Evening Star Newspaper, July 24, 1896, Page 1

— THE EVENING STAR. ——— c PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, W101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th St, by toh fra Se eee Wow York Office, 49 Potter Building, ‘The Evening Star Is served to subscribers in the city by carriers, on their own account, at 10 cents per week, or 44 cents per month. at the counter % cents each. By mail—anywhere in the United States or Cunada—postage prepald—50 cents per monti Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added, $3.00. Entered at the Post Orfice at Washington, D. C., as second-class mail matter.) ‘THAI! mail subscriptions must be pald in advance. Rates of advertising made known on appli Che Zvening Star. No. 13,539 WASHINGTON, D. O., FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1896-TWELVE PAGES TWO CENTS. THE STAR BY MAIL. Persons leaving the city for any, Period can have The Star mailed to them to any address in the United States or Canada, by ordering it at this office, in person or by letter, or Postal card. Terms: 13 cents per week; 25 cents for two weeks, or 50 cents per month. Invariably in ad- vance. Subscribers changing their address frcm one Post-office to another should give the last address as well the new one. RECESS APPOINTEES| POSSIBLE CABINET CRISIS Controller Bowler Defines Their Status Regarding Salaries. EXHAUSTIVE REPORT ON THE QUESTION The Case of Lieutenant Comman- der Perkins Considered. FAVORABLY DECIDED Judge Bowler, controller of the treasury, has defined the position of his office with regard to the payment of the salaries of officers of the government, civil and mili- tary, appointed by the President during a recess of the Congress to vacancies which existed while that body was in session. The question was raised by Paymaster C. W. Slamm of the navy in the case of Lieut. Commander Charles P. Perkins of the navy. His inquiry was whether he was authorized to pay the officer named the pay of his office as it accrued or whether such payment must be withheld until he has been confirmed by the Senate. In his decision on this question Con- troller Bowler says: “It appears that Lieut. Commander George W. Tyler died on February 17, 1896; that Lieut. Charles P. Perkins was entitled by order of seniority to promotion to the vacaney caused by his death; that by no fault on his part Lieut. Perkins was not examined until June 6, and that the ex- amining board’s recommendation of Lieut. Perkins was not approved by the President until June 18. Congress adjourned June 11; thus it appears that at no time during the session of the Senate was there a vacancy in the office of lieutenant commander, to fill which, under the law, was it possible for the PresiGent to nominate any one to the Senate for confirmation, for, by section 1496, Rev. Stat, no officer can be promoted until he has passed the examination there- in prescribed, nor, by section 1502, until the recommendation of the examining board has been approved by the President: while, by section 1562, such examination may be delayed in the case of an officer who, because of absence on duty or other cause not involving fault on his part, can- not be examined at the time required by law or regulation. The Chief Section Considered. “Section 1761 Is as follows: “‘No money shall be paid frem the treas- ury, as salary, to any person appointed during the recess of the Senate to fill a ¥ eancy in any existing office, if the vacancy existed while the Senate was in session and was by law required to be filled by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, until such appointee has been confirmed by the Senate.’ “This section is taken from the last clause of section 2 of the army appropria- tion act of February 9, 1863. That section was added to the act in the Senate by an amandment offered by Mr. Trumbull of Illinois; the first part (now section 1760) because of the appointment by President Lincoln of a large number of brigadier generals over the number of such officers limited by law. The purpose of the second part of the section (now section 1761) is thus stated by Mr. Trumbull: Another Provision. “"There is another provision in the amendment. The Constitution provides that the President of the United States may make temporary appointments to fill vacancies which occur during the recess of the Senate. This !s to prevent the pay- ment of any o! T who shall be appointed during the recess cancy existed while the Senate was in ses- sion. I think that the nominee should then be sent to the Senate, and if he is rejected by the Mate, and the President thinks proper not te send In any other nominee during the sessioa, and he then appoints a persen after the Senate has adjourned, that person should not be paid until the Senate has an opportunity to aet upen him. . . . . . . “Vacancies have occurred while the Senate was in session. Suppose one existed now, and that vacancy is not filled up; the Senate, for reasons satisfactory to iteelf, declines to confirm, perhaps, the person nominated, and the vacaney is not filled up When the session closes: then, after we ad- Journ, an appointment is made to that of- fice; that person acts as an officer, and, I understand, receives pay. A good many cases occurred at the last session of Con- gress.’ (Congressional Globe, S7th Con- gress, 3d Session, 565.) “Mr. Fessenden of Maine specifically re- ferred to it as applicable to the case of a military officer, and as applying to cases where no action was taken by the Senate, as well as to cases where nominations had been rejected. It appears, however, to have heen generally ignored as to appoint- ments In the army and navy, and ho doubt in many cases under the civil branch of the government. Ne Record Can Be Found. “4 careful examination of the records of the office of the second controller falls to show any ruling of that office upon the subject, and inquiry of the judge advocate general of the army and of the navy shows that it never was considered by either of those officers, and is conceded by both to apply to officers of the army and navy, as well as to those In civil life. That it does so appiy seems clear, not only from the language of the section, which fs general in character, but also from the specific reference in the first part of the original enactment to ‘an officer, civil, military or " and from the act to which it was appended,-es well as from the statements made in the Senate at the time of its en- actment. See also 17 Opin. A. G., 153,where it is assumed as of course that it applies to the army. The Purpose of the Law. “The manifest purpose of the section, as shown by the statements of its author, was to prevent payment to any officer who was appointed during the recess of the Senate to fill a vacancy existing during the session of the Senate which could have been filled in pursuance of a previous nomination to and confirmation by the Senate, the object evidently being to compel ihe President to nominate during the session of thé Senate persons acceptable to the Senate, and to preclude payment in such cases to others appointed after the adjournment of the Senate until the Senate had an opportu- nity to act upon them. Mr. Perkins May Be Paid. “While technically a vacancy in the’ of- fice of Heutenant commander did in fact exist during the session of the Senate, which has in fact been filled by the Presi- dent In the recess of the Senate by the ap- tment of a person who has not yet en confirmed by the Senate, thus bring- ine the case of Mr. Perkins within the Sirict letter of the section, yet I am clearly ef the opinion that no vacancy existed while the Senate was in session within the meaning of the section, for the evident meaning {s that there shall be a vacancy tapable by law of being filled during the session of the Senate, and, for the reasons above stated, it was not possible for the President, under the law, to nominate any one te the Senate during its last session. That the purpose of the section, rather than its strict letter, should be followed. (See 2 Comp., 207) “For these reasoi I am of the opinion that Lieutenant Commander Perkins may receive payment of his salary at the pres- ent time, notwithstanding section 1761.” of the Senate if the va-" Secretary Smith May Not Conclude to Remain as Mr. Oleveland’s Adviser. His Attitude Toward the National Campaign Different From the Rest of the Administration. There is a deal of interesting comment today on the published statement in The Star yesterday as to the attitude of Secre- tary Smith cn the Chicago nominations, and the suggestion that he may leave the cabinet if President Cieveland sees fit to come out against Bryan, which is thought to be just what he will do, in some way or another. There has been little doubt in political circles, since the Atlanta Journal took a stand for the Chicago ticket, as to how Secretary Smith stocd. If he had not de- cided to support the Chicago ticket the Journal, it is sald, would never have made an announcement of its position. It is further known that many of those closest to Mr. Smith, men who would likely share his fgeliugs in a political matter, have an- nounted their intention to support the democratic ticket. It is known also that many of the most prominent southern officials in the ‘Treas- ury Department have come out for the Chicago ticket, and will give it their sup- port. This is particularly the case among the Alabama and Georgia men who are in the department. Without exception they will give their support to their various state tickets, even if there is any reluc- tance to supporting the national ticket. Mr. Smith’s Position. It is said on good authority that Mr. Smith holds that he could not do otherwise than support the Chicago ticket. He took an active part in the fight in Georgia for the election of delegates to Chicago. This bound him, he thinks, to abide by the re- sult of the Chicago convention. He holds to the same sentiment as other southern democrats, that if a man enters a fight he pledges himself to abide the result. Those who indorse the attitude of Secre- tary Smith toward the national campaign do so on the ground that as a southern man he is forced to take a different view of matters from that taken by the northern men who agree with him on the money question. The reference is to the race ques- tion. Democracy in the south, it 1s assert- ed, means more than it does in the north. It, and it alone, stands for intelligent and satisfactory local control down there. Break down, or impair, that barrier, and chaos will come again. The Other Side. But there are many well-informed south- ern men who do not agree to this. The in- telligence and property interests of the south are, they assert, so firmly estab- lished now that no apprehension need be felt on any such score. Negro domination would be impossible. The south is on her feet again by the exercise of power testify- ing to great strength when she is aroused, and to the ability to hold her own in any probable contest for control of her local institutions. It is likewise suggested by Mr. Smith's supporters that as a low tariff man he finds it impossible to ally himself for any pur- pose with protectionists. Reply is made to this that, with the Wilson tariff law on the books as a democratic measure—stuffed full, as it is, with protection rates—there ought to be no difficulty for Mr. Smith in that direction. The question is no longer one of principle, but relates wholly to the degree of protection to be afforded. Looking to His Future. Mr. Smith is a young man of ambition. He has attained eminence at an early age. He aspires to go higher. It was believed for a time that he had his eyes fixed on the Senate, and that he would try for the seat in that body now occupied by General Gordon. Circumstances were such that he could not offer for that, but he ia still con- sidered a senatorial quantity,*certain to cut something of a figure in future. Georgia on this silver question is all one way. The state democracy fs all but unan- imously in favor of free silver. Judge Crisp, the recognized silver candidate for the Senate, carried every county but one, and that, being the residence of his rival, recorded itself in the spirit of a personal compliment. Has Mr. Smith been admon- ished by this? Does he think it unwise to break with his people? He tried to lead them in this fight, and failed. He is will- ing now that they shall lead him. Possible Cabinet Crisis. Is a cabinet crisis approaching? Will events so shape themselves as to make It necessary for Mr. Smith to retire? The opinion prevails that the whole matter will be left with him. It is assumed that, how- ever much the President may feel Mr. Smith’s desertion of the sound money cause, he will not move in the premises so as to make of Mr. Smith a martyr in any appearance of the case. If Mr. Smith w2re to return to Georgia after being forced out of the cabinet on the grounds that exist he would probably profit in local favor greatly. But if Mr. Smith should retire of his own accord, who would succeed him in the cao- inet? Strangely encugh, another Georgia man is suggested. This is Mr. Turner—so firm in his opposition to free silver that rather than support the policy he refused to stand for re-election to the House on a free silver platform. Mr. Turner's personal relations with the President are very cor- dial and his appointment would, it is said, greatly gratify many sound money men. —————_+o-+_—___. Personal Mention. Mr. Lawrence Gardner, secretary cf the congressional committee, left for New York today on business connected with the demo- cratic campaign. Mr. Wm. W. Kelser, who was for many years one of the best-known telegraph operators in Washington, returned here this morning, after a year’s absence. He is at the Riggs House. . Senator Morgan of Alabama left Wash- ington yesterday afternoon for the Jordan Alum Springs, where he will join his family for a stay of some time. Rt. E. G. Commander L, H. Wayne, ac- cempanied by the G. Rec., Thornton Jack- son, will leave the city for Norfolk, Va., tomorrow to attend the dedication of the Masonic Temple in that city. Lieut. Commander E. W. Sturdy is visit- ing the city on waiting orders. Controller Eckels has gone to his home in Ottawa, Ill., after which he will go to Can- ada to spend his vacation in fishing. —_+-2+___ Postal Clerk Arrested in Mexico. The United States charge of legation at the City of Mexico has telegraphed Acting Secretary Rockhill that the authorities there have arrested Charles. H. McCarthy, @ postal clerk in the New York post office, who is charged with embezzling money or- der funds. A post office inspector will be at once sent to Mexico*to bring the prison to New York. = z = —_—_——+-«+____ Leaves of Absence. Leaves of absence have been granted as follows: Lieut. Col. Wm. A. Elderkin, as- sistant commissary general of subsistence, for three months; Lieut. Fred. V. Krug. 20th Infantry, for three months; Capt.Wm. Baird, 6th Cavalry, one month's extension. THE WHITNEY IDEA It is Being Discussed by Politicians of Both Parties. THE REPUBLICAN CONTENTION What Senator Proctor Says in Re- gard to Vermont. MR. PICKLER’S POSITION At both political headquarters in this city the earnest attention of politicians was attracted today to the interview with William C. Whitney, which will be found in another column. It was the unanimous sentiment that Mr. Whitney’s interview was of great importance, and that it is likely to occupy the attention of the lead- ers in both parties. ‘The same interpretation was put upon the interview by all who discussed it, whether republican or democrat, and that was that Mr. Whitney has made a plea to the republicans to render it possible for the gold democrats of the east and north to come Into the republican camp this fall for the purpose of voting for the gold standard and aiding in killing free silver. It was agreed that the interview virtually amount- ed to Mr. Whitney’s asking the republicans to modify their attitude upon public ques- tions, presumably the tariff issue, to a point which it would be possible for the democrats to accept. By some democrats it was taken to mean that Mr. Whitney believes the conserva- tive men of his party In the east are al- ready in the frame of mind to take a some- what advanced position upon the tariff question over their western colleagues with free trada inclinations. In proof of this as- sertion they cite the fight which was made in the Senate on the Wilson bill by the eastern democratic Senetors, holding out as they did for higher rates of duty in cer- tain cases than the House proposed. It is claimed that the eastern democrats are ready to go still further In the direction of higher tariff duties in order to be able to take a position upon the financial ques- tion if the republicans will but show a spirit of friendliness and abate in some degree their adherence to the extreme views they are supposed to entertain upon the tariff. It 1s explained that the demo- crats can not, even for the sake of sound money, go the whole length of the proposed republican tariff program, but if the ropub- licans are willing to moderate their plans, common ground be found upon which the eastern democrats can assemble with them. e The Republican Contention. In political circles here, from the expres- sions already current upon this subject, it is evident that Mr. Whitney's appeal does not meet with favor in republican circles at first blush. The keynote of this feeling was sounded by a distinguished republican when in conversaticn with a Star reporter today he said: “The trouble is here; we consider the protective tariff as the very bedrock of prosperity in this country. It is this principle Mr. Whitney asks us to compromise.” - Continuing the argument it was held that Mr. Whitney was in a measure inconsistent in his demands. He starts out upon the basis that the highest patriotic duty of the average Americin citizen now ts to stand firm for the gold standard and all it is claimed to represent. Yet, the people whom Mr. Whitney represents, instead of laying aside all scruples and attaching themselves to the duty they point out, demand that the republicans shall first recede from loy- alty to one of the cardinal principles of their party in order to hold out a helping hand to assist the gold democrats to per- form the duty they themselves realize de- volves upon them. Of course, it is realized at this time, when there 1s prospect of the democratic’ ticket getting the populistic support and a pos- sible proportion of republican free silver vote, that the accession of this gold demo- crat strength to the republican ranks would be welcome, but there is strong indisposi- tion at the moment among many republi- cans to gain It by the sacrifice of any tariff principles. iy It is said to be certain, however, that Mr. Whitney’s appeal will be considered by the republican leaders. Coming from the man it does, it must be given weight, and one of the possibilities of the near future is a conference over the matter between influential men of the two par- ties. Senator Proctor on Vermont. Senator Proctor of Vermont was in the city for a few hours today, making a hur- ried trip to the national capital and trans- acting some business between trains. He was seen by a Star reporter and asked as to the alleged spread of the free silver sentiment among the working classes of New England. “The people of my section are more in- terested in starting the mills to work than the mints,” replied Senator Proctor. “The question of employment is paramount to the silver question with them.” “What will be tne result of the election in your state?” he was asked. “We will vote in September and Vermont will go republican,” he replied. “I do not look for any disaffection among our people toward republican doctrine.” At Democratic Headquarters. A letter was received at democratic con- gressional headquarters today from a citi- zen of Rutland, Vt., asking for free silver liverature. He stated he had organized a Bryan and Sewall club in that town and that the membership already included cne hundred men formerly republicans. The mail of Secretary Lawrence Gardner con- tinues to be bulky with communications trom New York, New Jersey and New Erg- land, asking for information upon the sub- ject of free silver. There is great demand, also, for Bryan's speeches. Secretary Gardner left the city today for a visit to New York. It is understood he will give his attention to the organization of democratic clubs in New York city. Tammany is taking hold in earnest of the work of the campuign, it is said, and Bry- an and Sewall cluds arc being rapidly formed. Chairman Faulkner of the democratic congressional committee is at his home in Martinsburg, W. Va., and will not return before next Monday. Chairman Babcock of the republican congressional ccmmittee left last night for Wisconsin. His nemi- nating convention is approaching, and it is said the A. F. A.’s and the free silver re- publicans are making an interesting situa- tion for him to confront. Mr. Babcock’s friends, however, are confident that he will be renominated. What Representative Pickler Says. Representative Pickler of South Dakota is in the city today, and was a caller at re- republican congressional hcadquarters. Mr. Pickler is in a somewhat embarrassing po- sition in his state by reason of being a sil- ver man, yet ardently ard sincerely sup—' orting the 5 htout republican tickot. it will be remembered that Senator Petti- grew of his state bolted the St. Louis con- vention and walked out with Senator Teller and that party. “I do not think many republicans in my state will follow Pettigrew,” said Mr. Pick- ler to a Star reporter today, ‘and for this reason: While we are silver men, we are also republicans, and we believe that silver will finally get more recogrition at tho hands of the republican party than any other party can give it. These democratic silver men will never be able to carry into effect anything that will benefit silver. “We think the republican party is just as favorably inclined toward silver now as it ever was. Maj. McKinley has always been friendly to silver. The St. Louis platform holds out a promise to silver, and as I eaid, we are more certain to get somethin; of real and lasting benefit to silver throug! the efforts of the republican party than in any other way.” YOUNG AGUIRRE’S CASE An American Citizen Tried by Court Martial } in Havana, Efforts Being Made to Save His Life— The State Department Ap- pealed To, The news of the trial of George Wash- ington Aguirre, an American citizen, by court-martial in Havana, ‘has greatly agl- tated the sympathizers with the Cuban cause in this country as well as the rela- tives and friends of the young man, who spent some time in Washington a year ago and created a most favorable impres- sion. A presentation of the facts in the case has already been made to the State Department officials, and it is underst22d that steps have been taken to prevent Aguirre’s execution In case the irlal should result in a conviction. Unfortunately the chances are against his acquittal, for the Spanish methods of administering so-called military justice are famed for their lack of opportunity for the prisoner to defend himself. Accordingly haste is necessary if the young man's life is to be saved, and it is hoped by his friends here that no time will be lost before this government de- mands his release under treaty obligations, cr, in the event of a failure of Spain to re- gard his American citizenship, to insist that he be given a civil trial. What marks the Aguirre case ag one pe- cullarly designed to appeal to the sympa- thies of this government is the fact that this young man, who is but twenty-one years of age, accepted the terms of Gen. Weyler’s proclamation of May last, in which amnesty was offered to all insur- ents who should lay down their arms. e had reason to expect Immunity under the terms of that promise, but the Spanish authorities have denied him the right. The court-martial was organized in Ha- vana yesterday morning. Aguirre, when sworn, said he was born in Paris; that he was twenty-one years old, a naturalized American and a resident of New York. He came to Cuba with a fill- bustering expedition led by Sanchez Ech- everria, landing near Baracoa. He ranked 4s captain. He had recently commanded a rebel cavalry force mM this province and had taken part in various engagements. He had assisted at the capture of Fort Santa Cruz del Morte, where he released many prisoners after relieving them of their arms. He compelled a boatman named Coll to take him aboard his boat wjth the object of coming to Havana to present himself to the government authorities and claim am- nesty under General Weyler's late decree. He had not surrendered previously to the local Spanish garrison in the district wherein he operated, owing to the fact that the insurgents watched very closely ali companions suspected of a desire to aban- den their cause. He d no arms in his possession when overhauled, and alleged that his family had proofs of his American citizenship. He claimed the right of civil trial. Aguirre’s mother, a resident of this city, appeared in court and greeted her son, whom she identified. She had heard he was in the revolution. Other witnesses also identified the prisoner. The cases being separated, the Fiscal de- manded sentences of death for Coll and perpetual chains for Delgado, another boatman, fs accomplices and _ protectors of Aguirre in the crime of rebellion. Aguirre, being reclaimed by the army, was ordered transferred to the military jurisdiction, and was not included by the marine authorities in their sentences. a ee FREE SILVER LITERATURE. Demand for It From The the Bi- metallic Union is Enormous. Secretary Warner of the Bimetallic Unién this morning stated to a Stan re- porter that there had been an enormous increase in the demands for free silver literature during the past few days. “We cannot keep up with the demand at present,” Mr. Warner sald. “Just to show you something. Here is a request from a democratic official of West Virginia ask- ing if we can send him 250,000 copies of free silver documents. He says he can place all of them where they will do good. Here is a request from an ex-Congress- man of Illinois. He says free silver doc- uments will be of far more value than speeches, and he wants all he can get. Here is a letter from a number of labor- ing men of Philadelphia. ‘They want all the matter they can get to distribute among their fellow employes. They say that there are five hundred men in the same place with them. These men, they say, are on the fence, and do not need anything to get over on the democratic side but some good arguments for silver. ‘These are three letters out of a hundred we got this morning, and they show how eager the people are for information. There is a large increase in the demand for Uterature from clubs. These organ- izations are being formed all over the country. This letter from Illinois states that many republicans are joining the Bryan clubs that have been organized in that state. Clubs will become a feature in the campaign. Requests are pouring in from the east. It would open the eyes of some of the gold men to see the senti- ment for silver that is being awakened in the east.” ——__-e+______ WASHINGTON NATIONAL BANKS. Reports Received by the Controller Show Them to Be in Good Condition. Reports received by the controller of the currency from the thirteen national banks in the clty of Washington show their gen- eral condition at the close of business Tues- day, July 14 last, as follows: Loans and discounts, $8,028,322; stocks, securities, etc., $1,398,093; banking house, furniture and fixtures, $1,069,204; checks and other cash items, $125,834; lawful money reserve, $3,- 586,609; average reserve held, 42.12 per cent; gold coin, $616,506; gold certificates, $651,060; capital stock paid in, $3,075,000; surplus fund,$1,401,000; national bank notes outstanding, $681,615; individual deposits, $12,518,398; total resources and liabilities, $18,513,178. The condition of the three local trust, loan and mortgage companies on the same date is stated generally as follows: Re- sources, $0,997,878; loans and discounts, $6,- 427,642; lawful money in reserve, 196; gold coin, $146,439; capital stock paid in, $8,280,000; individual deposits, $5,079,806. ——_+2+—___—_. Only One Passenger Need Be Detained United States Consul Ingraham at Hali- fex has telegraphed the State Depart- ment that he has taken the depositions of all the persons on the American barkentine Herbert Fuller relative to the murder of Capt. Nash, his wife and the second mate, and that in his opinion the only person whom it ts necessary to hold as a witness {s the passenger Monk. The consul will communicate with the United States dis- trict attorney at Boston respecting the re- turn of the prisoners to the United States. Meanwhile, the owners of the Fuller have expressed their desire to have the vessel leave Halifax, and it is pea that no objection will be made to her doing so. SILVER MEN WAITING|4 After a Short Session a Recess Was Taken Until 3:30. SENATOR STEWART TALRS FOR BRYAN The Candidate's Name Greeted With Cheers. TO CONFER WITH POPULISTS ee 8T. LOUIS, July 24.—There was more procrastination at the silver convention to- day. It had been decided by the leaders that nothing could be done until the con- ference committee reported. It could not make its report until the people's party ap- pointed or refused to appoint a similar committee. There was a good deal of ob- jection to the delay by the Kansas dele- gates, but it was of no avail. The dele- gates were unusually slow in assembling and there were scarcely any visitors in the galleries. About the only people to be seen outside the portion of the great Music Hall reserved for the delegates were the door- keepers, ushers and policemen. The weath- er continued hot and sultry, though it threatened rain. It was even more oppres- sive than Thursday. The doorkeepers, ushers and policemen sat about in the aisles of empty seats and fanned them- selves at.d mopped the sweat from their faces, They had no duties to perform. The few visitors that straggled in were not in- terrupted ncr even asked if they had tick- ets. For nearly un hour before the conv@n- tion was called to order the band played vigorously ‘Maryland, My Maryland, “Marching Through Georgia,” ‘Dixie, “Silver Threads Among the Gold” and sim. ilar selections. It was said by some of the leaders of the convention today that they would take no action until the people’s party convention adopted a platform and nominated candi- dates. Then, if Bryan and Sewall should be successful, the silver convention will in- dorse them and go over to the people’s par- ty convention in a body and ask to be taken into the fold. It was 10:41 o'clock when Chairman St. John called the convention to order. Rev. Dr. L. W. Covert led in prayer, after which G. W. Baker of California took the floor. He said the people’s party con- vention had appointed its conferrees and moved that the convention defer ac- tion on the platform and postpone the nomination of a ticket until 3:40 this after- noon. The motion prevailed. A motion that when the convention adjourn it ad- Journ until 3:30 p.m. also prevailed. Senator Stewart Praises Bryan. After a number of delegates had spoken on the silver question Senator Stewart of Neyada was called for. He said that he went to Chicago with little hope that a free silver platform would be adopted. He was agreeably disappointed. There never was a more patriotic band of men on this earth than were the six hundred and twenty delegates who controlled the con- vention at Chicago. Wali street was there with a corruption fund, but it was of no use. The silver delegates were not cor- ruptible. They gave the enemy no quarter. Continuing, he told how the piatform was adopted, and other incidents of the demo- cratic convention. At length he spoke of the nomination of W. J. Bryan, who was not a candidate. At the mention of Bryan’s name the dele- gate3 arose and shouted and cheered and flourished umbrellas and flags. Senator Stewart then told of Bryan's convention speech, which, he said, was the greatest oration in history. “I know William J. Bryan,” the Senator went on. “He belleves what we believe. He is as true to his principles as a needle to the pole. He was not a democrat in good regular standing, having said time and again that if the democratic party adopted a gold platform he would not sup- port it.”” In conclusion, Senator Stewart sald that every free silver man was an American. Every one of them was against the end- Jess gold syndicate. Consequently, every one of them must come to the front end vote as a unit and elect a free silver ticket. They must do this in spite of the “millions raised by gold bugs to corrupt the voters of the United States.” Veterans in the Convention. Under a resolution adopted yesterday, the roll of states was called to find out how many old soldiers occupied seats as dele- gates. The poll showed 196 Union veterans, 18 confederate veterans and 4 Mexican war veterans. During the roll call an announcement was made by Mrs. Helen M. Gougar of Indiana to the effect that there would be a meeting of women at the Lindell Hotel today to or- ganize a Woman's National Silver League. Miss Helen Mitchell recited an original poem, entitled “The Wail of William Whit- written “under inspiration” at the close of Bryan's Chicago speech. Judge Scott of Omaha was called to the platform, and, in addressing the conven- tion, he said: “Oh, God, send pestilence and disease and vermin and war and famine among us, if you will, but in Thy provi- dence, oh, God, deliver us from another four years of oppression under Grover Cleve- jana!” At the conclusion, he called for three cheers for Bryan, which were given. After a vote of thanks to Miss Mitchell, Gen. McIver, an ex-confederate officer, was Introduced. ‘He had attested his loyalty to silver, he sald, by resigning from the con- sular service under Cleveland, because of the President's gold policy. He appealed for a union of the forces of the silver men, and was given three cheers as he closed. A resolution, offered by Mr. Towne of Minnesota, “that when this convention has completed the membership of the national committee, so far as It can do so, the said ecmmittee shall have power to fill any va- cancies that remain or that may hereafter occur,” was laid over until afternoon. Recess Taken. The convention then adjourned until 3:30 p.m, ————__. PHILADELPHIA WILL ASSIST. Gold to Be Furnished to Sustain the Reserve. PHILADELPHIA, Pa., July 24.—At a special me@®ting of the Clearing House As- sociation of the banks of Philadelphia, held today, the following resolution was unani- mously adopted: “Resolved, That this association hereby cordially approves the patriotic and intelli- gent movement to replenish the gold re- serve of the United States, in the present emergency, by the deposit of gold coin in the treasury by national banks and others, in exchange for United States legal tender, thereby sustaining the credit of the govern- ment and a sound currency, and it earnest- ly urges its members to make such deposits to the extent of their ability.” Tenders were immediately made by the barks and trust companies represented at the meeting to the amount of $2,500,000, and as a number of banks were not repre- scented the amount will, no doubt, be large- ly increased. The details of the deposits were left to the clearing house committee to arrange. NEW YORK, July 24.—The total deposits of gold at the subtreasury by the banks up to 2:30 today were $1,200,000, making @ grand total since Wednesday of $16,- 955,000. Complications That May Occur in the Electoral College. What Many Democrats Fear—May Be Rebellion Against Bryan’s Run- ming Mate—Balance of Power. ‘Whatever comes out of the confusion at St. Louis will probably result in complica- tions later. This is the feeling of many democrats who are following closely the queer doings of the queer assemblage now absorbing the interest of the politicians of the country. These complications, it is feared, may af- fect the result in the electoral college should the vote there be close and shouid the populist electors hold the balance of Power, as may be the case. A strange phase of the political situation is that sus- Picion is already being thrown around the electoral college. Never in the history of the country has an elector changed from the candidate of his party or been induced to go astray. The feeling of suspicion «n all sides is directed to this institution for the first time, in view of the events which may take place. Outside of the question of what the populist electors may do, the democrats are growing suspicious of men who have been put up in the various states to represent them. In Florida, for exam- ple, the four electors named by the demo- cratic state convention are gold men. The silver democrats of the state are raising a commotion about the matter, and many of them are demanding the substitution of men who are beyond doubt for the white metal and for Bryan. The Populist Scare. The scare as to what the populists may do arises from several things. Shoald the St. Louis convention nominate Bryan and then nominate a populist for Vice Presi- dent, as is thought probable by some, and should Bryan consent to let this arrange- ment stand, in the Lope that it would not in the end affect his running mate, there is no telling, it is said, what might happen. After this is done, the populists will de- mand, and will get, a fusion on the elec- toral tickets in the west. In Nebraska and Kansas, for instance, at Jeast half of the Bryan electoral tickets will be composed of pepulists. In California, Colorado and all the other western states the populists will have representation. If every western state should elect fusion tickets, as the silver men claim they will, that would give the pepulists a strong vote in the electoral col- lege. It might give them the balance of power between the parties. While they would vote for Bryan for President, they might rebel against Sewall for Vice Presi- dent and want to support the man put out at St. Louis. They would hold a club in their hands which would force the demo- crats to do what they wanted. A slight fright is also occasioned when the thought of the nomination of both Bry- an and Sewall at St. Louis is considered. The nomination of Sewall will be made with many reservations, and there would be no telling what might happen even then. Democrats Can’t Control. While the silver democrats declare that Bryan will be elected, there is not much prospect, it is thcught, that he will be elected in the electora) college by actual democratic votes. Should Bryan carry the western states, the democrats ciaim he would not have a majority of bona fide democrats in the college. He will be eleci- ed by the fact that a majority of the men in the college are for silver and will sup- port him cn that ground. The bolting silver republicans will be represented on nearly every ticket in the west. In other words, the electoral tickets will be a composite of the various silver elements. They will, of course, be voted for as Bryan men, and to all intents and purposes may be as much for Bryan as a ticket composed wholly of democrats, but this causes fears which many rabid silver- ites have, that a silver man can never be President of the country. They suspect everything and everybody, and see spooks many months in advance. Im Line With Populist Policy. It is argued that it would be in line with populist policy for populist electors to make trouble in the electoral college. They would be in position there to make de- mands which the democrats might not feel called upon to ignere. These demands might be made on the ground that the pop- ulist party must be kept from becoming extinct by having the Vice President, and showing its power in this way. It’s a re- mote matter for conjecture, but a great deal of conjecture is being indulged in. Besides what may be regarded as shallow fears of the foregoing description is the more probable trouble of arranging for fusion electoral tickets to suit the popu- lists. Altogether, some democrats see a hard and stumpy road ahead for Bryan before he can become President. They firmly be- lieve that he will be President, but they think that result will be attained only af- ter lots of trouble. ———~+e.___ OFFERS HIS SERVICES. Senator Sherman Eager to Get Into the Fight. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CLEVELAND, Ohio, July 24.—Senator Jorn Sherman is in town and called on Chairman Hanna today. The Senator thinks the opening of the republican cam- paign should not be delayed. He has little faith in the power of campaign literature in an emergency like the present. He thinks the financial issue must be met by face to face talks with the people, and he is interested enough in the success of the republican ticket to be anxious to see the work begun early as possible. The Senator offered his services to the republican chairman, and suggested that he be given an opportunity to enter the fight in the west as soon as Mr. Hanna thought it could be done. Mr. Hanna received Senator Sherman’s advice eagerly and expressed his apprecia- tion of the tender of his services, and will put him in the field as early as possible. Chairman Hanna will not go to New York until Tuesday, probably, and expects to remain in New York for two or three weeks, meeting various representatives of the party there and endeavoring to settle all the differences that exist among the republicans in that state. Ex-Governor Merriam js still in this city and spends much time in Mr. Hanna's office. The McKinley leaders are keeping a close watch on the St. Louis convention, pete eee: National Co-Operative Congress. ST. LOUIS, July 24.—The first convention of the national co-operative congress met here this forenoon for a two days’ session, with representatives present from at least a dozen states. Today was taken up with the hearing of reports, perfecting an or- ganization and arranging plans for future work. Tomorrow a number of papers will be read and a general discussion of mat- ters of special interest indulged in. = A Leading Mason’s Death. CHICAGO, July 24.—Dr. Vincent L. Hurl- but, one of the oldest and best-known Ma- sons in the United States, and also a past grand commander of the Knights Templar, died at his home on Prairie avenue this morning. Dr. Hurlbut was born in West Mendon, N.Y., in 1829. He was elected grand master at the twentieth triennial conclave in Cleveland in 1877. POPULIST SCARE/GQING ON SLOWLY The Populist Convention Discussing Order of Business, LAST STAND TAKEN BY THE RADICALS Bryan Men Have Control of the Situation. BUILDING THE PLATFORM —— eee Special From a Staff Correspondent. ST. LOUIS, Mo., July 24.—The Bryan peo- ple think they have everything shaken to- gether now and that they will adopt a con- servative platform and nominate Bryan and Sewall today. Their victory in the election of Senator Allen last night to be permanent chairman was decisive, the vote was a rig‘d test of the strength of each side at that time, and the “middle-of-the-road” men were well subdued by the first shock of their defeat. They rallied their forces in some sort of order after the convention had adjourned, and were ready this morn- ing for the fight. Such a severe test of strength as that over the election of per- manent chairman would in any ordinary convention settle the whole contest beyond the shadow of a doubt. There is hardly a doubt that this result is an assurance of the nomination of both Bryan and Sewall. But anyone who has made a study of the composition of this convention must make even the most ob- vious prediction with some reserve. A hun- dred men might change their position at any time for some very slight reason. It is not Ikely under the circumstances that there will be any change; it is only a re- mote possibility on account of the peculiar individuality of the delegates. The plans of the Bryan people are skillfully arranged, and they have the convention well in hand. The committee on resolutions has agreed on the platform which the Bryan men want, which is quite near the Chicago plat- form, but in different language and more verbose. It is a iitting together of che Omaha platform and the Chicago platform, with the plain object in view of making it as acceptable as possible to the democrats, They think it can be adopted without difficulty. Jerry Simpson and Late Pence are recog- nized by the chair as the fioor managers. Both are clever manipulators and are fa miliar with parliamentary practices, so as to have an advantage ever their untrained adversaries. They propose to curtail the speeches as far as possible by limitiag the time for debate, and to rush the work of the convention through as rapidly as pos- sible, now that they have it in hand. Their Plans are aided by the fact that the dele- gates by their long stay here are rapidly consuming their limited supply of funds and are anxious to get home before their expense account bankrupis them. The managers expect to go on with the nominations as soon as the resolutions are adopted, and to secure a final adjourn- ment some time today or tonic! Phe “middle-of-the-road” men are still kicking vigorously and are ioud in their threats to bolt. To some extent this is a bluff, in the hope of a compromise that will cut Sewall off the tic but many of them are dead in earnest, and the will prob- ably be a more or less extensive revolt. The suggestion of their leaders is that they remain in the hall after the convention is declared adjourned without day and, after the rest have gone, nominate a straight Populist ticket, lenouncing the Bryan men n people do m pose to yield to any compromise. If any thing but the straight nomination of Bry an and Sewall is brought about it will be through the weakness of some of their fol- lowers and not with their consent. The thing that made the election of Allen a direct test was that the issue was drawn sharply, and it was understood before the vote was taken that a vote fur Allen was in the interest not of Bryan alone, but of the whole democratic ticket. The feel- ing on Loth sides was intense. The result was a triumph of generalship. The men who make up this convention know nothing about parliamentary prac- tice. There was not a man in the “mid- dle-of-the-road” crowd who knew how to lay out a plan of procedure. On the other hand, Pence had the advantage of their experience, end all the men who had had any such experience were on th! side Pence managed to get the aftirmative of propositions when this was to his .dvan- tage, aad his opponents did not hnow how to prevent it. His points of order were sustained, while those mai against him failed because they were not properly made, and his opponents were thrown into confusion. On the adoption of the report of the committee on permanent organiza- tion the affirmative belonged to the “mid- dle-of-the-raoa” people on their minority report, but they made a wrong motion, and® he seized the opportunity to get the first vote on the majority report as a substi- tute for the minority. This reversal of order was utterly be- wildering to the other side. With the election of Allen the Bryan people got the management of the convention in their own hands. With so much uncertainty of purpose among the delegaies less adroit management would have resulted in defeat of Allen. Substantially the rea! division in this convention is between those un one hand who are really “free silver men” and those on the other who care “nothing about silver.” and Simpson congressional Silver Among the Populists. The more the situation is looked into, the More apparent it becomes that the silver sentiment js nothing like as strong in the pcpulist party as it was thought to be. Th middle-of-the-road men are almost as mucii opposed to a currency redeemable in silver as they are to that redeemabie in gold. The probabilities are strong t McKinley will get a good share of the popu! votes in the south. There is a pretty strong ten- dency toward protection among the south- ern populists, an utter indifference toward silver and a bitter opposition not only to Bryan's nomination by this convention, but also to his election. M@here were some shouts for McKinley in the convention last night, and when Allen asked if the convention wanted the protec- tion there were some cries of the chorus of “noes.” The feeling am scuthern delegates against the di is intense. What the middle-of-the-road men really want in the way of a financial policy is thus expressed: “We demand a national paper currency not redeemable in specie, but based upon the credit and re- sources of our nation and a full legal ten-