The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-04
THREE PARTIES
IN CONFERENCE
PopuIists, Silver Republicans and
Democrats Meet.
THE FIRST TWO FOR T0WNE.
The Democrats Don't Favor Coin. Out
Of the Party for a Candidate.
All Agree on Specific Dec!a-
ration for Silver.
THE FIRST TWO FOR ToWNE.

the Kansas City club to-day From lAe
Democratic PARTY Jones, Timmon of
Johnston of Kansas; for the opulists,
Edmunston Of Nebraska, Weaver OF
Iowa, Pet.igrew of South Dakota. Allen.
of Nebraska, and Heitfeld, of Idaho and
of the Silver Republicans. Teller of Colo
rado Dubois of Idaho, and Newlands of
Nevada.
There were other representatives of the
different parties present.
The object of the meeting was to form
base of agreement between the three
parties as to a Vice-President and tinan-
ciaal plank The question settled as
far as ii was possible for few men TO
settle question Of a national platform.
The meeting lasted from II o'clock until
las and was marked with great earnest
ness. The entire exchange OF views was
upon the two questions of the financial
plank OF the platform and the selection
of a man for second place on the ticket.
the latter question receiving the greatest
share of attention because it offered the
most obstacles. The Silver Republicans
and Popuiists were quite agreed in press
ing the candidacy of Mr.. Towne for the
vice-presidency, and also in urging the
necessity for a positive declaration on
ratio. Some of the Democrats placed
themselves in the attitude of men whom
It was necessary to win over. All proved
5000 llSlSuSIS ana some OIL llem FO!uDle
takers.
NOTABLE DECLARATION.
On the question Of platform, Mr.. john
ston DemoCraU. of Kansas, made the
on'y notable declaration. He said hat he
was willing TO accept positive deClara
ton for The historic ratio if it were in
sisted upon, but that he thought that
with this omission more of the Germans
would vote the ticket Others, including
Mr. Croker, said that they were also will
ing that the declaration should be made
specific.
Mr.. Croker expressed the opinion that
the New York Democrats would vote for
Bryan regardless of the platform declara-
ton.
Asked if he considered that there was
any chance of Carrying New York with
any platform. he replied that there was
no certainty. that the probabilities were
in the opposite direction, but that it was
Impossible to say at this date what effect
the injection OF the new issues Of the past
few years would have upon the result.
There was really no dissent from the
opinion that the IS to / declaration should
be made. The Democratic representatives
generally expressed the opinion that
month ago the declaration was unneces-
| sary, but they assented 10 the demand
upon the ground that popular clamor now
| makes it necessary. All agreed after the
conference in saying that a specific decla-
| ration will be made.
| N1CE-pRESIDENCY.
There was a Very spirited talk over the
| Nice-PreSidency, in whiCl all participated
! more or less. Mr.. Clayton, Of Alabama,
| held out for a Democrat. "a man who had
| the Democratic brand upon him He said
| that Mr.. Bryan himself represented sutfi
| GENTLY the Populistc or northwestern idea.
| and he thought no concession should be
| IN, no Too aS{1
| He added that he meant no reflection upon
| Mr.. Bryan. out only intended TO say that
| the ticket did not require To be strengthen
! ed in that direction.
| Senator Pcttigrew and others Of the non
| Democratic conferees replied tartly
| IF that speech were made in Dakota,
| said Mr.. Pettigrew, referring to Mr. Clay
| tons remarks. .'it would mean a loss of
| 5000 votes TO the ticket"
| He proceeded to say that If the Populists
| had not unselfshly affiliated themselves
| With the Democrats in 1886, the latter
| would have been overwhelmed, ana he
added that if their aid was not gained in
| 1900. there would be still greater diSas-
| ter.
| Senator Tillman, of South Carolina, also
made speech in Mr.. Towne's behalf, say
! ing that he would add strength to the
| ticket where votes were needed. and that
| it was time to have done with the nom
| sense that a man had to be branded before
| he could be accepted. He said the Silver
| Republicans had left the feast of their own
| party when the table was spread. and
| added that ne believed the Democrats
owed them every consideration.
NO CANDIDATE.
Mr.. Croker said ne had no candidate
for the vice-Presidency: that he did not
consider that the concessions Of this posi-
ton would insure the State. Il have in
mind a good man for the place" he said.
but l don't see that it is necessary 20
name him. Almost any man will do for
the Vice-Presdency.
He thought it might he better If the
West would yield on this point, but if it
did not do SO he would still be satisfied.
Senator Jones contented himself with
stating the objections he had heard urged
to going outside the party for nominee.
Mr.. Sewall. of Maine. Mr.. Bryan's former
running mate. expressed himself as favor
able to Mr.. TONNES nomination.
II was generally agreed that the trend
of opinion among Democrats. as developed
in the conference, was antagoniStic to Nj.
Towne.. but no sentiment was developed
in favor of any individual Democrat for
the place. Another conference was agreed
upon for Thursday morning after the first
session of the convention. All three par
ties are expected to appoint committees for