The Savannah morning news., 1900-07-05

Hdh pressed 10 the 'front.' 0u3lng the past
four years.
Senator Daniel of Virginia, some what to
the surprise of some OF the members of
the committee followed Mr.. Van Wyck In
support OF his view of the question. The
senator said that no man who knew him
would doubt for a minute that he now
stood where he had stood on the silver
question in 1896, and that he entertained
precisely the same views on this subject
which then controlled him. He was, how
ever, anxious 10 bring back into the party
those who had left it four years ago on
account of the position taken on the silver
question, and if this could be accom-
plished as he believed it could be by
emitting all reference to the ratio, he for
one, was content to pursue that course
simply reatfirming the Chicago platform.
Mr.. Fitzgerald OF Colorado followed in a
warm speech denouncing in most empha tic
language any effort to minimize the inen-
cial question He asserted that the omis-
sion of declaration on ratio of the two
metals would be a mere evasion and con-
cealment; that such evasion would fool
no one. He declared that if such declara-
ton were not made even Colorado could
be counted doubtful state.
Williams strong for Silver.
George Fred Williams of Massachu-
sets also made a spirited argument for
specific declarat on on the question of
ratio. He asserted that the Democratic
party had become a new party since it
had incorporated a new financial plank
in its new declaration of principles. 1t
had become a Virile and live party since
1895, and this fact was due solely to the
circumstances that the money question,
which was the question of the people, had
been made the paramount issue. He eu-
logized Mr.. Bryan in high terms, spoke of
his elf-abnegaJ zion and patriotism, and
said that 1t would be cowardly to ask that
gentleman to recant what he had been
preaching throughout the country for the
past four years. While not pretending to
say what Mr.. Bryan would do, Mr.. Will
liams asserted emphatical!y and signi
ficantly that if placed in Mr. Bryans po-
sition he would decline a nomination upon
an equiVocal platform. As for himself,
he did not believe in deserving those peo-
pie who had left their own party to sup
port the Democratic policy of four years
ago for the purpose of regainirg the sup
port of the traitors and trimmers who had
left the Democratic PARTY because of its
financial position. There is no reason"
he exclaimed for making any conceS-
sion to treason
Mr. Williams was frequently applauded
during the course of his remarks. He was
followed by Mr.. DAILY, of New Jersey, who
made plea for copservatism and for con-
cessions to the moderate wing of the
party. He said that he had cheerfully
supported the platform and ticket of four
years ago and had stumped the country
for Mr. Bryan, but he felt convinced that
the time had come when the money ques-
ton was no longer paramount, and he
implored the committee and the conven-
ton TO put il somewhat in the back
ground and make the fight of 1900 on other
issues.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Days speech,
the committee concluded to take recess
until O'Clock in order to allow its mem
bers to get their dinners.
Upon all questions other than that per-
tanning to finances the three platfroms
presented were practically the same. ex-
cept that Mr.. NanWycks draft did not
cover so many questions as did the other
two.
brief of Metcnlf's Platform.
Mr. Metcalf's copy. after reaffirmins the
Chicago platform, and referring especially
10 the ratio in the coinage of the metals,
denounced trusts in drastic language. and.
in the same connection, refers to the pro-
tective tariff one of the principal sup
ports of the trust system. 1t also con-
dennis the alleged tendency of the pres
ent Republican administration towards
Imperialism and the increase of the stand
ing army. sympathy is expressed for the
Beers in their struggle with Great Brit
ain and the President condemned for his
failure to take decisive steps looking to-
wards the manifestation Of the sympathy
of the American people with the people
of the Transvaal
In connection with the expression on
the Boer question, the assertion is made
that it is evident to all men that secret
alliance exists between the Mckinley ad-
minetration and the British government,
and this alliance is denounced as revolt
ing and repulsive TO all liherty-loving peo-
pie.
The platform also takes positive posi-
ton on the Philippine question. pronounce
ing in favor of a policy looking to the
granting of liberty and home government
TO the natives Of the archipelago, with a
promise of protection to the people of the
islands, similar to that which is vouch-
safed by us to the South American repub-
lies.
Planks have been suggested covering the
questions of Chinese immigra ton, good
roads, the reclamation of the arid lands
of the West free homes, and equal suf-
frage for women.
Three Platforms offered.
When the Committee on Resolutions as
sambled at $3.50 o'clock tonight, Chairman
Jones was OF the opinion that the fight
over the platform would be carried into
the convention, as two reports would b.
presented.
A large number of speeches We're made.
notably by those faVorng simple reaffilm-
alton Of the Chicago platform Carter II.
Harrison Of Chicago, Judge Van Wyck
OF New York, Representative Ball of
Texas. f. w. McGettrick of Vermont,
Morss Of Indiana. Baughman OF Mary
land, Gibbons Of Florida, and Blackman
of Louisiana supported the conservative
view.
Senator Jones, chairman OF the commit
tee made an earnest appeal for the reten-
ton of the ratio provision. He said that
not a vote would be gained by the omis-
sion while the retention of the provision
would greatly strengthen the ticket in the
Mississippi valley states. He also appeal
ed for the granting Of Mr.. Bryans wishes
in the matter saying that his impressions
came from his close contact with the peo-
pie and were apt to be right.
Senator Money of Mississippi antago-
nized the 16 to l provision, because, he
said its insertion would lose votes TO the
ticket. He thought the representatives
In the committee from the Mississippi
valley states, and not others, should be
consulted as to the political chances IN
their states.
Senator Moneys speech was somew what
sensational He said that while he vfeid