Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-03-29
,ANOTHER "PROGRAMME -

Congress have decided upon a programme.
Programmes are popular nowadays; in fact
no party can afford to be without one. The
infants cry for them and the old women de-
clare that they can't keep house without
a programme Therefore have the Repubi-
can doctors formulated programme, and
are prepared to maintain it at all hazards
during the present extra session of Congress.
Recognizing the futility of attempting to
prevent the repeal of the laws interfering
with the freedom of the ballot, the caucus of
the ever faithful determined that flibuster-
ing tactics would not be adopted to delay the
appropriation bills, though many Of the
leading members of the party were in favor
of adopting that course. AS compromise
between the two contending elements it was
determined to insist upon full discussion
of the bills, and if that was refused by the
majority, then resort would be had to
flibustering.
This programme is very like no pro-
gramme at all. 1t is simply declaration in
favor of submitting to the inevitable after
every expedient to avoid it has beeen used
in vain. A full and free discussion in the
meaning of the resolution of the caucus
means simply this: that every member of
the opposition party shall be allowed to con-
sumo as much time as possible in the discus
sion of the subject, and after all have had
their say, each shall be allowed to repeat his
opinions ad lSbltaun. The matters in con-
troversy have already been fully discussed in
open house and in caucus, and there is not
man in the country who does not under
stand fully all the issues involved. To
waste any further time in debate on this
theme is senseless, for it simply means a
prolongation of the session beyond the
proper limits. We trust, therefore, that the
Democrats will not assist in carrying out the
Republican programme. They can af-
ford to allow their opponents to consume as
much time as they may desire in the discus
s1on' and yet lose no ground. We have not
the slightest doubt but every member of
both houses of Congress has made up his
mind how he will vote on the question at
issue. Men may talk from now till dooms-
Then where is the utility of occupying valu-
able time in what must be known to every
person as fruitiess discussion?
If it will afford the Republicans any amuse-
ment to air their views upon the political
subjects covered by the ttriders'' to the ap-
preparation bills, we have not the least OBJ
lection to their enjoying themselves. But
after they have consumed weeks-mayhap
months-in this discussion, we shall decid-
eddy object to their charging the extension
of the session upon the Democratic party.
The Democratic party is prepared at the
present moment to vote upon the bills, and
will be no better prepared month hence.
Any delay, therefore, in reaching conclusion
can be attributed to the obstinacy and
desire to delay of the Republican party.
What the country wants and demands is
prompt action, SO that the questions in
vc1ved may be settled at once. The people
will not be deluded into condemning the
Democratic party for long session for
which the Republicans may be responsible.
It would be far more sensible in the Repub-
licans if they should accept the inevitable,
bow gracefully to the verdict of the major
ity, and end the contention as speedily as
possible. If they refuse to do so, but bv
useless discussion and aggravating fHbus-
tering succeed in prolonging the session tor
weeks or months, they and not the Demo.
Gratis will have to bear the blame. Two
days. debate is ample for oil practical pur-
poses on either of the bills that will come
up for consideration. Any additional time
consumed will be regarded as absolute
waste.