New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-02-08
v0YrayrS RUNAWAY SENATORS.

When the patriotic citizens OF Montana come
10 settlo tbcir account with tho Democratic
marty Of that State there will he a grand dis
nloy of indignation. Whatever hope that party
NAV have had of reganing its ascendancy IN
Montana has been sacrificed to policy incon-
coivably stupid Its erection Of second
House of Representatives at Helena in the face
If the action of the State Board of Canvassers
sustaining the local Boards refusal to receive
as returns the dishonest paper furnished by
the Democratic inspectors of Precinct No. 81,
in Silver Bow County. was bad enough II
did more to hurt Montana than decade OF dry
summers and fierce winters could. In mere
dollars and cents il cost the state an enormous
fortune. What it has kept away from tho
State in investments that might otherwise have
gone there is incalculablc \ large amount OF
vitality important legislation WAS imposed by
the late Constitutional Convention upon this
first legislature Much of it is essential to
the carrying on Of the new State government.
Without il. or with its legality in doubt, the
highest interests of the State will be impcrillcd.
Knowing this conscious Of the rllinouS results
of such conduct, Governor Toole and his fol-
lowers set up an unauthorized Assembly. This
We say, was bad enough.
But they did not stop hero Having struck
a blow at the character OF tho lower house,
they now proceeded to assail the validity OF
anv action the Senate might take. The DEM
ocratic Senators refused TO receive the oath OF
their Office and remained away from the sen
ate Chamber. They loafcd around Helena at
the expense Of their millionaire masters, can
didates for National hOnOrS-thc worst offend
crS be il said, in this whole chapter OF po-
litical crime The Senate, reduced thus to
less than a quorum, remained idle and NELL
cent until the very last day arrived OF the
limit within which member could neglect I"
quality without losing his seat. When con
fronted with the alternative OF taking thelr
seats or rclinquishing their rights IN when
latter event the whole question would have
been sent back 10 the people for settlement
they came tr00ping in, but only 10 leave the
situation rs barren rs before They declined
10 vote. flbustcrcd refused to act upon the
legislation sent mp from the House, and IN all
these unpatriotic actions they were sustained
by Governor Toolc.
Presently the supreme Court, the highest
tribunal in the State. decided that the l'cpuh-
lican Representatives from silver Bow County
we're legally entitled 10 their seats. thus vim
dicating the action OF the Republicans IA all
respects and determining beyond appeal the
illegality Of the Democratic "rump' House.
Bercft now Of the slightest excuse for declln-
ing to participate in the proceedings OF the
body to which they were elected, the Dcmo'
cratic Senators deliberately fed the State Not
= man Of them was 10 be found in all Nom
rana. Conduc such aS th, can only bring down
upon their party an avalanche OF popular con
dcmnation. After all they had done 70 dis
credit the State, 10 involve It IN extraordinary
expenses it could i'll afford 70 bear. now to n
tempt 70 defy lis highest court and 70 place 1t
in a position where il must literally s'ar'c 10
death. is an exhibition OF PARTISAN folly and
wrong which must stir the peoples proioundc,t
resentment. Luckily one Of these fueiiv"S
has been caught. lie is enough - perfect th"
quorum But how the senate will bc able 10
keep him is question of some difficulty and
delicacy.