The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1890-08-13

The news from Washington to tho ell
feet that the Democratic obstruCtionists
in the Senate will, by prolonging the
discussion, try to prevent final action on
the tariff bill at this sersion, and that
two or three recalcltrant Republicans
will assist them to carry out the scheme,
Is not encouraging.
That such n state OF affairs exists, and
that probably tho Republicans will
BIO prevented by the minority from keep.
Ing the pledgea made to the people is
easy to explain, and, It ueons, is u con.
dition that ought to DO remedied. The
ANTICIPATED rules governing, or rather
tina! do not govern, debate in the Senate
should be abolished and new ones adopt.
ed limiting debate. A sentimental re.
spect for precedent deters the Republi.
can Senators from doing this, but they
should bury this feeling and take some
steps to expediate the public business.
Every day Il strong impression is grow.
Ing among tho people that whatthe Sen.
ate needs 10 q Tom Reed in the chair.
The ISTgLLlGgSCER does no. believe with
some extremists that gag law should
be applied, or that there should DO any
rule to prevent q free discussion. 1t
does believe, however, in limiting debate
within reasonable bounds and In such
rules as will prevent the minority from
obstructing the business OF the Senate
and dominating the roost." This is
why wo believe 4 Reed IS needed.
Tho situation is graphically pictured
by a Washington correspondent as fol-
lows:
TIE question tina. presents ITSELF Is not wheth-
er there SHALL be Il Federal election bill, but
whether there shall be any legislation whatever
IN opposition 10 the wishes u the Democratic
minority. In the absence Of any rule to shut oil
debate, the minority absolutely dominate the
rODsi.
1tth, Republicans refuse to at least attempt to
enact II tnie which would eilectuslIy. within
reason, limit debate. they would 20 to the coun.
Try at the end of the session with the stigma upon
them OF having assisted 10 defeat tariff bill,
election bin aud all. out Of respect for aatiqua!.
ed precedent. r
Ii ME- Committee on Rules rfpotta rule In the
vein Of that introduced by Senator lioar. the
question at once nr ises d: "Nhen will debate end
On the adoption OF tho ruleT' Senator Vest
served notice to-day that the tariff bill would be
less u the length Il the season. gs2 H..
The report Of the rule limiting debate would
be fought with exactly the same persistence. Iu
TACT, the Democrats would applaud the Intro.
uuctson o. sncll Il meGsute, as It would Afford
All agreeable diversion from tho tariff, unlimited
'pnnrturity far llne speeches. and wouli defer
tariff legislation indefinitely.
With u" ion" Reed iu tile chair, and some
one on the ilor with nerve 10 make motions,
the situation would be cleared up In no time,
ltwould be the simplest thing In the world for
the conf 10 report the new rule, let 1t be
debated for q day or two, then move The pre-
| vious question. |r a-
Reed would simply put to n vote the necessary
motions REGARDLESS, Of Democratic protests. hut
1t Is doubtful II the Republicans will have the
courage TO take any 81 n aggressive step. The
cry OF sherman 10 day was one Of despair. 1t
was a virtual admission that nothing could be
answer TO this was II Democratic defy under
which the Senator IRON Ohio meckly sat down.
Inc Republican Senators rrc 4 lot OF sheep
without a shepherd was the way u staiwatt
member OF the House put It today.
That This indcci. ion will probably be fatal to
me htitibill In 50 far as this session Is concern.
Cd, Is admitted by mauy OF the Republican Sen.
ntOIS.
The Republican Senators should no
longer permit any silly notions about
a%ntiquated precedent to interfere with
their duty in the matter. The Republi.
can party will hold them.responsiblc for
a failure to pass the bill promised to the