The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-09-25
-----------------------------
DRIFTING ON THE SHOAL.

The action of the republican majority
in the house Of representatives at
Washington in unseating democrats
whenever the occasion requires, may
look all right from a party standpoint,
but there is danger lurking behind it
that should cause men of all shades of
opinion to pause and consider. From
the earliest history Of the government it
has been the majority that made the
laws. But it was the minority that
stood always as bulwark against I'M
wise and questionable exercise of power
on the part of those controlling legisla-
ton. 1t was Samuel J. Randall who,
as the leader Of the democratrstood up
and defeated the force biliT when that
measure was backed by majority even
larger than the republicans have been
able to secure in the present congress
by the policy of holding out to contest
ants the promise OF ASK and it shall be
given you" It was James G. Blaine,
the republican who is SO far ahead of
his party that smaller men behind him
seek to sever the bonds which bind
Them together, who stood up and made
successful fight against the general
amnesty bill in democratic house.
The republicans found themselves when
the present congress net with slender
majority, which any unforeseen accident,
sickness or death. might turn into
minority. With such small majority
the carrying out of the promises made
to the taritf-mad manufacturers was an
exceedingly difficult and indeed UNI
certain undertaking. Contests were
filed against the seats Of many Ct the
democratic members. Some of them,
no doubt, would never have been filed
but for the promise held out to the con-
testants that they should be rewarded
with success. A few others we're filed,
not with the idea of favorable con-
sideration, as the democrats were al
lowed to retain their seats, but to throw
sand in the eyes Of the public by seeking
to give out the impression that
there was nothing partisan in all this.
When the majority had thus been made
sufficiently large the tariff bill, which
seeks to rob the many for the benefit of
a few, was passed. Then the republi
cans began to tire and to stay away.
With their parliamentary rights taken
from them by the speaker the democrats
sought to stop unwise legislation by the
only other means in their powers stay
ing away and leaving the house without
aquorum. If the republicans had re-
manned in their seats this would not have
affected any result, since with the men
who were chosen by the people and those
who were elected by the speaker they
had more than a quorum. But the re-
publican attendance was not enough to
transact business and hence the ma
jority must be increased by unseating
more democrats. To what such course
may lead is obvious. With a narrow
majority Of one or two it will be in the
power of any party to gradually unseat
the minority in legislative body and
even to make the thing unanimous.
Then without curb the party in power
no matter which one-can pass laws
without question from their opponents.
Legislation of the most Vicious and
dangerous kind will follow. The people
have no fearless minority to watch after
their interests. What one party can dc
another can do, though we contend
that for either to set out on such ;
mission is dangerous to the liberties
of the people, subversive OF good gov
eminent, and contrary to the spirit o.
the constitution. It is time to stop anl
think Of the shoal this country is drift
ing on unless we get back to the beater
track lad out by the founders of tn,
government.