The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-06-30

who have arrived, indicate that these men
do not think IL important 10 make a speci-
nc declaration, while others make IL plain
that If is to l is not mentioned IL will be
construed as an abandonment OF the prin-
ciple. The ratio declaration and the three
WORDS 10 TO L are likely 10 he the STUMP
ling block In which there might be a har-
monious gathering. Advocates of is to |
say that TO omit the declaration would De
trimming and the party cannot afford TO
do any trimming in view of the advanced
stand taken four years ago. after a bitter
and intense struggle.
Those who are content with a reaffirma-
ton or the Chicago platform. or who are
earnestly seeking a modification OF that
document, say that the Democrats want TO
Win and that the most earnest silver men
ought TO be satisfied with Bryan as the
candidate even III there is not a SPECIFIC
declaration in the platform in favor of sill
yer with the words Is to I included. These
men assert that silver cannot be made the
vital issue anyway and that the campaign
Will be fought on issues that have arisen
since 1896. therefore IL is useless to try
and make a silver declaration. especially as
it is not desired by the men who did not
stay with the party on that issue four
years ago.
This does not satisfy the 16-to-1 men. who
say that the very vital point that those
who now want to return want to force the
silver men out of their position and make
them concede that a mistake was made IN
Chicago. OF course, 1T is a rather fine
point, the difference between reaffirming
the Chicago platform, which declared for
silver at Is to 1. and a specific declaration
for is to 1. but it is sufficient to cause con-
tention. The mere fact that reaffirmation
Is satisfactory to such a large number of
men who did not remain will the party
four years ago. makes IL unsatisfactory to
the ultra silver men. To them il is a con-
cession which they do not want to MAKE.
Hence there is quite an interesting con-
test developing over the platform.
Senator Jones, of Arkansas. chairman of
the national committee, arrived in Kansas
City tonight and in a brief interview
stated that he did not think a specific 16-to-
1 silver declaration was necessary If the
Chicago platform was adopted He was
asked the direct question If e Gaecific dec
laration would be made il the Chicago plat
form was adopted and replied with a ques-
ton: would not the reaffirmation of the
Chicago platform be a declaration In favor
of 16 to L? / think Ii would be-"
He then added with elaboration: Il don't
think anything will be adopted by this on
vention that will be a deviation so much
as the breadth of a hair from the princi-
pies laid down in the Chicago platform.
A rea affirmation of the platform will mean
the adoption OF every word and letter In il,
including the 16-to-1 declaration. j do not
believe that a reiteration of that plank or
position. III 1t Is necessary to restate the
16-to-1 provision. 1t would be equally
necessary to state that relating to the SUI
preme government by Injunction, the in
come tax and every other provision, for, If
we should single out one provision only and
specify IL, there might be a claim that We
did not mean TO indorse the other features
i'm reaffirming the Chicago platform. IL
the convention adopts the Chicago platform
IL will mean that every syllable is Endorsed.
1 do not know just what form the indorse-
ment will take. but 1t will mean everything
III saws