The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-07-06
TOWNE AND is TO |.
IT LOOKS LIKE THIS WILL BE THE
OUTCOME AT KANSAS CITY
Conference OF Leaders OF b Three
Parties on the subject of the Demo-
cratic Platform and Nominee for Vice
President-Eastern Democrats Ready
to Yield on the First-Not United on q
Candidate.

Kansas City. July IA conference
OF the three political parties was held
at the Kansas City club today.
From the democratic party there
Were Jones, OF Arkansas: Tillman. Of
South Carolina; Croker. Of New York;
Johnson, OF Kansas.
From the populists, there were Ed
Winston, of Nebraska; Weaver. OF
Iowa: Pettigrew. of South Dakota; AL
len. Of Nebraska, and Heitfeld. OF
Idaho.
OF the silver republicans there were
Teller. of Colorado: Dubois, OF Idaho,
and Newland, OF Nevada.
There were other representatives Of
the different parties present. The OBJ
ject Of the meeting was to form the
basis of an agreement between the
three allied parties as TO a vice presi-
Dental candidate.
The conference settled, as definitely
as il was possible for a few representa-
tive men to settle anything in advance,
that the platform should contain a pos
tive and specific declaration for free
coinage at 16 TO l. but there vas no
equally positive development in the
vice presidential situation.
The meeting lasted from II O'Clock
until las and was marked with great
earneStneSS. 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 re-
ceiving the greatest share of attention
because il offered the most obstacles.
The silver republicans and populists
were quite agreed in pressing the can
didacy of Mr.. Towne for the vice pres
idency and also in urging the necessity
for a positive declaration on ratio.
On the questions of platform. Mr..
Johnson, democrat, of Kansas, made
the only notable declaration. He aid
that he was willing TO accept a posi-
tive declaration for the historic ratio.
if it were insisted upon, but that he
thought it would be good politics to
leave it out. He thought that with
this omission more of the
would vote the ticket.
Others, including Mr.. Croker said
that they were also willing that the
declaration should be made specific.
Mr.. Croker expressed opinion that
the New York democrats would vote
for Bryan, regardless of the platform
declaration. Asked if he considered
that there was any change OF carry
ing New York with any platform. he
replied that there was no certainty;
that the probabilities were in the Op-
posite direction, but that il was i'm
possible 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 tnt
opinion that the 16 to l declaration
should be made. The democratic rep
r~esentativeS generally expressed the
opinion that a month agO the declara-
ton was not necessary, but they is
- ~ Iyann ha rs.ng -.
that the popular clamor now makes
il necessary. All agreed after the con-
ference in saying that the specific dec
laration will be made.
There was a very spirited talk Owe
the vice presidency, in which all par
ticipated more or less. Mr.. Clayton, o
Alabam held out for Z
democrat, "a man who had the demo
cratic brand upon him. He said tina
Mr.. Bryan himself represented suffi'
cienly the populistic or north western
idea and he thought no concession
should be made in the vice presidential
nomination. He added that he meant
no reflection upon Mr.. Bryan, but only
intended to say that the ticket did no
require to be strengthened in that di
rectiOn.
Senator Pettigrew and others of IN.
non-democratic conferees, replied tart
ly to his speech. IF that speech were
made in Dakota" said Mr.. Pettigrew
referring to Mr.. Clayton'S remarks. Il
would mean a loss of 5000 votes 70 tn
ticket" He proceeded to say that
the populists had not unselfishly united
with the democrats in 1895 the lattei
would have been overwhelmed and n
added that if their aid was not secured
in 1900. there would be a still create
disaster.
Senator Tillman, of South Carolina
also made a speech in Mr.. ToWnes be
.L4t hA u-Ar,1l odd Crran Qr
to the ticket where votes were nSede
and that il was time to have done Wit
the nonsense that a man had % .
branded before he could be accepted
He said the silver republicans had lef
the feast of their own party when tn
table was specified n added tina n
believed the democrats owe them ever.
consideration.
Mr.. Croker sal he had no candidat
for the vice presidency; that ne did NJ
consider that a concession on this posi-
ton to New York would insure tn
state. I have in mind a good man 70
the place" he said, but l don't Sc
that il is necessary TO name him Al
most any man will do for the vice pres
idency." He thought it might be D
ter if the west would yield on thi
point, but If it did not do so, he Won,
still be satisfied.
Senator Jones ~contented himself wit
stating the objections he had hear
urged to going outside the party 10
a nominee, but did not express any OF
position to Mr.. Bryan.
Mr.. Sewell. of Maine. Mr.. Bryan
former running mate, expressed him
self as favorable To Mr.. Towneis nom
, nation.
1t was generally agreed that trend G
{ opinion among democrats as develope
in the conference vas ~antagonisuc I
Mr.. Towne, but no sentiment was de
veloped in favor of any individua
: democrat for the place.
Another conference was agreed upo
. for Thursday morning after the mrs
session of the convention All tnre
: parties are expected to appoint con-
mittees for this meeting, thus maxim
= it official
A gentleman recently cured OF dy.
pepsia gave the following a~ppropriai