New-York tribune., 1900-07-03

nit him If possible to the programme OF har-
mony 50 gracefully prearranged and rehearsed
/. in the Nebraska orators private Office.
As the only conspicuous gold standard Demo
crat in the Convention OF 1895 who had sought
reelection 10 Kansas City. and had shown
disposition 10 make personal terms with the
forces in control Of the National organization.
Arr. Bryan naturally desires 70 assign TO the
New-York ex-senator conspicuous part in the
ratification ceremonies set for Wednesday and
Thursday next in this citv. Mr. HilTs avail
ability as Vice-Presidential candidate
also self-apparent, and il was to urge him 10
accept the second place on the National ticket
that the prospective Presidential nominee sum
moned to Lincoln the only Eastern party leader
strong enough or determined enough TO dispute
his own mastery Of the Convention
Mr. Hill responded TO Mr.. Bryan's invitation
with view TO forcing that verbal modification
OF the demand for free silver coinage against
which the Nebraska orator has hitherto set his
face with invincible obstinacy. realizing the
strength his own acceptance OF the vice-Prest-
Dental nomination would give the Bryan ticket
in certain lukewarm Eastern States.
WHAT HILL SOUGHT
The author Of the phrase I am Democrat
hoped, undoubtedly. 70 compel a shading Of the
financial plank the price of joining his politi-
cal fortunes with those OF Colonel BRYAN Ap-
asked more than the other was prepared 70
grant al a first serious interview. According 70
the best evidence obtatnable. Mr.. Bryan, though
argued with for hours, refused 10 yield an inch
IN his loyalty 10 The Paramount issue OF 1895
In the text Of the platform. which he had al
ready prepared and which he submitted TO Mr..
Hill the section reafirning in toto the Chicago
resolutions was supplemented by an explicit re-
newal of the party's demand for the free coinage
OF silver at the ratio Of Is TO l.
AS Colonel Bryan had written it the paragraph
read: We hereby reafirm the platform adopted
by the Democratic Convention OF 1896. held al
Chicago, in whole and in part. in letter and in
spirit, and We unreservedly declare in favor Of
the free and unlimited coinage Of both gold
and silver at the present legal ratio OF 16 TO 1.
without waiting for the aid or consent Of any
other nation"
Against this supplementary sentence which
was in fact appropriated bodily from the Chi
cago platform itself. Mr.. Hill protested with all
the emphasis Of which he was capable. but
CoiCneI Bryan explained that in view Of the
campaign ne made four years ago. and OF all
his utterances since any evasion or Juggling
with the silver issue would rightly be regarded
as a piece Of cowardice and hypocrisy which
would fatally injHre his prestige and popularity
in the Presidential canvass. on the contrary.
he urged Mr.. Hin 10 accept the Vice-PresidentiaI
q
senJed the sentiment Of the Democratic masses
and against which no charge OF ambiguity or
insinceriry could be brought.
Mr.. Hill however, declined absolutely 10 be-
come a Vice Presidential candidate unless he
could appeal 70 Eastern voters on the pretexJ
that the silver issue had been distinctly subordi
mated at this years National Convention. So
earnest, however. were his asseveratiOns that
the more important Western leaders pre-agreed
with him on the prudence OF slurring over the
silver question in this years platform that Mr.
Bryan finally consented 10 have the exact
phraseology Of the silver plank left more less
open for the next two days, while Mr. Hill
could consult further with the Democratic lead
ers at Kansas city about proposed modifca-
tions
THOSE WHO AGREE WITH HILL
There can be doubt that many prominent
Democrats who VIII be active in this weeks
Convention men like Senator James x Jones
OF Arkansas. Ex-Governor William J. Stone OF
Missouri Carter Harrison. Of Illinois: 5. 3.
Morse OF Indiana; ]. 3. GufIey and ex-Repre-
sentative Kerr. OF Pennsylvania; Senator Kenny.
Of Delaware and L Victor Baughman OF Mary
land sgmpathize with Mr.. Hill in his desire TO