arkansas. chairman
Of the Democratic National Committee and the
great friend and adviser OF William j. Bryan. was
in the city yesterday. Mr. Jones Is the prophet
and the inspiration Of the silver wing Of the Demo
cratic party. which controlled the last National
Convention. and he IS the spokesman of that part
Of the party from the South and West which now
dominates the organization When Senator Jones
was seen at the Murray Hill hotel last night he I'D
not seem at all porturbed downcast by the over
wheimng Republican victory Of last week lie
was asked about the reports from Washington that
In the light Of the sweeping Republican victory at
the recent election the Democratic leaders in Wash
ington were convinced that silver dead issue
and tina, the party would have to form along few
lines and make its battles upon other grounds in
1900 The statements apparently ansered Mr.. Jones,
for he said cmphaticaIIy:
THAT statement Is absolutely false in every
sense and utterly without foundation. and every
sane man knows it. The silver question is stronger
to-day than ever 1t is easy 10 see where these
norris originated, but no one IS deceived by the
beating Of tom toms by the Republicans and in
this case the wish is father TO the thought"
Mr. Jones Was asked II he did not consider the
elections rebukc to free silver and an indorse-
ment of the Administrations lie said that he did
not adding: Il nothing IN tho elections 20
make me believe that the votes cast were regis
tered against free silver. Neither do look upo.
the electors as a specific Endorsement OF the Nd
mlnistration The result was due largely 10 me
military spirit Of the hour. The people are en-
thuslastic over the result Of the war. and they
voted for the soldiers more than anything else
II WAS a vote for the flag, and not for the Admin
istrat!on or for the gold standa d.
Mr. Jones declined to comment on the interview
with Richard Croker printed yesterday I'm which
Mr. Croker declared that silver was dead as an
issue and that the next National Convention Of
the party would frame a platform on the lines Of
home rule and antitrust laws. lie said. however,
IN general way that he understood that Mr..
croker Was trying TO take a hand In National
notifies and II that were tho case be would better
fall In line with the party ana not switch or Just
yet.
Democratic state Convention here Off aly igr rel
the Chicago platform and free silver the silver
mon of the State would elect set OF delegates 10
The next National Convention Oh the party and
contest with the delegates from the regular organi-
cation upon the basis that they represented tho
real National Democracy IN this state Mr. Jones
was asked Il this cOniestng delegation would b,
recognized. he said he hardly believed there would
be any trouble Ia seating the regular delegates AS
the function OF n" National Convention was 10 reg
uate the National affairs ~ the party. and that IL
forms
1t has become plainly evident that Mr.. Croker
the silver sentiment I'm the Democratic party. Mr.
CrokcY intends from this on - make a night that
plank in the next National platform. His first
step r. revealed IN Nh. CrOkcrs antagonsm 10 the
leadership of Joseph W. Bailey. ~ Texas. in con
gross. When Congress next conyencs all OF the
Democratic Congressmen from New-York or AT
least as many can be- controlled. Will he found
arrayed against Bailey. II Is said Sulzer. who is
| loudly for silver has been whipped into line
Whether Mr.. Croker can make much Roadway IN
National affairs remains t. boz seen. Democrats
here he will have LITTLE influence and be a small
factor IN the next National Convention.