The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1883-01-12
THE COUNCIL DEADLOCK.

The Legislative Council Is deadlocked,
aud presents q very remarkable stale Of at.
fairs. There are contestants for the seat OF
Joint member from Choleau aud DAWSON
Back who received the majority OF the votes
and Hamilton who received the certificate
1t is supposed, turns the question whether or
not the Democrats will have party major
ity In the Council. Both contestants are
said to be Democrats, but Back was put on
a David Davis or Malone turn Of mind, as
relates TO his actioL in this assembly, and Is
as nervy as the latter without the disposition
of the former to make explanations. Our
Legislative correspondent very clearly
states the facts leading to the contest.
To the Democratic mind there is involved
In this situation: Q) Party pride; (2) the
control of the permanent organization and
the naming of presiding and subordinate Of
fcers; (3) majority to approve or disap.
prove the appointments OF the Governor for
Auditor, Treasurer, Superintendent Of
Schools, and Notaries Public. These con-
siderations seem to have been sufficient to
induce the five Democratic members Of the
Council In Helena to absent themselves from
the Council chamber and remain in conceal
ment until the arrival Of Mr.. Cox, the Gus
ter member, when they expec: TO go into the
Council with Mr.. Hamilton, the Choteau.
Dawson member holding the certificate, Gust
Mr.. Back who is already sworn in aud now
meeting and acting with the five Republi-
cans, and then organize the Council on q
Democratic basis.
We do not see any COED excuse for the
Democratic members TO thus absent them.
selves and stop legislation. IL is trae there
is a precedent for IL. Al the extra session Of
1870 enough me mbers to break the quorum
refused TO face the situation, skipped out 10
Benton and brought up Councilman Conrad
to give them majority on the railroad bill;
but that was just as reprehensible as this.
The duty of member elect Of the Legisla.
turs is TO be present at the place designated
by the Secretary Of the, Territory for the as
sembling of the body TO which lac belongs,
1t the hour and on the day named by law fol
such assembling, and TO fulhil there his obi
cations as representative Of his constitu.
ents. It Is not becoming TO waste the limit
ed time allowed for the consideration Of
important public measures In caucussing to
secure the election of fireman and dodginf
| the Sergeant-at-AIms. There are higher
considerations to which the petty ones Should
be subservient.
| As relates TO the question between Mr.
Back and Mr.. Hamilton we believe the lat
ter who helds the certificate Is entitled to thu
seat temporarily. Then Mr.. Back shoult
contest and be given the seat. He receives
q majority of the votes and It seems was de
priyed Of it.by the illegal and most unworth.
and indefensible act of the Choteau canvass
ing board. Were this matter Of determining
the election of members Of the Legislatur
left TO the courts, where 1t properly belongs
then occasions Of this character would no
occur. Although the Dawson electors play
4 GU pictty huc Poih"0i Poihs VA cnotesu
voting without regard to party for their join
councilman its legality cannot be gainsait
while the rejection Of the Dawson certifcat
on an alleged mis-spelling Of Backs name
IL an act specifically declared against In th
law relating TO elections. The result Of thi'
however, IL to temporarily seat q candidat
who was not elected, 10 keep him there
) considerable part Of the session. and TO ris
IL to partizan determination whether be sha
not permanently hold the seat. The matte
Is no worse In the Montana Legislature tina
In the United States Congress, but 1t Is wron
In both places. 1t Is to be hoped that b
Monday nsxt, at farthest, . quorum will b
obtained and the Council proceed TO bus
ness.