New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-07-22
PARTIES AND THEIR FRUITS.

Two changes of government have now taken
place in this country within five years. For
the first time in their lives great majority of
those who are now voters have had opportunity
to learn by practical experience what is meant
by a change of government. II is true that
Mr.. Cleveland was not supported by ma
jority in the Senate. But there was only too
little disposition in that body to treat his selec-
tons for office unfavorably, and substantially
all worthy nominees were confirmed, with
good many who were not worthy. He did not
get the assent of the Senate to such treaties as
were negotiated, but IT is exceedingly probable
that, had the Senate been unanimously Demo-
cratic faithfully representing Democratic opin-
ion in the several States, the same treaties would
hardly have been confirmed. The Presidents
influence was small in respect to changes
of the laws. But it was at least
as great in the Senate as in a
House controlled by his own partisans who
paid no attention whatever to most of his recon-
mendatonS. In general, at least of late years,
Presidents power to influence lawmakinS has
been comparatively small. But the natural and
legitimate power of the Executive was exercised
to the full by Republican in 1884, by Dem
OcrdU III tHe iOuT lOlIONIHS JCdio, "A'u 40 nv"
exercised by a Republican.
These object lessons have taught voters much
that was worth learning. The intelligent and
educated citizen can with difficulty realize how
many things voters needed to learn indeed,
he may have discovered that most men Of his
own grade of culture and information had a
great deal of ignorance about their Govern
ment. For whole generation the control OF
the Government had been in Republican hands
until 1885, and there had grown up an almost
inconceivable misconception OF the power of the
Executive. There were literally millions OF
Democrats who honestly believed that, in some
way they could not explain, the election of a
Democratic President was certain to bless them
personally and the entire country, and it has
been an overpowering revelation to them that
expected blessings have not arrived. There
were also multitudes of Republicans who had
most exaggerated ideas Of the evil consequences
to be apprehended by change of Adminstra-
ton, and they have learned something also. 1t
was said with disgust by many Democrats that
President Cleveands financial administration,
so far as they could see, did not differ from that
of his Republican predecessor. So in discharge
of many other Executive functions any Admin
istration must be so governed by law and by
public opinion that its political character may
not essentially affect the performance of those
duties.
But the wide differences between the two
parties have also been illustrated, and these
object-lessons have taught voters much that
they needed to learn. Thus President Cleve-
lands habitual choice Of former rebels and
rebel sympathizers for all sorts of places was
not an accident. 1t was sure an indication
of tho forces around and behind him as Presl-
dent Hariison's habitual preference Of loyal
men is of the influences which now prevail in
the Administration. For four years Mr. Cleve-
land made it fashionable at Washington as far
as he could, TO have been traitor TO the coun-
try. II is not so fashionable now. The Ad-
minstration of Mr.. Cleveland completely failed
to understand and was entirely out of sympathy
with the great industries of the Northern
States, and habitually took the side of foreign
manufacturers and their agents here against
these industries. In a few months President
Harrison has already made it understood that
his Administration understands and means to
defend the Nations industries, pursuing pol
icy helpful to all sections alike
The lesson which five years Of experience
have done much to teach the people is that in
matters concerning which parties are indiifer-
ent President may be expected to serve the
int rests of the country. But where party ten
denotes or convictions are concerned, he must
be expected to represent the party which elect
ed him. If the party is bad, the stream will
rise no higher than its source If the worst
end of the party controls It, that end will also
control its President.