Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1900-07-11

statement showing that tho votes cast for
the ratio represented only III out OF $50
votes in the convention. He said, how.
ever, that his state had given him free rein
to act as he might think wise.
New York decided early in the morning
not to unite in any minority proposition
aud this decision had a strong influence
upon determining the decision to avoid a
presentation OF the minority views.
The subcommittee gave a brief hearing
today to Mrs. Gait, president OF the Equal
Suffrage association, in favor OF a plank
recommending an amendment to the coz.
stitution forbidding the Acknowledgement
on account OF sex.
When the committee convened at II
o'clock the subcommittee sent a complete
draft OF the platform as finally agreedupon
last night. While there WIS no criticism Of
the work Of the subcommittee on the vari.
Gus plarks, several Of the delegates mani.
Tested n disposition 10 make changes in the
phrnseuloey aud ALEC in the order 81 pre-
%scnting various subjects 10 be embodied 10
the declaration of principles.
The members who had led the fight
against the 10 TO ! declaration requested
an explicit declaration on the planks OF
superior importance other than the fnan-
eial issue, and the silver men decided to
make this issue in accordance with this de-
cision. The place OF front rank was given
to the subject OF Imperialism and to ques.
tions growing out Of the Spanish war.
These subjects, including imperialism, mill
tarism, Cuba, the Philippines and Porto
Rico. occupy fully hall Of the declaration,
beginning with an assertion OF their para
mount and supreme Importance and de-
~elsring that While other issues are vital,
the question of Imperialism strikes st the
existence OF the republic
A change was decided upon in the declar.
alton regarding the Chicago platform and
the coinage OF silver. This declaration is
placed well down in the body OF the plat.
form and the language is changed consider.
ably. The Introductory phrase Of this de.
elaration as originally presented, was
changed by striking out the words, I'VE re-
affirm the Chicago platform in whole and
inpart and in letter and in spirit, F" and it
is made to read as follows: I'VE reaffirm
and indorse the principles OF the platform
adopted by the Democracy in convention
assembled in 1886"
This is followed by n positive declara-
ton for free coinage Of the precious metals,
and this in turn 10y a strong denunciation
OF the gold standard legislation Of the last
congress-.
The most interesting incident OF today's
discussion occurred over II plank offered by
Mr.. Ball, Of Texas, declaring that all arti.
cles manufactured by trusts should be put
on the tariff Tree list. Mr.. Newlands, OF
Nevada, opposed the declaration on the
ground that it was covered by the general
plank. Mr.. Ball declared Mr.. Newlands'
position to be un.Democratic, and he as.
serted that Mr.. Newlands WAS anything
but a Democrat.
Mr.. Newlands replied that he had never
been anything but u Democrat until Presi-
dent Cleveland had, by his conduct, driven
him out OF the party.
The committee then decided to insert the
plank.
Ex-senator Hill was interviewed by an
Associated Press correspondent ON the ac.
ton OF the minority and his own states
action H. voting to support the majority
report. lie said; 81 am surprised that
the states opposed to the silver plank
should SHOW such light energy. | feel that
thsy have made a grievous mistake and
am sure it will seriously hurt the party,
As to my owl state. Mr.. Van Wyck, in
order TO get on the committee, pledged the
silver element he would present q minority
report or sign one if his proposed platform
was defeated.
I'm that way he has been playing on two
sides and he is caught now where he is not
representing the people Of either his dis
triet or the state"