National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1882-04-21
Is Cnnrress Asleen2

The Republican people Of the United
States in 1880 chose the present House of
Representatives 1t has working
anti-Bourbon, but not working
Republican majority. If there was
any question upon which the people
were cxhorted to vote it was
that of the freedom of the ballot. If
there was any subject upon which the
people were treated to eloquent and stir
ring appeals il was upon the brutality
and fraud which dominated the elections
in some of the Southern States. If there
is anything left of Republican principles
besides the getting and holding of office
in general aud the getting to
Congress in particular il is the
principle of representative Republi-
can Government and the right of
the people to vote and have their votes
honestly counted. If there is any way
TO secure an honest ballot il is by bring
ing dishonest ballot to shame, failure,
and disgrace. If there is any way TO ac-
complsh this it is by excluding from the
American Congress men who were beaten
at the polls and falsely certified as hav-
ing been elected. Tho Constitution de-
clares each House of Congress TO be the
sole judge of the qualification, election,
and return of its own members. The
first duty of the House was and is to de-
eide who are entitled to seats in its de-
liberations and voice in the MAX
ing of the laws. The House has
now been in session four months and u
half and This duty remoias mpecformed.
The majority dawdlcs and trifles with
the subject. a contested case was reached
yesterday. A Bourbon member was alb
sent. An appeal was made for delay.
1t was granted. We think this was
Il mistake. Justice should not await the
recovery from an inconsiderable indis-
position of u Bourbon Congressman.
The question of II seat is a question of
the highest privilege. 1t is not so
necessary that we should have reputa-
ton for liberality among the opposition
as that we should cxpel from their seats
those who usurp them. 1t is time for
the preliminaries to cease. 1t is time for
the work to 90 on. The Republican party
will neither deserve nor receive the in
dorsement of the people in the approach
ing congressional elections if il has the
pusilanimity to shrink from conflict
with intruders into Congress. In Ala
bama there will be an election in August.
Mr.. Lowe is brave and earnest anti
Bourbon. He is entitled to the seat oc-
cupied by Mr.. Wheeler OF what use is
il for Democrats to rebel against Bour-
bonism if the Northern Republicans have
no time to consider their claims to seats
after they have won them before the
people2
The North is not solid. Schism is at
work and hopeful of mischievous results.
Bourbonism at the South is sdisintegrating.
1t looks to Northern Republicans for SYM
pathy. If none is found it will relapse.
The opportunity is fast slipping away.
We appeal to Republicans in Congress to
awake to the duties and responsibilities of
the hour. If they do not the next House
will be Democratic by pronounced ma
jority. The Senate is not safe. We shall
not cease to protest against further apathy
or delay in the matter of the contested
election cases. Let the Bourbons bluster
and filibuster. That will arouse the
country. We hope to see the fight open
and 20 on vigorously.