New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-10-12
THE UORK or CONG RESS.

The approaching session of Congress ought
TO be a short and useful one. 1t ought 10 be
devoted to the practical interests which have
been 80 greatly neglected. In the direction OF
political strife, the less done or said the bet
ter. The people are utterly sick of miserable
partisan wrangles which cause neglect of in
dustrial, commercial and financial interests.
The short and sure way for any man to make
himself unpopular, at present, Is to get up
long dispute and fire of big speech on "the
tissues between parties The President has
Lit the popular feeling in nothing else
more accurately than i'll trying in place OF
political fuss to make it easier for American
citizens to earn living. Congress ought TO
Join him in this. 1t ought to put aside the
miserable tricks by which individuals and
parties are seeking, net to benefit the country
but to make political capital" for 1880.
That q majority Of members will choose and
steadfastly pursue so wise course, is 100
much to hope. But it is in the power of a
minority, holding the balance of power, in
each house, by independent and patriotic ac-
ton, to put down mischiefmakcrs and parti-
san wranglers of all sorts, and to c0niinc the
session to business Of practical utility.
1t il already rumorcd that a number of
Southern Democrats intend to pursue very
independent course. They do not separate
from their party, nor are they expected tn
vote for a Republican for Speaker; but they
believe, it is said, that the President ought to
have fair opportunity to do what he can for
the country, that partisan strife can only OBJ
struct his efforts, aud that the country needs a
season of rest from such turmoil In order to
al, ;uH,t In aud ,oet
effectively, some members, it is said, will
decline to attend party oaucus for the
organization of the House. If so, they
will only be doing what some Demo
cratic members did during the struggle for
repeal of the resumption act, and during the
bitter contest last Winter. But these men are
now highly hon0red for their course. They
have not found it necessary for a man TO be a
slave IN order to be useful member Of a
party. The Democratic member who refused
TO vote for the reputation of the pledge OF
resumption, helped to save for lis party the
votes of thousands who care for the public
honor lie who refused TO ondanger the peace
Of the country by iilibustering last February,
helped to c0unteract the distrust of Democratic
patriotism. If the party had anything
in It worth saving. they represented it,
and rendered infinitely greater service 10
that party than the wid-eyed lunatics who
raved in caucus and ranted in the House.
The country has returned hearty thanks to
the pa,Iiotic Southern men who thus set foot
upon the knayishness of political associates
They can renew and increase the obligation.
They can secure an organization OF the House
which viii not permit the Administration to
be mpcdcd in any patriotic and worthy en-
deayor They can snuff out the shrickcrs for
craftsmanship, ard secure short, busincss-ikc
session, devoted TO practical work. He
SERVES his party best who serves his country
best If the Administration acts upon that
motto are there not some Democratic mem
beis who will help to give the country rest
from party strife
IL il generally supposed that the next Speak
er will he the product OF Democratic caucus
In 1876 a Democrats caucus meant repu-
dalion. In February last it meant revolution.
On the whole, it has not shown itself, for
some years, the sort Of body to which the
people OF this country want to Intrust unlinl-
tied power. It's essential peculiarly is that it
works always for party, and never for the
country. Organization by party caucus makes
Congress a cross between a school-bOys' de-
batting club and u roped ring for partisan hsti-