Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-02-16
MAINTAIN THE POWER OFCONGRESS

II
The debate now in progress in the House
of Representatives on the revision of the
rules of that body is one of the most i'm
portant discussions ever occurring in that
chamber-far more important than most
people imagine. 1t is evident that few, at
least, of our Representatives fully appre-
ciate the significance of the changes pro-
posed, and will exercise watchful care over
the rights of the people at large as well as
their own duties as the nearest opponents of
the popular will.
During the debate a persistent effort has
been made by leading representatives of the
Republican party to introduce amendments
to the rules whereby the House would abdi-
cate some of its powers in favor of both tie
executive and judicial branches of the gov
eminent. The purpose is manifest:
to take from the representative branch
of Congress as many of its powers as posi-
BILE, and confer them upon the executive. 1t
is a part of the conspiracy that has long
been going forward to subvert the republic
and erect upon its ruins government which,
though not in name at least in facte shall be
monarchy. 1t was the design of the found
ers of the republic to form government in
which the legislative, executive and Judicial
powers should be CO ordinate. 1t has been
the aim of the Republican party for many
years past to demean the legislative power
and to place undue and unnecessary authori-
ty in the hands of the executive. This has
been systematic, and indicative of a settled
purpose-to make of this strong govern
ment with centralized power in few hands
at Washington. Grants candidacy for a
third term in the White House is part of
the programme. He is the representa-
tive of the monarchical idea
the man above all others in the
land who can be depended upon to establish
and maintain strong government. His
methods are those of all other despots all
over the world-the argument of force.
Compliance with his wishes is imperative;
non compliance is certain to bring into re-
QUESTION whatever forces are at his COM
mand to enforce obedience.
Grants candidacy is standing menace to
the integrity of the republic. As long as
large portion-and the predominating part
of that party places itself in the position of
defiance of the traditions of the government,
so long will the people feel uneasy. Just so
long, however, should Congress be strenuous
in insisting upon its privileges and powers.
1t should give up no jot or little of its con-
stituttona prerogatives, but rather seek
to add to them. 1t is the bulwark of the
people against encroachments of the execu-
tive and judicial powers. By its means the
people secure the enactment of laws to pro-
tect them in their right to life and liberty.
If it shall in the slightest degree abdicate
any of the privileges it now enjoys, it will
proportionally weaken the power of those
whom it represents to resist aggression and
wrong. 1t is the highest duty of the House
of Representatives. therefore, to insist upon
maintaining the full measure of its privileges,
and while not dwaring the other co-ordi-
nate branches of the government. at least
insist upon keeping them within proper and
constitutional bounds,