Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1877-12-18
THE DIFFERENCE.
Which is Making Breach Between the
President and the Senate.

Which is Making Breach Between the
President and the Senate.
Chicago 1nter-Ocean.
We were very much gratifed at the
course Of the republican senators in sending
a committee to the president to confer about
the matter Of removals from, and appoint
ments to Office. 1t showed disposition on
the part of the senators to act in harmony
with the executive. They did not approve
Of the intention Of the president to remove
some officers and appoint others to the pla-
ces made vacant. They thought, however,
that the president might have reasons for so
doing which entirely justified him, and, if
communicated to them, might induce them
to Esustain him. A perfect understanding
would, it was thought, enable both the pres.
ident and the senate to avoid such action as
might lead to an official expression of differ
ence. The manner in which the president
received the committee showed as commen-
dable spirit on his part as on theirs.
They did not ask him to surrender any of
the prerogatives Of his Office. They did
not seek to control him, or scarcely to ad.
wise him they wanted perfect understand
ing. The president did not propose to sur.
render any right, but he did wish to be un-
derstood, and expressed desire for the ad.
vice and cooperation of his republican
friends in the senate, and his willingness
and readiness to impart any information in
his possession.
The republicans breathed easier after the
interview. The purpose of the republican
president and senators was believed to be
the same, and if they counseled freely with
each other there was no danger of hostile
attitudes being assumed by either. There
might be difference but not difficulty.
The republican senators have, for the sake
of harmony, confirmed democrats because
the president asked them to, and, rather
than make an issue, allowed some nomina-
tions which they would not indorse to lie
Enacted upon, hoping that the president
would do by them as they had done by
him. he understood, as plainly as if . vote
had been taken, that his friends in the SEN
ate did not approve, and that if these nomi.
nations were ever confirmed it would be by
the democrats. He 10 not satisfied with
that knowledge, but insists on compelling
them to take issue with him officially,
To add to this unpleasant complication,
Senator Matthews defined the presidents
position. He said Z" it was no business ol
the senate by what motives the president
was sctuated in making removals and ap
pointments. It was merely its business ia
pass upon the qualifications of the men
Both the president and the senate had con.
stitutional duties to perform, and should
not interfere with each other" No one
has ever disputed this. There are times
however, when an allusion to ones legal
rights becomes defiance.
The republican senators have never de.
MED the presidents rights in the matter
nor has the president denied theirs. The
question is not, shall the senate yield to tht
president or the president to the senate, bu
shall they act in harmony.
We are 10th to believe that Senator Mat.
thews spoke by authority. Others who have
opportunity to know the presldents views
have declared that he was not disposed t
provoke aquarrel with the leaders Of hi
party.
The haste in which Mr.. Hayes returned
the Objectionable names to the senate, nc
companied with Stanley Matthews asser
ton, that it 10 none of the ssnates busines
Why he docs an official act is susceptible o
being construed a but little else than an un
callcsi-for defiance Of the wishes Of hi
frisads.
He must know that nearly every republi