The Washington critic., 1888-02-28
wAsHINGTON, FEB. Is. lsss.
OPEN srNATI. SESSIONS.

by majority vote, remove the in
junction of secresy from its considera-
ton of treaties and discuss, with open
doors, matters that have heretofore
been kept asa sealed book to the
public, shows that the agitation of
this question is having its effect; and
that the efforts Of Senator Platt,
aided indirectly, and not always
agreeably, by Senator Riddleberger,
are likely to result in the ultimate ex-
tinCtion of the "Star Chamber" sys-
tenn, though, at the present rate of
progress, it may take good while to
get there.
There is much to be said in behalf
of the secret executive session as being
sometimes necessary in the debate of
international questions concerning
which negotiations are pending, or
in action upon important nomina-
tions where freedom of private criti-
eism is demanded that would neither
heproper nor permissible before q pub
lie audience, but in the great majority
of instances both as to conventions
with foreign powers and appoint
ments by the President, every inter
est would be better subserved by
open discussion.
II is foreign to the temper of free
people and inconsistent with the
spirit of their institutions TO sur
round the public business with locked
doors and Gordon of guards; and it
is impossible to divest the average
mind of the impression, faint and
transitory though it be, that what
ever is done under such dark and
/ \forbidding circumstances, even by so
hugust body as the Senate of the
United States, must be tainted with
oubt, or an absence of good faith or
He SAVIOR Of bargain,
' This is not as 1t should be in gov
~Ynment based in great part upon the
confidential relations subsisting be-
tween the.peeple and their rulers, and
where Congresses and Legislatures are
supposed to keep no secrets from the
public whose interests they are chosen
TO serve; yet in appearance and some-
tunes by suggestion, the proceedings
in executive session of the Senate are
akin to those of a political inquisition
or criminal grand jury.
We had hopes that the Senate would
adopt an amendment to the Rules di-
recting that ali treaties be considered
III open session, excepting when a
two-thirds vote should determine 9TH
erwise. Such rule would be more
effective than proposition to con-
tnue the present system of secret
sessions, excepting by a majority vote
TO the contrary; but something is
going to be done sooner or later, and
il will be done in the right direction.
Light is dawning ana the Senate can
not much longer bar it out.
DOES CONGRESSMAN MILLS think he
can knock the Nice-Presidential per-
simmon by throwing tariff reform
bill at ii before June 8?
Mr.. VOORHEES, PRESENTED in the
House yesterday a memorial from
the Legislative Assembly of Washing
ton Territory, praying for the admis-
sion of that Territory as State. The
nemorialists claim a population of
l75,000 to 100000, taxable property
10 the amount of SCI ,562, 739, outside
Of 04l miles of railroad and over Az
eco school children, for whose educa-
ton the sum of S305, 900 was appropri-
ated last year. Having 'worn her
territorial robes for thirty -four years"
il is thought that Washington is fully
entitled to an invitation 10 Statehood.
TIE CRITIC fully agrees with the
memorialists and will use what infu-
ence it possesses to bring about the
result they desire, provided that they
are willing to come into the Union
under the state name of Jefferson. p"
IF SENATOR VOORHEES, has any
Vice Presidential aspirations we
would caution him 90 be careful how
he says disagreeable things to any one
OF Mr.. Cleveland's Cabinet officers.
lF THERE is ANYTHING that the Gov
ernment can properly do to promote
the objects and interests of the Ohio
Centennial Exposition to begin at
Columbus, in September next, there
should be no hesitation in extending
the needed aid. 1t will do no harm,
at any rate, to adopt the resolution on
this subject introduced by Mr.. Outh-
waite in the House yesterday. No
appropriation of money is asked, but
simply the temporary loan Of such
articles or materials as the Govern
ment may safely contribute to the
celebration Of the one hundredth an
niversary Of the foundation of the
Northwest Territory.
lf ALL OTHER MEANS fail for reduc.
ing the surplus in the Treasury LET
Congress subsidize a National Opera
Company.
Mr., GRAMS PROPOSED amendment
10 the Constitution, introduced in the
House yesterday, relative to the
change Of Inauguration day and OF
the time for the meeting Of Congress,
soyers the case fully, and we trust