New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-12-29
THE OrTLOOK IN CONGRESS.

IHE % ILOOh ~ 'O-''"'~0'
A week of delay clears up the situation IN Con-
gresS materially. The rule for Closing depd'e j.
now perceived TO be essential, not merely to the
success OF the Election or OF the AppoltonmeHt
bill, but also to the passage OF any hnailcl"
measure 10 conservative men there seems no
need of financial legislation OF the klhd con-
templated The only measures which can pass
at this session, with or without rule TO ter
inmate debate, it is probable, are such as con
seryative men regard with more or less dlStfuNt
But 10 people OF the West and South, who are
filed with the belief that speedy financial leslS-
lation in the direction of more money is ncceN-
sary to their well-being, the power OF lew
Senators to prolOng debate indefinitely II they
wish 10 kill a measure is particularly objection
able Therein, at all events, they are nght.
The duty of the Senate is to act, and not TO pre-
vent action by unlimited talk. On such queS-
tons as have excited deep public interest, the
people have a light to demand that the majority
of their duly elected Senators or Representatives
shall have chance to act.
Ii is reasoned by some that change OF rules
NAV permit the passage. of some measure which
they consider unwiSe, and which could otherwise
be smothered in endless debate But that mode
of defeating action would do no good and much
harm. TIE TRIBUNE does not believe free
coinage safe or wise. But If clear majority OF
Senators stand ready to take the responsibility OF
passing even that measure the sooner the Issue
is met the better. There are millions of voters
who will never begin to understand the conSe-
ouences of that change until il has been brought
home to their experience. The effects would be
fairly understood within year, hut might not
within a few months. Hence If that measure Is
10 prevail at ali before the next Presidential
election with the President veto or without IT,
there are the strongest reasons for wishing the
matter settled soon. Uncertainty and fear great
" depress business now, and will continue 10
affect all interests unfavoraby until it has been
definitely settled that the experiment is to be
or that it is not TO be tried and this Wasteful
state of uncertainty ought not to be needleSSly
prolonged.
The rule for closing debate will probably come
I'D for action first, because little handful OF
opponents can waste time indefinitely on any
measure until this change has been made. When
the issue is sQuarely brought before the Senate,
all who desire action at this session on any OF the
important measures will be obliged TO decide for
the change or against it. They will so decide.
moreover, with the certainty that Watchiu ana
deeply interested people will hold them reSpon-
sible for the consequences.
With power to close debate, the Repubhcan
majority ought to be able TO act upon the Elec-
ton bill and the Appointment bill in short
time and without any more windy waste OF
precious hours in empty Oratory. II the majority
insists on financial action, it will have the power
to act quickly and while the new Silver bill re-
ported from the committee Is different in I'M
portant respects from the measure considered III
Republican conference, senators can he called
upon to record their choice between that and
other measures which may be offered. If Demo-
cratic delay causes any OF the regular Appro-
priation bills TO fail, and thus renders necessary
an extra session, that would not be by any
means an urmiXed calamity. For it Is the
obvious truth that widespread apprehension Of
greot changes in the financial and industrial
policy Of the Government, as Il consequence OF
the elections in November. has seriously affected
the public prosperity. Complete removal Of
that apprehension cannot be expected until the
next House has had a chance TO show what il
can do with Republican President and Senate.