The Weekly Kansas chief. [volume] (Troy, Kan.) 1872-1918, 1881-03-24
A STRIKING CONTRAST.
The Organization of the Senate Thurxday
Last, and Two Years Ago-Refiremcnt OF
the Democrats from Power.

WASHINGTON March 1.-two years ago to-day
the Senate met, in compliance with proclamation
Zress in extra session; and the Democratic party
for the first time in eighteen years. by its newly
elected majority in the body took formal possession
OF affairs. To-day witnessed the last act IN the
peaceful eounterrcvolution by which the Democrat
ic party lost its hold, and, with hardly gasp,
willingly turned over the control to the Republicans
again. The contrast presented TO the minds OF those
who were fortunate as to witness both events was
striking and suggestive.
The Jaunty, confident air, worn by Democratic
Senator's, ON the former occasion, recalled. A
new lease of political life had been taken, and the
world looked bright indeed. Great opportunities
were opening n, in which even the least influential
men OF the party might earn coveted distinction
They would show the country and the world how
much better they could govern than those who had
which opponents had approved. New methods
and new men should henceforth find prominence in
public affairs. They wanted no advice, and would
submit to interference. Self-sufheiency regned
in the councils of the party in the breasts
Of its individual members. To-day, with a show Of
meek protest. but without discussion without even
parliamentary struggle they SURRENDERED and went
to the rear contrasting by their demeanOr. prcvi
ousy by the mouths of Eaton. and Others that they
were incompetent tc govern even themselves, much
less the country.
1t was from the lips of Mr.. Saulsbury that the Re
publicans and the country were first informed that
the Democrats, upon their accession TO power, two
years ago. intended to carry matters with high
hand. The following extract from his speech on
that occasion. delivered with rOllirking air, his
bobbng to and fro, reads pleasantly in the light OF
current proceedings:
Il should be very glad TO sec our brethren on the
other side take their present situation little more
ehecrfully. could congratulate then, from the eX
perieuce Of a number of years in the minority, ON
the fact that it is much pleasanter position than
unprecedented they found members Of the MAORI
ty They aid in giving proper information at
the proper time and in the proper way; but this
side of the House, when strike line on our own
action, il is duty to ourselves not permit the
other side of the House to shape course of poll
cy, in reference to any particular measure. Ii had
better be understood at once, that the Democratic
party in possession have responsibilities now upon
them and intend pursue their line of policy,
uncontrolled, and unintueneed by what may be the
wishes Of the other side in reference TO questions
especially of a political character. | hope
friends the other side will reconcile themselves to
their present position, and like Christ statesmen,
bear il manfully." lIAughter.l
Nobody laughed to-day, when the same Senator,
after the Democratic Committee list Lad been laid
upon the table. and the Republican list had been
adopted arose and solemnly called thu attention Of
'the Senate and the country to tn, fact that tho
Democrats had not flibustered, but ! AL submitted
with decorum to the nevitahle.-N. \. Tribune.