New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-06-23
SPEAKER REED SUSTAINED.

The small knot of Republican Representatives
who have been helping Democrats TO break
down Republican Speaker III the House nave
at least served their country In one respect
They have largely deprived themselves OF the
confidence of their associates IN the House. anu
of the great body of Republicans throughout
the country. Their right TO vote for or against
the Senate's Free Coinage bill was not III queS-
ton The question was whether they would
helm Democratic mischief makers to set aside
distinct rules of the House. under which trans
action of its business by the Republican ma
iority has been rendered possible. BY voting
repeatedly as they did, through continual
struggle of several days, they have advertised
that they are not to be trusted with the IL
terests of the Republican party.
1t has finally occurred to some Democrats
also. who did not want to push their country
over a financial Niagara, that they had not
been increasing public confidence III them
selves or their party. For few years under
Mr.. Cleveland's Administration II was boosted
with some excuse by these members that their
partv had not acted as stupidity or crafty IN
financial matters as many men had feared. 1t
had been assiduously held down. they said, by
the patriotic endeavors and strong influence
Of IFS most sensible men. But these same most
sensible men have been conducting themselves
of late as if they were anxious to have the coun-
try feel as profound disgust with the Demo-
cratic Marty and as great dread of its coming
into power at any time hereafter as 1t has ever
felt. On Saturday, when the Republicans had
secured bare majority without their aid few
If them came forward and served notice that
they were not for free coinage.
Sneaker Reeds action in this matter appears
TO the public 10 have been strictly in accord
ance with the rules laid down by the House to
Govern them The bill rs it came from the
Senate made an appropriation which the House
had never had examined by its committees.
The rule seems to require that all such bills
should 60 to the appropriate committees as a
matter of course, without the prolonged strug-
giles regarding reference which used to waste
so much time But whether the Speaker was
Technically obliged TO decide as he did or not,
he plainly decided wisely and with due regard
to the public welfare. \ measure OF such eX-
traordinary importance as the Free Coinage
bill, reversing the entire policy of the Govern
ment for many years past, placing this country
practically alone among the civilized NATIONS Ill
its monetary policy, and involving dangers
which no man can now estimate, ought never
to be acted on in either House without serious
and careful consideration, without all the
light which committee could throw upon it.
in enforcing the rules for the proper dis
charge of public business the Speaker has
simply done his duty but manfully, fearlesSly
and unAinchngly as usual. He has been prop
erly sustained by the great body of Republican
Representatives, and their strong regard has
only been increased by new evidence of his
fidelity and his fitness as leader. In all
probability this attempt in the House to cast
censure upon the Speaker and 70 avoid de-
lberate report from committee, will be found
to have turned away forever from free coinage
not few members who were at first inclined
that way. No cause is ever helped by employ
ing reckless and unpatriotic methods, In order
to avoid that orderly and deliberate action
which question of the highest importance de-
mands from Representatives who respect them
selves or care for their party or the country.