The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-09

CONGRESS AND THE PEOPLE,

The usual amount Of cheap wit, and worse,
has been fred at Congress, now that it has
adjourned. Some of this has been merited,
perhaps, but the bulk of it is simply refec-
ton on the people who vote. Congress
is simply an aggregation Of Congressman, and
each Congressman represents certain con-
stituency. If Congress is not what it should
be, the fault lies in the people who elected it
and who are perpetuating it. 1t is not likely
that any Congressman who cares for his polit-
ical prospects would jeopardize them by going
contrary to the wishes of those who chose
him to represent them in the halls of national
legislation. And if he does so represent their
wishes, there is nothing to be said against
him that does not equally apply to the masses
who did the voting. If any Congress has proved
worthless, there is nothing to do about it,
for it was the people who elected it, and
they have it in their power to correct any
thing they do not like in the conduct of their
representatives at Washington. There is no
occasion, then, to 'thank God" or to cry
"hallelujah," when any Congress adjourns.
There will be time to thank God, when the
people are wise enough and patriotic enough
to select as their representatives such men as
are best qualified to discharge the duties of
the position. 1t is an insult to all the people
when any one rejoices that Congress is through
at last, and has adjourned. Unless popular
government is a failure there should be every
reason why the people should afford every
national legislature They have difficult
duty to perform, and should be afforded every
chance to do their duty we'll. 1t is often
true that the man fit to 90 to Congress
is filter to say what legislation is good
than those who presume to offer captious
objection to all that is done. The great ma
jority of foolish resolutions offered in Con-
gress at the expense Of the time and patience
of that body are in response to demand that
something of the kind be done. Many Con-
gresham has presented bills and resolutions
that he knew at the time did not deserve to
pass and did not merit even moments Sc
rious consideration; but he has had to do it or
offend those to whom he must look for sup
port 1t is not to be thought of that ne should
throw these things under the table, where
they belong for the votes of the men who are
intent on having them considered are not to
be despised. They must be had to keep the
party intact and to further other and more
valuable objects. This is the secret Of much
Of the work that has been thrown away on the
various questions Of the day that are
already settled but for the demands
of certain people that the agitation
be kept up. Herein lies the secret of very
much Of the idle, not to say vicious, things
that are discussed in Congress. The men
who present them are not able to refuse to
do SO, though well knowing that they can
never be adopted, and should not be allowed
to take up the time that should be given to
more important things. 1t should.be under
stood that Congress is as good as the people
who elected it, for were this not so the men
sent up to make the laws of the land would
not be there. The people have chosen them,
and they are doing the bidding of those who
sent them there for that purpose. If there is
any fault to be found the people know where
to go for redress. The ballot-box will be
opened at the usual time and place for the
purpose Of determining what the people want.
would better become the press Of the country.
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