Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-12-26

MoNTANA's DEMOCRACY.
a ControvsFsy - Whese Decisioa Ds-
Psnds The LIberey of the New stats.
The Democratic members of the Nom
tana Legislature arc perfectly justified
In refusing TO compromise with their
Republican opponents A compromise
under the circumstances would be moth
ing more nor less than compromising
felony. Honest men struggling for the
right never propose compromises, nor
accept them The very fact that the
Montana Republicans opened negotia-
lions with the Democrats, looking to q
compromise whereby each party should
have one Senator, was a confession ON
their part that they are in the wrong,
and still they are mean enough to en-
ploy their advantage to steal one-half of
the victory that the Democrats are en-
titled to. The promptness of the Demo
Gratis in rejecting this overture was pc
culiarly gratifying to the friends of an
honest ballot throughout the entire
country, and will give the Democratic
party in Montana prestige that will be
worth a great deal in future political
contests.
The deadlock which the Republicans
have created in the Montana Legisla-
ture is causing great inconvenience to
the citizens of the new State. The legis-
lation necessary to put the new con-
stitution into effect can not be enacted,
and no session of the Supreme Court can
be held until the deadlock is broken and
the Legislature organized. In some of
the counties there is no judicial organi-
cation, and can be none until the Legis-
lature makes provision for deciding the
contested election cases. 1t is unfortu-
nate that this state of affairs should exist;
yet the Republicans are responsible for
it, and the Democrats can not afford to
sacrifice the dearest principle in Ameri-
can government just to relieve the stu
alton. It is the duty of the Democrats
in this crisis to look to the future of
their State as well as to consider present
exigencies. The honor and integrity of
the State is in their keeping, and by the
force of circumstances they are made
the custodians of a free and honest
ballot. Under our American system
there is no way of determining where
power belongs except by the one infal-
nble rule of submitting to the will of
the majority, as expressed through the
ballot-box. In this instance the major
ity of the voters of Montana lodged
the legislative power in the hands
of the Democrats, and they, and
they alone, are entitled to ex-
ercise it. The Republican minority have
no moxs right TO organize the Montana
Legislature than the Inhabitants of
Kamtschatka would have. It would be
Just as reasonable to talk about a COM
promise with the Town Council of Tim
buctoo as TO agree to compromise with
the Republican minority in the Montana
Legislature, SO far as compromise
could be made consistent with law and
equity.
The Montana Democrats have but one
line to follow, and that is to stand as
firm as adamant in defense of their
rights and in vindication of popular gov
eminent. If the Republican minority
want to assume the responsibility of
prolonging the legislative deadlock, and
thereby checking the operations Of the
judicial Department. of the State govern
ment, they have the choice of doing so.
But the Republican leaders should re-
member that they take fearful risks in
advising such course. We are mis-
taken in the intelligence and the integ-
ritY of the Montana people if persist
ence in such course does not prove the
destruction of the Republican party in
Montana. There are some things in re-
gard to which the politicians can hood
wink the voters, but ballot theft is not
one of them.-St. Paul Globe.