Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1899-03-09
Silver Republicans Hold an
Important Meeting
AND DISCUSS POLITICS
Willing to Join With Their RepuNi-
can Brethren on Local
Issues.

The city central committee of the silver
republican party met last night in the
office of w. Nee. White for the purpose
of formulating a plan of action for the
approaching municipal campaign. Be
sides the members of the committee there
was a large attendance of silver republi-
cans present. j. B. Gallagher acted as
chairman in the absence of w. H. SWEET,
and Thomas Richards discharged the
duties of secretary. Others present We're:
M. A. Berger, w. Nee. White, Louis A.
Smith, B. Gallick, r. M. Campbell, G. A.
Lyford, NJ. Berger. J.. S. Shropshire, ].
Chauvin, B. N. Beebe, j. B. Hendricks,
E. H. Metcalf, w. D. Fenner, John G..
Evans, Joseph Silver, j. D. jerks, George
Pascoe, w. O. Clymo, F. L. Melcher,
Alderman Noyes and H. ]. Sumner.
Chairman Gallagher announced that
the meeting of the committee and mem
bers of the party had been called for the
purpose of outlining a plan of action for
the silver republicans at the municipal
election. He asked for an expression of
opinion from every member present.
Without an exception every speaker
favored harmonious action between the
/ vi l ltpuDilCdllS tIlu IL L lSPuO-
licans on local issues if a just and equit-
able arrangement of the claims of each
could be entered into. B. Gallick pro-
posed the appointment by the chair of a
committee of five to confer with a like
committee of the straight republicans
and endeavOr to effect a reconciliation.
Other speakers expressed the opinion that
the proper place to talk business was in
the conventions; that the silver republic
cans had no assurances that the commit
tee from the other side would have any
authority to entertain any proposition
submitted.
In order to get the sense of the meet
ing E. H. Metcalf moved a substitute mo-
ton that the silver republicans partici-
pate in the regular republican primaries
and abide by the decision. In explaining
his motion Mr.. Metcalf said that he offer
ed the motion merely for the purpose of
asc~ertaining the sense of the meeting and
not because he favored it. He further
stated that he believed 1T to be the unani-
nous sentiment of the silver republicans
thai all differences of the past should be
healed; that there should be a reconcilia-
ton. The only question was as to the
manner in which it could be brought
about. The silver republicans were will
ing to meet the other wing more than
half way. If the straight republicans
would act in good faith, only one conven-
ton need be held. He would like, how
ever, to have the silver republican organ
ization remain as it is if the other side
did not act in good faith.
J. S. Shropshire believed that the re-
publican party should be reunited on local
issues In the interest of good government.
He believed that all silver republicans
should join issues at the primaries and
convention and put up a good ticket. he
was willing to trust to the justice and
sense of right of the opposing wing.
NJ. Berger, ST., believed in joining hands
with the straight republicans and wrest-
ing the municipal government from the
hands of the democrats. The other side,
however, should be just as anxious to get
together as the silver republicans. Apart,
neither side could elect a single candl-
date: by joining hands, however, the en-
tire republican ticket would be elected.
Col. J. D. jerks said the only question
upon which the two wings differed was
on the silver issue. The silver question,
however, did not affect local issues. They
could get nothing, however, unless they
united. The silver republicans also had
some brains in the party. BY uniting now
it would pave the way for a grand victory
in 1900.
w. D. Fenner wanted to know what as
surances the colonel had that some demo-
Gratis would not be nominated on the re-
publican ticket, to which the colonel re-
piled that he felt certain that none but
republicans would receive nominations.
Mr.. Lyford said he was anxious to see
the party united. If the silver republicans
could be assured of a square deal. He pc
lieved that 100 votes would decide the
municipal election either way. He said
he believed that both sides We're broad
minded enough to adjust the matter in a
manner satisfactory to all. However,, ne
was in favor of holding on to the silver
republican organization until the other
side manifested a spirit of fairness.
Chairman Gallagher in ruling both mo-
tions out of order said that the members
of the central committee We're simply the
servants of the party and nothing more;
that it had no right to ~disorganize the
party. He would like to see both wings
together, but did not want to be subjected
to any indignitieS. 1t was a delicate mat
ter. he realized. The silver republicans
hold the balance of power. In coming to-
gether the silver republicans would be
reasonable and would see that they would
get What they were reasonably entitled 10.
He thought the better course would De
to call the silver republican convention on
the same day as the republican conVen-
ton and if the other side showed good
faith, it would be easy to arrange mat
tiers.
John G. Evans said all the silver repub
licans asked was fair treatment. Con-
cessions should be made on both sides.
If the two wings did not agree 1t would
not be the fault Of the silver republican
party.
Messrs. Clymo, Chauvin and others
spoke in the same strain.
Metcalf moved that the chairman an
nounce that the primaries and convention
of the silver republican party be held on
the same days as the regular republican
primaries and convention and the motion
| was unanimously carried.