Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-04-15
WHAT SHALL THE HARVEST Be

The wretched farce by which the Re-
publicans are disgracing the United
States Senate, they attempt to justify by
the claim that they have a majority and
are entitled to the offices.
They cannot deceive the country by
this shallow and uniounded allegation.
They know it is false when they make
it. The country knows it is false.
Ii they have a majority they need not
stay there from day to day simply to de-
clare it in debate.
Il they have majority they can elect
their officers.
Ii they have a majority they could
have carried out their plans four weeks
ago.
The fact is they have not a quorum.
They have an equal number in the Sem
ate only by virtue of bargain with
MAHoxE. They can only claim an equal
number Of votes with the Democrats BY
reason of the treachery Of Demo-
crat.
Nha, better right have they to the Of
fees Of the Senate than the Democrats?
The Democrats have given them the
committees without i contest, and they
only ask that the officers shall remain
undisturbed until the regular meeting
of Congress in December next.
But for the sake Of occupying these
offices for fraction OF a year, the Re-
publicans choose to block the business
OF the Government for an indefinite
time.
There is only one possible way for the
Republicans - elect their officers, il the
Democrats should withdraw any oppo-
sitiOn. That is, by virtually allowing
the Vice President to distribute this
patronage. II cannot be done but
by his vote. IL would be Civ
ing him more power than the
President. The Senate can control all
appointees Of the President, but in this
case the Vice President could compel
the Senate to distribute patronage OF
from $4,000 to $4,000. according to
his will. The Constitution does not
contemplate putting this power in the
hands OF the Vice President. Perhaps
there is no mau who has ever before
occupied the place would essay TO ex-
ercise il. But there is no doubt about
ARTHUR. The Republicans can count
on him for any service within his reach,
questionable or unquestionable.
But does any unpreiudiced man sup
pose that the country demands o. the
Democratic Senators that they open the
way for the exercise OF such a power;
for the consumma,ion OF such bargain ;
and for the successful conclusion OF the
most disgraceiul scramble that has ever
been witnessed in the Senate chamber?
Must Democrats become party to the
plot by which the Republicans are
seeking to obtain these Offices?
For it is only through the
aid-not the mere oonsent-Of the De-
mocratsi il can be successful The Vice
President cannot assist until the Demo-
Gratis have put him in a position to do
so. The Vice-PIesident will have NO
semblance ola right TO vote, until the
Democrats have assisted in making q
tie. Will they do il? Does the country
demand il? Does not the dignity and
honor Of the Senate rather demand that
they maintain their posts 10 the end7
They have the power to defeat the
Job. Il can never be consummated ex.
eept by Democratic weakness or treach-
cry. The Republicans are not, even
upon a contest Of physical endurance,
the equals Of the Democrats. In such a
contest both the Vice President and
MAHoSE will be bound 10 retain their
places without inieTmiSsion. The hrst
cannot call substitute, and the latter
cannot obtain pair. We DO not know
how long the Republicans will have the
audaeity b continue the unssemly
struggle, but we do know that defeat
must come sooner or later II the Demo.
Gratis are simply iait1iul TO their duty.