Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1874-01-08
WEAK KNEES vs. BACKBONE.


WEAK KNEES vs. BACKBONE
Tho Illinois Legislature probably
moro nearly represents its constituents
than any other Legislative body now IL
session. not excepting that Of Caiifor-
MIA. IL 10 also composed Of men who
are not afraid to express their opinions
on matters OF public Interest. The
Ohio Legislature tthe Republican por-
tion thereby on tho contrary hare not
ret arisen to that plane Of indepen-
dent manliness wherein they Hare ex-
press not only the sentiments OF every
honest man Of all parties. but act up
on the expressed demands OF nine.
tenths Of the American people. Az 4
specimen Of weakened vaeillatlon,
Of tlmorous apprehension Of being
stigma,ized ss disloyai. Of hypocritical
dodging and consequent disgrscs, the
Republican members ofthe Ohio Lesls-
lature deserve aad will receive dis
tinction. On Monday last resolutions
were offered by Mr.. MrLsln. = Re
publican, ~csnsuring Congress for pa's-
Ing the salary grab Act. These reso-
lutions were referred tot committee
who reported them back % A. TO In
clude President Grant for not vetoing
tho bill. Strenuous efforts were made
by the Republicans to have these reso-
lutions divided 90 as to prevent the
csnsurs Of the Presljent, and at the
same time condemn Congress. At last,
finding thls Impossible, the Republi-
can voted solldly against the resolu-
lions, which were, however, passed BY
the united vote Of the Democrats and
other opposition members.
There Ia no u 50 obtuss as not to
perceive with q moments reflection
that In tho enactment Of any Law
under u system Of government
the Executive divides equally with
the legislature all responsibility.
II good laws are enacted he receives
credit therefor. or rather shares there
In. II unjust enactments are psssed,lt
Is made his highest duty to prevent
their enforcement-to deny their To-
gallty - to destroy them. For this
purpose he Is vested with . prorogs.
tive moro autocratlo than any other
In our system. save only the suspension
Of the writ Of Aabsas corpus In certain
contingencies. Il IL therefore folly to
assume. In tho case Of that Infamous
Act leo universally ~condemnsd) known
~ the Salary Grab, that all blame at
taches to the Legislative branch Of our
Government. II the bill was just, the
President did right In signing IL. II.
on the contrary, it was 4 wicked,
treaoherous, ~disgracsful Act, upon the
Executive 40 much Is upon Congress
rests the blame. The action Of Ohio
Republicans In thus lodging this
question-their desire to censure Con-
gress, but fear to blame the other and
Jointly responsible part OF the Gov.
eminent, whose approval made the
bill . Law, and whose vcto would have
consigned Il to defest-ls unworthy Of
their position. and q Misrepresentation,
not only Of the facts In the cass, but OF
the popular Idea thereof.
The Illinois i islaturs Is made OF
s,erner stun. Its members are largely
from the "cow counties" They DO.
long to Farmers Oranges, Agricul-
turai and Industrial Associations; pay
taxes and vote their minds. More
over. they were not only elected. but
nominated BY the people. whose sen-
tlment, as well ~ their interests they
represent In a square and msnful way.
We are not surprised. therefore, to
read In this mornings dispatches that
In both branches Of the Illinois Legis-
lature yesterday. joint resolutions
were adopted ''condemnlng Congress
for passing and the President for Sign
Ing the salary grab act, and requesting
tho Illinois Senators and Represen.
tatives to vote for its repeal and also,
recommending IN amendment TO the
Constitution OF the United States pro-
hlbiting any future Congress from
raising tho rate of,helr compensation"
This Is the fair and manly way In
which all men and especially Republi.
cans should meet thls matter. There
has been too much Of the notion that
the King can do no wrong" prevs.
lent during the past few ysars. The
right to criticize the Executive Of this
nation, Especially In acts Of this kind,
Is just the same as that exercised In
commenting upon tho wrong deeds OF
. Sheriff, q County Clerk or Constable,
and the disposition TO shield the Exec
utlve at the expense Of Congress, is A.
pltiiul and cowardly as it 10 unjust. II
law Is right let US give each Of its en-.
actors proper credit; II lt be wrong
let each receive his need OF condem.a-
ton. In a word let us, whether Re-
publicans or Democrats, Liberals or
Dolly vardena, DO men, not syosphsnts.
independent electors, not ~grovelling
h~ypocrites.
A DrsrXrcH from Palisade, New,
says that Notwithstanding the severe
cold Heaihar iha wolk On Nh. Enrska