The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-03-14
THE PROPOSED DkMocnAIc POLICY

WASHINGTON. March l2.-There is no in
tention on tho part Of the Democratic leaders 10
enter upon any general legislation at the APP
proaching session Of Congress. They know how
sensitive public opinion is to disturbing causes
nj Washington. and therefore they ara disposed
to avoid every form OF agitation which might in
any way derange the tendency to improve
ment however slight II may be-. Hence il is
likely that prudent counsels will prevail. at the
Democratic caucus Of the Senate on Saturday
night which Is called for the purpose OF COM
pairing opinions as to the best shape OF renew
ing the question upon which the two Houses
separated on the fourth Of March.
The present inclination is to take up and pass
the Army and the Legislative Executive and
judicial bills in the form in which they were
sent to the Senate. There has been no official
or even scm-oiiicial notice OF n veto and Con
gross has no Just reason TO expect one merely
upon the threats and statements Of partisan
papers and fiery politicians. Il ia proposed In
n convenient way 10 repeal certain obnoxious
laws which were enacted for political objects
and which form part OF the offensive legislation
under Grant. intended as q means Of preserving
power at all hazards.
II is for the wisdom Of Congress TO determine
whether these laws shall be repealed or not
and II is made the duty Of the President for the
time being under the Constitution. TO take
care that tho laws be faithfully executed"
Upon question Of mere eXpediency he has no
right to set his judgment against that Of the
law-maSinG power. II any proposed net be in
his opinion unconstitutional. or in conflict with
the decisions Of the highest judicial trbunal.
or has,y and IN considered. then in such casr
he may exercise tho discretion that the Con-
stitution confrrs for special emergencies. But
nj any time it Is a delicate and dangerous power
10 use against tho action OF the Senate and tho
House Of Representatives.
II the Fraudulent President decides. upon
the advice 81 the Republican leaders to res 81
the repeal ~ their partisan legislation. and
thus invites "A contest with Congress upon that
naked issue. lie will find himself confronted
with rrsolute majority. wholly indisp1sed 90
surrender It's conviction 10 Executive dictation.
be the result what II may. and however pro-
tractnd the struggle. II there are TO be any
more free elections In this country the political
machinery by which they are now surrounded
must be destroyed. Political discrimination
must also disappear from the Federal courts
II there are to be fair trials. luries must bc
drawn without regard 10 political partaities.
With partisan troops partisan Judges. par
tisan clerks Of courts. partisan marshals. par
tisnn deputies. partisan supervisors and par
tlsan heads Of departments at Washington 10
pull the wires. it is not hardly possible as our
| politics and courts are conducted. 10 have free
expression at the polls of the people will. OF
| 20 have Juries In any cause diverted OF prelu-
dice in which public officials are parties. 1t is
capable Of proof that these juries are syste-
maucally packed with Republicans. even in
Northern States and instances might be- cited
bringing this practice in It's application close
| to the doors Of the White House. The cues
tons before the country are plain. and easily
understood. They cannot be- ohscured by vio-
lent defamation, md II the Republican man,
ayers have determined upon a contest. they vii
not be- allowed to choose the ground or 10 dictat,
the terms OF battle