The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1874-11-12
THE SENATORIAL FIGHT.

THE SEN a1Okk1AA HI Ill.,
There is lull N the storm Of battle
while the leaders OF contending factions
count the killed and wounded and re.
organize their forces for the final strug-
gle. From the sublime spectacle at the
ward primaries in this city, to the last
act in the com dy before the Legisla-
ture, the election Of United States
Senator will be distinguished by more
than usual interest. With =
pretty complete list Of the members
Of the legislative drama before Ms, it is
impossible to cast the parts. It is, to
be plain, rather muddled affair. COM
posed Of inharmonious elements and
antagonizing interests. It would be
next to impossible to arrange the actors
IN anything like Ineligible divisions,
so as to forecast probable action on the
Senatorial question.
1t is, however, gratifying to know
that the Legislature has an indepen-
dent look. There is promise Of
manly, dignifed action and of self-inde-
pendence, which augers well against that
muzzle Of free expression-the caucus.
Much has been spoken and much written
oflate as to reform inside of the Repub-
lican party. The caucus may not have
been feature of feudalism, but it is ex-
ceedingly doubtful whether in those far
distant times there existed a greater en-
CINE Of oppression. Charles Sumner,
who, in the latter part Of his life, awoke
from the thraldom of party, declared
that ''the caucus is at last understood
as political engine moved by wire
pullers, and it becomes more insupport-
able in proportion as directed to per-
sonal ends It assumes the worst
form when it gathers together the per-
sonal attaches Of some political aspi-
rant i'll a secret legislative conclave, to
elect a representative of the State in
the United States Senate. It becomes
then simply directed to personal ends.
Out of this political engine have grown
the worst evils of the present times.
1t is on par with the late attempt
to destroy freedom of sneech
by muzzling the press. There can be.
no publication Of party until the des-
potism Of the caucus is overcome and
destroyed and the people and State al
lowed their free choice, uncontrolled by
its dictation.
In going into secret caucus the rep
resentative prostitutes his legislative
character, surrenders all man.iness of
action and independence of thought.
He is not merely representative of a
locality. but of the State.
1t is doubtful whether the right
Of instruction extends, as a
right, to such matter as the election
Of Senator. A large majority of the
present Legislature have been elected
untrammelled by instructions. They
have been elected as men to represent
the State and to send man to Wash
ton worthy in all the requisites and
mental qualifications of the highest
honor. Let US have man IL whose in
tegrity all have confidence, whose ability
none can deny, whose moral character
none can dispute, whose political prin-
ciples are in accord with the better
sentiments and higher intelligence
of the people. The outside is
not always the safest criterion by
which to judge man.
s'There are more things in heaven and
earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt Of in your philosophy
But sufficient unto the day is the evil
thereof.
The duty of the Legislature is plain
and straightforward. Let each mem
Der be his own judge. We have been
informed that the election of Senator
Ramsey six years ago cost $4,000. II
is known how this large sum was ex-
pended. But it is safe to say that the
man who elects himself United States
Senator this winter, will be expelled
from the Senate. Every fact will be
laid before that body and in the face Of
the popular movement the Senate dare
not admit member resting his claims
on bribery and corruption. The Lcgis.
lature should bear this in mind. The
!. highest interests Of the State requir,
that the friends of reform should unite
) and elect, without reference to politica
: associations, man worthy Of the conf
r dence of Minnesota and of the nation
Il
THE NEXT SPEAKER.