Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-04-29
GOVERNMENT BY CAUCUs.

The following pertinent criticism, by
Republican journal, the Boston
Herald, ofCaucus government at Wash.
ington, is good reading for the Republi-
cans at this particular time, and might
be a profitable article for digestion at
the next session of the Republican
caucus itself: at does make deal OF
difference in politics whose OK is gored.
When, during the Democratic control
of Congress, the majority proceeded re-
lentlessy to execute, under the un-
finching leadership of Speaker RAN
DALI, the DEGREES OF a Democratic caucus,
the Republican homolists were pro-
foundly shocked. One would have
thought, in listening to their solemn
protests, that none OF them had ever
heard and needed the sharp crack OF
THAD STEVENS whip, in the plays when
the great radical ruled the House with
an iron hand. And again, when the
Democrats obtained control of the
Senate and proceeded to Dust the
officers and to shape legislation, with
the machinery Of their partisan organi.
zation, they were treated to severe lee
lures upon the improperly OF introduc-
ing government by caucus into the high
est legislative body in the land. The
Senate, so these patriotic censors re-
marked. should be body whose men,
bers are left free to vote as their indi-
yidual consciences and judgments die
tate. Party councils, it was said,
should be held only for purposes Of
consultation. That the DEGREES OF
caucus should forbid debate, or prevent
the free action OF members who partici
pated in it, was declared to be radically
unrepublican. One OF the favorite pass
ages in the efforts OF the stalwart
stumpers was that which proclaimed
the danger Of "rebels " securing in pol
tiles what they lost in war, through the
supremacy OF Confederate brigadiers"
in the Democratic caucus.
But,now that the tables are turned, the
improperly and the danger of caucus
rule no longer Intlame the Republican
imagination. The Senators of that par
ty have, for more than a month, main
tanned a deadlock in Washington, TO
the great embarrassment OF the Presi.
dent and the detriment of the public
service, in an attempt to enforce the de-
cree of caucus. Their alleged "con-
stitutional majority" in the Senate de.
ponds upon the vote OF Senator who
does not claim to be a Republican, and
that OF the Vice President, who is not
a member OF the body over which he
presides. The bargain, or arrange
ment," for the carrying out Of which
the Tyranny Of King Caucus is invoked,
is dis,asteful TO large majority OF Re-
publicans, and subyersive of public
morals. The Malone alliance, in the
best that is claimed fer Ii, Is simply an
attempt to debauch and divide one polit-
ical party for the benefit OF the other,
through the use of public offices as the
medium of barter. In its broader sig
niflcanee, it is giving the sanction OF the
Republican party, and of the govern
ment itself, to an undisguised attempt at
reputation, upon the jesuitical plea
that the end OF breaking mp the solid
South justlfies the means OF swindling.
Ii would seem that, il there were ever a
time when honorable Senators. appre-
eiating the importance OF their trusts
and the duty OF acting upon their indi-
yidual convictions, must refuse TO be
bound by the action of caucus, this is
such an occasion. The precarious and
peculiar nature OF the majority claimed,
and the character Cf the decree which il
Is sought to execute, alike render it a
most unfortunate time TO mGin- |
tain the infallibility and supreme
authority Of the caucus To yield |
ones preferences in choice OF can
dIdates, question of order or prece- |
dence IN legislation, or even OF tactics in |
party management, where no principle |
is involved, is one thing; TO surrender |
ones convictions OF right. of duty to- |
ward the people, or OF what decent |
respect for public opinion requires, Is
quite another. The caucus is servant; |
the Republicans have made il master. |
II Is convenience; they are making il
a necessity. Eighteen Senators have no |
moral right to allow nineteen OF their |
associates to bind them to support two |
men like Gorham and Riddleberger for
Office It'll the Crack of DOOM" Party
discipline exceeds its bounds when il
compels men to do violence to their con-
victions. King Caucus becomes an in
tolerable tyrant when he forces honest
men 10 act like tricksters, and to counter.