New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-04-09

baser kind OF craftsmanship theh iet nini i""N
at the record and see how those Senators
voted and spoke on the attempted repeal OF
election laws, on the payment Of United States
Marshas, or on any other question upon
which the Democratic party was most con-
spcuousy in the wrong. In nearly every such
instance it will be found that these Senators,
with scarcely a single exception, supported tine
measures proposed by the most reckless ana
dangerous element in the Democratic party
and used to the utmost their reputation Tor
supposed fairness, craftsmanship ana eieVa-
ton of character, TO restrain the better men OF
the party from abandoning its policy Ia as
gust
At this very time many decent Democrats
realize that their party is in the wrong. Ihey
know that it has no respectable reason for re-
sisling change Of officers, IL mejoriiy OF
the Senate desires that change A new Con-
gress has Just begun. The political complexion
Of the Senate has. been altered. and 1t is ID
accordance with custom that the principal Off
GERS of the new Congress should be chosen by
the majority in each House. If the Repubh-
cans have nominated candidates who ought
not to be chosen the responsibility rests WIN
them. No objection whatever to the names
proposed is an excuse for fbustering los pre-
vent vote. II there has been any improper
bargain the Democrats have right 10 present
what evidence Of it they can, or to discuss
the matter far enough to fix public attention
upon the facts But they have done all this,
long ago. as far as they had power; and II
they have submitted no evidence aud made
out no case, that is no reason for reyolu-
tlonary resistance to the control OF
the Senate by its majority. Judge Davis
though no voted with the Democrats
on all questions affecting the organization
went home in disgust because be would not
eonsent TO block the wheels of business IN
order TO deprive the majority OF It's rights
There are Democrats in the Senate now VINO
feel. every time they vote for delay, that they
are disgraciDg themselves and hurting their
party. Here IL an emergency. There is
chance that decent scli-respect or
patriotic regard for the fundamental laws OF
every legislative body. may lead Democrats to
follow the example of Judge Davis. There
foie. Senator Bayapl hastens to the breach.
aud once more parades his reputation for fair
ne,s Us a cloak Tor most indecent and revo-
lutiouary proceeding.
fl j. revolutionary, in the fullest and worst
sense oi the word. TO block the wheels OF
public business for 40 other reason than to
prevent an exercise by the majority OF ~ nm
questioned night. In the absence Of Judge
Davis there is a majority without the vote OF
the Nicc-Pre,ident. II It Is right to prevent
a vote. M order 10 keep few clerks
and petty officers IN place DUNG the
summrE it Is equally right for the
minority % prevent vote on any other mat
ter. nppn any rrciext whatever, or without
any. No legislation Is possible. no public husl-
ucs- of any kind can be transacted by the
Senate. if a minority Of Senators can thus de-
prive majority of all power whenever il
plca>cs. Nor j. n possible 10 conceive Of
ca.e where there would be- les excuse for
such revolutionary conduct hy minority than
there is IN The case in hand. Yet Senator
Is ward. who wishes to be considered states
man and o tar and honorable man. comes for
ward TO defend ia, minority.
HIS excuses are simply childish. The Re
publicans might have selected better cand-
dates. no doubt. But that Is a responsibility
winch they have a rlg,d 10 take, and must
take. They have selected as one of their can
ohdit.s Vrgiuian who believes m n fair vote
and fair count. Naturally. Democratic SEN
ators wan; tn defeat liu, and have a RICH; to
do ~ # they can by voting against him. Bur
their attempt go prevent vutc y nj VAR VITA
the fundamental law without which no DELHI
cfaiiye bady j. po>sblc. Ina short. II Is suih-
clcnii, inherent. lavl,ss and revolutionary 20
call forth the utmost efforts OF thosc unscIu-
pulous Democratic part,sans VIM Try 10 I'M
pos upon he country by pretending to rise
above rmrdsauslip. EcspectabilIiy. when
used only a. a mask, deserves nothing but
cputrriui