Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-03-11
SATURDAY. MARCH II, 1871.


Senator Cameron, of Pennsylvania, under
stands some things. He is well versed in tn
mysteries of speculation, by which money i
made" by sharp operators. He has practi
cal knowledge of banking. And he is an eX
pert of the first order in all that relates to tn
politics Of Pennsylvania. Whoever undertake
TO carry a point against him, at Harrisburg
must get up early, work all day without pauS
ing for dinner, and then expect to fail. Cam
eron understands that ground. We are no
aware that he has any other special accomplish
meut. Certainly, he knows as little of inter
national law and European politics as the ordi-
nary ward politician knows of craftsmanship.
Thorough study of any question that requires
scholarly habits, is something 10 which he has
never been accustomed. There are many ques-
tions that come before the senate, Of which he
knows something. He would understand what
he ought TO do as chairman of a committee on
claims, or of a committee to investigate some
cleyerly managed fraud. To make him chair
man of the committee on foreign relations is
absurd.
When the conspiratOrs against Mr.. Sumner
proposed TO put Senator Morton in his place. it
was felt that an unsuitable man had been select
ed Mr.. Morton has more ability than Mr..
Cameron; but his requirements have not quail
fed him for such work as that which must be
undertaken by the committee on foreign rela-
tions, while his health does not allow such APP
plication as the Craftsmanship of that committee
requires. For these, and for other reasons, also,
it may be, he would not accept that position.
The substitution Of Mr.. Cameron for Mr.. Nor
ton, was going down very low indeed; but there
is no man in the senate qualified to fill Mr.. Sum-
ner's place on that committee, or who is likely
10 become qualified to fill it. Mr.. Sumner was
made chairman of the committee on foreign re-
lations on account of his pre-eminent fitness
for the position; and twelve years of successful
service have not lessened his qualifications.
The reason assigned for deposing Mr. Sumner
is as bad as the conspiracy itself. 1t is reason
which will not bear examination. 1t was urged
in the caucus, that he ought to be removed, be-
cause che is not in accord with the president"
on the San Domingo question. This means, if
it means anything, that any project of foreign
policy the president may see fit to devise must
be cordially supported by the committee on for
eign relations. The chairman of that committee
must not, in any case, venture TO differ from the
president on questions of foreign policy. Should
the president quietly send one ofhs "stafoficers"
to arrange treaty for the purchase Of Mexico,
Brazil, South Africa, New Zealand, or Terra del
Fuego the treaty thus made, in defiance of the
constitution, must be cordially supported by
the committee on foreign relations. There must
be no doubt or criticism, for this will show a
lack of "accord with the president" Shall this
claim be allowed? Or shall it be heard without
criticism?
The San Domingo question is entirely outside
of the settled principles and policy OF the re.
publican party. 1t is something new, introduced
by the president without consultation witt
those at Washington who represent the party
The annexation scheme may be good or it may
be bad; but, it is not part of the republican
platform, and can not decently be made ties
OF fidelity to a republican administration. 1t i
an open question on which differences of opinio
are inevitable; and the irregular proceedings c
the executive in regard to the matter, have net
essarily provoked criticism. There are som
things which the president can not rightfully d
without the authority of congress. To strik
down Mr.. Sumner because he differs with tn
president on this question, so far, at least, as re
lates to the method Of proceeding in the case, i
an outrage which nothing can excuse. Whicl
of the senators is better republican than he
What man connected with the executive is NOR
in accord" with the republican platform, o.
more worthy of honor as a tried and ever faith
full supporter of that platform? All this the
senatorial conspiratorS fail TO consider, while
they make it the first duty of good republican
TO be in accord with the president" on the San
Domingo question.