New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-06-30
THE sEyATES RESPONslBILITY

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Democrats have often INDUCED hope that
Renublicans in Congress would insure Demo-
cratic victories by laundering or misconduct
but have not often been gratified by the realiza-
tion of such hopes. Just now they are calcu-
latinp mon the misbehavior of the Senate.
Unless that body is kind enough to help, they
are aware that Democratic chances TOT the
future are moi good. They especially want as
sistance in escaping responsibility LOT eAtra'a,
CANT appropriations. Mr.. Holman has declared
that the conduct Of the House in that respect
has not only been disgraceful, but direct vio-
lat,on of pledges made by the party IN power.
Mr.. Hewitt and other Democratic leaders have
uttered similar warnings, but in vain. Ihere
remains one chance: that the Republican Sen
ate will pass without reduction, or even with
increase, the appropriations proposed by the
House.
If the Senate should increase the appropria-
ton bills which come from the House, the
Democrats could then reply to public criticism:
a If our men disregarded duty, Republicans are
u still worse. If our men allowed jObbery and
corruption to prevail, Republican Senators were
seven more unfathfu." There will be no sense
in condemning members of the House for Their
misconduct, while yet defending the Senate for
worse conduct STILL The Democrats can plead
inexperience In government; but Republican
Senators cannot. Democrats can plead the
almost irresistible pressure of greedy partlsaDs,
who are very hungry and very thirsty" and
want Jobs, spos, and other fat things the
more because they have long been ont of power.
But Republican Senators cannot. They know
that the general sentiment of their party con-
4
upholds Senators when they insist upon reason
able and necessary provision for public affairs
it does not forget or lightly forgive wasteful or
partisan use of public money.
1t might be added that Republican Senators
we'll remember the fate which befcll many
representatives who supported the odious River
and HarbOr bill years ago. Members OF both
parties were concerned in that business, but 1t
was noted that more Democratic than Repub-
lican participants in the job escaped, Tor the
obvious reason that public opinion is more
quick and keen among Republican voters to
condemn an abuse of trust than among Demo-
cratic voters. Senators can do much to insure
Democratic defeat this year, If they will exer-
else especial prudence in their action on appro-
priatiOn bills but they can easily help the
Democratic party far on the road toward sue
cess, if they rival that patty in reckessness or
carelessness, or Indifference to public opinion
1t would be particularly good rule for Sem
ators this year to refuse their votes in favor of
any measure, whether reported by committees
or not which increases the appropriations pro-
posed by the House, unless the clearest and
most convincing reasons for the change can be
given, and at the same time reduction as great
or greater can be made in other appropriations.
The Republican party has right to expect that
its representatives, in the Senate will not send
it heavily handicapped into the race this fall
and if they do, there are some of the Senator'S
themselves who will have occasion to regret
Republican defeat in States where victory
might easily be rendered sure.