The intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1887-1891, 1890-02-08

is not the presence OF a majority of all
the members of the house, but a major
itY of h members present and partici-
pating in tho business OF the house.
IL is not the visible presence, but their
Judgment aud votes, which the COnsti-
tuition calls Tor
Gen. Garfield, Mr.. Blaine, MIR. Haw-
ley, Mr.. Conger, Mr.. Robson and
other eminent republicans have taken
The same position, and their arguments
have never been wcred. IL any
legal on poiilica! questions can be set
lied in This country by the long ~acquies-
cencc of lurisIs and statesmen of all
parties, certainly this question has
passed beyond the dOmaln OF discussion.
When, therefore, the present speaker
repudIated this settled construction OF
the constitution, and decided that the
official record, which the constitution
requires the house To keep, shows on a
call Of the yeas and nays that u quorum
mas not voted, he can count members
present and not voting, and thus, by
his " act, outside II the recorded
vote, determine that Il measure has
passed, we considered it our duty as a
part OF the representatives. of the people,
q enter our protests in every form
available. We are not c%ontending for
the right OF the minority to govern, as
the supporters of the speaKer have
~endesvored to make the country believe.
On the contrary, we are denying the
right OF a minority to eject members
from their seats, or to pass laws for The
government of the people. Under the
constitution Il majority Of the members
Of the mouse constitute a quorum to do
business, and we are simply insisting
that less than Il majority shall no do
business.
DUTY OF MAJORITY
We are contending that the majority
shall take the responsibility which
properly belongs to them, and shall
colne to the house OF representatives
and vote il they desire TO control its
proceedings; aud we are protesting
against their right to carry their meas
ures by counting us when we do not
vote. The claim of the majority that
they have n right to govern the house
without attending its sessions and
taking part in the conduct of it's bust
ness Is too preposterons to require
reiutatiOn. 1t must be evident to any
one who understands the position taken
by the democratic minority in the
house, that IL cannot possibly result to
TO any injury TO the country or any
injustice TO the majority. Its only
effect will be two compel the republican
majority, elected by the people, to
assume the responsibility imposed upon
them. On the other hand, no one can
forsee the eyIls that may result from
the Inauguration of the practice OF
counting votes not cast IN order to make
II quorum. Under II a minority Of the
members elected to the house and sen.
ate may pass the most %tyrannical laws
for the oppression of the people, the
most corrupt laws for the spoliation OF
the public treasury. Whether 30 intend
ed or not, It's direct tendency Is to
break down the barriers heretofore
existing for the protection Of the citi. |
zens against the encroachments OF
power and the spoliation of the treasury |
by destroying the limitations which
the constitution has wisely imposed |
upon the legislative department. Con.
stitutions are made to restrain MAORI |
ties and protect minorities. A majority
ruling without limitations or restraints
upon it's power Ia u pure despotism and
is inconsistent with our system of gov.
ernment.