The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-03-06
The Impending Struggle in Congress.

Both sides were proicssedly confident
when the Forty-ilfth Congress expired, OF
having gained an advantage in the issue
which makes an extra session indispensable.
But the Fraudulent Administration must in
no event be permitted to repeat the expert
mcnt rcsorted To when the Army bill was
lost before. and certificates Of indebtedness
and other forms OF credit were used without
authority OF law or precedent OF any kind,
10 support the army.
Both questions which are to go before
the people put the Republican party on the
defensive which is the worst position for
party to occupy. First, the presence OF
troops at the polls. Who will defend this
In country boasting of free institutions.
when the law in England will not allow a
soldier to appear within two miles OF a
voting place? Second supervisors and
deputy marshals. Investigation has proven
beyond successful dispute that these officers
are nothing but partsans clothed with
power TO carry elections, and that quarter
vi million at least, and probably much
more. has been drawn from the public
treasury for every Congressional and Presi-
dental election, TO pay for their services.
1t was natural that the Republicans, who
had heretofore prollted by the use OF tho
army, by the deputy marshals, and by a
campaign fund furnished from the peoples
taxes. should resist the repeal OF the laws
by which these abuses were permitted. But
when thcy claim that this course will be
indicated at the ballot box by popular
vote, they delude themselves. The public
sentiment revolts at these elcctonecring
practices, and long ago demanded thei- ter
mnaton.
The Democrats exhibited at the final pinch
more decision than was expected from i'm
perfect leadership and divided councils.
That spirit will attract confidence and in
spire faith in future success. They are per-
haps more surprised at the result than their
opponents, who looked at the drift OF events,
and did not share in the distractions OF the
Democracy. For once they did not blundor
1t great crisis.
1t is not to be disguised that the Demo-
srats have gained position by the closing
acts OF the expired Congress. Whether they
will have the sense to hold it, and to increase
Its strength for the Presidential campaign
next year, remains to be seen. They will
have a bare majority in the next House; in
fact. about one-half Of their majority in tho
Senate. This may be increased after organ
ization by contested cases and by recruits
from the Greenbackers, when the Green
hackers find themselves wholly powerless
as separate party. But. at best, the ma
jorty will require delicate handling. and it
is easy to foresee now, long before the time
Of regular meeting, that certain reforms
which ought to be carried promptly will
have to encounter the difficulties that de-
feated reduction Of the army and other
measures in the last House. by the defec-
ton Of the Texas delegation and few other
members.
Hence, although the Democrats gained in
this recent contest. they are now TO assume
a new and great responsibility for future
legislation, with maiorities easily affected
by weakening or desertion, and likely TO be
pursued bya combination Of corrupt jobbers
who have joined hands with the old SHEP-
HERD Ring, and are already encamped at
Washington. 1t is easy TO throw away
present advantages, and 1t will require the
sternest self-denial to preserve them.