Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1886-12-16
UsAGES or THE SENA TIE,

| What Is known 1s the "eXecutlVe" or
secret session of the United States senate
Is the most autocratic feature Of th,t
reputedly dignifed body. This prerog-
alive, to which the senate (no matter
/ which political party dominated) has
chung with such tenacity, has a favor
OF the federalism OF the early days OF
the republic, when the Hamiltonlan school
of politics put its impress on and into
every department OF the government.
The federallsts never conceded that the
people were fully capable OF self-govern-
ment, and they aimed to invest the ma
chlnery of government, as personihed in
the executive and the congress, with as
much dignity as possible in order that the
vulgar masses might be duly impressed
and swed. The senate very early adopted
the executive session, as though the de-
bates and discussions that ensued at
these sessions were something too sacred
for the eyes and ears of the common
herd The English house of lords never
held on closer to q privilege or custom
than the American senate has
to this rather undemocratic, un-
republican custom. For many years the
people did not venture criticisms, but at
last public opinion began to crop out.
Common sense got in WORD now and
then and the consensus Of public opinion,
as voiced by sensible men in and out of
congress, has narrowed down to the SEN
timent that the executive session ought to
go. This conclusion has not been reached
because the public has a morbid curiosity
to hear every thing senators may say In an
executive session. As matter of fact
the people take very little interest in the
utterances of their senators and repre-
sentatives unless the subject discussed is
OF great Importance. But the objection
to the secret session is that 1t is undemo-
cratic and not in harmony with the simple
spirit Of our institutions and system of
government. II is a piece CT effete folde-
rol, that does not contribute to the eff
cheney or value Of the legislative branch
of tie government. 1t is useless and
therefore 1t ought to go. Several senat-
ors, both Democrats and Republicans,
have borne testimony not alone as to its
utter uselessness, but also to the fact
that 1t is at times pernicious, and
have placed themselves on record as OPP
posed to its continuance. Senator Beck
a % fair Notion oN hn Ia anto 4ho3
he intended to move for the abolition of
the usage. 1t is to be hoped he will
keep his word and succeed. In one
branch Of the congress all the sessions
are open, and why not in the other? 1t is
not assumed that the executive session
is dangerous usage or an Infringement
of any material right possessed by the
people, but as the people see it, 1t is such
useless, un American institution that it
ought to be abolished unless it's advocates
can advance more substantial arguments
for Its existence than have been present
ed yet. The senators do not pretend
that it is dangerous to let the people
hear what takes place at these sessions.
They seem to hold on to the custom
simply because it is one Of the Oldest
prerogatlves Of their body, and very
convenient prerogative at times, and
therefore they are 10th to surrender
1T. When Mr.. Beck begins to launch his
sledge-hammer blows at the usage it will
need to be rock based to withstand his
logic, which is also the logic OF the peo-
pie.